March 31, 2025

Plan the installation of guardrails before the first snow

The first snow will fall in a few weeks!

Plan the installation of guardrails before the first snow

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The first snow will fall in a few weeks! You should therefore think now about installing guardrails at the level of your roof to ensure your safety when you remove snow from it.

Why do you have to remove snow from the roof?

The roof, even if it is sturdy and of good quality, is likely to sag or collapse under the weight of too much snow. Cracks, which could however be the cause of major infiltration and insulation problems, can also form over time. Finally, the risk of falling snow or ice represents an imminent danger for passers-by and the surrounding area. Thus, roof snow removal is above all a question of safety.

When should snow be removed from the roof?

Snow removal from the roof must be carried out before signs of damage such as a creaking ceiling, a sagging roof or even insulation and water infiltration problems appear. So, consider removing snow from your roof in the following cases:

  • When the weather announces the arrival of a storm or an unusual increase in temperature;
  • After a storm or precipitation;
  • When the amount of snow that has accumulated on your roof has exceeded 15 to 20 cm.

Is it possible to remove snow from the roof yourself?

Ideally, we always recommend using a qualified professional for roof snow removal. He knows the techniques and precautions to be taken to perform the operation without damaging the structure and in complete safety. It also has all the necessary materials for this. However, the law allows you to remove snow from your roof yourself in case you are well equipped. In other words, you must have a secure ladder, a harness and the appropriate outfits.

What is the purpose of a guardrail?

Snow removal is a job at height that exposes you to the risk of falling that is extremely dangerous, and sometimes even fatal. A guardrail is precisely a kind of safety barrier that serves both to delimit your intervention area and to prevent you from falling. In general, this equipment is combined with a warning line that, as the name suggests, highlights the limits that should not be crossed.

What are the precautions to take before removing snow from the roof?

Apart from installing guardrails and warning lines on the roof, here are the precautions to take before removing snow:

  • If possible, install a roof hatch or skylight for easy access to your roof. If not, use a sturdy and secure ladder.
  • Wear a short safety harness;
  • Put on warm clothes and anti-slip shoes;
  • Be sure to leave about 15 cm of snow on the roof.

Conclusion

At Prox-Secur, we sell safety devices for roof snow removal such as self-supporting railings or ladders. Do not hesitate to contact us for detailed information.