There is wind and snowdrifts on several passes and in many places the amount of snow is very large. Fresh snow on the roof looks picturesque, but it poses a threat to the building and to people.
Once it's safe to reach the holiday home, just find a shovel and clear the snow.
- Do not wait for the depth to double and the snow to be firmly and tightly packed. Many tons of snow can cause serious damage to the entire structure of a house, says Klementsen.
Heavy snow and snow damage cost the cottage owners and insurance companies many millions of crowns each year. According to Frende's analysis, snow damage can quickly reach an average of over 50 CZK.
The roof of the house should be checked regularly throughout the winter. Even if the snow falls lightly, it quickly becomes heavy when it lands on the roof. Mild weather and rain only make things worse.
You need to know that the next, light layer of fresh snow is not related to the one already lying on the roof.
We have a few examples of an entire building collapsing, but we also see a lot of damage to roofs
- With heavy snow, you risk falling apart. We have a few examples of whole building collapsing, but we also see a lot of roof damage, says the specialist manager at Frende. It also tells about a lot of damage to terraces that are not adapted to large amounts of snow that can also fall from the roof.
High winds also cause snowdrifts on the roof. For this reason, there is also a risk that the roof will be loaded unevenly by snow.
Then the roof may give in particularly easily. This is especially true of older buildings, outbuildings and houses with weak structures.
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- In the event of a large amount of snow, even snow removal is important. Therefore, one side of the roof should not be finished first. Do a little on one side before starting on the other. A roof oblique load can be even worse than a uniform heavy load, advises Klementsen.
- Also be careful where the snow dumps. Make sure you don't throw a large amount of snow on other parts of the building that may be damaged. And be sure to leave a small layer of snow on the roof so as not to damage the roofing, says the specialist.
If you don't have the opportunity to see the house yourself, you should team up with your neighbors or use the services of a professional.
A snow-covered cabin is also a fire hazard. Windows are also your escape route. Therefore, when you arrive home, you should always start by digging up windows, vents, and chimneys.
Don't make the fire too soon
Before lighting a stove or fireplace, make sure that fresh air flows into the house. Without the free flow of air through the chimney and service valves, the house can fill with smoke. Also remember the importance of checking that smoke detectors are working properly.
Check the smoke detector every time you enter the holiday home.
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Photo: Frende Forsikring Source: Frende Forsikring
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