 Snow-Climate
Design
Services | Projects
IRCI provides snow-climate design for new roofing, reroofing, waterproofing, exterior building finishes,
traffic coating, repair, and maintenance projects.
Ice dams and icicles typically occur as a result of melting snow
that runs to and freezes at locations on the roof where the ambient
temperature is below 32°F. Ice dams typically occur along eave
edges when ice builds up, creating a dam that backs water up the
roof slope and under the roofing materials. Ice dams can cause leaking
when special flashings and/or special underlayment have not been
used. Snow consolidation over time can have the same effect as ice
dams. In addition to leaking, excessive roof snow and ice buildup
can cause damage to rooftop building components and falling snow and ice can pose a danger
to people and property below.
Ice melt Systems
Ice melt systems are one way to reduce or eliminate problems associated
with excessive snow and ice buildup. Ice melt systems typically
include self-regulating and non-self-regulating heat cable.
IRCI can reduce or eliminate snow and ice buildup problems by evaluating
the need for ice melt systems and designing the most suitable and
cost-effective solutions.
Snow-Retention Devices
Some types of roofing systems allow snow to slide, which can cause
damage to rooftop building components and pose a danger to people
and property below. Snow-retention devices can reduce or eliminate
snow sliding. Snow-retention devices include clips, brackets, and
fences.
IRCI can solve snow sliding problems by designing suitable snow-retention
devices.
Services
Our snow-climate services include the following:
Surveys, Evaluations, and Recommendations
- Conduct visual surveys to determine the need for new ice melt
systems and snow-retention devices, or determine the suitability
of existing ice melt systems and snow-retention devices and the
need for repair, replacement, or improvement
- Surveys include written reports with
a description of conditions observed, evaluations, recommendations
for the most suitable and cost-effective options, estimated
costs for design services and construction work, digital video,
digital photographs, and photographs
Design and Specification
- Prepare or review specifications, plans, and detail drawings
to install new or repair existing roofing, waterproofing, exterior building finishes and traffic coatings to ensure
durable and watertight systems where extreme snow and ice buildup
occur
- Prepare or review specifications, plans, and detail drawings
to install new or repair or improve existing ice melt systems
and snow-retention devices
Project Administration and Coordination
- Prepare specifications, drawings, and contracts.
- Secure bids from qualified contractors.
- Coordinate the work of design professionals and contractors.
- Perform quality assurance observations of the work in progress.
- Compile final project reports, including pertinent product data,
contracts, specifications, plans and drawings, as-built drawings,
observation reports and photographs, change orders, correspondence,
final observations, checklists, and guarantees and warranties.
Quality Assurance Observations
- Provide one-time, part-time, or full-time daily observations
during construction to ensure proper installation.
- Submit written reports with photographs as needed.
Consulting
- Answer questions and provide comparative information about installing
new or repairing or improving existing ice melt systems and snow-retention
devices.
- Answer questions and provide information concerning design,
construction, and related issues.
- Provide comparative analysis of materials and systems including
pertinent product data, its advantages and disadvantages, and
comparative costs.
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Projects
Significant and unique snow-climate design projects include the
following:
 Utah
State Governor's Mansion, Salt Lake City, Utah
Roofing type: standing-seam copper panel roofing
Snow-retention device: 1/2-inch stainless steel plate integrated
with the gutter
Ice melt system: hot glycol tubing set in lightweight concrete
in gutters and other drainage areas
 Rio
Grande Railroad Station, Salt Lake City, Utah
Roofing type: clay tile
Snow-retention system: stainless steel fence
IRCI has extensive experience with other snow-climate design projects
throughout the Intermountain West that have included ski resorts,
lodges, condominiums, and residences in the following locations:
- Alta, Utah
- Brian Head, Utah
- Brighton, Utah
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Park City, Utah
- Snowbird, Utah
- Solitude, Utah
- Sun Valley, Idaho
Additional project information with photographs, client references, and contacts
available on request.
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