Minimum Roof Pitch For Snow Loads

All commercial buildings and structures should use the ground snow load values from the 2009 ibc and not the residential design values given below.

Minimum roof pitch for snow loads.

The sloped roof snow load is calculated using equation 7 4 1. 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. Begin by measuring 12 inches on your level and marking it with a pencil. The key factors are usually snow loading requirements adequate slope and the use of snow guards when needed.

Roof design snow loads derived from figure 321 02 of the wisconsin. P s c s p f. When the roof slope is greater than 5 the roof is considered sloped. If you are adding an addition to your home or installing skylights knowing the existing pitch is important.

The following table provides the minimum required allowable roof slope for each type of roofing material mentioned in the code. You can safely measure the roof pitch from inside your attic with a level that is either 18 or 24 inches a tape measure and a pencil. A minimum slope of 1 inch per foot is recommended in snow country. Sloped roof snow loads are assumed to be acting on the horizontal projection of the surface.