Minimum Roof Pitch For Snow Loads

The minimum roof slope allowed by code for any type of roof is in 12 applicable only to coal tar pitch roof systems.

Minimum roof pitch for snow loads.

The following table provides the minimum required allowable roof slope for each type of roofing material mentioned in the code. A minimum slope of 1 inch per foot is recommended in snow country. You can click on the map below to find the minimum roof design snow load for that location. The sloped roof snow load is calculated using equation 7 4 1.

Sloped roof snow loads are assumed to be acting on the horizontal projection of the surface. Begin by measuring 12 inches on your level and marking it with a pencil. If you are adding an addition to your home or installing skylights knowing the existing pitch is important. Metal roofing systems have a good track record of performance in harsh winter environments as long as they are properly designed.

When the roof slope is greater than 5 the roof is considered sloped. 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. P s c s p f. The key factors are usually snow loading requirements adequate slope and the use of snow guards when needed.