Follow These Steps if Heavy Snow has Collapsed Your Roof
Safety First
Evacuate immediately. Get out of the house as quickly as possible. A roof collapse is a serious structural failure that can affect other parts of the home.
Call 9-1-1. Report the incident to emergency services. Gas and electricity should be shut off promptly.
Stay away from the building. Avoid going back into the structure or being too near it due to potential gas leaks, damaged wiring, and other hazards.
Don’t re-enter. Even after the collapse, it’s uncertain what other structural elements may be compromised. You may hear creaking or moaning sounds from the remaining roof.
Seek Professional Help
Call Premiere Restoration, and our experts will arrive quickly to assess the situation and recommend the next steps. Besides the obvious damage, there could be bowed or cracked roof framing members, and doors/windows may not function normally. As a licensed contractor, Premiere Restoration will determine the extent of the damage and can make those repairs and restore damaged personal property.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage. Notify your insurance carrier promptly. Homeowners’ insurance typically covers roof collapse due to snow.
Remember, safety comes first.
Prioritize evacuation and professional assessment to ensure everyone’s well-being and prevent further damage to your home.
Preventing a Roof Collapse
Preventing roof collapse from a heavy snow load is crucial, especially during harsh winter conditions common in Mankato and all of southern Minnesota. Here are some practical steps you can take to safeguard your roof.
Heavy snow on the roof can affect the structural integrity of buildings and can cause a partial or complete collapse. Sometimes, it’s not the depth of snow that has fallen but the considerable drifts that can collect over part of the roof.
Reduce the Load on the Roof
- If you can safely do so, use a snow rake designed for roofs to remove some of the snow. This should be done from the ground to avoid damaging the roofing material. Or hire professionals to remove accumulated snow.
- Remember that 30 pounds per square foot is the typical snow load limit for roofs.
- Clear snow before it packs through freezing and thawing.
Pay attention to warning signs: Look for sagging, creaking sounds, or visible stress on the roof. These indicate excessive snow accumulation. - Never use any equipment that can damage a roof, such as an ice chopper.
Maintain Drains and Gutters
Clear drains, gutters and downspouts. Ensure that leaves and silt are cleared to allow proper drainage. Sometimes, it’s the ice buildup that causes the collapse. Melting snow should flow away from the roof.
Regular Roof Inspections
Don’t neglect your roof. Inspect your roof frequently. The Mankato area can have powerful summer storms that can damage or weaken your roof. Inspect for signs of damage, weak spots, or compromised areas. Address repairs promptly and fix any issues as soon as they arise to prevent further damage.
Be Prepared
Have your snow-clearing equipment ready and working before the winter snow. Businesses especially should keep an updated winter emergency response plan in effect. Premiere Restoration can help you with Disaster Emergency Response Planning.
Remember, proactive measures can prevent structural failure and potential roof collapse due to heavy snow. Stay safe and protect your home or business!
We are Local and Near You
Premiere Restoration is headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota. We provide Snow Damage Restoration services to all of Southern Minnesota, including Mankato, Faribault, Lake Crystal, New Ulm, North Mankato, Owatonna, Saint Peter, and Waseca.
With the help of restoration professionals like us, you will be much better off dealing with roof collapse aftereffects.
Time is of the essence after heavy snow causes a roof collapse, so do not delay seeking help from professionals. Call Premiere Restoration. Our team of experts is on standby and ready to be dispatched for rapid response to your call for help.