How Much Snow On A Roof Is Too Much

That means clearing amounts above 20 pounds per square foot.

How much snow on a roof is too much. Last winter we had snow on the ground that was up to our hips. Trying to work out whether the snow load is too much for your particular roof requires quite complicated maths. How much snow is too much for a roof to handle. The drifts on the roof were 5 feet deep.

Remove excess snow and ice. It may not just be one heavy snowfall that causes a problem but perhaps a collection of snowstorms. According to the national research council of canada a roof should be able to withstand pressure of at least 21 pounds per square foot psf this number can fluctuate based on regional building regulations but any well built roof should be able to sustain this much weight before it gets too stressed. Driving winds can change the depth of the snow and snow depth on the ground does not necessarily equate to the snow depth on a roof.

But as the chart below shows packed snow with ice can easily overload a roof once it reaches about 12 off depth. A snow rake with a long extension arm is recommended. How much snow a roof can hold depends on the type of snow roofline and material among other considerations.