With the recent large snowfalls and more in the forecast in the coming days, the Brattleboro Fire Department would like to urge all residents to check your roofs and shovel them as needed. In the past couple of weeks we have received 2+ feet of snow, the weight of inches or feet of snow on even the sturdiest roof can cause structural or leakage problems.
One of the biggest problems is when the snow melts a little and then re-freezes. This melting and re-freezing causes ice to form on the top of the snow pack, creating even more weight. If you do not get the heavy weight of the snow off a flat roof before the melting and freezing occurs, you could wind up having structural issues and possible collapse. Flat roofs pose the biggest threat of collapse.
While it is important to get the snow off the roof, it is equally as important to do it safely. Before you get up on a ladder or climb out the window onto your roof, evaluate the situation. If the roof is steep or angled even slightly, it is best to not get out onto it. If you have any doubt, consult with a professional roofer. If you determine that your roof is stable and flat and you feel comfortable enough walking out onto it, do it carefully.
You never want shovel all the way to the roof’s surface, because it is easy to damage the roof. Shovel down to within an inch of the surface for best results. You can remove the remaining snow by using a stiff broom to brush it off. When climbing a ladder or tossing the snow off of the roof, stay clear of power lines.
Shoveling snow off the roof is a dangerous job. For those who do not feel comfortable on their roofs or who have slanted roofs, it is definitely not a good idea to attempt shoveling the snow off. A roof rake is a good option, as it allows the homeowner to stand on the ground and rake the snow from a slanted roof. Use your best judgment and common sense; there is nothing more important than your personal safety.
Michael Bucossi
Fire Chief
Brattleboro Fire Department
103 Elliot Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
(802) 254-4831
www.brattleborofire.org
