Methods for cleaning roofs from snow. Cleaning the roofs of suburban buildings from snow and ice. Common mistakes and their undesirable consequences

Our country is located in various climatic zones, where, along with frosty winters, there are frequent thaws with snowfalls and subsequent frosts. In such extreme conditions, ice, icicles and snow deposits of considerable thickness form on the roofs, and therefore of considerable weight. Uncontrolled descent of large masses of snow and ice poses a danger to people, and multi-ton accumulation of snow can destroy roof structures. There are methods for controlling the critical thickness of snow cover on the roof, which help to clear the roof of snow and ice in a timely manner. And also there are modern ways to deal with accumulations of winter precipitation on the roofs of buildings.

Calculation of snow load on the roof

It is necessary to control the snow load on the roof of buildings because the large weight of ice and snow can lead to the destruction of roof elements and roofing cake. With heavy loads on the roof of the structure, design errors and miscalculations during installation become obvious.

The roof structure, in addition to the roofing material itself, consists of a whole range of related materials and elements: waterproofing, vapor barrier, ventilation elements, insulation, and many others. Such a multi-layered structure resembles a puff cake, for which it got its name - a roofing cake.

Failure of the truss system, a small angle of inclination of the slopes leads to unpleasant consequences

With excessive accumulation of snow masses on the roof of a building, there are risks of sudden melting of snow layers, which leads to unpredictable consequences and threatens people's health. It is also necessary to control the weight load on the roof truss system, since excessive pressure can deform or completely destroy the frame structure. The following types are most likely to accumulate snow masses:

shed or gable roofs with an angle of inclination of less than 15 °;
junctions of shed roofs with a vertical wall;
complex multi-gable structures at the junction of planes with different angles of inclination;
roofs made of non-metallic materials with a high coefficient of friction;
roofs built without taking into account the wind rose of your region in the winter.

The listed types of roofs need constant visual or remote control over the thickness of the snow mass, which is based on calculations of the weight of snow per 1 m 2 of the roof area and other methods.

Photo gallery: accumulations of snow on the roof

A small angle of inclination of the slope leads to an increased load on the roof The accumulation of snow at the junction overloads the truss system If the prevailing winds are not taken into account when building a house, there will be constant problems of applying snow to the roof.

Ways to control the snow load on the roof

For effective control, it is necessary to take into account the maximum load capacity of the roofing material and truss structure. To calculate the snow load, there are special calculators, as well as SNiP and SP 20.13330.2016, but they are difficult to use. Here is a simplified formula for calculating the total weight of snow: P total. =N x P calc., where:

N - an indicator of the angle of inclination of the roof slopes, the slope coefficient at an angle of inclination of less than 25 ° is 1, at 25 ° -60 ° it is 0.7, and at angles of more than 60 ° it is not taken into account;
P calc. − weight value of snow cover per 1 m 2 , kg/m 2 ;
P full - total weight of snow per m 2 of roof, kg / m 2.

Temperature conditions and the structure of precipitation do not always allow an accurate determination of the weight of snow without the use of laboratory studies, which are not cheap. There is no need to use expensive data under normal conditions, an evaluation table can help, which will greatly simplify the visual assessment of the snow load on the roof.

Table: snow weight depending on the structure of precipitation

Based on the calculation formulas and the table data, it is possible to calculate the load on the roof and determine the need to clean the roof from snow and ice. If there is no data on the load capacity of the truss structure and roofing, then it is necessary to carry out periodic visual inspection of the serviceability of these elements.

Temperature conditions and the structure of precipitation do not always allow accurate determination of the weight of snow without the use of laboratory tests, which are not cheap.

In addition to calculated and tabular data, there are other methods for controlling the state of snow cover on roofs of various types. They consist in remote video surveillance or remote control using a computerized system with sensors of the type "TOKVES" BBA or other strain gauges. Due to the high cost, such systems are installed in shopping centers, stadiums and cultural and entertainment complexes. The set of remote control equipment consists of the following components:

a bracket with a reinforced snow depth sensor;
data transmission unit with external temperature measuring device;
a receiving device connected to a computer;
a computer with software for data processing and system management;
monitor for visualization and manipulators.

The advantages of this monitoring system lie in the analysis of the true, and not the calculated thickness of the snow cover on various sections of the roof.

More than 120 sensors located on the roofs of various buildings and structures within the range of data transmission and reception units can be connected to remote control equipment, and roof heating systems can also be selectively turned on.

Methods for cleaning the roof of snow

Manual cleaning of the roof from accumulations of snow and ice requires considerable physical effort and is dangerous for humans. The use of equipment, including those based on vibration effects on the roof, does not give the expected result. This is because individual architectural solutions do not allow the use of mechanisms, and vibration violates the integrity of the roofing. The following methods of cleaning roofs from snow are used:

mechanical, which uses manual dumping of snow and ice, including from a telescopic tower based on a car;
chemical, using salt and reagents;
method of applying hydrophobic films;
a technical method in which adjustable heating of the roof and drainage systems is carried out;
preventive measures related to the correct choice of the angle of inclination of the slopes and well-mounted thermal insulation of the roof.

The use of these cleaning methods is associated with work at high altitude and is a particularly dangerous activity. It is very important to follow the safety rules for work at height and provide the performers with serviceable tools, overalls and footwear, as well as use safety devices.

The mechanical method of cleaning the roof from accumulations of snow and ice requires significant physical effort.

Rules for cleaning the roof from snow

High-altitude work is carried out according to certain rules and regulations, the implementation of which is mandatory. Safe working conditions are ensured by the availability of serviceable ladders, tools, overalls, helmets and non-slip shoes. Particular attention should be paid to safety ropes with adjustable length and a diameter of 8 mm, which are attached to reliable supports of the first category. With a mechanical cleaning method with manual discharge of snow and ice, there are separate rules, which are as follows:

Cleaning is carried out during daylight hours by a team of at least three people after briefing on safety rules for work at height.
The drop site is fenced off at a distance of 5 to 10 m from the area where snow and ice fall, a duty officer is posted to ensure the safe passage of people and has voice or radio communication with high-altitude workers.
The roof is cleaned from the eaves to the ridge without violating the integrity of the roofing, television or other cables.
A layer of snow and ice from 2 to 5 cm thick is left on the roof, which protects the coating from damage.
Hanging icicles are chipped off with special picks or other devices that ensure the integrity of the drainage system.

Chemical reagents are scattered on the roof using rubber gloves, and a hydrophobic coating is applied to the roof with a roller or sprayer in overalls using respirators. Installation of roof heating elements and snow retainers is carried out with serviceable power tools and other equipment (ladders, couplings, clips). For all work, the use of helmets and safety ropes is mandatory.

Devices and tools for cleaning roofs from snow and ice

In manual roof cleaning, tools are used that provide effective cleaning and do not damage the roofing material. Shovels are used plastic or wooden without cutting inserts, and saws on long handles are suitable for cutting snow. Picks or scrapers are used to remove icicles from the eaves. When removing hanging layers of snow and ice, telescopic towers can be involved, which allow you to quickly and safely complete the work. Chemical cleaning using salt and reagents does not require tools, but the disadvantage of this method is increased corrosion of the metal coating and disruption of the drainage system. The application of hydrophobic coatings on a clean roof is carried out using rollers, brushes and spray guns, which facilitates the removal of snow from the roof, but does not solve the problem of roof icing. In some cases, sliding ladders, hydraulic lifts and electric cradles are used. The most effective is the technical method of cleaning, which we will discuss in detail in the next chapter.

Photo gallery: tools for working on the roof

Plastic shovels are suitable for gentle roof cleaning Pushers are used for accelerated cleaning Picks or scrapers are suitable for removing icicles

Use of anti-icing systems

The easiest way to deal with ice on the roof is the correct choice of the angle of inclination of the slopes and professionally performed roof insulation and ventilation. Such passive protection is carried out at the design and construction stage and must be carried out taking into account the prevailing winds in the region where the development is being carried out. Taking these factors into account can save significant financial resources in the future. For existing buildings, other methods are used to protect the roof from snow and ice.

Ways to deal with roof icing

Icing can be dealt with by highly effective thermal insulation of the residential part of the building from the under-roof space. With this method, the same temperature of the external environment and the attic space is ensured, which makes ice formation impossible. The disadvantage is that when alternating positive and negative average daily temperatures, it is impossible to completely eliminate the formation of ice on the roof and cornices.

There are a number of anti-icing methods using technical means that are gentle on the roofing material and eliminate accumulations of snow and ice in critical areas of the roof. One of the technical methods is the electric impulse method of influencing the roof overhang. It is produced by applying a short-term impulse to the inductors, which is converted into mechanical vibration, which leads to the destruction of the ice crust on the roof. This method, unfortunately, has not gained popularity because its effect is limited and does not solve the problem of anti-icing of the entire roof.

The most productive is the temperature method of anti-icing, which uses heating of the cable located on problem areas of the roof.

Roof anti-icing systems

To combat ice formation on the roof of buildings, the method of temperature influence on the roof and drainage systems is widely used. Icing systems differ in the way the heating is controlled and the sensors and controllers used. Control can be manual or automatic, and in some cases remotely controlled using computer technology. Heating of roofs, gutters, funnels and downpipes uses a cable with constant or variable resistance, the heating of which is controlled by the controller. Cost-effectiveness and efficiency is achieved by using sensors operating in the temperature range from +5 ° C to -10 ° C. The combination of such technical elements that ensure trouble-free operation and electrical safety provides the following advantages:

the system is turned on when the temperature, humidity sensors and in the presence of snow and ice are triggered, which saves electricity;
control over the parameters of the cable is carried out autonomously, which guarantees constant power, no overheating and ensures electrical safety;
the presence of a controller eliminates starting currents and voltage drops;
The whole system works without human intervention.

