While many people focus on driveways and parking lots and digging out their cars after a major snowfall, New Brunswick’s fire marshal is reminding people not to forget about snow accumulating on roofs.
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In light of the recent snowfalls in New Brunswick, fire marshal Douglas Browne is urging owners of large commercial buildings to consider getting the roofs cleared, as heavy snow can put them at risk of collapse or structural damage, among other dangers.
“Snow accumulation brings risks of roof collapse, fire, explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning related to fuel heating systems,” Browne said in a release.
Browne said gas service to buildings can also be damaged from heavy snow, and snow sliding off roofs. Sliding snow can also damage valves and filters on oil tanks.
What should property owners do to prevent collapses and damage?
- Have professionals clear roofs of excessive snow and ice buildup, being careful not to damage gas and oil service to the building.
- Keep chimneys and vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) from backing up into the building — some vents, like pellet stove vents, may exit through a wall making them particularly susceptible.
- Ensure that you have a working CO alarm in your home.
- 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.
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Casey Butler of Casey Butler Roofing told Global News people should not try and do the work themselves.
“You definitely want to hire the professionals to get up there,” Butler said. “The last thing you want is someone hurt in this situation. You make a bad situation worse.”
Butler added that “every roof is different” when it comes to how it handles snow, so people should take a walk around their property and “have a good look.”
Browne also said roofs can collapse with little or warning, but assured there are warning signs that could tell you your roof is in danger. Should you see any, Browne says you should evacuate the building immediately and call a local building official, fire department or structural engineer.
What warning signs should property owners look for?
- 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
– With files from Jeremy Keefe, Global News
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