The record-breaking snowfall that recently blanketed the Greater Toronto Area, followed by a deep freeze, has created a perfect storm for property owners. While you might be worried about the weight of the snow on your structure, there is another pressing issue that demands immediate attention: the safety of the people below and around your building. Ensuring commercial building roof safety during this extreme weather cycle is not just about protecting the asset; it’s about protecting your employees, tenants, the public, and yourself from significant liability.
The freeze-thaw cycles we are experiencing create hazardous conditions that can turn your roof into a liability overnight. Ignoring these risks can lead to severe injuries, property damage, and costly legal battles.
The Hidden Danger: Falling Ice and Roof Liability in Toronto
When heavy snow accumulates near roof edges and parapet walls, the heat escaping from the building combined with fluctuating outdoor temperatures causes it to melt and refreeze. This process forms massive ice dams and large, heavy icicles.
Right now, these ice formations are unstable. A sudden rise in temperature or even direct sunlight on a clear, cold day can weaken the bond between the ice and the roof edge. This can send hundreds of pounds of solid ice crashing down onto sidewalks, building entrances, loading docks, or staff parking areas.
As a property owner or manager, you have a legal responsibility to keep your premises reasonably safe. Failing to address known hazards like hanging ice can lead to negligence claims if an accident occurs. Addressing roof liability in Toronto winters means being proactive about removing these hazards before they fall.
Beyond the Edge: Blocked HVAC and Interior Risks
The danger isn’t limited to the building’s perimeter. The deep snow drifts on your roof can also create serious problems for your building’s internal systems.
Commercial HVAC units located on the rooftop need clear airflow to function correctly. Massive drifts, creating unbalanced loads, can easily block fresh air intakes and exhaust vents. This blockage can strain the system, leading to failures when heating is needed most. More critically, blocked vents can lead to poor indoor air quality and, in extreme cases, cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup inside the building.
Ensuring Safe Access for Emergency Repairs
What happens if your heating system fails during a -20°C freeze? You need an HVAC technician immediately. However, if your roof is covered in deep snow, hides buried tripping hazards, or has blocked access hatches, a responsible technician may refuse to go up there until it’s made safe.
Delaying critical repairs because of unsafe roof access puts your building’s interior pipes at risk of freezing and bursting, compounding your problems. Part of maintaining commercial building roof safety is ensuring that service pathways to critical equipment are clear and accessible.
Protect Your People and Your Business
Don’t wait for an accident to happen. The risks associated with falling ice and blocked equipment are manageable with professional help.
Protect your staff and tenants. Let Guycan manage your perimeter ice clearing and HVAC access paths. Our team has the experience and safety training to handle these hazardous winter conditions without damaging your roof membrane. Contact us today to schedule an emergency safety assessment.