Photo gallery: installation elements of the roof heating system

The most effective is the scheme in which the cable is used to simultaneously heat the valleys, the roof overhang and the drainage system. The cable on the funnel is laid along the walls
The downpipe heating cable is mounted on a chain Roof heating automated control kit will save time

When mounting heating elements, cables in various designs are used, which differ significantly in cost. The most widely used resistive cables of various designs. The single-core cable consists of a heating core, double insulation and a copper braid, which shields electromagnetic interference and provides sufficient protection against mechanical stress. A two-core cable consists of a heating and return core in three-layer insulation. The most expensive of the resistive cables is the sectional modification, in which, in addition to two cores, a tungsten filament is used for the most efficient heating. The disadvantage of a resistive system is the heating of the entire cable, which leads to an excessive consumption of electricity, despite the presence of sensors. A self-regulating cable is devoid of these shortcomings and consists of two conductors, between which a semiconductor film is located. The lower the external temperature, the more conductive lines with a given resistance appear in the film, and this leads to greater heating and ice melting.

The cable with self-regulation is resistant to mechanical stress and does not need automated control systems because it heats up only in areas with low temperature, and this saves energy and money.

Recommendations for the use of anti-icing devices on roofs

To make the best use of the potential of a roof heating system, a thorough comparative analysis of the price and quality of various types of equipment and cable types is necessary. You need to make sure that the equipment is equipped with fire detectors, that the manufacturer and service centers in your region have warranty obligations. To save money, you can use the following recommendations:

the cable is mounted in the area of the joints of multi-gable roofs, valleys, on overhangs and in the drainage system;
in some cases it is advisable to use a two-core cable in one row;
in critical areas, you can use a self-regulating cable, and mount a cheaper resistive cable along the overhang;
in long drainpipes it is necessary to use cables or thin chains to avoid cable breaks;
to protect the cable from uncontrolled descent of snow masses, it is necessary to install snow retention systems.

It should be noted that self-assembly is possible with certain knowledge and skills, but the debugging of the automation system should be entrusted to specialists.

Video: installation of a roof anti-icing system

We looked at ways to clean the roof of snow and ice, as well as types of control over the amount of snow load on the roof. The article reflects the most popular methods of mechanical, chemical, emulsion and technical control of snow and ice accumulations. It is important to consider that you can get rid of these problems even at the stage of building a country house or cottage. To do this, whenever possible, you must follow the recommendations of professional designers and designers.

Publication date.

Every year, with the advent of winter, snow falls in our city. Sometimes more, sometimes very little. The number of accidents and damage to roofs and property depends on this, but isolated cases occur even when the winter is extremely snowy. That is why it is so important to monitor the condition of the roof in the winter. Houses located on the busy streets of the city require special attention. The ideal option is snow removal after every heavy snowfall.

The most obvious thing that comes to mind is the formation of icicles that can fall on passers-by, parked cars and outbuildings. But the formed icicles also indicate that a layer of ice has formed on the roof itself, with a thickness directly proportional to the weight of the icicles (there was ice more than 30 cm thick), as well as snow deposits on the roof, creating loads up to 1000 kg / sq.m.

In the most advanced cases, falling icicles can even break through the roofs of outbuildings and porches.

The most common dangers associated with untimely snow removal can be divided into several types:

Deformation and damage to the roof.

For metal and slate roofs: Snow deposits create an additional load, from which the load-bearing roof structures are deformed: the rafters and roof sheets bend, which can cause gaps at the joints of sheets and valleys, where snow can clog, ice can form and, as a result, the roof leaks, as during snowmelt, and in the subsequent summer period. In the case of poor-quality thermal insulation of the attic floors or the attic, these problems are simply inevitable due to the melting of snow and ice under the snow cap. It is extremely rare, but roof collapse occurs, most often this occurs in the case of rotten wooden roof structures.

In some cases, an avalanche of snow carries away elements of external valleys and drainage elements along with snow.

For a soft roof: Snow on the roof with poor thermal insulation of the attic creates a layer of ice, which, when the cycles of melting-freezing are repeated, destroys the soft roof, forming leaks primarily at the joints of the sheets of the soft roof, in rare cases - in an arbitrary place, provided that the screed under the layers is of poor quality soft roof.

Deformation and damage to drainage systems.

The formation of snow drifts and icicles on gutters quite often leads to their damage or collapse. For a metal roof, the danger is enhanced by the possibility of an avalanche-like snowfall, which can tear off or bend gutters along the entire length of the collapse.

To prevent snow avalanches, our company recommends installing snow retention or regularly cleaning the roof from snow.

The collapse of snow and ice on people and their property.

The worst thing that can happen is the death of people and their injury due to snow melting or falling icicles. Also, transport parked nearby regularly suffers, less often - the roof of outbuildings and canopies of entrances.

How is snow removal done by climbers?

There are three main types of roof cleaning:

Complete cleaning of the roof from snow and ice.
The most reliable way to guarantee the safety of people and their property.
Snow removal around the perimeter a meter from the edge of the roof.
A preventive method that protects only from the collapse of snow, ice and icicles directly from the edge of the roof.
Does not protect against snow avalanches in the absence of snow retention.
Cleaning icicles and snow deposits in the most problematic places.
The method, also related to preventive measures, is the most economical, but it only protects against collapse from the edge of the roof of the cleaned sections of the roof.

What safety measures are taken by climbers?

The work area is fenced off with signal tape.
Climbers work on special equipment with self-locking belay systems.
A person is on duty in the area where snow and ice fall, warning pedestrians and drivers about the danger outside the territory fenced with signal tape (can be provided by the customer or the contractor).

What determines the cost of snow removal from the roof?

The cost of work primarily depends on the convenience of work: the possibility of access to the roof, the presence of a ladder to the visor, the presence of a fence, etc. There were roofs where the total area of 400 sq.m. there were only two dormer windows, there was no barrier, snow retention and a ladder to the visor.
Scope of work. The larger the volume, the cheaper each meter.
Type of snow removal Depending on the type of snow removal selected from the above, the cost of cleaning one square meter changes.
The thickness of the snow cover and the thickness of the ice. We met snow drifts up to 1.5 m and ice over 30 cm thick, but this is the extreme degree of neglect of the roof.

Rarely there are other factors that affect the cost of work, if they are present, they are determined by a specialist directly on the inspection of the object.

All roofs are different and it is impossible to describe each of them within the framework of one article, but most of the problems with snow are typical and are solved in standard ways, of course, if these are handled by professionals.

Why do you need to clean and remove snow from the roof?

In multi-storey residential buildings, the problem of removing snow from roofs is solved by employees of public utilities (management companies), and owners of their own real estate must monitor the condition of the roof on their own. With the advent of winter, it must be regularly cleaned of snow and ice.

It seems that there is nothing difficult in this work, but in reality you need to know how to clean the roof of snow correctly, observing safety precautions. On sunny days, a thaw is often observed, the snow begins to melt, and as the temperature drops, the water freezes and the roof surface becomes slippery, and if you do not follow the rules for cleaning roofs, troubles cannot be avoided.

Icicles that collect along the perimeter of roofs are known to pose a threat to human health, as they can cause serious injury if they fall. The descent of snow layers can damage vehicles in the parking lot near the house, destroy evergreen ornamental plantings and other property.

Cleaning the roofs from snow is necessary, since the mass of snow, as in the photo, exerts a significant load on the roof structure, which can lead to its deformation, while there is a violation of the tightness of the joints and a displacement of individual fragments of the coating is noted. In many domestic regions, a large amount of precipitation falls in winter, and the thickness of snowdrifts often reaches a meter or more. Not every roof can withstand their huge weight. So that in frosty weather it is not necessary to urgently repair the roof, it is necessary to clear it of snow.

If snow is not removed in a timely manner, in the event of a sharp warming, it begins to melt rapidly and the drainage system installed on the building may not be able to cope with a large water flow, which leads to numerous leaks, wetting of ceilings, walls, foundations and other undesirable consequences.

The sequence of cleaning the roof from snow

As already noted, there are rules for cleaning the roof of snow, they must be followed and then the roof of the building will last a long time without major repairs.

It does not take much time to eliminate snow and icicles, and from a financial point of view it is more profitable than restoring its surface and drainage system.

Stage one.

It is necessary to start cleaning the roof of your own house with icicles hanging from the slopes:

you need to take a long rail and gently knock them down, while you should not stand directly under them: the longer the object, the better;
in order not to damage the elements of the drainage system and the roofing, it is not advisable to hit the icicles strongly;
if with a little effort the ice does not go astray, it is removed directly from the roof.

Stage two.

Before removing snow from the roof, you should select the appropriate tool and use a safety strap or a strong rope, as the roof surface is always slippery. It is better not to do this work alone, but to use the services of an assistant. As for the tool, the shovel should be plastic or wooden, but in no case metal, which can damage the coating.

