Free roofing tool

Roof snow load calculator

Estimate the weight of snow on your roof by area, ground snow load, and pitch.

Snow is heavier than it looks. Enter your roof area, your region’s ground snow load, and your pitch to estimate the total load — and whether it’s time to clear it.

Roof area (sq ft) Ground snow load (psf) Your local design value — often 20–50 psf in snowy regions. Your building dept. can tell you. Roof pitch

Estimated total snow load

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An estimate only — a structural engineer or pro should confirm your roof’s capacity.

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Why snow load matters

Wet snow can weigh over 20 lbs per cubic foot, and a foot on a whole roof adds up fast. The load on your roof is roughly the ground snow load × an exposure factor × a slope factor — steeper roofs shed snow, so they carry less. If you’re near or over your roof’s rated capacity, clear it safely or call a pro.

Cost ranges reflect 2026 U.S. installed prices (BLS producer/labor data, Remodeling Cost vs. Value, and manufacturer pricing). Your real price depends on your roof, region, and pro — see the full cost guide.

FAQ

Roof Snow Load Calculator questions

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How much snow can a roof hold?

Most modern homes are built for about 20–40 psf of snow load, but it varies by region and age. If in doubt, a structural engineer or roofer can confirm your roof’s capacity.

When should I remove snow from my roof?

Clear it when snow approaches your roof’s rated load, when you see sagging, sticking doors, or new cracks, or after a heavy wet storm on a low-slope roof. Use a roof rake from the ground when possible.

What is ground snow load?

It’s the design snow weight for your area, set by code maps, in pounds per square foot. Snowy regions run 30–50+ psf. Your local building department publishes the value for your address.

Do steep roofs hold less snow?

Yes. Snow slides off steeper roofs, so they carry a smaller share of the ground load. Low-slope and flat roofs hold the most and are the most at risk.

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