Minnesota

Minnesota is known for The Mall of America, Mills City Museum, and freezing winters. It’s no secret that the area is one of the coldest metropolitan regions in the United States, and along with temperatures that routinely dip below zero in winter months, Minnesota also takes on more than its fair share of snow, with seasonal accumulations reaching upwards of 60 to 70 inches.

Sleet, snow squalls, blizzards, ice storms, and snowstorms—Minnesota endures just about every kind of severe winter weather. Weather like this can dump between 3 to 10 inches of snow in as little as a day or two. While massive accumulations of ice and snow at freezing temperatures can be great for attending the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, carving ice sculptures, and ice fishing, this relentless winter weather can provide a daunting challenge for commercial and residential buildings. Heavy, quickly accumulating snow loads can cause roof collapses if allowed to build higher and higher. Before a collapse, building owners might notice:

• Sagging roof
• Cracked or split wood members
• Bends or ripples in supports
• Sheared off screws from steel frames
• Sprinkler heads that have dropped down below ceiling tiles
• Severe roof leaks
• Doors or windows that are difficult to open
• Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
• Cracks in walls or masonry