IBHS Provides Property Protection Strategies for Severe Winter Weather

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TAMPA FL – February 10, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — As the Mid-Atlantic region begins to dig out from under one blizzard, and faces another serious snowstorm this week, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is offering guidance on how business and home owners can protect their property from winter weather-related perils, such as roof collapse due to heavy snow loads.

“Roof collapse – particularly in areas where severe winter storms are not common events – can pose major threats to people and property,” said Julie Rochman, president & CEO of IBHS. “Taking steps to prevent partial or total roof collapse can help property owners avoid costly losses.”

The snow load risk of a roof depends in large part on the age of the structure. Older roofs can suffer from corrosion of members and connections which can reduce the ability to resist high snow loads. In addition, buildings with lightweight roofs, such as metal buildings, typically have less capacity to handle a high snow load. For flat roofs, the step-down area between roof sections presents a problem due to the tendency for ice and snow collection.

The best source for determining how much snow load a building can handle is the original design plan. According to IBHS, most roof designs can support at least 20 pounds per square foot. However, design loads can range from 10 pounds to 20 pounds per square foot in Mid-Atlantic states, and between 40 pounds and 70 pounds per square foot in New England.

Guidelines to Estimate Snow Weight

· 10 inches-12 inches of fresh/new snow equals about five pounds per square foot of roof space

· Three inches to five inches of old/packed snow equals about five pounds per square foot of roof space

· Ice is much heavier, with one inch equaling about one foot of fresh snow

Snow and Ice Removal from Roofs

  • IBHS recommends that property owners not attempt to climb on their roof to remove snow.
  • A safer alternative is to use a snow rake while standing at ground level. Check your local hardware store or online stores to find snow rakes and other products that can help protect your property from the effect of snow loading.

Visit the IBHS Web site (http://www.disastersafety.org/main.asp?id=1068) to learn more about how to protect your property against roof collapse and other winter weather-related perils.

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IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.

Contact:
Joseph King (813) 675-1045
jking (at) ibhs (dot) org
Twitter: disastersafety

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