Estimate the total weight and pressure (PSF) of snow accumulated on a roof based on snow type and depth.
Accumulation Data
Load Analysis
Enter area and depth to calculate snow load
About this calculator
Overview
Snow load is the downward force on a building's roof by the weight of accumulated snow. It is a critical factor in structural design, especially in cold climates where heavy accumulation can lead to roof failure.
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Pro Tips
If you see signs of stress like sagging ceilings or doors that won't open, use a roof rake to carefully remove snow.
Pay attention to 'drifting', where wind blows snow into deep piles against walls or on lower roof levels.
Never climb onto a snow-covered roof; it is extremely slippery and the added weight of a person can trigger a collapse.
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Fun Facts
"Fresh snow is light (3-5 lbs/ft³), but wet snow can be 3x heavier (10-15 lbs/ft³)."
"Ice is much denser, weighing approximately 57 lbs per cubic foot."
"Most residential roofs are designed to handle 20 to 40 pounds per square foot (PSF) of snow load."
Formula: Volume (ft³) = Area × (Depth / 12)
Weight = Volume × Density (lbs/ft³)
Load (PSF) = Weight / Area
