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3.10
SNOW LOADING
Design Considerations
An important consideration in the roof design
process is the potential for varying types of snow
load conditions. Roofs and buildings that include
details or parapets and add-ons such as shed
roofs or solar panels need to be designed for
potential snow accumulation. Roof slope, surface
material textures and insulation may also affect
the potential for snow and ice accumulation.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
publishes Minimum Design Loads for Buildings
and Other Structures (ASCE7), which contains a
detailed procedure for determining snowdrift
loads. Regional characteristics such as
mountains, flat land and coastal and inland areas
can affect annual snowfall. Refer to the Ground
Snow Load Map, as published by ASCE.
The diagrams shown below are used to illustrate
some of the situations that may be encountered
when designing a roof system. Actual design
procedure as outlined in the applicable code
must be consulted when designing for snow.
Snow Loading
ENGINEERED BY ALPINE
S P E C I F Y I N G / D E S I G N I N G
