By Sterling McGinn
A large build-up of snow and ice on the roofs of the Tahquamenon Area Schools (TAS) buildings caused a four-day closure after there were concerns that the snowload was unsafe.
“Taken together with the record-breaking snowfall, these factors created a ‘perfect storm’ situation,” said District Superintended Shawn Tebo, who just spent her first winter here as superintendent.
The roofs over the 1972 and 1958 additions to the facility—the areas currently in use by the district – were the areas of concern. The varying roof levels resulted in significant drifting—six to eight feet deep in some spots.
Snow on the roof has not historically been a problem; the district had not had to clear roofs in the last 25 years.
Tebo and district administrators were aware of the snow accumulation but expected it to melt away as April warmed up.
A crack in the library ceiling had been noted, and a contractor involved in the school bond project inspected the crack but could not determine the cause at that time.
On Wednesday, March 25, a gas leak at the school resulted in a visit by the Newberry Fire Department and Semco Energy, who discovered a broken gas line on the roof. The gas was quickly turned off and the pipe was repaired that evening, allowing students to attend school the next day.
The district’s custodial staff began removing the snow and ice off the natural gas lines running in different direction on the roof. This work continued through spring break, which ended on April 6.
Two contractors from Grand Rapids visited to create bids for upcoming work and said the snow on the roof was a problem.
For the safety of staff and students, school was canceled on April 8 to begin the snow removal process and have the roof inspected in case it had been compromised due to the added weight.
Shortly after, school was canceled for April 9 and 10, too, and work continued over Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12.
Inspectors checked the roof on Monday, April 13, and determined that the roof contains an excessive amount of insulation, Tebo said.
“According to the roofing contractor, this may cause the roof to retain more heat within the building, preventing snow from melting as expected,” she said.
The crack in the library narrowed after the snow was removed.
The improper insulation also led to leaking water the gas lines on the roof.
“This failure led to breakage, which in turn forced bolts into the roof surface,” Tebo said. “The resulting holes that caused water to leak into the school have now been repaired.” The holes, she said, were the size of nickels and there were eight of them.
Tebo and her staff have already discussed how to prevent this type of situation in future winters.
She is also working with the State of Michigan to have the three snows days from the significant snowstorm weeks ago and the four days from the roofing issues forgiven.
“I have also reached out to Representative Dave Prestin and Senator McBroom,” she said.
Prestin said he would assist, she said.
“I want to extend a sincere thank you to our snow removal crew. Without their efforts, we would not have been able to return to school as quickly as we did,” Tebo said.
