EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an emergency bulletin from Maryland Emergency Management Agency.

 

Faced with unprecedented snow loads on flat roofs around our region, the Department of Public Safety is recommending that building owners and residents of those buildings be aware of the weight loads that these back-to-back storms may be creating. ONLY SEND QUALIFIED PEOPLE TO INSPECT ROOFS AND MAKE SURE ALL APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES ARE FOLLOWED.

 

Property owners or residents should take the following precautions:

 

Before A Storm

  • Review the roof’s design to be certain it can support the weight of snow, ice and water or any additional live load. Look for weaknesses and reinforce it if necessary, particularly where increased weight from drifting is likely.
  • Make certain gutters, drains, downspouts and scuppers are clear and in good condition.
  • Determine a safe snow depth for the roof and plan to begin removal when accumulated snow reaches half that depth.
  • Develop a snow removal plan that includes roofs, skylights, canopies and overhangs. Assign individuals to be responsible for monitoring, snow removal, etc.
  • Be ready to put the snow removal plan into effect immediately, especially in windy weather when snow will drift and accumulate.

During A Storm

  • Monitor the weather and condition of the roof.
  • Inspect roofs for leaks or structural deficiencies that may develop during the storm.
  • Clear leaves, snow, ice, silt, or other debris from gutters, drains, downspouts, and scuppers.

After A Storm

  • Have a professional licensed contractor remove all snow immediately from every roof surface, including roof overhangs and covered porches.
  • Remove snow from side walls to prevent high snow mounds from pushing them in.
  • Temporarily shore up and brace dipping or sagging roofs or walls.
  • Verify that drains are clear of ice and snow to allow melting and runoff. If the roof is pitched and without drains, open paths to the eaves to ensure drainage and prevent ponding.
  • Avoid ice dams by keeping the attic well ventilated so snow doesn’t melt and refreeze at the roof’s edge. Also make certain the attic floor is well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising from the house into the attic.

Here are several other points to consider:

  • Improper operation of doors or windows, deflection of ceiling finishes or exposed beams, roof leaks or sprinkler heads moved for their normal positions all could be signs of roof failure.
  • Barns and other agricultural out buildings could present a safety hazard. Be especially careful when entering those buildings and make prudent decisions about housing animals in those structures.
  • Contact a structural engineer, building inspector or other qualified individual if you are concerned about the structural integrity of a build