Community Corner

CT Department of Construction Warns Homeowners About Damaging Snow Accumulations

Buildings in the state may be subject to loads at or near their design capacity, similar to the series of storms in 2011.

The following information is provided by the Connecticut Department of Construction Services:

With the forecast for snow accumulation in the range of two feet, buildings in the State may be subject to loads at or near their design capacity, similar to what we encountered during the series of storms in 2011.  

Homeowners and businesses should be alert to signs of increased stress due to snow and ice overloading. Visible signs such as new or enlarged cracks in walls, sagging roof lines, or water leaks may be indications of excessive snow accumulation. If such signs are observed, an owner may want to remove some snow accumulation to relieve the load on their roof. Extreme caution should be taken to insure personal safety and to avoid damage to the roof while removing ice and snow. 

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Also, vents, air intakes or exhausts for appliances such as boilers, furnaces, hot water heaters, generators or clothes dryers may become blocked by drifting or accumulated snow. Blocked openings have the potential to cause carbon monoxide to build up in buildings. This is a greater concern for direct vented appliances whose discharge vents and air intakes are located near the ground where much higher snow accumulation could occur due to drifting. Snow should be cleared away from openings before accumulation reaches them. 

IN THE CASE OF ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION CALL YOUR LOCAL FIRE OR PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS IMMEDIATELY.

Find out what's happening in Mansfield-Storrswith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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