Is your roof ready for snow?
Building operators are required by law to ensure safety in and around buildings.
This can be achieved not only by regulating traffic by restricting the movement of people on and around the roof, but also very elegantly by using rooftop snow containment systems. Basically, we distinguish between area and linear systems. While the flat systems cover the roof area with small hooks that increase the cohesion of the snow or ice cover with the roofing material, the linear system is by name made up of rows of tubular or ladder barriers attached to the roof structure. What both systems have in common is that they are not capable of stopping a roof avalanche, but they do prevent it from occurring. This is why it is necessary to install several rows of linear interceptors on larger roof areas. Components of linear interceptors, for smooth roofing, are ice breakers that prevent ice sheets, which form during the spring thaw, from passing under the linear interceptor.
Snow catchers are effective from a roof slope of 10° and transfer the greatest load (depending on the type of roofing material) at a slope of around 50°. For steep roofs where snow cannot be retained, the installation of snow barriers is unnecessary - snow avalanches will not occur on them. Depending on the type of roofing material and the slope of the roof area, the spacing of the individual rows of linear catchers varies from 4 to 1.5 m in the direction of the roof slope. The lowest row of snow catchers is not installed directly above the eaves, but only above the roof overhang (where there is already thermal insulation).
The snow catcher system is definitely not intended for the safety of roof workers.
On smooth roof coverings, it is possible to install linear snow catchers without compromising their integrity. Linear catcher brackets are attached by clamping onto the double grooves or locks of the roofing, which is very convenient. However, when retrofitting, there is a danger that the clamping of the holder will restrict the mobility of the sliding extensions located directly under the holder, which will have a negative effect on their function. Snow catchers are therefore best installed at the same time as the roof covering, when the anchoring of the roof covering can ideally be adapted.
The installation of snow catchers improves the thermal insulation of the building (snow as thermal insulation), However, it increases the demands on the water tightness of the roof cladding during snow melt (water standing on the roof). The roof layer should therefore include a functional additional waterproofing. Also, the sizing of the building's supporting structure must be adapted to the fact that snow will remain on the roof, which is especially true for areas with high snow cover.
Snow traps may seem undesirable from an appearance and architectural point of view, but keep in mind that snow traps not only increase the safety of people around the building, but also protect the roof and building equipment from damage. This typically applies to skylights, solar and photovoltaic panels, but also to the roofing itself, which can be damaged by avalanches falling from the roof area above.
Snow Catchers, as an additional component of the roof sheathing, must be electrochemically compatible with the other materials used in the roof. Interference of colour is also not desirable. COMAX® snow catchers, like other accessories, are fully compatible with all COMAX® roofing materials
What about you? Do you have your roof ready for winter?
If you have any questions about the interceptors, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service line, where they will be happy to advise you and recommend the best way to prepare your roof for winter.
Phone: +420 315 730 220
E-mail: velvary@strechycomax.cz
