Sunday, February 23, 2014

Caution Urged in Clearing Snow from Roofs


Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone advises homeowners with flat roofs to be careful about clearing snow and advises them to consider hiring a roofing professional for the task for their own safety and the safety of the roof.

Experts note that while homeowners’ first concern might be a roof collapse, more common is damage caused by leaks through cracks the result of water seepage and expansion. In both cases, however, residents need to be careful about removing snow from the roof to avoid putting additional weight – their own – on flat roofs already supporting the weight of the accumulated snow, ice and water.

Roofing professionals should have the proper safety equipment. Homeowners who attempt to remove the snow themselves should practice safety and common sense, including staying away from the roof’s edge.

Experts note that while homeowners’ first concern might be a roof collapse, more common is damage caused by leaks through cracks the result of water seepage and expansion. In both cases, however, residents need to be careful about removing snow from the roof to avoid putting additional weight – their own – on flat roofs already supporting the weight of the accumulated snow, ice and water. Roofing professionals should have the proper safety equipment. Homeowners who attempt to remove the snow themselves should practice safety and common sense, including staying away from the roof’s edge.


“Flat roofs pose a particular challenge, and that challenge only increases when rain beats down on a flat roof covered with snow,” Petrone said. “This is especially true in situations when a daytime thaw is followed by a freeze overnight.”


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