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General News: Heavy Snow May Lead to Structural Damage
February 01, 2011
Last March, we experienced a major snow storm that caused major structural damage and collapse of residential and commercial occupancies throughout our community and the Northeast. This winter has be especially harsh as it seems we have been experiencing significant snow fall every week. Our area is expecting another winter event mid week and please take heed of the following information and notice from the National Weather Service:
Accumulated ice and snow loads coupled with extreme cold can lead to roofing failures. Although such failures are rare, there are several roof types and conditions which you should be particularly mindful of:
Low sloped roofs
Check low slope or “flat” roof construction (i.e., roofs with less than ½ inch per foot slope) for significant ice/snow accumulation. Roof drains should be free flowing (not frozen or clogged with debris), to allow melted water to run off the roof. Evidence of significant internal water leakage, deflection (sagging) of structural members, or any movement in exterior walls or parapets should be considered signs of a potential roof failure.
Light frame construction and “minor” roofs
Check smaller commercial and utility buildings (usually less than 10,000 square feet) with low-sloped roofs, and lightweight bar joist or wood truss roof structural support systems to be certain that structural integrity is being maintained. Evidence of significant water leakage or movement in structural supports or exterior walls/parapets should be noted and appropriate measures taken. Be sure to examine “minor” roofs such as canopies over building entries, small storage sheds or shelters, which may also have lighter structural support systems.
Agricultural buildings
Check barns, agricultural storage facilities and similar structures for significant snow/ice accumulations. Assess roofs with lighter-weight structural support systems or buildings that show evidence of structural damage.
Drifted Snow Accumulations
High winds may cause significant snowdrifts on roof surfaces, which can add substantial loading to portions of a roof and contribute to a failure. This is especially true of large flat roof structures—commercial warehouses, factories, arenas and large retail buildings—where snowdrifts can cover larger areas and where mechanical equipment or other rooftop features allow drifts to readily form. Smaller pitched roof surfaces can also exhibit significant accumulations due to drifting in “valleys” and areas where sloped roof surfaces come together.
Safe Removal of Accumulated Snow and Ice
Excess snow and ice accumulations can be safely removed from roofs. In most cases, however, only experienced and qualified roofing contractors should only undertake this work. Private property owners, including homeowners, should not remove snow and ice accumulations from roof surfaces. Snow rakes can be safely used to remove snow from residential roofs from the ground; however, contact with power lines is a serious concern. Anyone who is not certain of safe roof snow and ice removal practices should contact a qualified roofing contractor.
For further information, visit the links at the bottom of this story or email Kurt W. Hahn, Emergency Manager at [email protected] or call the Town or Village Hall.
Here is a SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT from the National Weather Service (NOAA)
AFTER SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT SNOW STORMS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS...A DEEP SNOWPACK REMAINS ACROSS A LARGE PORTION OF THE TRI- STATE AREA. A GENERAL 10 TO 30 INCHES OF SNOW DEPTH REMAINS ON THE GROUND...WITH THE DEEPEST SNOW DEPTH VALUES ACROSS CONNECTICUT. 3 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW WATER EQUIVALENT IS IN THE CURRENT SNOWPACK ACROSS THE AREA. THIS RESULTS IN A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF WEIGHT PER SQUARE FOOT. THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPORTS OF COLLAPSED ROOFS DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE SNOW...AND WITH THE THREAT OF YET ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT STORM SYSTEM EXPECTED DURING THE MIDDLE OF THIS WEEK...NOW IS THE TIME FOR RESIDENTS AND BUILDING OWNERS TO TAKE PREVENTATIVE ACTION TO SAFELY REMOVE SNOW FROM FLAT ROOF TOPS AND DECKS.
Links of Interest:
FEMA Winter Hazard Guide
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/index.shtm
National Weather Service
www.noaa.gov
Ready.Gov - Emergency Preparedness Information
www.ready.gov
Comments:
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holy cow! the sky IS falling!
posted by Kate Benson on 02/01/11 at 9:47 PM
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does this mean u can go to covac in case of emergency--like if a family member is on oxygen and electric is out ?
posted by Linda Bates on 02/02/11 at 12:04 AM
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