Snow Removal Update and Roof Damage Tips

After the two-part storm that fused heavy snowfall with ice and sleet that hit the region earlier this month, state and local officials are warning residents and business owners of the danger of roof collapses.

And Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan released the town's latest snow removal cost at the . So far this winter, Braintree has spent $500,000 on plowing, supplies, labor and other snow-related costs, Sullivan told councilors.

A large chunk of the $250,000 the town started with went toward materials such as sand and ice melt. "We thought that would last us through the year, but that's been depleted somewhat," Sullivan said. "This continuous level of snowfall has put some pressure on us."

Another $250,000 is set to transfer from a mid-year local aid cut reserve account to the Department of Public Works. Cities and towns are able to roll over their snow debt beyond the fiscal year, but officials have said Braintree isn't likely to have to use that option because of its financial position, depending on how many more storms hit the area.

According to a memo distributed to local fire departments, more than 80 reports of building collapses or structural weakness were reported the first week of the month.

“Following several days of snow and freezing rain, the dangers of roof collapse are real,” Gov. Deval Patrick said in a statement. “I am urging homeowners, businesses owners, and public officials across the state to be extra vigilant for their own safety, and for the structural integrities of their homes and businesses. If you suspect that there are any abnormalities whatsoever in a building that you occupy, you should evacuate immediately and call 911. Please take the extra time and care to check on elderly or infirmed neighbors and make sure they have what they need to stay safe.”

The gym in Braintree was closed temporarily this past week because of a small wet patch. Overall, the structure of the roof was fine, the school department said. The gym was open as of Thursday.

A document with tips for home and business owners was created in collaboration between the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Department of Fire Services (DFS) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Below are roof collapse talking points:

Tips for Homeowners in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas  

DO’s:

• Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof. 
• Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.
• Try to shave the snow down to 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.

• Keep in mind that any metal tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line. Also, metal tools will do more damage to your roof.

• Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side away from the building.  Most plastic shovels are better, except for the ones with curved blades – those too will do some damage to your roof.

• Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways.  Consider knocking down icicles through windows using a broom stick.
• Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks. 
• Consider hiring professionals to do the job. The combination of heights plus ice makes this one of the more dangerous house chores. 
• If you don't hire professionals, at least have someone outside with you in case anything does go wrong.
• Keep gutters, and drains clean, free of ice and snow and keep downspouts clean at ground level.

DON’T’s:

• Unless approved by a registered professional engineer, don’t add your weight or the weight of equipment to the roof.
• Don’t use a ladder, since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots.
• Don’t use electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
• Don’t use open-flame devices to remove snow and ice.

According to Meteorologist Tony Petrarca, a cubic foot of dry snow weighs about seven pounds, while a cubic foot of wet snow weighs anywhere from 12 to 18 pounds. So, if it's possible, hire someone to help with all of the snow clearing. 

How to Recognize Problems with Roofs

• Sagging roofs 
• Severe roof leaks 
• Cracked or split wood members 
• Bends or ripples in supports 
• Cracks in walls or masonry 
• Sheared off screws from steel frames 
• Sprinkler heads that have dropped down below ceiling tiles 
• Doors that pop open 
• Doors or windows that are difficult to open 
• Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling 
• Creaking, cracking or popping sounds

Other Safety Tips for Homeowners 

• Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working. 
• Check your outside fuel and dryer exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device. Never use your oven for heat.
• Clear snow away from furnace and dryer exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Space heaters need space, so use them in a 3-foot circle of safety; free of anything that catch fire. Space heaters are not designed to replace your central heating system; they are only designed to provide a little extra heat on a temporary basis. So be sure to turn them off when you leave room or go to bed at night.
• Clear snow away from downspouts so water has a place to go. 
• Do not be tempted to use a heat gun or open flame torch to melt the ice; the risk of starting a fire is huge.
• If you feel you are in immediate danger, get outside and call 9-1-1.

Tips for businesses in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas

DO’s:

• The same tips apply from above, however, if you are going to use a snow blower, make sure that it has been approved by a structural engineer to be used on a roof, and that the blower is set to a high level above the roof so as not to damage roof membrane.

What to do if you have problems

• Call your local building or fire official.
• If there is imminent danger, evacuate the building and call 911.

What other assistance is available?

• Many fire departments have regional technical rescue teams available to local departments in case of collapse.
• Massachusetts Task Force 1 is an Urban Search and Rescue Team in Beverly.  The team is comprised of Police, Fire, EMS and Civilians who respond to major disasters under a contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently there are 150 people on the MATF-1 team.