Remote flat roof snow load monitoring solution
Encountering the challenges of snow accumulation on roofs during winter? Automate snow monitoring on your building's roof with Prylada to gain control over roof load forces.
Request a demoNo more dangerous manual inspections and guesswork—just accurate measurements and data-driven decisions.
Constant monitoring of snow accumulation on roofs
Monitoring snow accumulation on roofs is crucial to maintaining structural safety and preventing costly damage. In areas prone to heavy snowfall, the weight of accumulated snow can strain roofing structures, leading to stress, deformation, or even collapse. Real-time monitoring allows property owners to detect when snow loads reach critical levels, ensuring timely action, such as snow removal, to protect the integrity of the building.
An additional benefit of remote snow monitoring is ice dam prevention, which protects against leaks and water damage. By utilizing advanced technologies like the Prylada snow load monitoring system, property owners can eliminate the need for manual roof inspections, which are often time-consuming and costly. With Prylada's solution, building maintenance becomes more efficient, reducing the risk of structural damage, extending roof lifespan, and lowering repair and upkeep expenses.
Prylada solution for roof deflection and snow load determination
The Prylada components enable 24/7 automated snow accumulation monitoring with
intuitive charts and SMS alarm notifications to your mobile phone.
Sensors and inclinometers
For deflection angle, density, and weight measurement. Installed on/under the roof of your building to collect precise snow load data.
Gateways
Wirelessly transfer the collected data from the sensors to a remote control center run locally or in a cloud.
Prylada Cloud
Stores, analyzes and visualizes the collected data. It also enables remote management of all connected gateways.
*(optional; an alternative to a private cloud or a local server)
Ensuring roof safety: Snow load monitoring and predictive maintenance
Discover various aspects of snow load monitoring, including practical strategies for preventive maintenance.
Catering to your monitoring needs
We tailor our solution to your specific environment, focusing on three key parameters:
For snow monitoring, Prylada offers 4 measurement options:
Prylada provides various options for transmitting data from measurement points. Currently, we recommend wireless data transfer from monitoring points to a central gateway for maximum convenience.
However, the solution flexibility extends beyond this—our adaptable configurations allow us to customize solutions to your unique requirements. Feel free to choose the option that best aligns with your needs.
The Prylada admin panel ensures straightforward system management. With its intuitive interface, you can remotely configure operating scenarios, control connected gateways, fine-tune accuracy settings, and establish personalized notifications.
Choose your preferred method of receiving alarm alerts—whether via SMS or email messages.
Sensors we use for measuring snow accumulation on a roof
- Scales are mounted on a roof
- Automatic, continuous roof load measurement
- Easy installation and operation
- No structural work on the roof needed
- Minimum effort for maintenance needed
- The laser sensor is mounted at the support point of the roof structure.
- High-quality measurement data in all weather conditions
- Compact and weatherproof housing
- Maintenance-free operation: no calibration or exchange of desiccant
- Deflection is measured in the roof plane.
- Mounted at the support point of the roof structure (could be multiple points)
- Compact and weatherproof housing
- Reasonable price
- Is placed on the roof
- Measures elevation at multiple points
- Measures snow density across multiple layers
- Summarizes information to calculate the total load
Request Demo
Please leave us your email, and we will contact you to discover the optimal approach for monitoring your roof snow load.
How much does snow weigh on a roof? Snow load threshold
The depth of snow on the roof is not the main indicator. Are you aware that wet snow applies greater pressure compared to powdery snow? It's crucial to consider both the thickness of accumulation and the type of snow. Additionally, factors such as roof shape and age play significant roles in risk assessment. Commercial buildings exceeding 5,000 square feet per floor and over 10 years old are especially vulnerable to potential collapse.
Roof snow load control with Prylada solution
The modular design of Prylada makes it an easy-to-implement solution. It is particularly suitable for those who currently lack predictive monitoring systems and seek a comprehensive snow safety solution. Prylada can also serve as an excellent wireless alternative to existing on-premises systems.
Locations to safeguard by Prylada:
- Sports arenas: Keep stadiums safe during snowy seasons.
- Public buildings: From libraries to community centers, monitor snow loads effectively.
- Schools: Protect educational institutions from roof strain.
- Distribution centers: Ensure smooth logistics even in wintry conditions.
- Data centers: Safeguard critical infrastructure.
- Warehouses: Prevent snow-related damage to goods.
- Other locations: Prylada adapts to diverse environments.
Light weight and compact size of the components
Wireless communication: no extra cables to manage and secure data transfer
Convenient and easy installation, manageable by a single specialist
Integration with building management systems (BMS)
Measurement parameters scalability (air quality, temperature, and other)
Benefits of using Prylada’s roof safety solution for your buildings
Comprehensive approach
Prylada offers flexibility as either a standalone system or a complementary addition to your existing roof monitoring setup, effectively covering blind spots and enhancing overall performance.
No-code programmable scenarios
Easily customize Prylada's programmable controllers through an intuitive control panel. While scripting is available, programming snow accumulation monitoring is entirely code-free, ensuring quick setup and ease of use.
Long-term performance
Our remote snow load monitoring devices are designed for durability and require minimal maintenance, providing a cost-effective solution that ensures reliable, long-term performance.
Integration with third-party monitoring systems
Prylada’s API and standard industrial inputs/outputs make it easy to integrate with other control systems, enabling seamless data sharing and offering scalability for future upgrades.
Early detection of dangerous snow accumulations
Implementing Prylada’s snow load monitoring solution allows for early detection of hazardous snow accumulation, helping avoid costly structural damage. This proactive approach ensures compliance with building safety regulations, reducing liability for property owners and safeguarding occupants and assets.
Timely intervention for enhanced safety
By facilitating prompt snow removal, Prylada enables building owners and facility managers to prevent emergencies and maintain operational continuity. This not only improves overall safety during the winter months but also fosters a secure environment for all occupants.
Automate remote roof snow load monitoring with a single solution, offered by Prylada
Book a call with usMore solutions from Prylada
FAQ
According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, most residential roofs in good condition can typically support 20 pounds per square foot of snow. To help youyou gauge when the snow on your roof might approach this weight limit, consider the following guidelines:
Fresh snow: Approximately 10-12 inches of new snow is equal to about one inch of water, or roughly 5 pounds per square foot of roof space. Therefore, you could have up to 4 feet of new snow before the roof becomes stressed.
Packed snow: About 3-5 inches of old snow is equal to one inch of water, or approximately 5 lbs. per square foot of roof space. If you have more than 2 feet of snow accumulation, it could be too much for your roof to handle.
Total accumulated weight: If you have two feet of old snow and two feet of new snow, the combined weight could reach up to 60 lbs. per square foot of roof space. This exceeds the typical snow load capacity of most roofs.
Ice: Keep in mind that one inch of ice equals one foot of fresh snow.
When Prylada notifies you. No more subjective visual assessments– just accurate measurements and informed decisions using specialized data.
Structural live loads related to snow are influenced by several critical factors. These considerations play a crucial role in determining the appropriate snow loads for different areas:
1. Recent ground snow information:
○ The National Weather Service provides data on ground snow conditions. This information helps engineers assess the current snow accumulation in a specific region.
2. Roof shape and obstructions:
○ The design of the roof, including its roofline and any obstructions (such as chimneys or vents), affects how snow accumulates. Steeper roofs tend to shed snow more effectively.
3. Roof building materials:
○ The type of materials used in constructing the roof impacts its load-bearing capacity. Different materials have varying resistance to snow weight.
4. Roof age and maintenance frequency:
○ Older roofs may experience wear and tear, affecting their ability to withstand snow loads. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.
5. Roof wind exposure:
○ Wind patterns influence snow distribution. Windward sides of roofs tend to accumulate more snow, while leeward sides may experience less accumulation.
6. Presence of ice dams:
○ Ice dams form at the roof’s edges due to melting and refreezing. They create barriers that hinder proper drainage, leading to additional snow weight.
7. Building application and occupancy:
○ The purpose of the structure (residential, commercial, industrial) and the number of occupants impact the required snow load capacity.
8. Thermal properties of the building:
○ Insulation and thermal conductivity affect snow melting rates. Proper insulation helps prevent excessive snow buildup.
By analyzing this combination of data, engineers can accurately determine snow loads for specific regions, ensuring safe and resilient structures.