Public
Safety Advisory
On Potential Roof Collapses
Dangers Associated With Heavy Snow Loads on
Roofs
The recent prolonged cold weather and repeated
snowstorms have contributed to severe roof load conditions. Compounding the situation is the short-term
weather forecast of potentially two more snowstorms over the next few days.
Homeowners,
tenants, and businesses need to be cognizant of the danger posed by heavy snow
loads on roofs, and the warning signs of potential structural weaknesses. In some instances, the risks posed by
accumulated snow on roofs can be mitigated by safely removing snow from roofs
of both commercial buildings and homes.
Because temperatures are expected to remain cold for at least the next
few days, and more snow may fall as early as this Thursday, efforts should be
undertaken now to safely remove snow from roofs.
Removing
snow from rooftops will minimize the likelihood of structural collapse. Flat and low pitched roofs, most often found
on industrial buildings, but are also used in certain home designs, are at the
greatest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations.
Lower
roofs, where snow accumulates from higher roofs are also vulnerable. Some potential
signs of imminent roof collapse.
Tips for Homeowners in removing snow and ice from
roofs and other areas
·
DO’s
·
Use a snow rake for pitched
roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.
·
Start from the edge and work
your way into the roof.
·
Try to shave the snow down to
a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk
damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
Keep in mind that any metal
tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line.
Also, metal tools will do more
damage to your roof.
Shovel snow from flat roofs
throwing the snow over the side away from the building.
Most plastic shovels are
better, except for the ones with curved blades—those too will do some damage to
your roof.
·
Remove large icicles carefully
if they're hanging over doorways and walkways.
Consider knocking down icicles through windows using a broom stick.
·
Wear protective headgear and
goggles when performing any of these tasks.
·
Consider hiring professionals
to do the job. The combination of heights plus ice makes this one of the more
dangerous house chores.
·
If you don't hire
professionals, at least have someone outside with you in case anything does go
wrong
·
Keep gutters and drains clean,
free of ice and snow and keep downspouts clean at ground level.
Tips for Homeowners in removing snow and ice from
roofs and other areas
·
DON’T’s
·
Unless approved by a
registered professional engineer, don’t add your weight or the weight
of equipment to the roof.
·
Don’t use a ladder since ice tends to build up on both
the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots.
·
Don’t use electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to
remove snow and ice.
·
Don’t use open-flame devices to remove snow and ice.
According
to Meteorologist Tony Petrarca, a cubic foot of dry snow weighs about seven
pounds, while a cubic foot of wet snow weighs anywhere from 12 to 18 pounds.
So, if it's possible, hire someone to help with all of the snow clearing.
How to Recognize Problems with Roofs
·
Sagging roofs
·
Severe roof leaks
·
Cracked or split wood members
·
Bends or ripples in supports
·
Cracks in walls or masonry
·
Sheared off screws from steel
frames
·
Sprinkler heads that have
dropped down below ceiling tiles
·
Doors that pop open
·
Doors or windows that are difficult
to open
·
Bowed utility pipes or conduit
attached at ceiling
·
Creaking, cracking or popping
sounds
Other Safety Tips for Homeowners
·
Make
sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
·
Check outside fuel and dryer
exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never
use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or
cooking device. Never use your oven for
heat.
·
Clear snow away from furnace and dryer
exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
·
Ice dams can cause major
damage to a home or building. Ice dams occur
after a heavy snowfall, followed by several days or even weeks of very cold
weather. An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof,
usually at the gutters or soffit. When it forms, the water backs up behind the
ice dams and creates a pool. This pool of water can leak into your home and
cause damage to your walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas. Please refer to the following link where WT
Phalen Insurance provides additional information and guidance about how
to cope with ice dams.
·
Space heaters need space, so
use them in a 3-foot circle of safety; free of anything that may catch fire. Space
heaters are not designed to replace your central heating system; they are only
designed to provide a little extra heat on a temporary basis. So be sure to
turn them off when you leave room or go to bed at night.
·
Clear
snow away from downspouts so water has a place to go.
·
Do not
be tempted to use a heat gun or open flame torch to melt the ice; the risk of
starting a fire is huge.
·
Also,
please remember to shovel-out fire hydrants in\around your area in case of
emergency. See the Massachusetts
Emergency Management web link below for additional information about winter and
fire safety tips.
·
If you
feel you are in immediate danger, get outside and call 9-1-1.
Tips for businesses in removing snow and ice from
roofs and other areas
·
DO’s
·
The same
tips apply. However, if you are going to
use a snow blower, make sure that it has been approved by a structural engineer
to be used on a roof, and that the blower is set to a high level above the roof
so as not to damage roof membrane.
·
Use a snow rake for pitched
roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.
·
Start from the edge and work
your way into the roof.
·
Try to shave the snow down to
a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk
damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
Keep in mind that any metal
tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line.
Also, metal tools will do more
damage to your roof.
Shovel snow from flat roofs
throwing the snow over the side away from the building.
Most plastic shovels are
better, except for the ones with curved blades—those too will do some damage to
your roof.
·
Remove large icicles carefully
if they're hanging over doorways and walkways.
·
Wear protective headgear and
goggles when performing any of these tasks.
·
Keep gutters, downspouts and
drains clean.
How to Recognize Problems with Roofs in Commercial
Buildings
·
Many of the same apply - added
·
Sagging roof steel – visually
deformed
·
Severe roof leaks
·
Cracked or split wood members
·
Bends or ripples in metal supports
·
Cracks in walls or masonry
·
Cracks in welds of steel construction
·
Sheared off screws from steel
frames
·
Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling
tiles
·
Water puddles where it never
has before
·
Doors that pop open
·
Doors or windows that are
difficult to open
·
Bowed utility pipes or conduit
attached at ceiling
·
Creaking, cracking or popping
sounds
What to do if you have problems
·
Call your local building or
fire official.
·
If there is imminent danger,
evacuate the building and call 911.
What other assistance is available?
·
Many fire departments have regional
technical rescue teams available to local departments in case of collapse.
·
Massachusetts Task Force 1 is
an Urban Search and Rescue Team in Beverly.
The team is comprised of Police, Fire, EMS and Civilians who respond to
major disasters under a contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA). Currently there are 150 people on the MATF-1 team.
