Roof safety product installation — A safe roof

Roof safety products are safety devices installed on the roof that protect both roof maintenance workers and people moving in the vicinity of the building. They include snow guards, roof walkways, roof steps, ladder steps and roof ladders. In Finland, roof safety products are legally required, and their installation is regulated by building codes and the RakMK F2 guidelines.

Properly installed roof safety products prevent snow and ice from falling off the roof onto walkways, enable safe movement on the roof during maintenance work, and facilitate the work of chimney sweeps, for example. Missing or poorly maintained roof safety products can lead to serious accidents and liability for the property owner.

Snow guards prevent snow and ice masses from sliding off the roof in an uncontrolled manner. They are installed above the eaves and, where necessary, also at mid-points on long roof slopes. Snow guards typically have tubular or mesh structures that can withstand even heavy snow loads. We install snow guards in the correct sizes and positions according to the roofing material and roof slope.

Snow guards also relate to gutter protection — without snow guards, sliding snow masses can tear off gutters and damage eaves structures. Snow guards are particularly important above entrances, walkways and play areas. We only install CE-marked snow guards that meet standards and withstand Finland's snow conditions year after year.

Roof walkways enable safe movement on the roof, for example to the chimney, ventilation pipes or antenna mast. They are installed from the ridge along the slope or over the ridge to the other slope. Roof steps serve as fixed footholds for moving on the roof. They are particularly useful on steep roofs.

Roof ladders are attached to the eaves and allow safe access to the roof. They are often connected to wall ladders, forming a continuous route from the ground to the roof ridge. Ladder steps are individual steps used on gentler slopes. All roof safety products are installed through the roofing material with screws and carefully sealed to prevent leaks.

Finnish building regulations require the installation of roof safety products on all buildings with a sloped roof. Snow guards are always required above entrances, walkways, play areas and parking spaces. Roof walkways and ladders are mandatory so that roof maintenance points are safely accessible. Chimney sweeps must be able to reach the chimney safely.

Roof safety products must meet SFS standards and be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Incorrectly installed safety products do not meet regulations and can be dangerous. Professional installation ensures that the products are in proper condition for decades. We always check the requirements for each property and plan the placement of roof safety products in compliance with regulations.

The price of roof safety product installation depends on the type of products, quantity and roof structure. Individual snow guard installation starts from around 300 euros, while a complete roof safety product package for the whole house (snow guards, roof walkways, roof ladders) typically costs 1,500–4,000 euros. The price includes the products, installation and necessary fasteners.

Roof safety product installation is a worthwhile investment in safety. Missing or faulty roof safety products can lead to personal injuries and significant compensation claims. Additionally, insurance companies may deny claims if the building's roof safety products do not meet regulations. Contact us for a free survey and quote for roof safety product installation.