Now that the snow has arrived, it's time to start planning for snow removal. Find out how much you should put aside for roof snow removal costs in this guide.
Snow Load Calculator: How Much Snow Can My Roof Hold?
Avoid a meltdown with our snow load calculator
Photo: Pobytov / E+ / Getty Images
Photo: Pobytov / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
A roof can typically hold 20 lbs. of snow per sq. ft.
Multiply the snow’s density and depth to figure out how much snow your roof can hold.
Removing snow from a roof is a dangerous job that’s best left to a pro.
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You’re in the middle of a blizzard when an uncomfortable thought crosses your mind: How much snow can my roof hold? In most cases, a roof can support up to 4 feet of fresh powder—but it can’t hold as much old snow or ice, which are denser and heavier than new snow. This snow load calculator can help you better understand your roof’s limits and prevent snow from damaging your roof.
How Much Snow Can a Roof Hold?
There are multiple factors that affect how much snow your roof can hold, including the type of snow, your roof’s material, and your roof’s pitch. Generally speaking, though, a roof can support 20 pounds of snow per square foot.
However, not all types of snow weigh the same. For example, it takes about 4 feet of fresh snow to amount to 20 pounds, but it only takes 2 feet of old, packed snow or 1 inch of ice to weigh that much. Here’s how much snow a roof can hold, depending on the type of snow:
| Type of Snow | Maximum Snow Load |
|---|---|
| Fresh | 4 ft. |
| Old or settled | 2 ft. |
| Mixture of fresh and settled | 2-3 ft. |
| Ice | 1 in. |
To determine how many total pounds of snow your roof can hold, you’ll need to know the square footage of your roof. Here are some common roof sizes and their maximum snow loads:
| Roof Size in Square Feet | Maximum Snow Load in Pounds |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | 20,000 |
| 1,250 | 25,000 |
| 1,500 | 30,000 |
| 1,750 | 35,000 |
| 2,000 | 40,000 |
| 2,250 | 45,000 |
| 2,500 | 50,000 |
| 2,750 | 55,000 |
| 3,000 | 60,000 |
How to Calculate How Much Snow a Roof Can Hold
To estimate your roof’s snow load, you’ll need to know the approximate density of the snow, as well as its depth. Once you have those numbers, you can plug them into the following formula:
Snow Load (in pounds per square foot) = Snow Density (in pounds per cubic foot) x Snow Depth (in feet)
For example, let’s say you have 2 feet of fresh snow on your roof. Since fresh snow ranges from 3 to 5 pounds per cubic foot in density, your roof’s snow load would be 6 to 10 pounds per square foot.
Heads up: This is a simplified snow load formula to calculate the snow load on a flat roof. It doesn’t account for a roof’s pitch. However, even if you have a steep roof, you can still use the formula. Just keep in mind that your actual snow load will likely be less than what you calculate with the formula since snow naturally slides off steeper roofs (but piles up on flat roofs).
How to Measure Snow Density and Depth
Understanding your roof’s snow load will help you figure out when to remove snow from your roof before it gets damaged. But first, you’ll need to determine the snow’s density and depth. Here’s how to do that.
How to Measure Snow Density
You don’t have to calculate the snow’s density yourself. Instead, you can use the following information to estimate its density based on the type of snow.
| Type of Snow | Average Density in Pounds Per Cubic Foot |
|---|---|
| Fresh | 3–5 |
| Old or settled | 12–26 |
| Ice | 51–58 |
How to Measure Snow Depth
Follow these steps to find the total snow depth at your home:
Find a flat area of ground with little or no grass. Alternatively, you can use a flat surface, like an outdoor table or deck.
Push a yardstick down into the snow until it hits the ground.
Measure the snow depth to the nearest tenth of an inch.
Who to Hire to Remove Snow From Your Roof
Photo: timsa / E+ / Getty Images
Roofs and ladder rungs can get extremely slippery when it snows, so never try to climb onto your roof to remove snow. Instead, your safest option is to hire a snow removal company. On average, professional roof snow removal costs around $200 to $700, depending on the size of your roof, snow depth, and other factors.
If you’re determined to clear snow from your roof without hiring a professional, you can use a roof rake. Just make sure to watch out for falling snow and ice and take regular breaks so you don’t overexert yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ice dam removal costs anywhere from $650 to $2,000, with most people paying about $1,200 for this service. The price you pay will depend on a few factors, including the removal method. If your pro uses salt or tablets to get rid of the ice dams, you might only pay $200 to $300. But if they use steam, your costs could increase to $800 to $1,200.
In many cases, yes, homeowners insurance covers roof damage caused by snow. For example, if your roof collapses in a snowstorm or an ice dam leads to a leak in your ceiling, your policy should cover the cost of repairs. However, to get your claim approved, your roof must be well-maintained and in good condition overall, aside from the recent snow-related damage.
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