The Problem
Once the snow is on the roof, the question quickly becomes urgent: How heavy is the load? When must we act? And how do we avoid unnecessary costs from premature or incorrect snow removal?
Snow load risk
Many organizations hire external contractors for snow removal, roof clearing and patrols. This reduces the operational burden but does not eliminate the need for internal control.
Most property owners lack systems to measure actual snow load on the roof. Clearing decisions are based on visual assessment or patrols — not data.
Snow can weigh hundreds of kilos per square meter. Wet snow, packed snow and ice create loads that are impossible to assess without measurement. Once the snow is on the roof, the question quickly becomes urgent: How heavy is the load?
Clearing the roof too early means high costs. Clearing too late means structural risk and personal liability. Without measurement data, it is impossible to time it right.
Contractors and patrol staff make visual assessments but cannot determine the actual weight. If patrols are missed or assessments are wrong, the roof load can reach critical levels.
Insurance
Insurance terms are clear: the property owner is responsible for snow removal. Without documentation and control, compensation is denied.
From insurance terms — 1.7.1.8 Storm, hail or snow overload
"The insurance covers damage to insured property through snow overload on the roof. Damage through snow overload means the property has been damaged under the weight of snow. Special safety regulations regarding snow removal apply for snow overload."
It is the insurance company that decides whether the damage is compensable. Insurance companies disclaim liability for external factors like snow load if the property owner cannot demonstrate that inspections and actions were taken.
According to the terms, roofs must be cleared considering weather conditions to prevent large amounts of snow from accumulating. If the roof is not cleared, no compensation is provided.
The property owner bears full risk until proven otherwise. Without inspection, action and documented measurements, the cost falls on the owner.
Insurance does not cover damage from melting hail or melting snow. Snow overload requires that safety regulations for snow removal have been followed — otherwise compensation is reduced or denied.
Responsibility
Many organizations hire external contractors for snow removal and patrols. This reduces the operational burden but does not eliminate the need for internal control. If patrols are missed, assessments are wrong, or actions are delayed, the roof load can reach critical levels.
If the roof collapses or deforms, everyone inside the building is at risk. Work environment legislation places clear requirements on employers and property owners to ensure a safe environment.
A roof collapse or emergency snow removal can force the business to shut down — with major financial consequences.
Structural failures caused by overload can lead to millions in repair costs and lengthy insurance processes.
Emergency responses cost significantly more than planned actions. Both property owners and operations managers can be held liable if snow risks are not detected and addressed in time.
That is why someone internally needs clear decision-making data, traceability and current status. NevoSens provides real-time data, alarms and documentation that strengthens control between client and contractor.