UW-Extension Agent Reminds Farmers to Clean Snow Off their Buildings
Thursday, February 14th, 2019 -- 8:01 AM
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -Due to the recent heavy snowfall there is reason to have concern over heavy snow on agricultural buildings.According to Brian Holmes, University of Wisconsin-Extension emeritus agricultural engineer, there have already been several reports of buildings collapsing in western Wisconsin. In addition, many have concerns for buildings that still have significant amounts of snow on them especially if more snow falls before the snow melts or slides off. "Snow and ice accumulations on roofs cause a loading which can cause the roof to collapse when the roof is not strong enough to resist the load," Holmes said. "The more dense the snow and ice, the greater the load for a given depth. Wind blown-off and snow slide-off can reduce snow load on a roof. However snow drifting into leeward or lower roofs and valleys and snow slide onto lower roofs can add significant loads from accumulated snow."
In addition to estimating the roof loading, Holmes says it's important to know the loading the roof can resist. In general, Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code requires most homes to have a minimum snow load rating of 30-40 pounds per square foot, with the greater requirement for northern Wisconsin. State ag officials say that if you need to remove snow from a roof, use extreme caution. Falls from roofs or from ladders going to the roof can easily occur. Removing snow can also allow the snow up slope to suddenly slide down, burying people or animals below.
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