With the abnormally heavy snowfall that has occurred over the last month, homeowners should take precautions against the build-up of snow on their roofs, which could result in the roof collapsing.
Recently, the community of Alliance, Alta., suffered the loss of its hockey arena after its roof caved in due to heavy snow.
Westlock County fire chief John Biro said flat-pitched roofs and building with some structural defects are especially at risk of collapse.
With the weather now getting warmer, the snow will become heavier and the possibility of the roof collapsing is even greater.
As well, home-owners should make sure that any ventilation on their roof is clear of any build-up of snow and ice, he said.
A sign of the ventilation being blocked is sinks or toilets not draining properly, he indicated.
Small sheds and structures like tent sheds can also collapse due to heavy snow build-up.
If the worst should happen, it also pays to be certain that your insurance policy will cover any damages to your buildings. Craig Eklund, manager of insurance services at Drayden Insurance in Westlock, said it will depend on the type of coverage you have, as there are different types of policies for different buildings.
If you're not sure if your insurance will cover damage to your roof, you should contact your provider, Eklund said. This includes your insurance for barns and other out buildings.
In general, it's a good idea to clear off your roof if you're able or to pay someone to do it for you following a heavy snowfall, Eklund suggested.
"The more snow you put on a roof, the more likely it is to collapse,” he said.
It is hard to gauge exactly how much snow has fallen in recent weeks. According to the National Climate Data and Information Archive, a total of 23 millimetres of precipitation has been observed over the past month in the area. However, this is only a measure of the rain resulting from the snow.
A recent article in the Edmonton Journal suggested that more than 40 centimetres of snow has fallen in the area.
