The Importance of Snow Load Management for Chicagoland Commercial Roofs

In the winter of 2023-2024, Chicago received 22 inches of snow. That’s a bit less than usual, but enough snow to damage commercial roofs across the region. 

Two feet of snow can weigh as much as 27.5 pounds per square foot, and depending on your roof type, is a high enough snow load that your roof might collapse or leak into your interior.

Ice dams and snow loads are the main threats to commercial roofs in the winter. This guide is designed to help you understand snow loads, how they affect your commercial roof, and how to limit the damage.

What is Snow Load?

Snow load is the downward force exerted on a building’s roof due to snow and ice. In the simplest terms, snow and ice weigh a lot, and the snow load represents how much weight your roof can handle.

Areas with heavy snowfall, like Chicagoland, require structural engineers and commercial roofers to work together to protect the longevity and integrity of roofs.

The weight of snow is directly proportional to its type: fresh snow may weigh as little as 3 lbs per cubic foot, while wet snow could be as heavy as 43 lbs. 

Your commercial roof needs to be prepared for either scenario.

Risks of Snow Load on Your Commercial Roof

If you ignore the snow load, your commercial roof and building may be at risk.

For structural reasons, snow load increases the possibility of roof collapse and the creation of ice dams. 

The more snow on your roof, the more pressure is put on it. If not taken care of properly, your commercial roof could collapse because of the weight. If snow drifts form on your roof, the pressure becomes unevenly distributed, leading to even worse situations.

Ice dams are caused by melting snow freezing at the eaves of your roof, preventing drainage. With your drainage systems compromised, water’s likely to leak into your building.

There are also safety hazards to be concerned about. Falling debris, ice dropping, or anything coming off the top of your roof to the ground is cause for concern.

Fixing a structural problem or replacing your commercial roof is expensive, especially in the colder months. You’ll also have to deal with displaced occupants. 

Your best bet is to contact a commercial roofing company immediately to prevent the snow load from causing expensive repairs.

How Do You Manage Snow Load?

The best defense against the dangers of snow load is working with a commercial roofing company throughout the year for maintenance, inspections, and repairs. You don’t know when snow will fall, so you need to have your commercial roof ready when it does.

Ridgeworth Roofing recommends routine assessments, including maintenance and inspections. Our team can identify potential problems before they become dangerous (and expensive) and monitor snow accumulations. The main goal is prevention.

When removing snow, we do not recommend going on your roof and doing it yourself. Slippery conditions and windy weather lead to unnecessary injuries (and even possibly fatalities). Professional snow removal services have the tools to protect themselves while removing the snow from your commercial roof.

Your commercial roofing installer should also choose the right materials for your building’s climate and weather environment. Different materials work better in snowy, cold temperatures, so ensure your builder considers this.

But no matter what, please do not climb on your roof yourself.

Ridgeworth Roofing’s Role in Snow Load Management

Ridgeworth Roofing’s more than 50 years of commercial roofing experience in the Chicagoland area has prepared us for anything Mother Nature wants to throw at us. We’ve seen it all, from blizzards in the winter to extremely hot summers.

Because of this, we offer services designed specifically to protect and maintain commercial roofs throughout the seasons in Chicagoland.

We offer regular inspections, during which a team member checks your commercial roof for potential problems and offers solutions to limit further or future damage. Ridgeworth Roofing’s maintenance plans make you feel secure that your commercial roof is in the right hands, as we ensure everything is working exactly as it should be.

Do you need help in a pinch? Ridgeworth Roofing delivers emergency roof repairs for pesky, unexpected issues caused by Chicago’s weather.

If you need a commercial roof replacement, Ridgeworth Roofing provides 50 years of expertise and experience that meet Chicagoland’s specific weather requirements.

Protect Your Commercial Roof This Winter with Ridgeworth Roofing

Don’t let Chicago’s harsh winters take a toll on your commercial roof. 

With Ridgeworth Roofing’s preventative maintenance programs, emergency repair services, and customized roofing solutions, you can safeguard your property from the risks of snow loads.

Stay ahead of winter damage by contacting Ridgeworth Roofing today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our services. Contact us today to get started.