As we put this last storm behind us and look forward to the next round of what mother nature has in store for us, rain for some, snow for others and a mix yet for some areas, we need to think about protecting our buildings. Once you get your driveways, walks, decks, stairs cleared of snow. Don't forget about vents, fire hydrants, sidewalks and your mailbox. It is a lot of work but there is another big one to clear, your roof, especially those that do not have slopes. Roofs just cannot handle all the added weight of snow, ice and water. This morning there is already an early report of a barn roof collapsing and cows being trapped so get out there before the next round of perception moves in and you are calling your insurance company.
For more on the barn roof story, click here http://www.wcvb.com/news/cows-trapped-in-framingham-barn-roof-collapse/24555862
Safety notice from Stoneham, MA
Public
Safety Advisory
On Potential Roof Collapses
Dangers
Associated With Heavy Snow Loads on Roofs
Over
the past 36 hours, there have been over 70 reports of roof collapses or
buildings with potential structural damage from the weight of snow and ice
loads on roofs. While these incidents
have occurred throughout the Commonwealth, the majority have taken place in
eastern Massachusetts. In many
instances, homes and businesses have been evacuated as a result of collapses or
safety concerns resulting from indications of structural weaknesses. In a normal winter season, there may be a
handful of such events, making this season, with its heavy snowfall, extremely
unique. The current severe roof load
conditions are the result of the recent prolonged cold weather and repeated
snowstorms. Short periods of rain that
get absorbed in the snowpack on roofs have also made matters even worse. Compounding the situation is the short-term
weather forecast of potentially two more snowstorms in the next week.
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 weekend, 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.
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 drifts or
accumulates from higher roofs are also vulnerable. Some potential
signs of imminent roof collapse.
·
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.
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 you smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
·
Check your 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.
·
Space heaters need space, so
use them in a 3-foot circle of safety; free of anything that 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.
·
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.
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