ANOTHER NEW SNOWSTORM

[slg11]

Here in the mid atlantic area we just finished with a major snowstorm. We had about 23-24 inches. ELCHALJE had more in his area. My daughter out in WV had over 30. The national weather service is calling for another major snowstorm with ANOTHER 16-20 inches. Tried to get out but BWI is already closed for tomorrow. This storm is supposed to blow up the coast and after leaving this area hammer up NY and the Boston areas. I have about 14 inches of ice on my roof. Anyone know how much weight a standard plywood-shingle roof can hold before collapsing? Im starting to get concerned.

[jimv]

Hey slg, 14" of ice on the roof is a lot!  Better try to get as much off as possible before this next storm.  12" of snow on top of that will be quite a load.  Up here in ME, we try to keep our roofs as clean as possible if we're caught in a series of big storms.

[ELCHALJE]

Mid way between baltimore and DC, we have 30 plus inches on the ground from last week-end.  Now, we are expecting another 16 to 20 inches today and tomorrow.  Plow guy has deposited 3 to 4 feet of frozen stuff at the end of the driveway. 

Problem now is there is not much place to put the new stuff.  Every shovel full has to be thown over the 6 to 7 foot mounds on each side of the driveway.  Also, high winds are expected to cause extensive power outages, moreso than did the last storm--which left several hundred thousand people without electricity.  Helps that we have underground power lines, but still no guarantees.

My trusty old rechargeable flashlight finally quit on me.  Anyone got a recommendation for a replacement--which I'm not likely to find today.

[weeze]

as one who has to be prepared annualy for the possibility of power loss, i really think everyone, everywhere should buy a gas powered generator. 4 to 5 hundred dollars, another hundred for a bunch of leed cords and a few 5 gallon cans,
 you may only need it once every 10 years where YOU live, but at least you have the peace knowing you can power up your fridge, space heaters, whatever.
 just my suggestions.

[vette5573]

Hey slg, 14" of ice on the roof is a lot!  Better try to get as much off as possible before this next storm.  12" of snow on top of that will be quite a load.  Up here in ME, we try to keep our roofs as clean as possible if we're caught in a series of big storms.

Jim, how does one go about safely cleaning off their roof of snow?

[weeze]

oh one other little tid bit at the risk of assuming you havent been though a major power outage: first thing unplug all electronics so they dont get "spiked" when the power comes back on.
 also if anyone wants to know how to power their home with a generator through a 220 clothes dryer outlet  let me know.
 good luck to all!

[squibber]

Hey slg, 14" of ice on the roof is a lot!  Better try to get as much off as possible before this next storm.  12" of snow on top of that will be quite a load.  Up here in ME, we try to keep our roofs as clean as possible if we're caught in a series of big storms.

Jim, how does one go about safely cleaning off their roof of snow?

I use a roof rake which I bought at Home depot I think.  It comes with 4 extensions so it can get pretty long.

[jimv]

Thanks, squib.  That's just what I was going to answer. 

BTW, slg, how have the temps been acting?  If you've been getting sun on the roof during the day & below freezing temps at night, you might see ice and/or icicles forming on the edges of you roof.  If so, you could wind up with "ice back-up," water backing up under the shingles with potential leaking.  If there's no ice, you're probably OK.   Up here, we use roof rakes tom keep the first few feet of the roof clear.

[GiantFD]

There goes any hope of February golf.

 

[squibber]

Too much ice build up in your gutters could cause your gutters to break and fall.  Doesn't happen often but you definitely don't want to linger under the gutters.

[drakew]

"I  say, old chap, it is a doozy of a storm, we have 6 inches, and for us, that's alot here!"

[spiderblue43]

Chicago looks the garden spot this winter compared to the East Coast. We haven't had much to be plowed over so far-until today. But my goodness, the snowfall totals in the Mid-Atlantic are just ridiculous. What the heck is going on?

[terrymeisner]

i think every canadian home owner has a roof rake....haven't had to pull mine out of the shed this year....go Giants!!!!!

[slg11]

Ive never even heard of a roof rake. Plenty of icicles hanging down. This storm sets the all time snow record for a season. Was about 62 inches. The Balt area stood at 60 going into this storm. Everythings snow covered already and its just starting. Govt offices, schools, etc are all closed tomorrow.

[weeze]

gee whiz! hope you have a extra jar of peanut butter!