In this case, it is advisable to follow the following recommendations:

work is performed during daylight hours, when there is no precipitation, as they complicate the process and increase the risk of injury;
you need to wear the most comfortable, non-restricting clothing, from shoes, a model with protectors on the sole is preferable;
it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that during the work in the reach zone there were no people, animals and vehicles. Otherwise, the fall of a layer of snow may injure a passer-by or cause material damage to the car;
after the snow is removed from the roof, it is necessary to carefully clean off the remaining icicles on the roof, firmly frozen to the roof slopes and to the elements of the drain. They can also be cut with a hacksaw.

If for a number of reasons it is difficult to clean snow from roofs on your own, then it makes sense to seek help from professionals who, thanks to the acquired skills and the availability of climbing equipment, can easily and quickly cope with the order.

How to prevent snow accumulation

Roof cleaning from snow in winter has to be done often, especially in the northern regions of the country. The constant attraction of industrial climbers costs a lot of money, and many citizens cannot afford it. There are modern ways to prevent the accumulation of snow on the roof. This is especially true when it is necessary to clean the soft roof from snow (read also: “How to repair the roof in winter”).

The most effective option is the installation of a roof anti-icing system, which is desirable to be installed in the process of creating a roof. It is a set of equipment consisting of a heating part, a distribution network and a control system.

The heating cable is laid until the finishing coating is laid on the roof in places where ice formation and accumulation of snow mass are most often observed. The snowmelt system is then connected to the power supply and the roof surface is completed. The thermostats included in the kit automatically monitor the ambient temperature and provide optimal heating.

The cable is also laid in gutters and drain pipes, as a result of which ice does not form in them.

Another option for protecting against the descent of a large snow layer is the installation of snow retainers on the roof, but they do not eliminate the need to remove snow from the roof. Their installation in the right places prevents snow and ice from falling on the heads of citizens passing by the building and prevents melted ice from flowing onto the elements of the drainage structure and damaging them.

Some owners of their own houses to protect the roof from the accumulation of a large amount of snow mass create a large slope of the slopes and an absolutely smooth surface on the roof.

Measures to prepare the roof for winter

Before the onset of winter cold, when heavy precipitation begins in the form of snow, and in anticipation of regular attacks on the roof, experts recommend preparing it for this in a timely manner.

First of all, you need:

clean the surface of leaves, branches and other debris that may disrupt the functioning of the drainage system;
close the funnels with special covers or plugs;
paint over damaged areas;
check the reliability and integrity of the coating fasteners, otherwise poorly fixed fragments may move and the tightness will be broken;
consider installing an anti-icing system, since there is currently no better roof protection for the winter period. The considerable cost of the heating system will justify itself, since a large amount of money can be saved on the service provided by the climbers and the annual repair of the roof.

Winter time is, first of all, snow, which at first you admire, then you look with a tired smile, and in the end you start cursing, especially if you are the one tasked with cleaning the roof from snow. It makes no sense to wait for spring in this matter - of course, the gentle sun will help to immediately clear the roof of snow, but before that time it will have time to get pretty bad from snow, as well as debris that could rot under this snow - not to mention icicles, which usually hold on to the eaves with enviable stubbornness. Therefore, take the need to remove snow from the roof for granted in a timely manner and learn how to do it correctly.

How often should snow be removed from the roof? It depends on the type of roof, as well as on the intensity of snowfall. For most roofs, cleaning is not necessary unless the snow is more than 5-10 cm thick, but as the layers become more extensive, it is recommended to start cleaning them immediately so that the snow does not freeze, and then its removal will become much more difficult and dangerous. event.

The first thing to do to clean the roof is to equip yourself with a workplace. Well, if the roof is small and can be fanned with a broom from a ladder firmly installed on the ground, or flat, with a convenient exit to it, then a shovel or broom will help you deal with snow mounds very quickly. Some people use water hoses for cleaning, but this, although it will reduce cleaning time, can damage the roof more when the water starts to freeze and forms ice, which will have to be chipped off, and such water procedures in the cold season have not yet benefited any roof . If the roof is not very comfortable, provide yourself with reliable and high-quality insurance - at least a rope that will give you freedom of movement on the roof and at the same time help you stay on it in case of a sudden gust of wind. Without insurance, no roof cleaning procedures should be carried out - at least in the summer you skated on it. In addition, you will need some protective tape, or at least a stern warning to the household that you should not walk under the roof.

How to quickly and safely remove snow from a roof

By the way, pick up the right shoes, which will have a fairly stable sole and will not slip on a wet roof.

Then you can proceed directly to cleaning. It is better to start from the middle of the roof and gradually move towards the edges so that the snow does not prevent you from doing it. Ice can be cleared from the ground (at least with the help of an ordinary stick, even with the help of a water jet, if available - at the same time move to a safe distance from the intended place where the icicles fall). If you have children, you can forbid them to eat icicles on the eve of cleaning, because “although they are tasty, they are harmful”, then by the day of cleaning there will be an order of magnitude fewer icicles. From snow and ice, not only the roof itself should be cleaned, but also all the elements adjacent to it - gutters, cornices, and so on, this will further prevent the growth of snowdrifts and icicles. Do not try to remove the entire layer of snow from the roof - by scratching it, you only contribute to the harmful effects of moisture on the roof, and for good cleaning it is enough to remove the thickest layers of snow.

Do not forget about cleaning the roof not only on a residential building, but also on sheds, bathhouses, gazebos - they all equally need timely winter care. If you do not have time to do the cleaning yourself, you need to contact a cleaning company that will provide the services of industrial climbers to clean absolutely all the roofs on your site - and save you time, effort and money on repairing a roof that could be damaged from - for the snow.

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Roof snow scraper

A real snowy winter brings not only joy to the kids and a headache to public utilities, but also creates problems for the owners of private houses. We have to think about how to remove snow from the adjacent territory, entrances to the house and sections of streets. Until we clean it ourselves, no one will do it for us. But snow tends to accumulate not only on the ground, but also on the roofs.

When snow is not fun

Snow ceases to be a nice decoration of the roof, as soon as the thickness of the cover reaches a critical point. But it is better to prevent the accumulation of snow mass on the roof. In addition to the fact that this is an additional load on the rafter system, it is also constant thawing and leakage, and as a result, the formation of a large layer of ice.

Ice on the roof is much more difficult to deal with, so it is better to prevent its formation. Constant wetting of the roof can lead to the destruction of the truss system, cause decay processes, as well as a warm and damp atmosphere - an ideal environment for the formation of mold and fungi. In a word, it is necessary to deal with snow on the roof.

Dangerous snow cap

To be more convincing, we will present the main dangers that lurk in the snow cap on the roof of our house:

One conclusion follows from this. If in multi-storey buildings the housing office bears all responsibility for snow removal, then in a private house this is the owner's problem.

Methods for cleaning the roof of snow

To implement this method, all you need is a cord, a dozen plastic cans or bottles and an assistant. How the design works is clear from the diagram. Yet the most effective is a snow scraper with a telescopic handle.

Varieties of scrapers for snow removal

The industry offers different models of scrapers with a telescopic handle up to 9 meters long. With the help of such a device, you can easily remove snow from the roof, while remaining on the ground and at a safe distance. When choosing a scraper, you need to remember a few important rules that relate to the materials from which the tool is made.

Under no circumstances should metal elements be used to come into contact with roofing materials. Needless to say, bitumen-based soft roofing becomes extremely brittle in the cold, so damaging it with a sharp metal scraper is easy. The scraper should only be plastic or wood. This equally applies to metal roofs, since a steel scraper can touch the joint and violate the integrity of the roofing.

Scraper Requirements

It is also highly recommended not to remove frost with a scraper. It can also damage the cover. The ice itself will melt in the spring, and its formation is better to warn in advance. Therefore, the primary task for the scraper is only the removal of snow masses.

A snow scraper is a simple and effective piece.

Roof cleaning from snow and ice

Thanks to the telescopic handle, it can be brought by the ridge, after which, with gentle movements, you can remove all the snow from the roof in stages, layer by layer. Naturally, taking all possible security measures and limiting the passage and passage under the house.

The scraper can be made independently, but before you make such a tool, you need to find either a snow shovel with a minimum weight of plastic, or simply use a plastic plate, fixing it in an L-shaped manner to the telescopic handle. We will not impose special requirements on strength either to the handle or to the scraper itself, since their main task is to move loose snow, and not to deal with ice. Successful work to all!

Do-it-yourself snow removal from the roof: quickly and safely

This is both difficult and does not give a good result.

In the end, the option is, in my opinion, quite simple.

Of course, these devices will not be able to clean strong ice. But cleaning up fresh snow from the roofs of country houses is quite real.

The main thing is that you can clear the snow with your own hands, without spending much effort and without risk to health.

Article Author: Love

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Light in plant life. Signs of excess or lack of light | Hydrogel is an excellent assistant in planting care

Despite the fact that the general principle of cleaning the roof of snow is the same (moving snow and ice masses from top to bottom), ways its implementation exists lots of.

In this article we will talk about most of these methods, because each of them depends on:

various tools;
personal qualities.

For one way required:

scrapers, which can be bought at any hardware store;
excellent physical shape.

For another needed:

technical savvy;
electric motor.

For the third way will need:

special ladder;
wooden shovel.

In addition, we will tell you how to clean the roof of ice growths and icicles.

How to remove snow, ice or frost from the roof, including icicles, without damaging the roofing?

Consider list of major impacts for snow and ice:

physical movement;
mechanical destruction;
vibration;
heat.

physical movement is the simplest effect.

Its essence is that they rest against snow or ice with some object and, using physical force, push the mass from top to bottom.

