Despite the recent warm weather and melting snow the danger of collapsing roofs is not going away.
ìThis winter is one that we will all remember,î said Jim Pendergast, Town of Penhold fire chief. ìHowever, danger from snow is not just on the sidewalks and roadways, it is also on the roofs of our houses and sheds.î
Innisfail and area has not seen a collapse but Red Deer County has had one barn cave in, and tents have been damaged at Red Deer's Westerner.
ìSnow is heavy, and while our houses and industrial buildings are built to withstand that kind of pressure our outbuildings are not,î added Pendergast. ìIt is important to keep our roofs clear of snow. Collapses are dangerous, and possibly life threatening.î
Not only is snow a danger, but the freeze/thaw cycle can create ice dams above doors which spill onto sidewalks and steps increasing threat due to slippage, said Pendergast.
He said clearing roofs of snow can be done safely, if a number of safety precautions are in place.
ìThose on the roof should be tied safely to an anchor in case of slippage due to ice or mis-steps, and while it is good to get rid of the snow, it should be shoveled to an area where it will not melt onto a sidewalk and create more ice,î said Pendergast. ìThere is a risk of injury, and care should be exercised both by workers and observers.î
The main goal of snow removal is to decrease the amount of snow on the load bearing beams in your home. To protect your shingles from shovel damage it is advisable to keep a thin layer of snow, said Pendergast. Specialized snow tools such as snow rakes are available.
Pendergast added that roof cleaning can be done by homeowners but in the event of diminished physical ability a roof cleaning company should be contacted to protect your property.
