Microclimate Ice and Snow Inc.

Sloping or stepped façades pose complications to the collection and behavior of precipitation. A sloped facade’s horizontal vector increases the collection of ice, snow and rain water compared to a vertical façade, this is further complicated by the compounding effect of sliding snow and draining rain or melt water on the façade surface. The resulting increased accumulation and compounding volumes of snow and water intensifies the potential for falling ice or icicles.

Buildings with complex roof surfaces such as those that are curved, sloped, contain roof steps or have other complex geometries can be sensitive to hazardous ice and snow movement and release. It is our experience that the combination of roof slope, size, complexity of design often produce sliding, slumping and drifting snow, as well as the migration of melt water, that result in unanticipated or unidentified occurrences of static and impact loading, damage or release of significant volumes of ice and snow.

Exterior structures constructed on rooftops, mounted to façades or situated on building sites are exposed to the elements and can pose a hazard from ice and snow accumulation and release. These structures include: spires, towers, pedestrian bridges, structural supports, wing walls, signage, artwork, monuments, vehicular bridges, etc.

A building or structure that is situated near high-density pedestrian or vehicular traffic, requires accessibility 24/7/365 or has limited operational presence to monitor and maintain the building and site, may require stringent assessment criteria or mitigation planning to maintain a safe environment for people and property.

Complex building geometries or added features on a building’s envelope can result in increased ice and snow accumulations on façade and roof surfaces. These complex geometries and their potential risk and hazards need to be identified in order to mitigate the risk during the building design stage and the identification of operational procedures for management during severe or unusual winter weather events.

High-performance characteristics or complexity within a building envelope or in its design have been shown to produce unanticipated and increased ice and snow accumulation that has the potential to be hazardous or onerous to building operations.
Façade complexities of a façade include: double façades, rain screen façades, articulated façades, façades with integrated or protruding solar shade devises, dynamic façades, etc.