Such impact does not require some complex technique and great skills, but it directly depends on the physical form, namely:

coordination of movements;
balance;
accuracy;
eye.

This kind of influence only effective in a relationship:

snow;
melting ice.

Therefore, with the help of this effect, snow can be removed at any time, and ice can be cleaned only during a thaw. Trying to clear the ice during a frost will only damage the roof or the tool.

Mechanical destruction- it's sawing. Such an impact is used if the thickness of the ice layer exceeds 20 centimeters. For sawing use conventional electric and gasoline saws.

This mode of influence very difficult to perform, so it is used only when no other methods have worked, and the ice needs to be removed urgently.

Vibration- one of very effective methods that act on snow in any weather, and on ice only in positive weather.

A huge plus of this method is that everything can be done in the attic without climbing out onto a slippery roof.

minus there are very high requirements for the truss system - the impact will be effective if all the boards of the truss system are free of rot and damage.

Heat roofing is effective as a preventive measure, because it prevents snow from caking and sticking to the roof, turning into ice.

However, against a thick layer of packed snow and ice, roof heating is ineffective.

Exception is a simultaneous effect:

heating;
vibrations.

In this case, even a thick layer of ice is cleared without any problems. minus this method is huge power consumption if you heat the roof. If you warm up the snow and ice from above, you will need a powerful gas burner.

How to clean the roof

All methods of cleaning the roof of snow, which we will discuss below, can be conditionally divide by location who will do the job:

standing on the ground;
from the stairs;
from a self-propelled lift;
from the attic;
from the roof.

We will also tell you how to clean even roofs (soft roofs) and such an exotic method of dealing with snow as sawing.

This method is effective when no possibility remove snow in time.

So accumulates a huge volume of ice mass that can damage:

roofing;
rafter system.

standing on the ground

This cleaning method is used only for one-story not too high private houses, in which the distance to the lower edge of the roof does not exceed 3 meters.

To work for you you will need:

wooden or plastic (you can use homemade) scraper;
handle 4–5 meters long;
a handle 6–8 meters long (it can be made from a plastic water pipe of a suitable diameter);
assistant.

For work, you can use both one scraper with interchangeable handles, and several scrapers with different lengths of handles.

Problem only that it is very difficult to store a scraper with a handle longer than 6 meters, so a scraper with a collapsible handle is the best choice. We talked about the manufacture of such a scraper and a handle for it in the article (equipment). In this case, you can increase the length gradually as the roof is cleared.

Start cleaning with icicles, which must be carefully knocked down with a scraper.

How to knock icicles off a roof without damaging it?

To do this, the scraper is taken away from the house (swing) and beaten on icicles 10–15 centimeters below the edge of the roof.

Do not hit the icicles next to the roof, a strong blow can damage the roof.

If the temperature is positive outside, then hit the icicles not hard, but several times to tear them away from the main mass of ice.

In frost time only shorten them and all. After that, carefully place the scraper on the roof (the distance to the lower edge of the roof is 30–50 centimeters) and gently pull towards you. If the snow is packed, you can reduce this distance to 10–20 centimeters.

Do not try to pull the scraper hard, if it meets some obstacle, lift it up to bypass an obstacle.

Perhaps there:

snow retainer;
ice growth.

In both cases, an attempt to disrupt the obstacle by force will not lead to anything good.

Having cleaned the bottom of the roof along the perimeter, proceed to cleaning the next section, located a little higher. Cleaning the roof around the perimeter, climb up to the top ridge.

If on the roof snow guard installed then lift the scraper so that it passes over it. Do not press the scraper against the roof; its weight is sufficient to safely remove snow.

How to remove frost or ice from the roof of a private house in the safest way to cover the roof? Most sparing option: heating combined with vibration or light mechanical impact during a thaw. Most wrong- strong mechanical impact in frost.

From the stairs

This method is suitable for single storey houses, in which the lower edge of the roof is located at a height of 3-4 meters.

To work for you will need:

light scraper 40–60 centimeters wide with a handle 2–3 meters long;
wooden block(you can use a leg from a chair or stool) or a small rubber mallet;
ladder or a ladder at least 4 meters long with rollover protection (wide bottom step);
safety belt;
two assistants.

Place the ladder so that the slope angle relative to the ground is no more than 60 degrees.

Climb up the stairs and fasten your belt.

Both partners at the same time must insure the stairs(one on the side, the other on the back) so that it does not fall, even if you fall.

First, with a wooden block, knock down icicles at a distance 5–10 centimeters from the roof.

Hitting higher is undesirable, because you can damage the roof.

During frost and thaw proceed as described in the previous section.

If it is necessary to completely remove the icicles during frost, then hit them with a bar from the wall of the house, so the risk of damage to the roof is minimal. Hit lightly with a light block of wood or a rubber mallet.

When you're done with knocking down the icicles, throw the block down or put it in your belt, then ask an assistant to bring the scraper.

Take the scraper while standing upright, because the slope can cause the stairs to move. Place the scraper on the roof to your side (make sure the assistant is standing on the opposite side), and the distance from the scraper to the edge of the roof should not be more than 15 centimeters.

Clear the snow in strips 1.5–2 meters long and 10–15 centimeters wide by moving the scraper from top to bottom without much effort.

After cleaning the strip, lift the scraper up, gradually moving from the bottom of the roof to the top ridge.

After clearing one area from top to bottom, proceed to another.

For this:

unfasten yourself from the stairs;
get down to the ground.

Then rearrange the ladder, climb on it and buckle up again.

From the cradle of a self-propelled lift

Self-propelled lifts based on trucks, many enterprises have. These devices lift a load weighing 200–300 kilograms by 20–30 meters.

To clear snow and ice from a self-propelled lift you you will need:

safety belt;
folding scraper;
wooden bar or rubber mallet.

Having climbed into the cradle of the lift, fasten your safety belt to its lattice. Having risen to the roof, knock down the icicles with a bar at a distance of 5–10 centimeters from the roof.

If you need to completely remove the icicles, then lightly hit the icicles with a mallet from the side or side of the wall. After that, clean the roof in the same way as described in the previous sections.

Snow should not fall into the cradle, so clean the roof a little to the side of it. Do not try to break off ice growths. So you either damage the roof, or greatly shake the cradle.

You can remove ice growths or a thick layer of ice only by standing on the attic or roof, combining:

thermal impact;
vibratory impact.

During frost and thaw, proceed as described in the previous sections.

standing on the roof

To remove snow and ice, you will need shovel with wooden or plastic bucket. You can also use a plastic scraper with a handle 1.5–2 meters long. A wooden scraper is not suitable due to its excessive mass.

In addition, you will need wooden or plastic ladders, after all, walking on ice and snow cover is possible only on roofs without a slope. Going down the ladder to the very bottom of the roof, knock down the icicles with a shovel.

For this:

lower the shovel bucket to the level of the middle of the icicles;
holding the handle of the shovel by the edge with your left hand, move the shovel to the right for a swing with your right hand;
smoothly, with not too much effort, move the shovel to the left, making a swing;
during the thaw, try to remove all the icicles from the roof by hitting them several times.

After that:

turn over a shovel so that its bucket is directed to the roof;
lower it on the snow (the distance from the edge of the roof is 20–40 centimeters);
push snow mass down.

Do not try to clean all the snow all the way to the roof, otherwise you will only damage the roofing material. Permissible balance between the shovel and the roof 5–10 centimeters.

Follow this rule even during the thaw, so you protect the roof from damage.

Clean the entire piece of the roof in the same way up to the ridge, then move the ladder and proceed to cleaning the next section.

If you clean the roof during the thaw, then removing the top layer of snow over the entire roof, try gently push flaking pieces of ice.

Do not try to break through or knock down the ice, as you will only damage the roof.

You can quite lightly, moving the shovel only with your fingers and hands (without the participation of the forearms), apply light blows with a bucket on the ice from top to bottom to move it.

If the ice doesn't go down after a few hits, stop hitting and move on to another area.

If you do not use a shovel, but a plastic scraper, then the sequence of actions with it is the same.

From the attic

This is most:

safe;
effective

a method of removing snow and ice, however, it can only be used where all the boards of the truss system are not damaged by rot or cracks.

For this cleaning you will need 2–3 electric motors with a power of 50–100 watts with a shaft rotation speed of up to 2 thousand revolutions per minute, as well as a hockey puck.

Can be used instead of a puck wooden or metal block. It is necessary to make a vibrator from the motor and the washer. To do this, the washer or bar is placed on the shaft and fixed, but not in the center, but by moving it to any edge. A metal bar can be welded to the shaft, and an adapter can be made for a washer or a wooden bar.

One vibrator is enough for 100-150 square meters roofs. Attach the vibrator to any rafter so that the rotating eccentric does not damage anything, and lower the wire from it into the house.

The effect of the vibrator will appear through 20–60 minutes after turning it on, so warn your household not to go outside or walk under the edge of the roof while it is running. After all, when exactly the snow and ice will melt, and also what will be the mass of the descended section, no one knows. Usually snow melts within 2–4 hours, and ice within 5–8 hours.

Most effective vibrator during thaw and on roofs where the roof is heated from the inside.

Also increase efficiency The vibrator can be operated by heating the roof from the outside with a gas burner. To do this, you will need the same ladders as in the previous section.

At the same time, exposure to high temperature without the participation of a vibrator is very inefficient.

Flat roof cleaning

To clean a flat roof, you will need a wooden or plastic snow blower or a snow blower with a metal auger. A plastic or wooden scraper may also come in handy.

