Winter is a beautiful season that covers everything in a blanket of white snow. Snow on trees, rooftops, and streets can look magical and peaceful. But as lovely as it seems, snow can also bring serious problems for homeowners, especially when it piles up on roofs.
In extreme winter, snow accumulation on your roof can cause leaks, damage, or even collapse if not handled properly. That’s why understanding the snow load on your roof and how to manage it is so important. In this guide, we’ll explain what snow load is, how your roof’s pitch affects it, and what steps you can take to keep your home safe during snowy months.
What Is Snow Loading On A Roof?
Snow load is the amount of weight that snow puts on your roof after a storm. Even though a lot of homeowners do not take this matter seriously, it’s something they should think about during winter. Another thing homeowners should know is the weight of the snow load also depends on the type of snow and your roof’s design.
So, it is really important for homeowners to remove the snow from their roofs to prevent issues like sagging ceilings, roof leaks, cracks in the walls, or even a roof collapse. Understanding snow load and taking appropriate steps to manage it before it turns into a problem can save homeowners from extensive repairs.
Types of Snow and Their Weight
Not all snow is the same, and the type of snow on your roof greatly affects its weight and the pressure it puts on your home. Understanding the differences can help you estimate the snow load on your roof and decide whether action is needed.
1. Fresh, Light Snow
An initial snowfall or fresh snowfall is called light snow. The snowflakes are fluffy, airy, and light in nature and can be easily picked up using a shovel.
👉Weight: 3 to 5 pounds per cubic foot.
👉Impact on Roof: Fresh snow doesn’t add much weight initially, but if it gets compressed from more snow, it can become heavier.
2. Packed or Compacted Snow
Over time, light snow can get compressed under its own weight or from additional snowfall and form packed/compact snow. This snow is denser and firmer than light snow.
👉Weight: 15 to 20 pounds per cubic foot.
👉Impact on Roof: Compacted snow adds a significant amount of weight to your roof and can impact the structure of your roof.
3. Wet or Heavy Snow
Due to the freezing temperatures, snow can get denser over time, making the flakes larger and moist. This type of snow is quite heavy due to its rigidness and is harder to shovel.
👉Weight: 20 to 30 pounds per cubic foot.
👉Impact on Roof: Wet snow poses the highest risk of damage to your roof structure. Just a few inches of this snow can add thousands of pounds to your room and even create life-threatening issues in extreme winter.
4. Ice or Snow with Ice Layers
When snow melts and refreezes or when rain falls on snow and freezes, it creates a layer of ice. Sometimes, this ice forms beneath the snow, especially near gutters and edges of the roof, and creates issues for your home.
👉Weight: Up to 58 pounds per cubic foot, depending on the thickness.
👉Impact on Roof: Ice is extremely heavy and can block drainage, leading to the creation of ice dams that can increase the risk of leaks and structural damage on your roof.
Knowing the type of snow on your roof can help you decide when to remove it and whether to call a professional for assistance. Regular inspections during snowy months can help protect your home from damage.
How to Measure Snow Load on Your Roof
If you are worried about the structural health of your roof and want to understand how much snow your roof can withstand in the winter, there are ways to calculate the weight of a snow load on the roof. Using the following methods, you can calculate the weight and keep track of any possible damages on your roof.
Measure Snow Depth:
To measure the depth of the snow load on a roof, you can stick a ruler or tape measure into the snow on your roof and record its depth.
Understanding The Snow Type:
As mentioned above, fluffy or fresh snow is usually lightweight, while wet snow is quite heavier. Use the estimated weight of the type of snow on your roof for the calculation.
Doing The Calculation:
👉To calculate the snow load, first, you need to convert the depth from inches to feet. For example, 10 inches of snow will be 0.83 feet (after dividing 10/12).
👉Now multiply the depth of the snow load (in feet) by the weight of the snow. For example, 0.83 feet × 20 pounds = 16.6 pounds per square foot.
👉After that, you need to multiply your answer by the size of your roof to get the total weight of the snow load on the roof.
So, for a 1,500-square-foot roof, the total snow load will be:
16.6 pounds × 1,500 square feet = 24,900 pounds of snow load
Signs Your Roof Is Overloaded with Snow
To prevent your home from any damage during winter, it’s important to know the warning signs. So, here are some of the basic signs of damage caused by excessive snow load on a roof.
Sagging Ceilings or Roof Lines:
If you notice any sagging or dipping on your roof, consider it a clear sign of roof damage that needs to be repaired as soon as possible. If you keep ignoring this issue, your roof might collapse under the weight.
Strange Noises:
Unusual creaks, pops, or cracking sounds are always red flags for your roof. These noises are clear signs that the structure of your roof is being pushed to its limits and is under significant strain.
Water Leaks or Stains:
Dripping water or stains on your walls can be caused by the snow load on the roof. If snow sits on your roof for a long period of time, the melting snow can seep under shingles and into the attic, causing water damage.
Cracks in Walls or Sticking Doors:
If you see cracks forming in your interior walls or notice that doors are harder to open or close, it might be because the excessive snow weight is affecting the structural balance of your home.
How to Safely Manage Snow Load on Your Roof
Managing the snow load on your roof is important to protect your home and avoid damage. Here are some simple tips to keep your roof safe:
Use A Roof Rake:
A roof rake is a tool that lets you pull snow off your roof while standing on the ground. Using this handy tool, you can reduce the weight of the snow load on the roof without climbing up to your roof.
Hire A Professional:
If the snow is too heavy or your roof is hard to reach, it’s always better to hire professionals. With extensive knowledge and experience in the field, they know how to clear snow safely, especially on roofs with steep slopes.
Install Heating Cables:
Heating cables can melt the snow load on the roof and stop ice dams from forming. This keeps your roof in better shape during the winter.
Check Your Roof’s Pitch:
Having the right roof slope for snow matters. A steeper pitch makes it easier for snow to slide off from the roof. If your roof pitch isn’t right, consider making adjustments with the help of the hired professionals.
Improve Insulation:
Good insulation keeps your attic warm and prevents uneven melting of snow. This keeps your roof free from any ice buildup and saves your roof from any structural damage.
Why Snow Load on Your Roof Matters
When snow piles up, the weight can become dangerous. If the snow load on the roof is too heavy, it can strain the structure. This is especially a concern in areas with frequent, heavy snowfall.
How Roof Pitch Plays a Role
The angle of your roof is called the roof pitch, which is a key component that helps manage snow load. A steeper roof pitch allows snow to slide off more easily, reducing the load. A flatter roof, on the other hand, lets snow accumulate, which can be risky.
Choosing the Right Roof for Snow
If you’re building or updating a home in a snowy area, think about the roof slope for snow. A steeper pitch of roof for snow (like 6/12 or higher) is better in these climates. This design helps prevent ice dams and heavy buildup.
Consult A Pro Roofer
Managing the snow load on your roof is crucial for protecting your home during winter. The right roof pitch for snow, regular maintenance, and professional guidance can make all the difference. If you have concerns about the pitch or condition of your roof, don’t wait for problems to pile up. Contact Prestige Roofing LLC at (920) 791-0414 for expert advice and a free consultation. Our experienced team will make sure your roof is safe, sturdy, and ready to handle the winter weather.
