Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Monday, December 14, 2007

Montpelier, Vt. - With the threat of a potentially record-breaking snowfall this weekend, farmers should take precautions to avoid the collapse of barn roofs.

It’s important to understand how much your barn can withstand and what to do to keep your livestock safe. Many agricultural buildings in Vermont are designed for “total” roof load of 50 pounds per square foot. This includes the dead weight of the framing, trusses, rafters and ceiling. Add this to many feet of heavy snow and the weight on the structure begins to exceed its carrying capacity.

Another important thing to consider in snow loads is that a roof may be able to hold a heavy load for some time, however, it may not be able to hold the increased load for the rest of the winter or through another storm that produces significant accumulation. A roof can loose its structural integrity after about 30 days if it is not cleared. The threat of these conditions makes it imperative to remove the snow from the building as soon as possible.

“Removing snow from the roof of farm structures as it accumulates is the best way to avoid a collapse and potential damage or injury to you and your livestock,” advises Anson Tebbetts, Deputy Secretary for the Agency of Agriculture.

When clearing snow from a roof, work to ensure an even unloading from both sides at a time. Always work in pairs and use a safety line when clearing steep pitched roofs. Try to plan an escape route before you begin and keep safety the first priority.

If you are unsure about the structural integrity of you barn you may want to consult a professional engineer to assess the condition of the building. Even barns that survived the last storm may have hidden structural damage that might not be apparent until the next snowfall. A registered, professional engineer can provide a structural review of your building and assist with a summary of improvements, if necessary.

For more information please click on the links below:
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/btv/html/snow.shtml
http://www.co-opinsurance.com/s/weather.html