During the past six weeks, wherever snow and ice storms have hit hard throughout the United States, roofs have been collapsing. And hitting the news with more frequency, are reports of roofs collapsing at gas stations, athletic facilities and self storage facilities, mainly due to their flat rooftops which make them especially susceptible to buildup. Authorities are reviewing with business owners the warning signs of a collapsing roof and what should be done to keep roofs clear.
Many local governments in snowstorm hit areas have already exhausted their snow removal budgets for the year. It is one of the signs of a ferocious winter with spring still far in the distance. Many business owners with flat rooftops, such as the self storage industry, have to contend with a heavier problem from the snow buildup. Because roofs at storage facilities don’t slope, providing a natural runoff route for melting snow and ice, the accumulation can be extremely heavy and dangerous. Authorities are making two major suggestions for businesses with flat rooftops:
- 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.
The accumulation of ice can create an “ice dam” causing heavy deposits of water to pool under layers of snow and ice on the roof. 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.
If a business owner suspects a roof collapse they should immediately evacuate the building and call 911. Before a roof collapses, buildings generally exhibit warning signs. Following are warning signs of a potential collapse:
- Sagging roof steel – visually deformed
- 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 in ponds where it never has before
- Doors or windows that are difficult to open
- Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
- Creaking, cracking or popping sounds
The most recent self storage roof collapse in the news, was the roof of a Muskegon, Mich., storage warehouse that collapsed Feb. 13 under the weight of snow and ice, damaging cars, recreational vehicles and boats stored inside. The 70,000 sq. ft. building was used to house a large number of vehicles, boats and recreational vehicles. There was significant damage to vehicles inside.
Sources Used:
“Roof Collapse Warning Signs.” WPRI.com. Feb. 2, 2011.
Winokoor, Charles. “Roof Collapses at Muskegon’s Park Street Storage From Weight of Snow.” Mlive.com. Feb. 13, 2011.
“Snow, Ice Begin Collapsing Roofs Across Northeast.” Boston.com. Feb. 2, 2011.