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Building code allows 24-inch on-center spacing for roof trusses. However, you can install them on 12- or 16-inch centers to handle large loads or other exceptional circumstances. In cases such as covering a wide span or supporting alternative roofing materials, where a structural engineer needs to evaluate or create a design for your trusses, the plans will indicate the spacing. 

Generally, hailstones that are one inch in diameter or larger can cause significant damage to a roof. However, smaller hail can also cause damage, particularly when accompanied by strong winds, if it strikes an aging or poorly maintained roof, or if hailstorms are frequent in your area. Hail that is ¼ inch (pea-sized) or smaller poses a minimal risk of immediate, permanent damage, but cumulative impacts can cause deterioration over time. The extent of the damage also depends on the roofing material; hail-resistant tiles like slate or certain types of asphalt shingles can withstand impacts better than other materials. If you are concerned about potential damage after a storm, it is always a good idea to have a professional roofer conduct an inspection.

A roof pitch that’s too shallow won’t shed runoff as quickly, so you have an increased risk of water intrusion through the seams between your roofing materials. In colder climates, snow and ice will accumulate more easily on your roof, which can add enough weight to cause roof collapse and structural damage to your home.

A roof's ability to handle snow depends on its strength and the snow's weight, as wet snow is much heavier than dry, fluffy snow. While designs in snowy regions often allow for 35 to 50 pounds per square foot, a general guideline is that a typical roof can withstand about four feet of fresh snow, two feet of packed snow, or just one inch of ice. Factors like the roof's age, slope, and support structure also affect its capacity; newer, sloped roofs generally hold more weight than older, flat ones. Ice and ice dams add significant, dangerous weight. Because capacity varies, it is best to contact a professional roofing contractor or the original builder to determine the maximum snow load for your specific home.