General Discussion

raccoon

(31,111 posts) Tue Oct 10, 2017, 11:08 AM Oct 2017

Du'ers from states where it snows a lot, I have a question. Malls, grocery stores, etc, in my area

(a low-snow area) are built with flat roofs.

It seems if buildings where there is a lot of snow were built with flat roofs, it could create a problem. My question is, are malls and other buildings built differently (with non-flat roofs) where you are?

6 replies

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Du'ers from states where it snows a lot, I have a question. Malls, grocery stores, etc, in my area (Original Post) raccoon Oct 2017 OP

No, structural engineers design roofs taking into account, wind load, snow load, etc. n/t FSogol Oct 2017 #1

Most houses do have pitched roofs, though. teamster633 Oct 2017 #2

The OP was talking about commerical buildings. n/t FSogol Oct 2017 #4

In general yes. mythology Oct 2017 #6

Yes but flat roofs do have a slight pitch. tymorial Oct 2017 #3

Just a guess, but Wednesdays Oct 2017 #5

FSogol

(45,488 posts)

1. No, structural engineers design roofs taking into account, wind load, snow load, etc. n/t

Reply to raccoon (Original post)

Tue Oct 10, 2017, 11:10 AM

Oct 2017

teamster633

(2,029 posts)

2. Most houses do have pitched roofs, though.

Reply to FSogol (Reply #1)

Tue Oct 10, 2017, 11:18 AM

Oct 2017

FSogol

(45,488 posts)

4. The OP was talking about commerical buildings. n/t

Reply to teamster633 (Reply #2)

Tue Oct 10, 2017, 11:19 AM

Oct 2017

mythology

(9,527 posts)

6. In general yes.

Reply to FSogol (Reply #1)

Tue Oct 10, 2017, 11:22 AM

Oct 2017

Unless you're the designers of the Denver airport.

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/lifestyle/travel/dia-evacuates-main-terminal-for-fear-of-roof-collapse

tymorial

(3,433 posts)

3. Yes but flat roofs do have a slight pitch.

Reply to raccoon (Original post)

Tue Oct 10, 2017, 11:19 AM

Oct 2017

If they are sealed properly and maintained then they usually do fine. Clearing snow off of a flat roof can be easier but ice damns and leaves can be a problem as is blowing. You definitely have to maintain them in the snow and high winds.

Up north you will see more pitched roofs and metal roofs which are great for snow. They also last longer than traditional shingle roofs. They can dent and show damage over time. They are fireproof which is good and bad. The initial costs tend to be higher than shingles but they can have a better r value.

Wednesdays

(17,380 posts)

5. Just a guess, but

Reply to raccoon (Original post)

Tue Oct 10, 2017, 11:21 AM

Oct 2017

maybe roofs are reinforced better in snowy areas?

Having said that, roof collapses can happen anywhere. There was a famous roof collapse of the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan because of heavy snow, and they typically get several feet of snow per year.

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