Winter weather is here, and while lumber businesses may be looking forward to a temporary reprieve from hurricane season, weather events in cold climates can be similarly threatening.
One of the most dangerous and costly winter weather risks for lumber businesses is snow loads. Every year there are hundreds of roof collapses and more than half of these are the result of rain or snow overload, with snow being by far the major culprit.
While winter weather exposures can vary regionally, the vast majority of impactful claims we see in the winter are roof related. The roofs of industrial and commercial structures are vulnerable to large accumulations of snow, ice, or other precipitants. The weight of snow or ice can easily cause overload, which can result in collapse. At some businesses, this is an issue related to outdated roofs. Many lumber and building material businesses still have barrel roofs in place from when their operations were originally constructed in the 1930s and 40s. These arched roofs are more likely to fail due to several design defects such as frequent breakage and gaps. In other cases, we see lumber businesses that simply have not prioritized roof maintenance.
For example, a Midwestern building material dealer in a fairly modern building recently suffered a major loss after a snowstorm left roughly 40 inches of snow on their roof. There were no major safety practices in place, and they were behind on regular maintenance. The roof failed and the damages led to a $3 million claim. During the same storm, we saw another business undergo close to a $4 million dollar claim due to a partial roof collapse. They also did not have strong winter weather safety practices in place.
In addition to primary damage to a structure, roof collapse generates secondary losses in business interruption by damaging equipment and automatic sprinklers, exposing the building to added fire risk. Roof collapse can break gas lines or disrupt other combustible substances, as well as cause potential water damage.
Some important steps you can take to prevent snow load damage include the following:
- Know the “Danger Zone” for snow loads. Roof equipment, parapets, or roof projections can cause greater snow accumulation from drifting.
- During heavy snowfall, be sure to check accumulations. Hire a licensed contractor to remove snow and ice if it is in the “Danger Zone”.
- Check adjacent roofs, especially those lower than the main roof.
- Clear clogged drains to avoid ponding, especially on pitched roofs.
- Check support columns and beams for forklift damage.
While we may not be able to stop Mother Nature, there are several risk management practices business owners can implement that can significantl limit this exposure. In terms of roof safety, frequent roof inspection and maintenance is a must. We continue to find losses at companies that are not emphasizing preventative maintenance. Consider hiring a contractor to do a professional roof inspection and look for any additional areas that need repair.
Winter weather can prove challenging for lumber businesses, but taking the right safety steps can make all the difference. Take the time now to reassess your winter weather plan and ensure your business is protected from the heavy snow, wind, and hail to come.
We encourage you to download our loss control resources such as the Winter Weather Guide and Snow Load Checklist to be the most prepared before, during, and after a major snowstorm.
