LOSS PREVENTION REFERENCE NOTE : from Ohio Casualty

Snow Loading
Adverse weather conditions can affect the structural integrity of building roofs and cause partial or complete collapse. The potential for roof collapse or structural damage increases as the weight of accumulated snow and ice exceeds the snow load capacity of the roof. Rain falling on accumulated snow is especially dangerous because snowcovered roofs do not drain well and accumulating water, ice and saturated snow can quickly exceed the design limits of the roof. There are several factors that can influence the expected snow-load intensity on roofs such as drifting and roof geometry. Approximately 35% of all structural failures are roof failures. Of roof failures, 36% are caused by snow and ice, and 75% of these snow-related failures are caused by snow drifting. Snow drifting can easily result in additional loading of a localized portion of the roof. Snow drifts accumulate on roofs (even sloped roofs) in what is known as the aerodynamic shade or wind shadow of the following: 1. Higher portions of the same structure. 2. Nearby (within 20 ft.) higher structures or terrain features. 3. Roof projections, such as parapets, solar panels, penthouses and mechanical equipment. It is important to consider the localized load intensities produced by drifts. The geometry of roofs also influences snow accumulations. Every roof shape has its own susceptibilities to snow, ice or rain loading. The three most susceptible roof shapes are: Multi-level Snow drifts build on multi-level roofs at the intersection of high and low bays. Winds blow snow from higher bays onto lower ones, or across lower bays to create drifts against higher bays. If the upper bay is a sloped or a gabled roof, the snow load will drift onto the lower bay. Curved On curved roofs, an unbalanced snow load can collect on the leeward side at the eaves. Even if the roof sustains the unbalanced snow load, ice forms easily at the eaves in a freeze-thaw cycle that prevents ice and snow from dropping off normally. This also creates the danger of ponding water loads on curved roofs. Valley Snow collects in the valleys formed by gable, saw-toothed and barrel-vault roofs. The snow load in these valleys can be as much as three times the balanced snow load. In extreme conditions of sustained high winds, even single gabled roofs sloped about five degrees (or one inch per foot) can accumulate snow drifts.
LPRN 8022 OC 2011 Liberty Mutual Agency Corporation All Rights Reserved June 2011

Winter Weather Advisory Are You Prepared? Do you have an emergency response plan? Have you inspected your roof for existing damage? Are your roof drains and downspouts clear? Do you know what to do when it snows?

Metal roofing systems and steel decks and boards on joist construction are the roof types most susceptible to collapse from snow or rain loads. These systems have little rescue capacity in their ability to withstand large live loads of snow or rainfall. This is due to their lighter construction and dead load capacity.

Loss Prevention Recommendations:

Prior to the Start of Winter
Keep an updated winter emergency response plan in effect, especially for snow removal. Keep workers trained and the proper equipment available. Determine the maximum safe snow depth for the roof based on its load capacity as indicated in the building plans and specifications or in an engineering analysis of the roof design. Inspect the roof structure for damage or deterioration and repair or reinforce as necessary. Inspect and clean all roof drains and downspouts to prevent clogging of the drainage system. Look for evidence of past water ponding and eliminate the causes.

When it Snows
Monitor the snow depth on the roof, paying close attention to areas where snow tends to drift and accumulate; areas such as valleys, low roof sections next to higher roof sections and areas adjacent to roof-mounted structures (penthouses, tanks). Remove snow accumulations from the roof before the snow reaches 50% of the safe maximum depth (Table 1) and use safe practices. Do not send employees onto the roof once the snow load approaches the load capacity. Remove snow during a storm only if the forecast indicates the total snowfall will result in dangerous accumulations. Remove snow in layers uniformly across the roof to prevent unbalanced loads that may cause a collapse. Avoid making snow piles or creating snow drifts by moving snow from one roof area to another. Clear snow and ice from storm drains and catch basins. Periodically inspect the roof drainage system to make sure it is not clogged with ice or debris. Use care with snow removal equipment to prevent roof cover damage. It is not necessary to clean completely down to the roof surface as long as melting snow and water can flow freely to the drain.

Measuring the Snow Load

Table 1 is a guide that combines live load design (lbs/sq. ft.) and the density (lbs/cu. ft.) of accumulating snow, ice or water to determine when to take corrective action. Example: A roof designed to handle a snow load of 20 psf could possibly stand 11.5 inches of heavy wet snow. Therefore you should remove it from the roof (if safe to do so) when it reaches approximately 6 inches. Table 1: Equivalent Snow Load Table

Density Information density (lbs/cu. Ft.) % of water weight Design Load (lbs/sq. ft.) 5 10 15 20 25

Light/Dry Snow 3.12 5% Light/Dry Snow depth 19.2 in. 38.4 in. 57.7 in. 76.9 in. 96.1 in. 10 in. 19 in. 28 in. 38 in. 48 in.

Heavy/Wet Snow 20.81 33% Heavy/Wet Snow clear at depth 1.5 in. 3.0 in. 4.0 in. 6.0 in. 7.0 in. 1.0 in. 2.1 in. 3.1 in. 4.2 in. 5.2 in. 2.9 in. 5.8 in. 8.6 in. 11.5 in. 14.4 in.

Ice 57.25 92% Ice clear at 0.5 in. 1.0 in. 1.5 in. 2.0 in. 2.5 in.

Water 62.43 100% Water depth 1 1.9 2.9 3.8 4.8

Equivalent inches of Precipitation clear at depth

LPRN 8022 OC

Safe Work Practices on Snow Covered Roofs

Working on snow-covered roofs poses significant dangers, including slips, falls and exposure to extreme weather conditions. To minimize the risk of working on snow-covered roofs, follow the guidelines in LP Reference Note 5171, Safe Work Practices on Snow-Covered Roofs.

References:
Liberty Mutual Property, Winter Threats: Freeze-Ups and Snow Loading, PE1029, Weston, MA, 03/07. Insurance Services Office, Inc., Roofs- Snow Loads, EngineeringandSafety@iso.com, 2000.

The illustration, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope, and to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any reference codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the appropriate code-, standard-, or regulation-making authority for interpretation or clarification. Provided that you always reproduce our copyright notice and any other notice of rights, disclaimers, and limitations, and provided that no copy in whole or in part is transferred, sold, lent or leased to any third party, or may make and distribute copies of this publication for your internal use. 2011 Liberty Mutual Agency Corporation. All rights reserved.

LPRN 8022 OC