Given the fact that in Southern Maryland after this past snow storm, businesses, governments and individuals experienced a number of structural failures due to excessive snow weight, area officials have stepped up inspection efforts.
So far, the area has experienced collapses an structural failures in a number of different types of buildings including Mechanicsville Post Office, St. John’s Church School, Quality Moving and Storage, a thrift store in Waldorf and a recreation facility in Calvert. Individuals have reported structural failures for a number of porches and extension across the region.
In St. Mary’s County, the Department of Land Use and Management performed a damage assessment around the county which led to the evacuation of the Patuxent Building in the County Government campus housing the Sheriff’s Office, Land Use and Management and Treasurer’s Office and more.
St. Mary’s County Public Schools report that a roof inspection team checked all school properties around the county and fortunately found no problems. According to Superintendent, Dr. Michael J. Martirano school officials addressed any issues that were thought to be potential problems and will continue to monitor school structures daily.
On Feb. 9, Calvert County issued a warning for all businesses and county residents to monitor the snow and ice accumulations on roofs and to call 911 if there are any failures. However, residents around the region are cautioned to not go onto rooftops in order to remove snow. The additional weight could trigger a collapse.
That was the case on Tuesday when a man clearing snow off his roof in Upper Marlboro caused his roof to collapse, throwing him some 20 feet to the ground where he experienced severe injuries.
There are certain signs that businesses and homeowners should know that may indicate an overly stressed roof. For instance, if a door does not close and/or windows suddenly do not work as they did prior to the snow, there might be too much snow load on the roof. This excess weight can stress ceiling and roof joists and supports to the point of collapse.
Flat roof designs are more susceptible to snow loading factors that can lead to failure than pitched roof designs. Buildings that are not heated are also more apt to suffer structural damage than heated buildings which help to reduce snow load by melting snow before a hazardous accumulation occurs.
Those finding signs of roof stress, should contact a qualified contractor to inspect before a catastrophic failure occurs. If a roof does give way, those affected should call 9-1-1 for assistance.
