NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA

Breaking News

February 1, 2011

City issues alert for overloaded roofs

Advice offered to prevent roof collapse

Newburyport — The city's building department has issued the following emergency alert regarding snow loads on roofs.

With the previous snow accumulations and the forecast of more snow (Approximately

two feet) for Tuesday, Wednesday and more forecast later this week, the load (weight) on

roofs may increase to a dangerous level. Buildings with flat roofs are especially

vulnerable to collapse under these conditions.

The danger of roof overload is increased significantly where a flat roof abuts a pitched

roof of higher elevation. Snow may slide off the pitched roof onto the lower flat roof,

significantly increasing the snow load on the lower roof. Should a moderate to heavy

rainfall occur before significant melting, the danger of roof overload or collapse increases

dramatically.

To guard against problems, the Newburyport Building Department recommends the

following precautions:

· Inspect flat roof surfaces and remove as much snow as possible being careful not

to damage roof covering (especially important with rubber membrane roof

coverings)

· Clear drains from flat roof to allow water to run off.

· Check inside buildings for any indication of roof weakness, i.e. settling of

ceilings, broken structural elements, leaks, etc.

· If you even suspect a problem, contact the Building Department or Fire

Department for assistance. Building Department Tel. # (978) 4654405,

Fire

Department Tel. # (978) 4654427...

In the event you or the Building Commissioner/Fire Department has doubts about roof

integrity, evacuate the area until the situation can be analyzed.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Breaking News

NDN Video
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal The Hangover Baby All Grown Up Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life The all-new Xbox One RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you Reporter Cries Over Devastation Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school Robert Pattinson Moves Out
Special Features
NRA Waterfront Plans