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Most roofs not at risk of collapse
12/22/08
Seattle PI article by Ruth Teichroeb (http://www.seattlepi.com/local/393225_collapse23.html)
Heavy snow that caused the collapse of a Marysville factory roof and a Bellevue skating tent has prompted some homeowners to worry about what's accumulating above them.
But local experts say most roofs will be fine, and the bigger threat to structures will occur when the melt begins.
That's because the layer of snow closest to the attic can melt first, running down underneath and freezing when it gets to the colder gutters, causing ice dams, said Dale Burlingame, vice president of Jorve Roofing in Seattle.
Ice dams then back the water up under roof tiles, causing leaks, he said.
"We're preparing for an influx of calls like that in the coming days," Burlingame said Monday. "The biggest thing with the thaw will be to keep an eye on your eaves."
Areas around skylights and chimneys can be particularly susceptible to ice dams and leaks, he said.
But Burlingame warned homeowners not to climb onto roofs or ladders to try to clear away snow and ice. "There's more danger to getting on the roof than any type of collapse," he said.
After part of the roof came down Monday at the Whitley Evergreen mobile-home factory in Marysville, building inspectors began checking other structures in the business park. No one was injured when the roof caved in, but it did cause a natural gas leak.
A large tent covered by heavy snow collapsed on a temporary ice-skating rink at Downtown Park in Bellevue on Sunday evening, briefly trapping 10 people inside and slightly injuring one girl.
Flat roofs may be at greater risk of collapse if rain adds to the weight of the snow in coming days, said Dan Rheaume, owner of Raynproof Roofing in Seattle.
Fluctuating temperatures can also cause snow to melt around chimneys and skylights, run into cracks and then re-freeze, breaking the seal, he said.
"Leaks will appear in those areas," he said.
Downspouts and drains are also likely to ice up, posing a risk of water damage when the snow turns to rain, he said.
But Rheaume also warned that the best advice is to call a professional if problems develop.
"Keep off your roofs and keep safe," Rheaume said.
Heavy snow that caused the collapse of a Marysville factory roof and a Bellevue skating tent has prompted some homeowners to worry about what's accumulating above them.
But local experts say most roofs will be fine, and the bigger threat to structures will occur when the melt begins.
That's because the layer of snow closest to the attic can melt first, running down underneath and freezing when it gets to the colder gutters, causing ice dams, said Dale Burlingame, vice president of Jorve Roofing in Seattle.
Ice dams then back the water up under roof tiles, causing leaks, he said.
"We're preparing for an influx of calls like that in the coming days," Burlingame said Monday. "The biggest thing with the thaw will be to keep an eye on your eaves."
Areas around skylights and chimneys can be particularly susceptible to ice dams and leaks, he said.
But Burlingame warned homeowners not to climb onto roofs or ladders to try to clear away snow and ice. "There's more danger to getting on the roof than any type of collapse," he said.
After part of the roof came down Monday at the Whitley Evergreen mobile-home factory in Marysville, building inspectors began checking other structures in the business park. No one was injured when the roof caved in, but it did cause a natural gas leak.
A large tent covered by heavy snow collapsed on a temporary ice-skating rink at Downtown Park in Bellevue on Sunday evening, briefly trapping 10 people inside and slightly injuring one girl.
Flat roofs may be at greater risk of collapse if rain adds to the weight of the snow in coming days, said Dan Rheaume, owner of Raynproof Roofing in Seattle.
Fluctuating temperatures can also cause snow to melt around chimneys and skylights, run into cracks and then re-freeze, breaking the seal, he said.
"Leaks will appear in those areas," he said.
Downspouts and drains are also likely to ice up, posing a risk of water damage when the snow turns to rain, he said.
But Rheaume also warned that the best advice is to call a professional if problems develop.
"Keep off your roofs and keep safe," Rheaume said.
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