People who live in an area where they get to see the snow and ice during winter can relate how the snow load affects their buildings and roofs. Thus, protecting your sheds from harsh climatic conditions like snowstorms is essential.
And here, we will be covering all about the snow load and some factors affecting it. Aside, we will be learning how to manage the snow load and some removal techniques.
What Is Snow Load?
During snowfalls, when the snow gathers, it puts its weight on the building’s rooftop. This weight of snow or ice is a burden on the overall structure which can potentially damage the structure.
A snow load is a measure is used to calculate or define the water present and profundity of snow amassing on the structure.
Every region has its own snow load, which is calculated to plan the structure so that it can withstand the snow load. When planning for a metal building, ensure that the design of the building must be robust enough to withstand several harsh environmental factors.
Factors Affecting Snow Load
There are various factors that affect snow loads. Let’s discuss some of them:
- Compactness
The weightage of snow negatively affects the structure, and factors that affect the weightage of snow are compactness or density. When the snow loads are higher, it implies that density is higher. The size of snow loads can be equal, but its weight may vary, which is dependent on density.
- Accumulation
The snow load is affected by the speed at which snow is accumulated. Accumulation is, to an extent worry when the temperature remains low for days. Since the snow is not melting and continuously falling so, there will be a pile of grounds as well as the roof. If the snow is falling fast, then it is a matter of concern. Thus, the rate of snow falling and the temperature are essential factors affecting the snow loads.
- Unbalanced Distribution
The unbalanced distribution affects snow load at the rooftop of the structure can create an unbalancing situation. It can potentially cause structural and other damages. The unbalanced snow load may hurt the shape and interior of the building.
Snow Load Management
The snow load can be managed with various considerations on the design of the structure. You can diminish snow load by removal efficiently with some techniques. Let’s see how snow load can be managed:
On The Basis of Design Consideration
It’s obvious to design the metal building that stays stable during a snowstorm or from a snow load. There are several factors you need to consider when designing a metal building:
- Roofing Style and Roof Materials
Rooftop style and materials used in rooftop are essential to be considered for snow load management. The rooftop is the first thing the snow comes into contact with. Most of the roofs are slanted, so the snow load is prevented from sliding on such roof. At the same time, some roofs do not effectively manage the dissemination of snow loads. Ensure sure the roof of the building is high so that it can handle the snow load efficiently.
Roofing material matters when it comes to diminishing snow load on a metal building. A metal roof made of steel can effectively counteract the damage that snow loads could potentially inflict.
- Thermal Environment of The Building
The thermal condition of a building can potentially helpful to diminish the snow loads. The well-insulated structure keeps the internal environment of the building temperature controlled, which means it is slightly warmer than the outside environment during the winter. Since there is no heat exchange from outside, the snow will remain, and it will avoid the formation of ice dams.
- Acquaintance With Wind and Sun
Wind and sun can potentially affect the snow load, which can create unbalancing conditions. Hence, it will create an unusual snow load that can cause structural damage. Those who live in an open area may face these issues with higher wind. The snow may melt due to the sun, which results in ice dams that are not considered good for building. Ensure that your roof style is perfect for your location.
On The Basis of Snow Load Removal Techniques
Since you may have well-suited things and designed your metal structures to withstand snow loads during snowfall, well, it still won’t be enough. Your structure may be efficient for snow load management, but it won’t stop snow from falling upon the roof or grounds. Thus, you need to remove the snow load. And here are the techniques for removal of snow load:
- Shoveling
Shoveling is the process of removing the snow from the roof with the help of a shovel. A shovel is an apparatus looking like a spade with a wide sharp edge and ordinarily improved sides. Since shovel is used for many purposes, there’s a snow shovel that is specifically designed removal of snow. A shovel can efficiently remove the snow and manage heavy snow loads.
- Roof Raking
Like shoveling, roof raking is also the process of removing the snow from the roof but with the help of a roof rake. A roof rake is a tool consisting of an implement attached to a pole that can be utilized to drag snow off the rooftop tenderly. The pole of the roof rake is long, so it drags the snow easily from a peak of the roof since the implement can potentially damage the roof with scratches, so ensure to get one with soft edges.
And there are many more ways of removing the snow on the ground or roof using various tools or machinery.
In conclusion, it’s considered to be good to have somewhat snow on the rooftop during winter. As of now, you indeed have learned a lot about the snow load and managing the snow load. The design of the metal structure will define the overall snow management, so buy top-quality steel garage building from the reputed metal building company in your area. While removing the snow, ensure to wear proper gear to protect yourself.
