Snow on the Roof Can Be Heavy Problem

Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2013 5:00 am | Updated: 6:59 am, Sun Feb 10, 2013.

By Todd McHale Staff writer

Burlington County may not have been hit by as much snow as parts north of here, but there still may be a danger lurking above - on the roof.

"History has shown, when you have this heavier snow, dangers can occur," State Farm Insurance spokesman Dave Phillips said Friday.

Piles of snow on top of a home or business can lead to property damage, personal injury or even death.

Just three years ago, a Riverside man died when an awning collapsed on top of him because heavy snow had accumulated over the course of two major storms.

Given the forecast, Phillips and others are urging consumers to be aware that problems can arise after a storm passes. Heavy loads of ice and snow can create a number of issues with a home, including causing a roof to collapse, especially on flat surfaces, and springing a leak in a residence from ice dams that form on the edges of the roof and in gutters.

"Water damage losses is one of the top losses in the state," Phillips said. "With this heavy snow, followed by temperatures rising above freezing, then if it refreezes you get an ice buildup," which results in water seeping in.

But while the insurance company wants to inform people of the potential dangers of heavy snow left on roofs, it did not recommend that residents or business owners climb up to remove it.

"If it's a serious enough problem, you need to get a professional or roofer out there to take care of it," Phillips said. "The roofers have the apparatus to get up there and inspect for any damages."

However, finding a professional willing to do the job may pose a whole other problem. Several contractors and roofers in Burlington County contacted Friday said they do not perform that kind of work.

"It's a liability, because you get up there and you're slipping around," said Robert Bryant of A Plus Roofing and Siding in Mount Laurel. "On a flat roof, it's doable. If you're on a pitch, it's dangerous. You're talking about a very slippery surface."

Chris Loux of Star Roofing in Delanco said he doesn't want to do it because of the potential for damage to the roof.

"If I do it, (being) a roofer, I'm liable for any damages," Loux said.

Besides, some contractors said there really isn't much of a demand for that type of service in this area.

But there is something residents and business owners can do: Invest in a roof rake, which is basically a rake that can be extended to brush off excess snow and ice from a roof and gutters from the ground.

"It's a safer way to take care of the problem," Phillips said.

Too much accumulated snow and ice can result in a sagging ridgeline, drooping ceilings, jammed doors, cracked walls near the center of the home, and creaking sounds.

Also, South Jersey Gas is recommending that residents check their natural gas meters to ensure they are clear of snow and ice.

The gas pressure regulator vent needs to be kept dry and clear of snow and ice at all times to avoid the potential for dangerous indoor natural gas buildup, according to South Jersey Gas spokesman Dan Lockwood.

Customers should gently remove snow or ice from the meter and any associated piping. Avoid using a snowblower near a meter.

In addition to being potentially dangerous, a snow-covered meter can lead to a loss of service and the freezing of inside pipes as a result of lost heat.