Manage Snow Accumulation on Roofs
At 2:48 in
12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Building a House
What happens here
A-frame roofs, particularly those with a steep pitch and long rafter runs that lack traditional soffits, pose a considerable challenge for snow management in winter climates. Snow sliding off the roof tends to pile up directly against the building's foundation, creating a snow depth of 8 to 9 inches away from the structure. This accumulation requires regular shoveling to prevent moisture from soaking into the fascia board and causing damage or swelling. Additionally, heat exchange units (AC units) placed near the building will also accumulate snow, although they are not used in winter. Snow can also push out from underneath the unit. The ideal solution for heat exchangers is to place them at the front or back of the house where snow build-up is less severe or place them under a protective structure. Snow stoppers on the roof can help, but they may break under heavy snow loads, and constant maintenance is required to remove snow from critical areas.
Goal: Long, steep A-frame roofs without extended soffits cause significant snow accumulation around the foundation and can affect ground-level HVAC units, requiring diligent snow removal.
Tools and materials
- Heat Exchanger (AC Unit)
- Snow Shovel
- Snow Stoppers
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