Let’s all be careful up there.

By Rebecca Danvers

According to reports issued by the City of Somerville, heavy snow buildup on roofs can cause serious damage or a total collapse. Even if your roof has endured hard winters in the past, the very sudden and heavy snowfall of the past few weeks could put your home at risk.

Several collapses in the state have recently been reported. It is important that all property owners pay close attention to the amount of snow on their roofs and take steps to prevent a collapse.

Safe roof snow removal is an important measure for homeowners to take to prevent, roof damage or collapse, structural damage to your home and ice dams, which cause leaks that damage walls and cause mold.

If your roof needs to be cleared of snow and ice, you are urged to contact a roofing company or other snow removal professional. Removing snow improperly is a safety hazard and can cause harm to your roof.

If you do attempt to remove snow from your roof using a snow rake, use good sense and take caution. Snow must be pulled down the slope of the roofline and not across it. Doing so can damage shingles.

Snow rakes must be kept away from all power lines to prevent electrical shock.

Keep your feet on the ground – do not use ladders – and stand clear of falling snow and ice.

Warning signs that your roof is overloaded with snow may include: sagging ceiling tiles or boards, ceiling boards falling out of the ceiling grid, and/or sagging sprinkler lines and sprinkler heads; sprinkler heads deflecting below suspended ceilings; popping, cracking, and creaking noises; sagging roof members, including metal decking or plywood sheathing; bowing truss bottom chords or web members; doors and/or windows that can no longer be opened or closed; cracked or split wood members; and cracks in walls or masonry.

If you feel that your roof is showing signs of collapse, get outside immediately and call 911.