How much snow can a roof take?

twinkiedooter · Jan 28, 2008, 10:12 AM

If the snow was "wet" snow versus the dry snow, then I'd look into getting it off the roof if you are expecting more on the way. It is the weight of the snow that is the question here. Snow is extremely heavy and definitely can do some damage.

If you feel okay with your roof's sound structure, then by all means don't remove it. But if will make you feel better removing it safely, then go ahead and do so. In that scenerio it's better to be safe than sorry as you have no idea just how much snow will actually fall shortly and the weight of it added to the already 3' sounds like it could be a lot of extra stress on your roof.

ballengerb1 · Jan 28, 2008, 10:30 AM

The only person who can give you a truly accurate answer would be a structural engineer. We do not know the pitch of your roof or the size and types of decking or rafters. Even if you gave us this info I don't believe any of us are qualified to calculate the load bearing strength of a roof. Some hardware and home stores sell a snow shovel that has a 20' handle and can be dragged down the roof to pull off snow. I have one that just makes a thin cut under the snow and allows it to break free and slide down the roof.

wolfcandy2 · Jan 28, 2008, 10:34 AM

Actually with that much snow in my opinion from experience with garage and home collapses remove it before it gets worse

rtw_travel · Jan 28, 2008, 12:41 PM

Your house will also be designed for a certain snow load which will depend on the area you live in. I.e. Houses in areas expecting more snow will have stronger roofs... So we can't give you an answer that 3' is ok ... Or too much.

If you are concerned, I like Ballengerb's idea of a long snow shovel. I know far too many people (2!) who have fallen off their roofs and seriously hurt themselves.

KISS · Jan 28, 2008, 01:07 PM

The local department of land use should have the design snow load information. If it's above that + expected accumulation, remove it quickly.

Black Bear · Feb 29, 2008, 03:50 AM

I cannot find the question that someone posed about snow on the roof. If I may, quickly... Check in the attic and look see if the roof rafters are "trussed" some older homes are NOT! These are the types of roofs that are more likely to cave in under stress of heavy snow. Also if the rafters are only 2X6 without trusses. And,...even if the snow on the roof is "dry", it could well rain on it and multiply the weight factor! If one is really worried about it from his own observations, by all means, get the snow off!

RickJ · Feb 29, 2008, 03:54 AM

Post moved. Black Bear, is this the right place?

Black Bear · Feb 29, 2008, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickJ

Post moved. Black Bear, is this the right place?

Thanks for finding the right "question" site for me...I am getting used to this site!

KISS · Feb 29, 2008, 06:19 AM

Bb:
I did the calcs about 15 years ago. My expensive textbook in inaccessable at the moment. I did well in the class. I never did like analyzing trusses.

How much snow can a roof take?

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