Start cleaning from any edge of the roof and move around the perimeter throwing snow out.

After clearing a strip around the perimeter of the edge of the roof, move a little closer to the center and clear the second strip.

After cleaning 2–3 lanes, the next lanes slide first to the edge of the roof, and then throw it down.

In no case do not pile up piles of snow and do not try to chip or cut ice.

When moving snow from the center of the roof to the edges, make sure that it thickness did not change. from the thickness of the remaining or already thrown snow.

If you make the layer thicker, then can damage:

roofing;
rafter system.

During the thaw, do not try to break the ice from the roof. If the roof is fenced with a parapet, then clean the drain holes so that melting water can escape freely.

On flat roofs, especially soft roofs, all ice should melt on one's own, and the snow is cleared only to reduce the load on the truss system.

Sawing ice

This operation is carried out only if the total weight of the ice poses a threat to the truss system. To work, you will need a gasoline or electric saw.

Ice can be cut only if its thickness exceeds 35 centimeters. Saw ice from the top skate. First, a cut is made parallel to the roof slope, at a distance of 5–10 centimeters from the roof.

If you are not sure that you can make a cut parallel to the slope, then increase the distance to the roof. This cut is made along the entire ridge, first on one side, then on the other. Ladders are used to move on the roof.

The ice over the cut is divided into convenient pieces(30–70 centimeters), for which they are sawn, holding the saw guide bar parallel to the roof. After that, a longitudinal cut is made, which will completely separate the ice from the main ice mass.

Ice bricks are thrown down, then the whole cycle of work is repeated on the next section of the roof. At the same time, it is taken into account that if the guide bar is parallel to the roof, then the distance from it to the ice will be 2–5 centimeters, depending on the saw model. Therefore, the saw is tilted so that the front of the blade is at the level of the already cleaned cut.

The most common mistakes and their consequences

The most common mistake which people who do not have much experience allow is an attempt to chip ice from the roof.

It doesn't matter whether the ice is broken with a shovel or a crowbar, the consequences are always the same - damage to the roof. The only difference is that the crowbar pierces the material through and through, and from blows with a shovel:

slate and roof tiles are covered cracks;
from corrugated board peel off protective layer ;
soft roof exfoliates.

In the spring, all materials, except for corrugated board, start to flow and corrugated board, having lost a thin zinc layer, starts to rust and after 2–4 years a hole appears in it.

Another mistake- an attempt to cut down icicles on the roof right under the roof at sub-zero temperatures, directing a blow towards the wall of the house or hitting from above.

Uncommon and very dangerous mistake- go out onto a roof covered with snow and ice without ladders.

Indeed, in this case, the only way to ensure stability is to use studded shoes.

But spikes damage any roofing material, so it is very likely that a roof cleaned without ladders spring will leak.

Exception is the cleaning of snow from the roof by climbers, because they use shoes without spikes, and stability provides them with:

tensioned safety rope;
Huge experience.

findings

By reading this article, you have learned:

how to clean roofs from snow and ice with your own hands or with the involvement of climbers in various ways;
how to remove ice from the roof of a private house or high-rise building;
how to knock down icicles in various conditions.

Between all the methods of cleaning roofs from snow described in the article, there is one thing in common - they allow you to clean snow and ice, without damaging:

truss system;
roof covering.

Choice how to clean the roof of snow depends on:

accessibility one or another equipment;
your physical data;
technical ingenuity;
states roofs;
thickness snow and ice layers.

In contact with

Regular cleaning of roofs from snow and ice is necessary. With each snowfall and frost, the amount of snow on the roofs increases, which creates excessive pressure on the main roof structures. This, in turn, can lead to their breakage and become a threat to passers-by in the event of an unforeseen snowmelt.

In this article you will learn:

When it is necessary to clean the roofs from snow.
What are the roof cleaning methods?
Who is responsible for clearing snow from roofs?
Why doing it yourself is dangerous.
What safety precautions should be observed when cleaning roofs.
How much does snow removal cost?

When is Roof Snow Removal Necessary?

The formation of snow caps on roofs, ice and icicles on gutters does not occur instantly. This is a gradual but natural process associated with changes in temperature and degree of air humidity, the amount of precipitation falling during the winter period. A significant role is played by the degree of slope of the roof, as well as the complexity of its geometric shape. During winter, a huge amount of snow accumulates on roofs, in the gutters of gutters, as well as in the places of transitions of multi-pitched roofs and ice forms. This will certainly put tremendous pressure on the roof truss system and roofing material.

If we estimate the amount of snow by weight, then per 100 square meters. m., with a snow cover thickness of 1 meter, it will gather about 5 tons. If it does not melt due to natural conditions, then over time it tends to thicken. When wet, its weight increases even more.

The rafter system is designed for such loads, but the roofing is not always. This leads to the formation of cracks, leakage, freezing, expansion and, as a result, failure of the roof covering. And the natural result will be costly repairs. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to detect and repair cracks in the roof in time. To do this, you need to understand that:

the space between the roof and the dwelling is the attic, this is a forcedly heated room due to the pipes of the house heating system located there. Due to the hot water flowing through the pipes, the roofing is heated from below, and an ice crust is formed under the thickness of snow lying on the roof. In addition, the water from under the snow does not flow down the rain gutters due to the low temperature. It freezes, forming huge icicles, which, when falling, can harm not only property, but also people's health;
snow guards, which have recently become an integral part of roofs, do not always fully fulfill their function. Their purpose is only to protect against snow avalanches, but they are useless without regular cleaning of roofs;
in the presence of a multi-level roof, the lower levels of the roof are at risk of damage. This is possible due to icing and large amounts of snow falling. Roofing material can be significantly damaged by falling ice sheets.

Temperature cycling leads to damage to the roof covering. Water frozen in gutters and gutters is prone to expansion and contraction with changes in air temperature, which is fraught with the inevitable repair of various parts of the drain. As a result of these damages, the facade of the building may be damaged due to water flowing along the walls. Not only the walls suffer, but also the foundation and basement of the building. The only way to avoid such consequences is to clean the roof from snow in time, and the roof material from icing. This is a preventive measure for both the roof and the building as a whole. At the same time, it is necessary not to forget about the lives of people walking along the sidewalk along the building. Snow removal is an important event that can save lives.

Remember! Roof coverings maintained at an angle of 30 degrees contribute to the maximum load of snow and ice on them. On roofs with this angle of inclination, snow does not slide off the cover and is not blown away by the wind. For each climatic region, depending on the value of the average annual rainfall, standards and recommendations for the optimal roof slope angle are determined.

Frost on the roof surface is formed due to an increase in temperature outside and heat losses that go through the roof. This phenomenon is especially devastating for flat roofs. Roofing on a flat surface becomes wet when snow or ice melts, losing its original protective properties. This inevitably leads to water leakage to the ceilings of the lower rooms. To avoid these consequences, the attic space must be insulated and provided with the necessary and sufficient ventilation. Anti-icing and snowmelt systems are an effective but expensive means of protection against this type of phenomena. A special heating cable is laid in the drainage system in places of icing and is equipped with humidity and temperature sensors. These systems start working when the air temperature rises and turn off when it drops significantly.

Snow guards are another way to keep snow off roofs. It is worth remembering that a mass of snow, falling from the roof, often carries icicles with it, which can cause significant damage not only to property in the form of cars standing under the house, but also to the residents themselves or bystanders.

Cleaning roofs from snow and ice is certainly an important event in the winter season.

How to get rid of icicles and prevent their formation on the roof

How is it possible to clean the roof from snow and ice

Snow drifts, icing and the formation of icicles are natural processes in the winter season. These phenomena can have negative consequences both for the roof itself and for the owners of the building. The cost of timely cleaning and care of the roofing is an order of magnitude lower than the most modest repair of the roof in case of damage.

There are several ways to deal with such winter "inconveniences":

Mechanical

Cleaning the roof of snow on your own with the help of equipment designed for this purpose. Most often, a wooden shovel or scraper is used to remove snow. Both tools have a gentle effect on the roofing and do not damage it.

Pitched roofs are removed from snow 2 m from the edge of the roof. This must be done regularly, after each heavy snowfall. Once a month, a complete cleaning of the roof is carried out.

Frequent snowfalls lead to the rapid sliding of snow to the edge of the roof and an increase in the amount of ice mass on it.

With heavy snowfall, the roofing surface is cleaned at least 2–4 times a month. The frequency of cleaning depends on the thickness of the resulting layer of snow.

Flat roofs are recommended to be cleaned after each snowfall. An ice crust forms under the thickness of the snow, which eventually forms an impressive icing, which can only be removed with a sharp and heavy tool.

Most often, scrap is used for this. Such a tool for cleaning snow from the roof can lead to damage to the roofing.

Melting snow with a change in temperature will lead to the formation of water, which will inevitably begin to fill the holes formed in the roof. Therefore, the roof must be cleaned as carefully and accurately as possible.

The mechanical method of cleaning is most suitable for the roof of a private house. The inventory is a wooden shovel with a wide plane.

When using mechanical cleaning on the roofs of large buildings, they often resort to the services of industrial climbers.

The cleaning technique with the involvement of these specialists is as follows.

First of all, the points of attachment of cables for insurance are indicated.
Most often, fixed safety cable mounts are used, which are located along the entire roof. Occasionally, air ducts located on the roof are used.
The inventory used for cleaning is selected by specialists individually, depending on the type and characteristics of the roof.
For example, metal roofs are removed using equipment specially designed for this purpose. For example, a pusher is a device for cleaning the roof of snow, which repeats the bends of the roofing material.

