Roof Collapse from Heavy Snow and Ice

Roof Collapse from Heavy Snow and Ice

Heavy snow and ice on residential and commercial roofs can lead to potential leakage problems and ultimately roof collapse. It is important to check with an expert to determine your risk to damage in the event there is snow and ice build up on the roof. Commercial building are more susceptible to collapse because many have flat roofs.

Here are a few word from trusted experts when to come to roof snow removal:

“Enough snow on the wrong roof could cause it to collapse. The funny thing is that you want your roof to have snow. If the snow doesn’t melt, your attic insulation is doing its job. But if there’s too much snow and ice the roof can collapse. Flat roofs are especially vulnerable. Some municipalities even ask homeowners to remove snow from flat rooftops, overhangs and gutters — especially if the area has been hit with a few snow and ice storms.”

– Mike Holmes

Source: Removing snow, ice is everyone’s responsibility
National Post, Jan 2013

“If you have a flat-top roof, check for cracks and huge snow loads. Huge snow loads on flat roofs need to be removed or get someone to remove it for you.”

– Ernie Polsom, Deputy Fire Chief

Source: Canoe.ca, Jan 2011

We’ve also put together some imagery of roof collapses due to heavy snow and ice damming.

A man slips as he clears snow off the roof of his house, which is under construction, in Gagangeri, northeast of Srinagar. Heavy snowfall across Kashmir prompted authorities to issue an avalanche warning for areas lying close to the mountains.

On January 18, 1978, the Civic Center roof collapsed six hours after UConn defeated UMass 56-49 at the Civic Center. It collapsed into the arena below with a prolonged rumble, at 4:19 a.m. The roof collapse was attributed to the weight of accumulated snow and ice from a 10-day storm.

BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – A man is dead after the roof of a Kmart in Brigham City collapsed on Tuesday. Dale Smith with the Brigham City Fire Dept. says that construction crews were on the roof of the old Kmart store at 990 South Main Street in Brigham City conducting a planned demolition at around 3 p.m. when one of the workers left the rooftop for unknown reasons. Other workers retreated back off the rooftop for the demolition when the roof collapsed sooner than they’d anticipated.

Prevent your barn roof from collapsing from too much snow. www.livingthecoun...

Today I got a bottle of Snow Phoenix Whisky: "In 2010, twice a winter’s worth of snow fell on the Glenfddich distillery roofs in just a few weeks. Bearing the weight of a herd of elephants, a few collapsed. The bright winter sky poured in, and standing amongst precious casks, the Malt Master was inspired to mark this moment in history."

Montreal is close to breaking a record in snow fall, last held in 1971 With 3,8 meter (12’-6”). But in the Laurentians, 70 km North of Montreal, snow fall already surpassed 4 meters (over 13’). Recently a roof collapsed and killed 3 people in Morin Height.

A roof on a home in Selden, Long Island, NY gave way under the weight of the snow and collapsed. The husband was shoveling outside at the time it happened while the wife was inside and came running out screaming, uninjured. With that said, rain tomorrow is going to greatly add to the weight of snow on people's homes and increase the likelihood of roof damage or collapse. If you can safely do so, please take the time today to clear off your roof.

Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 A house is buried in snow in the fishing town of Cordova, Alaska. Residents have turned to the state to help them dig out of massive snow levels that have collapsed roofs, triggered avalanches and even covered doors, trapping some people in their homes.

A man stands on a house buried in snow in the fishing town of Cordova, Ak. Residents have turned to the state to help them dig out of massive snow levels that have collapsed roofs, triggered avalanches and even covered doors, trapping some people in their homes.

The Metrodome roof collapse. As if the stadium wasn't already an embarrassment enough, on December 12, 2010, after a blizzard that dumped 17" of snow on the city, the Dome's roof collapsed. Rather than play a home game that Sunday, the Vikings had to play the Giants at Detroit's Ford Field on Monday. And the Vikes' remaining home game had to be played at TCF Bank Stadium. The damage cost around 18 million dollars to repair.

Snow the cause of another roof collapse | Metro

The roof of the Terra Alta Mountaineer Mart's gas station collapsed under heavy snow Thursday. The gas station is along W.Va. 7 in Preston County. Image courtesy of WDTV

#CoverageCuriosity: If #snow causes my roof to collapse, will my #homeowners #insurance cover the damage? Click through the picture to find out. #winter #home #house

Take steps for roof snow removal to avoid a roof collapse from all that heavy snow.

Kiev : A man clears snow on January 31, 2013 on the canopy roof above a shopping mall entrance after heavy snowfall in central Kiev, Ukraine. AFP PHOTO/SERGEI SUPINSKY

If you are in need of roof snow and/or ice dam removal services please feel free to call Roof Snow Removal Ottawa for assistance at (613) 263-3513.

Give us a chance to earn your trust and your business. Roof Snow Removal Ottawa is a locally-owned roof snow and ice dam removal company that specializes in residential and commercial jobs.

Owner, Ben Ozorak, prides himself on the quality of service provided to each and everyone of his customers.