Snow, rain and risks to roofs
We’re sharing this important advisory sent by Heidi Quinn of the RI Raised Livestock Association (RIRLA) earlier today.
With the weather slated to warm up just long enough for it to rain for most of us on Sunday, we remind you to use extra care if you are cleaning off your barn, shed or home roof.
- Pay attention to the snow load on each of your roofs including outbuildings
- If you determine that the snow should be removed, stay safe.
- Use proper technique and equipment, and consider hiring a professional (probably not your neighbor’s teenager)
- If you remove the snow yourself, do not work alone. In case of an accident, have someone else with you to help you or to call for help.
Learn more at these sites:
- Avalanch! Roof Snow Removal System
- YouTube video of roof snow removal in Finland
- Cornell University Snow Removal Do’s and Dont’s – excellent diagrams for how to remove the snow. (upstate NY information applies to us this season
- RIEMA Stresses the Importance of Removing Snow from Roofs – basic information and the RI Emergency Management Agency phone number
- Excessive Snow Load on Barn Roofs – calculate snow density and weights for your roof – from Nationwide – this is not an endorsement
Be safe and to keep your animals and property safe. Use common sense and caution in extreme weather. You don’t want to be the star of the next viral YouTube video or news headline.
Stay safe; it can’t last forever.
Heidi Quinn, Association Coordinator RIRLA
Sanne Kure-Jensen, Administrator, NOFA/RI
