Safety officials warn of roof collapse danger

Shoveling a roof should be done with extreme caution, or left to a professional. (Lebanon Voice file photo)

CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire Safety officials are cautioning area residents that even though recent snows have been light and fluffy, homeowners should be alert to the dangers of roof collapse.

"Light snow doesn't pose the same risk, but we don't know when we might get a dump of rain, which is going to act like a thick sponge," said Matthew Labonte, supervisor of the state's Bureau of Building Safety and Construction.

In a press release today from New Hampshire Fire Marshal J. William Degnan, he noted there is a definite urgency to clear roofs of snow and ice that has accumulated during the past few weeks.

A roof may collapse with little or no warning, and one common misconception is that only flat roofs are susceptible to collapse. High roof parapets can accumulate significant drifting snow, especially during wind events.

The following warning signs could indicate that you have a danger of roof collapse. You should immediately evacuate the building and notify your local building official, fire department, or contact a structural engineer to determine if the building is safe if you observe the following:

Sagging roof steel - visually deformed

Severe or new roof leaks

Cracked or split wood members

Bends or ripples in metal supports

Recent cracks in walls, drywall or masonry

Cracks in welds of steel construction

Sheared off screws from steel frames

Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles

Doors that pop open

Doors or windows that are difficult to open

Bowed utility pipes or conduits attached to the ceiling

Creaking, cracking or popping sounds

Past fire investigations have determined that gas service to some buildings have been damaged due to heavy snow loads and snow sliding off of roofs onto gas meters and components. Also snow sliding off of roofs onto outside oil tanks has caused valves and filters to be broken off. The State Fire Marshal urges all citizens to do the following:

Clear roofs of excessive snow and ice buildup, being careful not to damage gas and oil service to the building. Clearing the roof can be dangerous and should be left to professionals. Using a roof rake is recommended while keeping away from electrical lines.

Keep all chimneys and vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide from backing up into the building. Some vents, such as pellet stove vents, may exit the building through a wall and are susceptible to being blocked by excessive snow buildup on the outside of the building.

Keep all exits clear of snow, so that occupants can escape quickly if a fire, or other emergency, should occur. Keep in mind that windows should be cleared to allow a secondary means of escape in case the primary means of escape is blocked by fire.

Keeping exits clear also allows emergency workers to access your building.

Specific fire and building safety questions can be answered by local fire and building officials or by contacting the State Fire Marshal's Office at 223-4289.