Winter brings with it - eventually - several feet of snow which can increase the load (weight) on your roof to 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 occurs, the danger of roof overload or collapse increases dramatically.

To guard against problems, MIIA 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 your Building Inspector for assistance.

In the event you or the Building Inspector have doubts about roof integrity, evacuate the area until the situation can be analyzed.