Winter Roof Collapse: Warning Signs
The snow in Steamboat is known to pile up during the winter (although you wouldn’t know it from the 2011-12 season!). Most of us are used to shoveling off our roof to prevent too much pressure from building up on the roof.
Because a roof is only built to sustain so much weight before it will ultimately collapse. Prior to a roof collapse, buildings generally exhibit signs that the roof is in distress and action should be taken to mitigate a roof collapse. The following are some of the symptoms that have been reported prior to roof failure:
- Sagging roof steel – visually deformed
- Severe roof leaks
- Cracked or split wood members
- Bends or ripples in metal supports
- Cracks in walls or masonry
- Cracks in welds of steel construction
- Sheared off screws from steel frames
- Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles
- Water in ponds where it never has before
- 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
Winter Is Here For many people in the U.S. winter is here. Snow is currently falling across the Midwest and is also forecast for the Northeastern US in the coming days. Despite the forecast, proactive facility managers and building owners who already have their snow removal contingency plans in place are breathing a sigh of relief. These key decision makers recognize the critical importance of ensuring their commercial properties remain safe places to do work, shop, or store goods. They…
Homeowners don’t buy roofs often, so choosing the right color is very important to get right the first time. The shingle color has to work with their house and style, complement the neighborhood, and take into consideration any other preferences the homeowner may have. Here are some tips to share with your homeowners to help them consider the best possible color for their next roof. Match to your house. Take a look at your house’s style—do you have bricks or…
The biggest obstacle homeowners face when looking to fix or replace their roof is choosing the right person to do the job. After a damaging storm, they need to quickly get back to normal and perform the necessary roofing repairs. But that doesn’t mean they should just choose the first contractor who knocks on their door. Finding a contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and professional may sound difficult – but that’s where you come in. Contractors should share these 10 important…
We know what you’re thinking – It’s summer, you want to be out having fun, not doing maintenance work on your roof. These summer roof maintenance tips will take only a couple of hours, but the time spent is well worth it because it could save you from costly roof repairs down the road.To ensure your safety, all of these summer roof care tasks are performed from the ground. If there is a need to go up on your roof,…
Cold weather has set in in NW Colorado, and we’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about winter roofing issues. The roof is all that stands between your family and the outside elements and so, especially in the winter, there is nothing more important on a house than good roofing. We have put together a list of some common winter roofing problems and how to prevent or solve them. Remember, winter roofs can be slippery and dangerous. If you cannot…
In addition to regular exterior inspections (make sure to schedule one if you haven’t already! Annual roof checkups can prevent costly damage down the road), however, there are several other ways to safeguard against leaks this winter season. Roof leaks can cause severe damage to your home, inside and out. As water pools beneath shingles or other materials, it may cause warping and breakdown of your roof’s underlayment. In addition, perpetual seeping into the attic or behind drywall can lead…
Leakage in Attic After Wind-Driven Rain Possible cause: Leaky or inadequate shingle underlayment or deteriorated flashing Leakage in Attic After Ice Build-Up Possible cause: Inadequate shingle underlayment allows water from ice dams to leak into attic Blistering and/or Peeling of Interior and/or Exterior paint Possible cause: Excessive temperature or high humidity due to poor attic ventilation Stains on Interior Ceilings and Walls or Mold and Mildew Growth Possible cause: Inadequate or faulty shingle underlayment allowing leakage or inadequate ventilation Exterior…
