Snow load is a significant factor when designing and building a structure. As guided by ASCE 7-10 guidelines, it should always be considered. To determine the ground snow load for your roof, you will need to know the rise and run of your roof, its pitch, what it is made from, and how much snow falls in your area.
It’s a Safety Measure
Snow loads can be a huge safety concern for your house and should be considered during design. Procedures and guidelines set out by ASCE 7-10 give structural engineers direction on these load requirements depending on your location in the United States and how to apply them to a structure. To determine your roof’s maximum snow load, measure it directly or use a snow load calculator. To measure it directly, you would cut a square from your roof, empty the snow into a plastic bag and weigh it. Then, divide the weight by the number of square feet of your roof to find the roof’s snow load.
It’s a Savings Measure
In addition to being a safety measure, the roof snow load calculator is also a great way for homeowners to save money. By removing the snow when it’s at its maximum weight, homeowners can avoid costly roof damage and prevent moisture buildup that leads to mold and mildew. When calculating roof snow loads, the most important factor is to determine how much depth of snow the roof can handle. To do this, homeowners should cut a square foot of the roof and put it in a bag. Then, they should weigh the bag to see how much the square foot of the roof can safely hold.
It’s a Comfort Measure
A well-built home should be able to withstand the weight of snow. But too much snow can cause damage, which is why it’s important to know the maximum capacity of your roof. Using a snow load calculator, you can find out how much snow your roof can hold without causing any damage to the structure. The amount of snow that can be loaded onto a roof is determined by the depth and density of the snow, and it also depends on the roof’s pitch (how steep it is). The deeper and denser the snow, the higher the snow load. Use a snow load calculator or look up your local building code to determine the ground snow load. Alternatively, you can use an online map to find the snow load for your location. This map also includes a weather forecast. This allows you to plan when removing snow from your home.
It’s a Time-Saving Measure
You don’t have to calculate the roof snow load by hand – our online tool works for you. Enter your roof’s length, width, pitch, location, and state. The tool then shows you whether your structure can handle the snow that will fall this winter. It considers the amount of snow that will fall and its density, which depends on how fresh, wet, and wind-packed it is and whether it’s mixed with ice. The roof’s pitch is also important because it affects how much snow accumulates on the surface.
