The purpose of this web site is to provide ground snow load analysis information and data gathered from all 50 states.
Warm roof types snow load.
Snow load is the downward force on a building s roof by the weight of accumulated snow and ice.
Use dashed line ct 1 2 cold roof obstructed roof.
This chapter contains the building code definitions of snow load types of snow the variables that factor into roof snow loads and the risks various.
That s why it s important to calculate your roof load and be adequately insured for this type of situation.
Loads on building structures.
Check roof thermal factor ct 1 0 warm roof cs from fig 7 2a slippery unobstructed roof.
Two types of warm roofs that drain water over their eaves shall be capable of sustaining a uniformly distributed load of 2p f on all overhanging portions.
Each state has a listing of building code and applicable guidelines for snow loads as well as details about where the snow load information may be found or purchased.
There is no stronger protection against heavy snow loads than shake or slate roofs.
Currently the international building.
When we design homes in the mountains we pay careful attention to all the details of the building envelope to insure that the finished product will perform.
The easiest way is to push a yardstick into the snow on the roof selecting an area that looks typical of the overall snow depth.
Purpose of this web site.
Tructural engineers use building codes to determine design snow.
Snow and the mountain environment are tough on everything and your home is no exception.
Snow can either blown from the low side of the roof towards the high side or is blown off the higher area of the roof onto the lower projected side.
The density of snow and hence its load per square foot depends on the type of snow.
2 1 building code definitions.
Those that are unventilated and have an r value less than 30 ft 2 h f btu 5 3 c m 2 w and those that are ventilated and have an r value less than 20 ft 2 h f btu 3 5 cm 2 w.
For example fresh snow is soft fluffy and light.
Use solid line ct 1 1 intermediate roof cs from fig 7 2b slippery unobstructed roof.
On the other hand snow that stayed on your roof for a few days will settle and while it seems that the cover gets thinner its weight doesn t change it s just the density that is different.
Made of a composite material that closely imitates the real thing but with much lighter weight this roofing material provides superior protection for your home and family when it comes to snow and ice.
When heavy snow meets fierce winds even the best engineered buildings can collapse.
First figure out how deep the snow is piled up there.
Use dashed line obstructed roof.
How snow load can damage your buildings.
You need to use a snow load formula for flat roofs.
A mountain home should to be able to withstand all that nature throws at it and provide its inhabitants with a warm dry sanctuary from the elements.