A roof collapse can be a nightmare and cause a lot of damage to your home or office. While it can occur at any time, it is prevalent during periods of heavy snow. Therefore, it is good to learn more about this event if you are facing foul weather.

Why Would a Collapse Occur?

While there are structural issues that can lead to this disaster, it is often caused by excessive weight. For instance, if you don’t have snow removal systems in place, you could face a snow-related disaster. One foot of snow weighs several pounds per square foot. Spread this over your entire roof and add a layer of ice, and you have a lot of weight. Furthermore, sleet or rain beforehand can absorb into your shingles and add even more weight. While it can happen on any structure, snow-related collapses are more common on flat or low-slope roofs. More snow can accumulate on these surfaces leading to more extreme weights.

What Are the Warning Signs?

Several warning signs occur before a roof is going to collapse. The most common include bowed pipes at your ceiling, sagging ceilings, hard-to-open windows or doors, leaks, out-of-place sprinkler heads, cracks in exterior masonry, and deformed interior roof structures. If you notice anything like this, you should call a roofer immediately. They can help you prevent a disaster.

How Can You Prevent It?

To prevent a collapse, have your roof regularly inspected. The professional you hire will notice any small defects and fix them before a problem arises. They can also perform preventative maintenance, such as small repairs, mold removal, clearing gutters, and installing snow systems.

Your roof can take a beating, especially if it experiences a lot of snow. To help protect it, you should learn more about collapses, the warning signs, and how to prevent them.