Effective Snow Removal Tips for Maintaining Your Metal Building

Heavy snowfall can pose challenges for any structure — including your metal building. While steel itself is incredibly durable and can withstand harsh winter weather, it’s still important to take proper care of your investment to minimize the need for costly repairs to other components, such as the roof and gutters.

Are you concerned about how snow might affect your metal building? Here are some helpful and effective snow removal tips and preventive measures to keep your metal building in excellent condition throughout the winter months.

Assess for any damage

Is there a storm coming? Before it hits, check your roof for cracks, weak spots, or leaks that can worsen with heavy snow loads and repair them.

Clear snow safely

Removing snow from metal buildings requires proper techniques and the utmost caution to avoid damage to the roof.

• Know the best time for snow removal – Once the snowstorm is over and you know it’s safe, you can start removing snow from your metal building with a long-handed snow rake. Be proactive in snow removal to prevent it from accumulating on the roof. Even a few inches can add up quickly and strain the structure, increasing the risk of damage.
• Focus on places prone to ice dam formation – Does your building have high or steep roofs? It might be best to hire a professional to ensure safety and effective snow removal.
• Don’t forget the downspouts and gutters – Make sure that snow doesn’t accumulate in downspouts and gutters. Melting water can get trapped, refreeze, and cause damage to your building.

• Use the right snow removal gear and tools – A roof rake is suitable for removing snow from the edges of your roof, while a plastic shovel is ideal for clearing snow from flat surfaces. Snow guards prevent snow avalanches from the roof but require professional installation.

Wear a safety harness and other protective gear so that you don’t slip and fall while walking on slippery surfaces.  While removing snow, do so evenly to prevent unbalanced loads on your structure. Take this opportunity to check for problems on the metal building, especially in spots where snow has already melted.

Learn how to use a roof rake properly

If you’re using a roof rake, we recommend starting at the edge of the roof and working your way up in small sections to minimize the risk of damaging the roofing materials and reduce strain on the rake.

For your safety, always maintain a safe distance from the roof’s edge. Avoid climbing onto the roof or using ladders to remove snow from your metal building.

Avoid ice dams

When removing snow from the roof, focus on getting rid of the bottom 3 to 4 feet of snow. This technique will prevent ice dams and protect the roof’s structural integrity and any space beneath it.

Wear the right safety gear

Removing snow from any building can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have the right gear. Wear non-slip boots with reliable traction to avoid slips and falls, as well as insulated gloves to keep your hands comfortable in the cold without compromising mobility. Wear high-visibility clothing, so other people know where you are.

Removing snow from entryways and walkways

Ice-related slips and falls can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, sprains, and head injuries. Keep accidents at bay by clearing snow from all exits, entrances, and walkways around your metal building. This will help keep you, your employees, or your loved ones safe while also avoiding the potential costs associated with medical treatment.

Consider de-icing with the right solution

To effectively melt stubborn ice on high-traffic areas like walkways, sidewalks, driveways, and entry/exit points around your metal building, consider using salt or specially formulated de-icing solutions.

Do note that while they are safe for concrete surfaces, these de-icing agents should not come into contact with the roof or any of your metal building’s coatings, as salt can cause corrosion and damage the finish.

Take preventive measures against snow-related damage

Keeping your steel building safe throughout the winter starts in the design phase. At Armstrong Steel, our building consultants will help you navigate considerations and weather conditions in your area so we can design a more resilient metal building. For instance, we can recommend installing a steep pitch for your metal roof so water and snow can slide off the structure more efficiently. The steeper the pitch, the better, but a 4/12 roof pitch often fits most situations.

Invest in roof heating cables

Installing roof heating cables can help prevent ice dams and icicles from forming. They are particularly helpful when you’re in a region with heavy snowfall each year.

Build snow-ready metal buildings with Armstrong Steel

Armstrong Steel has you covered if you need a metal building for any purpose. Whether it’s a simple workshop, a massive warehouse, or even a prefabricated steel home, we will ensure it can survive the harshest winters. Start with a quote by clicking ‘Price My Building,’ or call our experts at 1-800-345-4610.

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