A powerful winter storm is gearing up to blanket the northern part of the country with heavy amounts of snow, sleet and ice. This coast-to-coast winter storm could be among the top snowstorms to ever strike Minneapolis, with the Twin Cities potentially seeing up to 2 feet of snow by the time the massive storm system exits the region, according to Fox Weather.
With more than 40 million Americans now under some sort of winter weather alert, farmers and ranchers are working to prepare their operations for the worst. While caring for livestock is typically a farmer’s No. 1 priority, building safety should also be a top concern, according to Rural Mutual Insurance Company. They offer the following tips to help prevent buildings from collapsing due to heavy snow loads.
- Know Your Area’s Snow Load
Did you know each zip code has a different snowfall average, and therefore, different snow loads? Use the Applied Technology Council’s Ground Snow Load by Location tool to determine how much weight your building needs to accommodate.
- Calculate How Much Snow Your Roof Can Handle
Not all buildings are built the same. Therefore, it’s important to know just how much snow your roof can handle. Use this formula provided by the Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service to calculate an estimated snow load:
Calculated Roof Loading (lb/ft2) = Depth (ft) x Density (lb/ft2/ft depth). The approximate density (lb/ft2/ft depth) is: light snow=5-20; packed snow=20-40; packed snow with ice=40-58; ice=58.
- Keep Buildings Clear of Snow
Clear snow whenever you see more than 4 feet of dry snow or more than 2 feet of heavy snow or ice on the roof.
Your building may be able to handle a snow load for several days or weeks, but the weight will cause more damage as time increases. Use a snow rake with a long extension arm to remove snow, while standing safely on the ground.
If you’re working on the roof, use the appropriate safety harnesses and secure ladders. Make sure everyone is a safe distance away, since snow can suddenly fall and bury people or animals below.
- Watch for Signs of Stress
Keep a watchful eye on your roof all winter, especially on buildings with considerable loads. Look for the warning signs of overbearing loads, such as sagging, misaligned or bowed trusses and creaking sounds.
Metal buildings, unlike wood buildings, however, give virtually no warning before collapsing.
- Plan Before You Build
If you live in region that constantly receives snow, make sure to plan ahead before you build. Work with a licensed contractor to design a building that will meet your area’s estimated snow loads.
- Talk With a Pro
Here are some tips to keep in mind when meeting with your builder:
- Use machine stress-rated lumber to know the exact strength of every piece used in construction.
- Build your MSR-made trusses to be sturdy and have truss plates designed to support large loads of snow.
- Consider prevailing winds and building orientation – your building should be designed to accommodate uneven snow distribution.
- Build drainage that will drain snowmelt away to avoid pooling aside your building.
- Know Your Coverage
You never know when an accident might happen, but you’ll be thankful you have insurance in case one does. Talk with your insurance agent to make sure your buildings are covered, in case disaster strikes.
For more on facilities, read:
- 8 Tips to Prepare Your Farm for a Harsh Winter
- Facility Focus: Is Your Calf Warming Room Ready for Another Winter?
- Facility Focus: Lock-Up Time Could Lead to Lost Production
