Important Information about the Threat of Roof Collapse due to Snow Buildup

Residents and business owners should be aware of the danger posted by heavy snow loads, and the warning signs of potential structural weaknesses. Removing snow from rooftops will minimize the likelihood of roof collapse.

Please see tips for homeowners on removing snow and ice from roofs:
Link to Mass. Dept. of Public Safety Advisory on Potential Roof Collapses

Also see below information and tips, courtesy of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

MEMA INFORMATION ABOUT THE THREAT OF ROOF COLLAPSE
Additional Snow Buildup Can Present Dangers

FRAMINGHAM, MA – “With the threat of approaching storms, additional snow can add weight and stress to the roofs of structures if not cleared. Also, for areas that get rain, the dry, fluffy snow piled on roofs can act as a sponge, absorbing any additional sleet and rain,” says Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. “Flat, commercial roofs are most susceptible if they are not draining properly.”

To minimize the risk of over-stressing a building roof due to accumulated or drifting snow:

• Be on the alert for large accumulating snow build-up or snowdrifts on your roofs.

• If roof snow can be removed, from the ground, with the use of a snow rake (available at most hardware stores), do so. Use caution, as metal snow rakes conduct electricity if they come into contact with a power line. Protective headgear and eye protection is recommended.

• Try to avoid working from ladders, as ladder rungs tend to ice up. Snow and ice collect on boot soles, and metal ladders.

• Flat roofs can be shoveled clear, but only if it is determined that the roof is safe to stand upon. Exercise care when on the roof to avoid potentially dangerous falls.

• Flat roof drainage systems should be kept clear to minimize the risk of excess roof ponding in the event of subsequent heavy rainfall or melting.

• Large icicles can form on roof overhangs, but do not necessarily mean ice damming is occurring. Icicles overhanging doorways and walkways can be dangerous and should be carefully removed.

• All of the suggested actions should only be performed by able-bodied adults, as the snow is heavy, and roofs and other surfaces may be slippery. If you are unable to safely remove the snow yourself, hire a qualified professional.

For additional information about MEMA, go to www.mass.gov/mema . Also, follow MEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA ; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA ; and YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA . Massachusetts Alerts: to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for additional information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp .