How much snow can my roof hold.
How much snow on a roof is too much.
Last winter we had snow on the ground that was up to our hips.
It may not just be one heavy snowfall that causes a problem but perhaps a collection of snowstorms.
A snow rake with a long extension arm is recommended.
How much snow is too much for a roof to handle.
These questions aren t quite so easy to answer because there are several variables.
The drifts on the roof were 5 feet deep.
Trying to work out whether the snow load is too much for your particular roof requires quite complicated maths.
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.
That means clearing amounts above 20 pounds per square foot.
Remove excess snow and ice.
But as the chart below shows packed snow with ice can easily overload a roof once it reaches about 12 off depth.