Prophylactic

The use of a preventive method can significantly minimize or eliminate damage to the roofing. This method includes: the correct choice of the slope of the roof, the use of anti-icing and snowmelt systems, the installation of snow barriers, the timely cleaning of gutters and gutters.

To prevent the formation of ice growths on the edges of roofs, the "roof without icicles" system is actively used.

Drainage systems clogged with ice and debris contribute to abundant ice formation on the roof.

But even in cases of proper organization of drainage, it is not always possible to achieve the desired result and prevent the formation of icicles.

Even in the coldest time of the day, the roof experiences an influx of warm air from the inside of the buildings. This is caused by heat loss from within the building and results in the melting of snow or ice that is in contact with the roofing material.

The purpose of the anti-icing system is to prevent the formation of ice and icicles on the roof. The heating cable is the main element of the system.

The electrical cable is placed along the edge of the roofing surface, in gutters - in places where ice is often or likely to form.

Due to the specifics of the location of the heating cable, certain requirements are imposed on it:

wear resistance of the cable will ensure reliable and long-term operation in harsh climatic conditions;
resistance to the influence of the sun, a sharp change in temperature, gusts of wind, snow and rain;
the presence of a cable braid made of metal, which gives the electrical cable the necessary functional properties;
The insulating properties of the cable allow it to work in humid environments.

The operation of the system is ensured by connecting to a power source.

The anti-icing system includes: cold-type supply cables, distribution boxes, system controls.

Automatic ice control systems are equipped with temperature and humidity sensors.

At temperatures below zero, the snow melting and anti-icing system is in standby mode. The use of this system during the natural freezing of water and in the absence of the effect of melting is impractical. This results in unnecessary power consumption.

As soon as the temperature starts to rise and water forms, the sensors automatically work and start heating, which leads to the complete melting of ice.

Installation of the "anti-ice" system is possible using two types of cables: rubber and self-regulating.

The advantage of rubber cables is increased strength and constant resistance along the entire length of the wire. The disadvantage of this type of electrical cables is the limited length, which often causes difficulties during their installation.
This disadvantage is not present in self-regulating cables. They can be of different lengths and have different variable cable heating temperatures in different sections. This, in turn, ensures efficient distribution of thermal energy and savings in electrical energy.

If we talk about the installation costs of such systems, they are high, but many times cheaper than repairing the roof (in the absence of its timely cleaning).

Chemical

The method consists in the use of hydrophobic substances in special compositions for cleaning ice from roofs. The impact of chemicals contributes to the unhindered sliding of ice formations from the roof surface.

The simplest composition is salt mixed with sand. Due to its low cost, it is an easily applicable and affordable remedy.

The freezing point of a liquid with salt dissolved in it is much lower than that of ordinary water. This makes it a popular deicing tool.

Clear benefits of using cleaning salt:

affordable price;
economical consumption;
low freezing point of the liquid;
unlimited shelf life and storage;
the speed of the composition when used;
fire safety during storage and operation.

If technical salt is used correctly, in compliance with all TB measures, then all the harmful effects of its use are reduced to zero.

The only negative consequence of the use of salt is the destruction of the rubber surfaces of car tires and shoes. Also, if it comes into contact with metal surfaces, the risk of damage due to corrosion may increase.

Salt can be replaced by various reagents in solid and liquid form. Getting on the ice, the solid reagent reacts with it and transforms the ice into a liquid. The chemical process takes place with a small release of thermal energy.

The released heat causes the ice and snow masses to melt. The resulting solution has a lower freezing point than water, so new ice formation does not occur.

The use of various reagents is due to different climatic conditions. Solid reagents are used during snowfalls, as well as during active melting of snow and ice. Liquid reagents are applicable in frosty and dry weather.

The most effective are reagents that can melt huge masses of ice or snow during especially frosty periods of winter.

Environmental safety requirements apply to all reagents.

Unlike the prices for salt mixtures, the prices for reagents are quite high, but the reagents are applicable for almost all types of roofing. And yet, for the removal of snow and ice, there are no universal preparations that would be one hundred percent productive and suitable for all situations.

In any case, when choosing the right cleaning method, a lot depends on the characteristics of the roofing material and the allocated budget. To determine the effective means and method of cleaning, it is better to contact professionals in this field.

Overhaul Problems: How to Maintain Cold Attic Roofs

Cleaning roofs from snow and icicles is the responsibility of the Criminal Code

As in a private home, roof cleaning in apartment buildings is a must. Each household should have instructions for cleaning the roof of snow. If the owners of houses do not pay enough attention to the proper cleaning of the roofing surfaces of their houses, then the precipitation in the form of snow and ice, falling into cracks and freezing, destroys them.

By Decree No. 491 of the Government of the Russian Federation, the roofs of MKDs are classified as common property. The management company is responsible for the cleaning, repair and proper condition of common property in accordance with the Housing Code of the Russian Federation (Article 162).

Various regulatory documents determine the requirements for cleaning roofs from snow in order to avoid damage to the roof and roof structures. Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 290 provides a minimum list of works and services necessary for the proper maintenance of MKD roofs.

Gosstroy Decree No. 170 determined the frequency of cleaning the roof from debris and dirt - 2 times a year - in autumn and spring. In winter, snow and ice are removed as needed. All work is carried out either by the management company (UK), or by a contractor company - specialists in this field of services. Priority attention should be paid to cleaning the roof in places of mass congestion or movement of people: over porches, entrances to shops, other structures on the first floors of buildings and along them.

Soft roofs are not cleared of snow. The exception is:

gutters and overhangs on pitched roofs, if they are equipped with an external drain;
snow canopies on any type of roof;
ice and snow canopies on balconies and canopies.

If the roof is with an external drainage system, then it is cleaned at such a frequency that it will prevent the formation of a snow cover more than 30 cm thick. If it is time for a thaw, snow removal should also be carried out with a smaller snow cover thickness.

The frequency of cleaning depends on the type of roof. Flat or sloping roofs are removed only in places of leakage.

Roofs with an external drain are cleaned periodically, if necessary. If the slope of the roof is over 45 degrees and the discharge of water is free, then cleaning is carried out only in places where snow accumulates.

In case of improper maintenance of the condition of the roof of an MKD or untimely cleaning of the roof from precipitation and its consequences, the head or organization may be subject to an administrative penalty in the form of a fine (Article 7.22, Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Responsible persons of the management company - 4-5 thousand rubles, organizations - 40-50 thousand rubles; in the case of circumstances that are aggravated by the consequences of negligent actions, criminal liability is possible under Art. 293 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

At whose expense the roof of an apartment building should be repaired

Independent work on cleaning snow from roofs in MKD: dangers and consequences

At first glance, it may seem that snow removal is a simple task. Often you can find cases when unskilled workers or the owners of houses themselves deal with cleaning issues. Such an approach is fraught with unpleasant consequences.

An unskilled approach to roof cleaning can often lead to:

creating a threat to the life and health of an untrained worker who was invited by the owner of the house to clean the roof;
creating a threat to the life and health of people who have fallen into the scope of activities of an unskilled worker, as well as damage to property near the building being cleaned;
creating the possibility of unintentional damage to the roof covering and gutter elements.

Remember: people working on snow removal from roofs are at risk of falling due to work on sloped and slippery surfaces. This type of work is classified as extremely dangerous.

To perform this type of work requires special training, special equipment and the skills of industrial mountaineering are desirable.

Unskilled workers lack the necessary cleaning equipment and safety equipment when working at heights and on slippery surfaces. If the employee fails to comply with the requirements, his life is in danger and the probability of damage to the roof surface is high. For example, when cleaning the roof with a bayonet iron shovel. This entails costly repairs.

The most high-quality cleaning can be carried out by organizations for cleaning roofs from snow with the involvement of qualified workers.

Rules and regulations for cleaning the roof from snow

Almost every settlement has its own regulatory documents for the removal of snow and ice in the winter. These regulatory requirements are based on the climatic conditions of a particular region. Usually the thickness of the snow should not exceed 10 cm. The length of the icicles hanging from the roof is equal to the same value.

Compliance with safety regulations is the most important requirement for working at height. Clearing snow from a roof with a large slope requires the worker to be qualified and strictly observe safety precautions. The work team must have appropriate training and experience. Insurance is a mandatory element of working at height. In addition, the courtyard area around the house deserves special attention. When clearing snow, this is a high-risk area. Above, we looked at several ways to clean the roof from ice and snow. They all have their cost. The most inexpensive of all is the mechanical method. It consists in dropping snow and ice from the roofs of buildings using the appropriate tool. Immediately before cleaning, it is necessary to protect the area under the house at a distance of 5–10 meters from the walls.

There are standards for cleaning the roof of snow, which provide for compliance with a few simple rules for snow removal:

to prevent damage to the roofing material, it is necessary to leave a layer of snow of 5 cm without trying to remove it;
a tool for cleaning ice or snow must be made of plastic or wood;
when dumped, the snow must not damage the structures below. Be careful.

Cleaning should be carried out in the direction from the bottom of the roof to its ridge. An important part of preparing for roof cleaning work is a thorough check of the truss system and instructing workers before cleaning.

