Roof collapses continue to worry officials

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. -- Following the collapse of a Dale City ice rink Saturday and the closure of Mayfield Intermediate School in Manassas on Monday because of roof problems, local and state officials remained concerned that buildings with flat roofs may collapse under the weight of the snow.

Sources told the News & Messenger that Prince William has compiled a list of buildings they think could be in danger. The buildings were built before 1975, all have flat roofs and all have the potential to collapse, those sources said.

The list was not made available to News & Messenger.

The Manassas School Board was to hold an emergency meeting Thursday to discuss the situation at Mayfield Intermediate School and where to place the students in the interim.

Standard building codes determine how much snow a structure should be able to support. Prince William building official Eric M. Mays said it’s a matter of numbers.

“[How much snow buildings can hold] is dependent on the density of the snow. Assuming the actual density of the fallen snow is between light snow, which equals seven pounds per cubic foot, with pounds being divided by cubic feet, and medium snow equaling 10 pounds per cubic feet, a home should be able to withstand between 36 inches and 51 inches of snow,” Mays said Tuesday.

The Prince William Ice Center in Dale City collapsed on Saturday during the first round of winter weather, moments after the owner evacuated the building before the start of a speed skating competition. The building is a total loss, the owner said.

Across the state and the Washington metro area, there have been reports of schools, churches, businesses, homes and carports succumbing to the weight of the snow.

State officials urge residents to watch for falling ice and snow. They said residents should not try to remove snow and ice from roofs themselves, but instead hire trained professionals.

After the storm, residents are urged to clear snow from downspouts so water has a place to go, and to temporarily shore up and brace sagging walls or roofs. Residents should keep an eye open for doors that stick when opened, newly exposed ceiling finishes or brick, or sprinkler heads moved from their normal positions as these could be early signs of structural problems.

State officials said the threat from heavy snow weight will remain for some time after the storm ends as the cold temperatures are expected for the rest of the week won’t allow much melting to occur.

Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.