The current snow weight is about 20 lbs. per square foot. As we know, snow will melt and re-freeze, so homeowners and business owners should be concerned about flat roofs that will not move water well. Homeowners should not have to worry about a pitched roof. A 3/12 or 4/12 pitched roof should not be a problem. Fortunately, Harford County uses a 30 lbs. snow load design; however, the National Weather System is forecasting another 4 - 7 inches of snow Sunday night into Monday.
Roof trusses are designed with multiple weight distribution points designed into them. All bracing is engineered into the design. Man load is designed into the roof loads. This means that the weight of one or two people should not affect the weight on the roof, unless there is already an unseen problem. Failure occurs at 3-times the designed load rating. Engineers strongly suggest that personnel who try to remove snow from a roof must have proper Personal Protective Equipment and fall protection.
MEMA is NOT supporting a national campaign of asking homeowners to remove snow from their roof.
Structural indicators of possible collapse: • Doors hard to open that were never a problem previously • Newly observed ceiling/suspended ceiling that is sagging • Sagging light fixtures or tiles around light fixtures • Sprinkler heads and/or piping that are extending beyond normal ceiling level • New roof leakage or wall leakage • Any abnormal bending/sagging of roof structural members • Roof decking that appears to be bowed • Any noises coming from structural members • Be aware of any sudden changes in a buildings structural features • Any isolated/localized collapse
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