Roof Layout In Snow Country

Roofs with valleys dormers and other obstructions causes snow on metal roofs to building up erratically.

Roof layout in snow country.

Simple gable roofs shed snow and ice more quickly than complicated rooflines. Also different architectural styles will use the same type of roof. Those in the southern climates may utilize lower pitches. For those in the northern parts of the country an 8 in 12 pitch or more is commonly used to keep excessive snow loads off the roof.

The minimum pitch however that can be used with many roofing materials such as asphalt shingles or corrugated metal is 3 in 12 3 12 pitch. Roof designs with changing slopes that drain steep roofs to flatter roofs are likely to promote the development of ice in the area where the roof slopes meet. It has fewer panel ribs and more of a flat surface area compared to other panels making it easier for the snow to slide off. Shed dormers are easier to waterproof and shed snow better than gable dormers.

If you live in the us our snow load calculator compares the total weight on your roof with the permissible load calculated according to the standards issued by the american society of civil engineers regarding the minimum design loads for buildings and other structures asce7 16. Intricate roofs have many parts that incorporate several of the basic roof designs such as a gable roof sitting atop a gambrel or variations of the gable valley roof design using one or a variety of different types of roof trusses also see our very detailed diagrams showing the different parts of a roof truss. Proper roof ventilation and high r value roof insulation is essential to minimizing ice dam formation. While all metal roofing panels can be installed in snow country we highly recommend standing seam.

In a paradoxical twist this is a situation where snow will actually make you warmer. The most effective building design for snow country is a straight single ridge gable roof. Roof designs that funnel snow to narrow spaces and narrow eaves are likely to promote the development of ice dams and resulting roof leaks. If the design necessitates a roof slope that drains onto a traffic area snow retention devices should be provided to hold the snow in place.

Just remember you need to control the rate at which the snow slides off of the roof. Inexpensive and practical shed style roofs are the best solutions for house designs in countries with heavy snow falls. In some cases roof snow melt systems or heat tape can be used to combat ice accumulation on eaves and in valleys. Maintenance leaks drainage.

For the design and insulation to function properly however the roof must be installed with great care and expertise so be sure to call our toronto roofing experts when it comes time to install your new flat roof.