Roof Layout In Snow Country

Shed dormers are easier to waterproof and shed snow better than gable dormers.

Roof layout in snow country.

The best roof designs for a snow country reduce the number of places where snow and ice collect. Simple gable roofs shed snow and ice more quickly than complicated rooflines. 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. 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.

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. The structure and materials should minimize the damages of natural snow melting and turning into ice. Inexpensive and practical shed style roofs are the best solutions for house designs in countries with heavy snow falls.

Just remember you need to control the rate at which the snow slides off of the roof. 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. Those in the southern climates may utilize lower pitches. Proper roof ventilation and high r value roof insulation is essential to minimizing ice dam formation.

Roof designs that funnel snow to narrow spaces and narrow eaves are likely to promote the development of ice dams and resulting roof leaks. 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. 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. 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.

Roofs with valleys dormers and other obstructions causes snow on metal roofs to building up erratically. 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. While all metal roofing panels can be installed in snow country we highly recommend standing seam. The slope of the roof is also extremely important.

In some cases roof snow melt systems or heat tape can be used to combat ice accumulation on eaves and in valleys.