Labor protection when cleaning roofs from snow

Frost, which forms on the roof due to the irregular removal of snow and ice masses, contributes to the deflection of the roof lathing and, as a result, reduces the strength of its frame. But the most significant danger is the possible collapse of the ice massif or its sliding off the roof. This can lead to damage to the personal property of citizens and damage to their health. Responsibility for the consequences of negligent attitude to the duties of maintaining the roof of the house is borne by its owner or management company.

To clean roofs from snow and ice, modern companies use the following equipment:

Snow shovel. Preference is given to wooden or plastic products.
Specially made scraper.
"Sliding" - refers to equipment designed to remove snow from the roof of a building. Unlike a shovel, they do not collect snow, but push it off the roof.
Portable ladders that are attached to the roof ridge. This allows you to move around its entire perimeter. Engagement occurs with the help of special hooks. The width of the ladder must be at least 30 cm. Such devices are used with a roof slope of at least 20 degrees.
Tape for fencing the place of discharge of snow and ice masses. It is used in places with a large flow of people. Instead of a tape, it is possible to use bright shields and gratings. They protect places where snow or ice is likely to fall during their cleaning.
Safety belts and ropes are essential elements when cleaning at height. Employees of many specialized roof cleaning organizations pass examinations for permission to work at height. Work at height is considered to be work at a distance of one meter from the surface.

When the thickness of the snow cover on the roof is small, only icicles and ice are removed. It should be carried out regularly and always in all places where there are ice formations - on overhangs, drains, etc. Cleaning the roof from icicles is carried out using special hooks. With a snow layer thickness of more than 30 cm, the roof is completely cleaned.

During cleaning work, the cleaning worker must be attached to a solid structure. The permissible thickness of the fastening cable is at least 1.2 cm. Fastening to chimneys, fragile structures, television antennas, etc. is strictly prohibited. The strength of the structure before fastening the cable must be checked by a jerk load with a force of at least 200 kg.

The distance from the edge of the roof to the fence depends on the height of the building. Therefore, barrier shields or fencing tape are located at a distance of:

6 meters with a building height of up to 20 meters;
10 meters for buildings 20–40 meters high;
16–20 meters with a building height of over 40 meters.

Organizations professionally engaged in this type of activity have in their arsenal not only barrage structures and their elements. When organizing cleaning work, additional measures are taken:

Watchmen are posted near the fenced area to warn people passing in the immediate vicinity of this place. This employee must wear a brightly colored vest and be equipped with a whistle, as well as a walkie-talkie or mobile phone. The whistle is used to warn passers-by of a possible danger. Communication means provide communication with people performing work on the roof of the building.
Prior to the start of work, all vehicles standing in the fencing area are removed.
The possibility of the passage of residents to the entrance of the house is limited in order to prevent injuries. If it is impossible to completely prevent the movement of residents through the entrance, an additional sentinel is posted inside.

In the documents regulating the operation of the building to the smallest detail, attention is also paid to the removal of snow from the roofs.

In particular, it is prohibited to dump snow in cases where the dumping zone has:

communication wires;
trees and shrubs;
used buildings located below;
antennas, air conditioners or other attachments.

When carrying out work, it is necessary to exclude any risk. The slightest change in the flight path of falling ice or snow can cause irreparable damage to property and people caught in the cleanup area.

The clothing of specialists involved in snow removal must correspond to the work performed. It should not constrain movement, but at the same time should not be too loose. Shoes must be adapted to work on slippery surfaces. A mandatory attribute of the equipment is a safety cable.

Snow and ice removal from roofs should be carried out taking into account the even distribution of the snow load over the entire surface of the roof. Uneven load is fraught with damage to the roof and the failure of its load-bearing structures.

For high-quality and safe cleaning, all work is carried out during the daytime. Wind load during this period should be no more than 6 points. If, nevertheless, there is an urgent need for cleaning at night, all work should be carried out with enhanced illumination of the entire cleaning area with powerful spotlights.

An occupational health and safety manual for personnel cleaning roofs from snow can be downloaded at the end of the article.

Roof snow removal: cost estimate and service prices

The price of which is formed taking into account many features, for the most part, it is carried out by organizations that use the services of climbers or have them in their staff. At its discretion, the owner or management company can choose one-time services for cleaning snow and ice from roofs or systematic work on a subscription basis. An agreement is concluded with specialized companies for cleaning the roof from snow, and they offer the most acceptable form of service for customers.

A one-time service for cleaning roofs from snow is provided after the receipt of an application for the performance of work, and is paid after the completion of the work upon completion. Subscriber service is carried out on an advance payment for a period determined by the contract. With this type of service, the contractor company itself monitors the condition of the roof and decides whether it is necessary to clean it. This does not require a prior application as in the case of a one-time service.

In order to provide the most opportunities for demanding customers, roof cleaning companies try to have climbing specialists on their staff. They come to the site when it is necessary to use their skills and abilities.

Almost all organizations specializing in roof cleaning have a standard set of services that are in demand by customers. These include:

assessment of the volume and cost of cleaning work, which can be done on site or online (using software);
carrying out preparatory work for cleaning the roof;
presentation to the customer of cleaning options depending on the surface material and roof slope;
high-quality provision of services without violating the structure of the roof and the architectural design of the building;
provision of special services using climbers who have the appropriate clearance;
competitive prices.

Note: companies fighting for their place in the service market usually provide regular customers with discounts on payments and other bonuses.

The cost of cleaning a roof from snow depends on many factors.

Service form:

one-time;
subscription.

Type of cleaning:

complete cleaning of the entire roof; partial cleaning (cleaning 1.5 m from the edge and protruding architectural elements);
removal of icicles along the perimeter of the roof surface;
cleaning of drain elements, etc.;
cleaning of internal drains;
seasonal roof cleaning

Additional factors affecting the price:

the amount of work required and their number;
roof surface material;
the degree of wear of the material of the roof surface;
the degree of complexity and danger of performing work at a particular facility;
the slope of the roof and its geometric complexity;
multi-tiered house (difficulty in transferring snow from one roof tier to another);
the presence of fences on the roof that ensure safety during cleaning;
the need to remove snow and ice after cleaning;
dense population of the service area, the number of pedestrians and vehicles.

Approximate price of cleaning roofs from snow and ice in 2017

With a one-time cleaning, the cost of cleaning the roof from snow:

roof cleaning - from 20 to 150 rubles per square meter;
cleaning a strip of 1.5 m along the edge of the roof - 80–150 rubles per square meter;
removal of icicles - 40 rubles per linear meter;
installation of posts -1500 rubles for 1 person in 1 shift.

When servicing by subscription, the prices for cleaning roofs from snow:

roof maintenance in the winter season - from 90 rubles per square meter per month;
annual roof maintenance * - from 23 to 31 rubles per square meter per month.

*Annual maintenance includes: unlimited snow removal, repair of roof damage, regular inspection of the roof condition, etc.

The final pricing is possible only after a visual assessment of the scope of work, a thorough inspection of the object, determining the necessary tools for this, inventory, special equipment and the number of employees.

Road maintenance in winter: interstate standards

Expert opinion

Preventing the accumulation of ice and icicles

Vladimir Zhelninsky,

Leading Engineer of the Center for Projects in the Housing Sector and Technical Maintenance of Buildings and Structures of the Academy of Public Utilities. K. D. Pamfilova

To reduce the likelihood of the appearance and accumulation of icicles, it is necessary to follow the recommendations for maintaining the standard values of temperature and humidity in the attics of houses. Following these guidelines will:

minimize, and in some cases eliminate the formation of icicles;
reduce heat loss in rooms;
increase the life of roofing structures and coating material;
maintain the original appearance and condition of the facade of the building.

First of all, you need to start with places of abundant icing.

If the difference between the temperature in the attic and "overboard" is more than 4 degrees, then it is necessary to understand the reasons for the temperature difference. An attic inspection may reveal:

the need for additional thermal insulation of the room under the roof;
the need for thermal insulation of pipes for water and air systems at home;
the need for adequate attic ventilation.

The requirements regarding temperature and humidity for attic spaces do not depend on either the roofing material or the design features of the roof. The procedure for bringing these indicators back to normal is as follows.

Measurement of the actual thickness of the insulation used in the attic

Measurements are made in each structural part of the house section by section at a distance of 0.5; 0.7 and 1 meters from the walls located opposite each other and in the center. There are 5 measurement points in total.

Along the outer walls, you need to put an additional layer of insulating material with a width of 0.7-1 meter.

It can be: mineral wool, felt, etc. The main requirement for insulation is lightness, bulk density of not more than 50 kg per cubic meter. m. This will prevent overloading the floor. Insulation of attic spaces is also allowed using a slag mixture. It is allowed to do this only when preliminary calculations of the bearing capacity of the floors have been carried out. This calculation must be approved by a specialized design organization.

It is unacceptable to replace clay lubricant with waterproofing in rolls. In this case, the normal ventilation processes of the ceiling are disrupted and the structure begins to get wet. The application of a safety screed reduces the efficiency of the insulation. It is more expedient to use expanded clay backfill 2–3 cm thick on the surface of the insulation.

The thickness of the additional layer of thermal insulation is determined depending on the material used.

Prevent heat from entering the attic

The temperature in the staircase according to the regulatory requirements is +15 °C. To prevent air of this temperature from entering the attic, a metal door or hatch with insulation inside is placed. A sealing gasket made of springy material is installed around the perimeter.

