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Old 02-10-2015, 11:26 AM   #1
sambam
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How much is too much?

I shoveled about 2 feet of snow off the roof of our Montana today and was wondering what others in the snow-belt consider to be a dangerous amount. I've been watching as snowfall after snowfall keeps piling up everywhere and began to get nervous about the weight of all that snow up there. I don't remember this being an issue for me in the past, but this winter is a different animal. We've got more coming Thursday and possibly a big one this weekend, so I feel better that at least we're getting a fresh start. What do you guys up in Canada and other northern areas of the US do?
 
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Old 02-10-2015, 11:58 AM   #2
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The weight of snow obviously varies greatly, depending on the water content. "Average" snow might be around 15 lbs. per square ft. So, if you removed 2 feet, it would be about 30 lbs. per square ft. maybe? I think our roofs will handle a lot more than that per square foot. Heck, I weigh 225 and it doesn't even know when I'm up there.
Now of course you need to factor in the total load over the entire roof, but I still imagine the weight is acceptable. I'm thinking getting up there and shoveling is more dangerous than the snow load.
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Old 02-10-2015, 12:51 PM   #3
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Being from Canada and until we can snowbird I keep the snow pushed off our rig. I don't let more than a foot build up before I remove it, just one of those things I feel must be taken care of.
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Old 02-10-2015, 01:06 PM   #4
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The question you ask might be answered by what the local RV dealers do with respect to snow on the roofs of their in stock units. We have never had an amount at one time in recent years that I would be concerned about. Now if the slides were out that is a different kettle of fish.

Not sure I would now be comfortable being up on a slippery roof removing snow anymore, notwithstanding the possibility of damaging the roof with the shovel.

Opinions will vary I am sure so a larger sampling might give you a better answer.

Hope the bad weather lets up on you folks soon, makes the warmer south look even more appealing.


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Old 02-10-2015, 01:23 PM   #5
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To be sure, Mark, it's dangerous up there, particularly with a cover on it like we have. That's why I used an extension ladder and worked my way around the camper. Treacherous also, because dragging a ladder around in 4 feet of snow is no picnic, either. But, it's cleared now and I'll do it again when it reaches what I consider critical mass. The way this winter has been going lately, it won't be long.
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Old 02-10-2015, 02:41 PM   #6
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That's one of the reasons we left Wisconsin and moved to Tennessee. No Snow Here!!
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Old 02-10-2015, 03:02 PM   #7
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Remove some of it and hook up. Get on I95 South and burn about 4 or 5 tanks of fuel. Find a nice place and stay till May. Works for me.
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Old 02-10-2015, 03:12 PM   #8
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by shovelhead86

Remove some of it and hook up. Get on I95 South and burn about 4 or 5 tanks of fuel. Find a nice place and stay till May. Works for me.
Good call. If only....
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Old 02-11-2015, 01:39 AM   #9
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This is a good place to insert one of my pet peeves. In Pennsylvania (and probably lots of other states), you are liable for any damage that occurs when snow or ice falls/blows/ or otherwise comes off the roof of the vehicle you are driving/towing. I recently followed a Schenider truck up Interstate 81 in our area for about 5 miles. It had about 18 inches of snow on the rear of the trailer and was losing it along the way. I kept my distance.
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Old 02-11-2015, 01:58 AM   #10
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When we remove the snow we use a small plastic shovel and a broom and of course if
it is too slick on the roof it can be done from a ladder off to the side. The extension handles they make now are wonderful for doing this from a distance so the removing snow doesn't knock you off the ladder.
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Old 02-11-2015, 02:58 AM   #11
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In Calgary we usually do not get a lot of snow in the city, but when we do I set up the 8 ft ladder and use a push broom to pull the snow off the roof. I do not get on top off the roof, because that can be too risky. We are fortunate in Calgary because we get Chinook winds that raises the temperature and the snow melts.
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Old 02-11-2015, 03:43 AM   #12
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I used an old plastic snowshovel that the blade is worn out on and was careful not to go down too deep. If the snow is powdery enough, I'll try a broom next time. We haven't had any thaws this year, so the stuff is just adding up.
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Old 02-11-2015, 06:01 AM   #13
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It would have top be some really wet, heavy snow for me to begin to worry about it. I've had a couple of feet up on mine before, and never considered getting up there. It was not slushy, heavy snow though. Just nice, Utah ski base!
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