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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.

You’re going to need a permit for nearly every roof-raising project. This is a very important step, as the work you’re doing has serious safety considerations. Professionals are the ones to handle this type of work—including sourcing the permits—as they have the expertise required to perform the work safely. Insurance and warranty are usually voided if you do this work without a permit, and you may even be required to halt construction and tear it down as a penalty for working without a building permit.

Winter is the least expensive time of year to replace a roof due to decreased demand. However, it’s not an ideal time to replace your roof, as there are numerous factors that can inhibit the work, including shorter days, snow and ice, and cold temperatures.

The ridge is the horizontal line where two sloping roof sections meet at the top, forming the highest point of the roof. A hip, on the other hand, is the external angle formed where two roof sections meet and slope downward toward the walls, typically at a lower angle than the ridge. The ridge runs horizontally along the peak and the hip runs diagonally from the peak to the roof's edges.