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Snow Load Calculator

Easily calculate snow load on your roof with our Snow Load Calculator. Check roof safety, snow weight, and when to remove snow in simple steps.

Winter brings beauty, but also a big problem: heavy snow on roofs. You might wonder, how much snow is too much? That’s where our Snow Load Calculator comes in. It shows you the weight of snow on your roof and helps you decide if you need to grab the shovel.

Unlike guessing, this tool uses proven formulas. You’ll know if your roof can handle the load or if it’s time to act.

What Is Snow Load?

Snow load means the weight of snow pressing down on your roof. It changes with snow type, thickness, and roof pitch.

Fresh snow is fluffy and light. Wet snow or ice is heavy and dangerous. That’s why 12 inches of snow can weigh anywhere between 3 to 20 pounds per square foot (psf), depending on density.

When you hear terms like 20 psf snow load or 30 lb snow load, they describe how much weight per square foot your roof is holding.

How Do You Calculate Snow Load?

The calculation looks technical, but we’ve simplified it.

The basic formula is:

snow load = thickness × density

This gives the pressure in kN/m² or lbs/ft².

To find the total weight of snow:

snow weight = (roof length × roof width ÷ cos(pitch)) × snow load

Here’s what each part means:

  • Thickness: depth of snow on the roof.
  • Density: type of snow (fresh, wet, packed, or ice).
  • Pitch: roof slope. Steeper roofs hold less snow.

Our roof snow load calculator does all these steps for you.

Roof Pitch and Snow Load

A flat roof collects more snow than a steep one. Roof pitch matters because snow tends to slide off sloped roofs.

That’s why we included a roof pitch snow load calculator mode. Just enter your roof’s slope as an angle or ratio, and the tool adjusts the result.

How to Use the Snow Load Calculator

Using our calculator is easy:

  1. Enter your roof’s length and width.
  2. Select the roof pitch (degrees, ratio, or percent).
  3. Add the snow depth from the thickest spot.
  4. Pick the snow type (fresh, wet, settled, or ice).
  5. Choose your preferred unit (imperial or metric).

You’ll see the snow load per square foot (or per square meter) and the total weight. The calculator also explains the steps, so you can follow along.

Should You Shovel Your Roof?

If the calculator shows over 30 psf, you should be cautious. Above 50 psf, it’s time to act fast. Ice buildup is even riskier, since it’s denser than snow.

But remember: always leave a thin layer when shoveling. It protects your roof from scratches and damage.

Final Verdict

The Snow Load Calculator helps you know when your roof is safe and when it’s not. Instead of guessing, you’ll have real numbers to back your decision.

Don’t wait for sagging ceilings or loud cracks. Check your roof snow load today, and stay safe this winter.

FAQs

What does 20 psf snow load mean?

It means your roof is holding 20 pounds of snow per square foot.

What does 30 lb snow load mean?

It’s another way to say 30 psf. At this point, many roofs may need snow removed.

How much do 12 inches of snow weigh?

It depends on the type. Fresh snow is about 3–5 psf, while wet snow can reach 20 psf or more.

How do you calculate snow load?

You multiply snow depth by density. Then factor in roof pitch and area to get the total weight.

Is snow load dangerous?

Yes, if it passes your roof’s safe limit. Ice is the most dangerous because it’s over 15 times denser than fresh snow.