Watch for danger signs of roof collapse

You read about it in the papers and see it on television all the time – ROOF COLLAPSE. Often, a roof will collapse in the process of building it, when the support is not complete and the weight of materials and workers becomes a problem. But more often then not, we find roof collapse on the eastern seaboard as a result of wind, water and snow.

This calamity can become deadly! In a recent incident from December of last year, heavy snow from a blizzard caused the roof and east wall of a Neptune City commercial building to collapse, leading to a gas line rupture. The building at 90 Route 35 housed an auto repair shop for the First Student bus company, which provides transportation for area schools.

It makes sense that the roof of a commercial building can eventually hold enough snow to collapse. There are many shopping centers and department stores in areas where heavy snow is an issue, that the support is so well-made that small snow plows can drive on them.

If you own a commercial location, then you owe it to yourself and your employees to have the roof inspected and any issues resolved before the winter is upon us. Commercial roofing is our specialty and we have many happy customers in Philadelphia, South Jersey and the surrounding area.

The following are some of the symptoms that have been reported prior to roof failure:
1. Sagging roof steel visually deformed
2. Cracked or split wood members
3. Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles
4. Doors that pop open
5. Doors or windows that are difficult to open
6. Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
7. Creaking, cracking or popping sounds

Call Madera and Sons to protect your investment and keep the roof over your head. We also specialize in fiberglass roofing and decks in Philadelphia, South Jersey and the surrounding area.