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Should I Be Worried About the Snow Load of My Roof?

If this winter proves to be particularly nasty, specifically with the amount of snowfall deposited upon our homes in a short period of time, the issue of snow load capacity might become cause for concern.

For those of us in the Cincinnati Ohio area, snow storms in excess of 8 inches are rather rare.  Combined with the relatively mild winter weather, we are typically assured some, if not all of that snow will be gone prior to the next storm.

But what if this winter is different?

If any of you begin to experience a large blanket of snow build up on your roof, you’re likely to ask: “How much snow can my roof take?”

Well, like many such questions, the answer is: “It depends.”

So I thought it might be helpful to share with you this quick, 2-page article on the subject that will guide you through the measurement of snow and ice on a roof.  Upon such measurement, you can determine if there is cause for concern, or if it is time to go back inside and put on another pot of hot coffee.

Link:  University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture – Ice and Snow Accumulation ice-snow-roof-article

While every home is different, the latest International Building Code (IBC 2003) for Ohio and Kentucky indicates snow load requirements in the 15-25psf range.  This means the weight of the snow or ice (determined largely by its water density) can be measured then compared to the load for which the structure was designed to support.

Homeowners can use the chart provided in the handout from the University of Arkansas engineers to compare against their measurements to determine if action is required to remove the snow from the roof or merely let it melt off.

For example, if we get 6 inches of wet snow this week, I can see from the chart that I’ve only surpassed just about half of the snow load design capacity of my 20psf (pounds per square foot) roof.   Should we get a foot of snow or more, it is probably time to get out there with a roof rake to remove it.

Make sense?

For more home and roof repair information articles, view our blog.

If you have a question or need a hand, give us a call (513) 724-0539 or visit us at www.MasterMyList.com .

Don

Comments

  1. You have completely nailed it, indeed comparing the existing weight of the snow on the roof with the maximum weight that structure of your home can bear should pave the way for your further action.

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