Winter’s Wrath: Tips for preventing roof collapse and flood damage

Classic car owners are much like baseball players; they can’t wait for spring to arrive so they can get back to doing what they love. After a long winter, however, those warm temperatures can also create problems.

Spring rain and wet, heavy snow can add considerable weight to existing snow on your roof, which can lead to a collapse. Here are some things you can do to prevent possible damage from occurring:

• Inspect your roof for signs of sagging and leaks, and listen for popping or cracking sounds. Contact a professional roofing contractor to inspect for possible damage.

• Standing on the ground, use a roof rake to clear excess snow from your roof, or hire an insured and bonded professional to do it for you.

• Consider hiring a professional to steam severe ice dams before they become a problem.

Rain and melting can also cause flooding. To help lessen those concerns:

• Remove snow from around the foundation of your home and garage.

• Clear your gutters, downspouts and surrounding areas of ice and snow.

• Temporarily move your vehicle(s) to higher ground if a flood warning is issued for your area.

• If relocating your vehicle isn’t an option, consider using sandbags to block water from entering low-lying areas around your garage, and use stable jack stands to raise your car off the floor.

Ignoring the warning signs can prove disastrous. Our friends on the marine side of the business recently shared a story about a warehouse roof that collapsed onto dozens of classic boats inside. Two factors exacerbated the problem: the warehouse was located in a remote location, making the snow and ice issue easier to overlook, and commercial storage buildings may be more susceptible to collapse due to the lightweight metal roofs often used in their construction.

In the event that your classic car or boat is damaged by a building collapse, rest assured that with a Hagerty policy you’re covered. Even if your classic is in a commercial storage facility, there is no need to recover repair costs on your own. We have your back.

If you have coverage questions or concerns, call us at 800-922-4050.