Protecting Passengers at York Region Transit Bus Terminal
Safe Roof Experts supplied and installed an ORIMA LE3 steel tubular snow guard system at the York Region Transit Bus Terminal in Newmarket, Ontario.
The project was completed for the Public Works Department of The Regional Municipality of York to eliminate the risk of falling snow above a public passenger waiting area.
The Challenge
Large amounts of snow accumulated on the east-facing asphalt shingle roof directly above the bus platform. During freeze-thaw cycles, the entire snowpack could suddenly slide from the roof, creating a serious hazard for passengers below.
Because this is a municipal transit facility, pedestrian safety and liability reduction were the primary objectives.
Why Heat Cables Didn’t Solve the Problem
Before our involvement, heat cables had been installed along the roof edge in an attempt to reduce snow accumulation.
While heat cables can help control ice dams, they cannot retain an entire snowpack. In many situations they actually increase the risk of a sudden roof avalanche by melting the lower layer of snow while leaving the upper snow mass unsupported.
Learn more about proper snow retention design using our Snow Guards Calculator.
Our Solution
Safe Roof Experts recommended an engineered ORIMA LE3 tubular snow retention system, powder-coated to match the existing asphalt shingle roof.
The system now controls the movement of the entire snowpack instead of allowing dangerous roof avalanches.
Project Results
- Improved passenger safety
- Controlled snow retention across the roof slope
- Reduced liability for the municipality
- Long-term solution without relying on heat cables
- Colour-matched finish that blends with the existing roof
Products Used
ORIMA LE3 Steel Tubular Snow Guards
