I've been staring at my roof lately, especially after that last snowstorm dumped way more snow than usual, and I'm starting to wonder...how much snow is too much? I mean, roofs gotta have limits, right? I never really thought about it before, but now I'm kinda paranoid about it collapsing or something. Does anyone know how you figure out what your roof can safely hold or if there's like a way to check that?
Totally understandable to feel a bit worried after a big storm...but roofs are usually built to handle more than you'd think. If you're really uneasy, maybe have someone local take a quick look—peace of mind goes a long way. Hang in there!
"roofs are usually built to handle more than you'd think."
True, but it really depends on a few factors—roof pitch, age, and materials can make a big difference. Most modern roofs in snowy areas are designed for around 20-30 pounds per square foot, which is roughly 1-2 feet of fresh snow or half that if it's wet and heavy. If you're seeing drifts or uneven buildup, might be worth clearing some off or having someone check it out...better safe than sorry.
Good points here, though I'd add that green roofs can handle snow surprisingly well. I remember a few winters back, we had a pretty heavy snowfall—maybe around two feet—and my neighbor with a standard asphalt roof was scrambling to clear it off. Meanwhile, my green roof held up fine. The vegetation and soil layers actually help distribute weight more evenly and provide extra insulation. Of course, proper installation and regular maintenance are key...but it's something worth considering if snow load is a concern in your area.