Achieve natural ventilation in the attic

In old houses, louvers are provided for ventilation. Due to the fact that the windows for ventilation are ineffective, there is no complete ventilation of the attic space. Due to the fact that the ventilation holes are located at the same level, there is no uniform ventilation. There are areas of the attic where there is no air movement at all.

To change this situation, it is necessary to have attic vents at two levels. Some holes should be located in the lower part of the attic under the roof around the perimeter (air inflow), others along the entire length of the roof ridge (air outflow). This will provide a pressure drop and natural ventilation of the room. Even during the absence of air movement, with this arrangement, the vents do their job perfectly. These can be both holes and gaps formed by the distance between the roof and the wall. In the upper part of the roof, Khanzhonkov's deflectors have proven themselves well. Air enters through the bottom of the roof, and air outflows through the top.

Regularly free the roofs from snow - this is a guarantee of its long-term operation.

Untimely snow removal leads to excessive loads not only on the surface, but also on the roof structure. Keep snow and ice from accumulating on roofs and gutters. This will lead to breakage of gutter structures when ice falls during melting. Repairs are always more expensive than regular cleaning.

Information about experts

Vladimir Zhelninsky, Leading Engineer of the Center for Projects in the Housing Sector and Technical Maintenance of Buildings and Structures of the Academy of Public Utilities. K. D. Pamfilova.

An article on how to properly clean the car from ice and snow. Useful tips and tricks. At the end of the article - a video about cleaning the car from winter precipitation.

The content of the article:

Winter was not long in coming, and now the first frosts have already struck, followed by heavy snowfalls. At the same time, it should be noted that not only the landscape, but also our expensive “iron horses” are covered with snow and ice crust.

At first glance, the problem of cleaning a car from snow and ice may seem frivolous, and is it even necessary to do this? Maybe somehow by itself ... Let's talk about this in more detail.

What happens if you do not clean the car from winter precipitation

The only argument "against" may be human laziness. However, she is unlikely to find a place here, especially after the motorist remembers the price of his car, as well as the cost of repairs and possible fines.

When you think about all this, you immediately forget about laziness! It is better to work hard and avoid trouble as a result. And what kind of troubles can be associated with the driver’s refusal to clear the car of ice and snow, we will now list:

A headwind blows snow from the hood to the windshield, obstructing visibility and thus creating a dangerous situation.
Snow on the roof of a car is no good either. For example, during urgent braking, only the car itself slows down or stops. And the snow on the roof, according to the laws of physics, continues to move at the same speed. As a result, the snow layer slides down on the front glass and closes the view to the driver. Moreover, this barrier can be so voluminous that the janitors cannot cope here.
If you abruptly start at the green light of a traffic light, the snow “cap” from the roof will crawl back and at the same time can block the visibility of the driver of the car following you. And if the traffic police are in his place, the situation will worsen even more. The same thing can happen when moving fast and in a strong headwind.
Glasses clouded with a thin ice crust become completely opaque. The result is zero visibility, which can lead to a serious accident.

This should always be remembered, as, however, one should not forget that of all the causes of traffic accidents in winter, about 10% are due to the negligent attitude of drivers to cleaning the car from snow drift and ice.

A car covered in snow and ice is a serious road hazard. Therefore, the answer to the question about cleaning the car from snow and ice is unequivocal - you need to clean it! So where do we start? First of all, you need to stock up on the necessary tools and reagents.

Cleaning tools

Snow removal equipment must be available. They should always be at hand so that, on occasion, you do not have to act with random objects or with your bare hands.

Brush. This is one of the most basic winter snow removal tools. In winter, a motorist most often picks up this particular brush. There are a lot of varieties of such tools, but we advise you to give preference to brushes that have a soft fluffy pile at the end: there will be less risk of scratching the paintwork. If the car is too big, then it is better to purchase a brush with a telescopic handle.

Scraper. A scraper for cleaning a machine from frost or ice is often made in tandem with a brush: at one end is a brush, at the other is a scraper. When choosing a scraper, you need to make sure that it is made of a certain material. This material must be strong enough so that it can remove frost, and on the other hand not too hard so as not to scratch the glass or paintwork (paintwork).

Alternatively, you can purchase an electric scraper. It has a heating element that is designed to melt ice. With the help of such a scraper, you can easily remove the ice crust from the windows of the car.

Snow shovel. It is better to keep such a shovel at home, otherwise you will have to rake the path to the garage with your hands in heavy snow drifts. With frequent snowfalls, it is useful to have another snow shovel with a short or folding handle so that you can put it in the trunk and always have it with you.

Sapper shovel. This is a small spatula with a flat bayonet and a short handle. It is indispensable when removing the crust - frozen wet snow. A brush cannot be handled here, a large snow shovel can damage the coating, but a sapper shovel is what you need. Deftly wielding, you can easily remove layers of frozen snow from the car.

When using the listed tools, do not forget to wear gloves or mittens: you won’t work much with your bare hands in the cold.

Chemicals

In order to remove ice and snow, you can use special chemicals - auto-defrosters. These funds are performed by manufacturers in the form of a solution or aerosol. The drug is sprayed from a can or a spray bottle onto areas covered with an ice crust. As a result, the liquid destroys the ice surface, after which you just need to wipe the glass or paintwork with a dry rag.
The most inexpensive and readily available ice and snow remover is salt or a saturated saline solution. However, there is a condition here that must be strictly observed: after cleaning, it is necessary to carefully remove salt crystals, which will certainly remain on the surface of the paintwork after cleaning. Otherwise, these crystals can cause metal corrosion. So it’s better not to save money, but to purchase a special tool so that you don’t have to pay more later.

Let's start cleaning

For example, let's take the most extreme degree of blockage with snow on your car, in which the car is completely invisible, and instead of it, you have a huge snowdrift in front of you.

First, we take a large snow shovel, clear the approach to the car, and then start digging out the car. You have to be very careful not to scratch the body.

There is no need to clean the car with a shovel to the end - leave a small layer of 8-10 centimeters. Now, instead of a shovel, take a brush. First, clean the roof of the car. We make movements with a brush back and to the sides. And if you have a "sedan", start cleaning from the trunk. Sweep snow from the hood with forward movements.

After that, start cleaning the front and back of the car and the sides. At the same time, sweep well the joints of the doors, as well as the trunk and hood lids.

When working with a brush, do not press hard, otherwise you can damage the paintwork or scratch the glass. At the end of cleaning the car from snow, you can start the engine. Open the doors smoothly, without jerking. The fact is that the seals in the doors can freeze. By pulling the door sharply, you can pull out the seal.

The above recommendations are given in case the snow turned out to be dry and did not form an ice crust on the car. The same can be done with wet snow, which is not set by frost, which happens during the thaw period. Snow in any case is easily cleaned from the body. After that, warm up the engine, and you can go.

However, in winter, it often happens differently: the brush sweeps away only the top layer of snow, and under it there is a dense ice crust that cannot be removed with a brush. Do not try to remove this crust with a scraper "in the cold"! Otherwise, you will damage the paintwork, and then the car will have to be repainted.

It is also not worth scraping the glass with a scraper, otherwise the windows and headlights can “wipe” and lose transparency.

The scraper, as a rule, comes into play only when it is necessary to remove a hard layer of snow that cannot be brushed, but must be removed with a scraper. This layer must be cleaned carefully, without particularly pressing or making sudden movements. And as soon as you reach the ice layer, stop immediately - you can’t scrape any further!

The crust of ice that remains on the surface of the body, having lost its snow shell, will not last long. While driving for about half an hour, she herself will slide off the body, moreover, without creating absolutely no danger on the road.

You need to be aware of this so as not to remove the ice crust with chemicals that will take you time and, moreover, can damage the paintwork.

It is necessary to remove ice from the windows more quickly so that the melted ice does not have time to seize again. As a rule, even in the most severe frosts, with proper heating and ventilation of windows, ice begins to “float” within five minutes after starting the engine (this time is different for different car models). And as soon as the ice has melted, it must immediately be removed with a scraper. Do this carefully, being careful not to scratch the glass.

However, this technique may not always work for various reasons. For example, in very severe frosts, there may not be snow. And then the glass of the car can be covered with a rather thick layer of ice frost. In this case, the car will not be able to cope with its own heat. And then chemical auto-defrosters come to the rescue. We apply a special agent from a balloon or spray gun to the glass. From the action of the drug, ice and frost turn into a soft slurry. We remove this gruel with paper towels and wipe the glass dry. That's all, you can go! Although no, not all ...

In conclusion, here are some useful tips that you may find useful.

Wipers often freeze to glass in winter. To prevent this from happening, drivers, leaving the car, sometimes pick them up. This, of course, is an option, but at the same time they become bait for hooligans. Therefore, when leaving the car, it is better to take the wipers with you.
If you leave the car in frosty air until morning, cover the window with a strong cloth, and press the cloth itself with the doors. If you do this, you will not regret it in the morning: the windshield will be crystal clear and transparent. One condition: this can be done with minimal humidity, otherwise the fabric will freeze to the glass.
Before you send the car to the parking lot, remove dirt and sand, if any, from the surface of the body. Otherwise, during the process of cleaning the machine from snow, you may damage the coating.
Remove frost from the surface of the car only with plastic scrapers. Never use metal scrapers or any hard objects at hand.
In order to defrost the surface of the body and glass, never pour boiling water over the car! As a result of the action of boiling water, the effect of a temperature difference occurs, and this is fraught with cracks for both paintwork and glass.

And now that's all. Do not forget our recommendations, and good luck to you!

Video on how to properly clear a car of snow: