Roof snow removal and icicle removal

Who is responsible for snow and ice on the roof?

The property owner. The Swedish Public Order Act (chapter 3, section 3) states that snow and ice that could slide down and injure people or damage property must be removed from roofs, gutters and the like without undue delay. Putting up warning signs or cordons does not replace the duty to remove the snow – it is only a temporary measure until the work is done. For a housing cooperative the responsibility lies with the board, for a rental building with the property owner.

How is roof snow removal carried out?

Every visit begins with an assessment from the ground and, where needed, from the roof:

• Assessment of snow depth, ice formation, roof pitch and where the snow could fall
• Cordoning off the pavement, entrances and parking beneath the work area
• Removal of icicles and snow build-up at the eaves, gutters and above entrances
• Clearing all or part of the roof with fall-protection equipment and a plastic shovel that does not damage the roofing material
• A thin layer of snow is left to protect the roof
• The snow on the ground is cleared and the surfaces gritted afterwards

Which roofs do we clear?

House roofs, terraced-house rows, apartment buildings, garage and shed roofs, canopies and entrance canopies. On flat roofs with a large span it is usually about the snow load rather than avalanches – there we clear when the snow depth becomes large or when wet snow makes the load heavy. On steep metal roofs, sliding snow is the biggest problem and icicles form quickly at the eaves.

Recurring inspection during winter

A winter contract includes inspection of the roofs at every call-out: we check the eaves and downpipes and remove icicles before they become dangerous. After heavier snowfalls we schedule roof snow removal as a separate visit and notify your contact.