How to Calculate the Snow Load on a Gable Roof

The weight of snow, more than the depth, puts pressure on the capacity of the roof to hold it. Roof snow load capacity is designed according to the local conditions and the type of building, but the capacity is affected by poor building condition. Snow loads can be calculated by melting snow and measuring the water. An inch of water depth weighs 5.2 pounds. For a gable roof, the best place to take a sample is the center third.

Measuring tape
Ladder
Coffee can, 3-pound capacity, 6-inch diameter
Bucket

Instructions

- 1
  Put the coffee can in the bucket. Set the ladder from the ground to the roof, at an angle with 1 foot of horizontal distance for every 4 feet the ladder rises. Extend the ladder 3 feet higher than the eave of the roof and secure, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- 2
  Carrying the bucket, climb to the eave and step out on the roof. Find the approximate center third of the roof by eye, or by measuring from the ridge to the eave.
- 3
  Fill the coffee can with snow. Empty the contents into the bucket. Fill the coffee can with snow again, from the same location, and empty it into the bucket again. Repeat until you reach the surface of the roof.
- 4
  Descend the ladder, taking the bucket. Take the snow to a warm room and let it melt.
- 5
  Pour the melted snow into the coffee can. Measure the depth of water in the can. Multiply the depth by 5.2 to find the snow load in pounds per square foot.

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