Last Updated on Monday, 18 February 2013 02:52 Written by ahroofing Monday, 18 February 2013 02:51

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Piles of snow on top of a home or business can lead to property damage, personal injury or even death.

Given the forecast of more snow in Denver this week, we are urging our consumers to be aware that problems can arise after a storm passes. Heavy loads of ice and snow can create a number of issues with a home, including causing a roof to collapse, especially on flat surfaces, and springing a leak in a residence from ice dams that form on the edges of the roof and in gutters.

“Water damage losses is one of the top losses in the state,” State Farm Insurance spokesman Dave Phillips said. “With this heavy snow, followed by temperatures rising above freezing, then if it refreezes you get an ice buildup,” which results in water seeping in.

But while the insurance company wants to inform people of the potential dangers of heavy snow left on roofs, it did not recommend that residents or business owners climb up to remove it.

“If it’s a serious enough problem, you need to get a professional or roofer out there to take care of it,” Phillips said. “The roofers have the apparatus to get up there and inspect for any damages.”

But there is something residents and business owners can do themselves: Invest in a roof rake, which is basically a rake that can be extended to brush off excess snow and ice from a roof and gutters from the ground.

“It’s a safer way to take care of the problem,” Phillips said.

Too much accumulated snow and ice can result in a sagging ridgeline, drooping ceilings, jammed doors, cracked walls near the center of the home, and creaking sounds.

Also, we recommend that residents check their natural gas meters to ensure they are clear of snow and ice.

The gas pressure regulator vent needs to be kept dry and clear of snow and ice at all times to avoid the potential for dangerous indoor natural gas buildup.

Customers should gently remove snow or ice from the meter and any associated piping. Avoid using a snowblower near a meter.

In addition to being potentially dangerous, a snow-covered meter can lead to a loss of service and the freezing of inside pipes as a result of lost heat.

Feel free to call A & H Roofing with any questions before the snow hits!

Source: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times_news/snow-on-the-roof-can-be-heavy-problem/article_948bff84-c3af-5650-99d5-205f387fd29c.html