MARIGOT:---The services of the Préfecture and the Collectivité have been informed that since IRMA many individuals have been installing concrete slabs on their roofs to protect themselves from the hurricane risk.
This procedure which consists of either pouring concrete slabs sloping on an existing roof without a safe grip without checking that the load can be supported by the structure or replacing the framework with a flat concrete roof, represents a real danger as it can cause the building to collapse.
In Saint-Martin, this danger is all the stronger as the island is also exposed to a strong earthquake hazard and can therefore be the subject of major shocks weakening the structure of homes which in turn can lead to the collapse of these concrete slabs and the existing structure.
Schemes: concrete slabs fixed on a roof
Concrete added to an existing roof
Removed existing roof
Added concrete slab
The Prefecture and the Collectivité therefore strongly discourage individuals and businesses to pour concrete on an existing roof or to create a flat concrete roof without consulting prior a specialist.
To carry out such work, it is necessary:
• to call first a specialist (engineering consulting firm, qualified architect) who will tell you if your home is strong enough to support concrete slabs safely
• ask the contractor who carries out the work to present an up-to-date insurance certificate covering this type of work.
For more information, please contact the Department of Spatial Planning and Town
Planning of the Collectivité: 05 90 52 27 30