Snow may look nice on your metal building, but too much of it can become detrimental to its structure. Newly fallen snow can usually weigh 10 to 12 pounds per cubic foot on your roof, but its density can change when it sits too long and starts to melt. On average, the snow can weigh up to 16 to 30 pounds per cubic foot depending on its depth, sometimes even more if rain conditions occur!
Know When to Remove Excess Snow
Keep in mind your metal building can only hold a certain amount of snow and ice buildup on its roof. Like most roofing systems, it will have a weight limit that shouldn’t be exceeded to prevent sagging and other costly damage. Make sure you’re aware of the maximum snow load your building is designed to carry. For instance, if it’s designed to carry 30 pounds per cubic foot of snow, it must be cleared if there are around 18 inches of snow at a density of 20 pounds per cubic foot because it’s overloaded.
Keep Your Drainage System Clear
Your metal building’s gutters, downspouts and roof drains are meant to direct water runoff safely away from the roof. You must keep them clear of any clogs and debris to ensure smooth water flow when the ice and snow melts. If you let your gutters and downspouts freeze up during the winter season, you’re essentially letting the water runoff back up on the roof deck. Not only will more snow and ice buildup on your roof, but it can also create extreme loading conditions that can compromise your building’s structural integrity.
As trusted experts in maintaining pre-engineered steel buildings, we recommend installing heat tape in your gutters and downspouts. Doing this makes a big difference in keeping the water flowing through them and preventing ice and snow buildup. It also helps to check on your gutters every once in a while during the season and remove any minor buildup before they get too big to clear out on your own.
Consider Adding More Vents
To ensure your metal building doesn’t get too much snow and ice buildup, it’s crucial that you have an adequate ventilation system that promotes good air circulation and indoor temperatures. Proper ventilation also helps maintain adequate temperature levels for your storage and keep its items and valuables safe from extreme temperatures during the winter season.
When you’re looking for an expert in constructing red iron steel buildings, Metal Warehouse Inc. is your best choice for the job. To get started, you can reach us at (903) 465-6699 or by filling out our convenient online contact form. Talk to us today!
