Snow-Country Roofing

The design and construction of roofs in snow-country environments presents an unusual array of challenges. In addition to providing a high-level of protection against the risk of water leakage, snow and ice accumulation on the roof, ice damming, icicle development, and snow shedding are also important criteria to consider.

A variety of approaches to various roofing systems are implemented depending on the specific requirements of each building. From a snow and ice management perspective, cold attic and cold roof systems can provide a measure of protection. For some structures, particularly those with complex roof geometries, unvented, "superinsulated" roof assemblies are utilized.

Due to the extreme conditions to which snow-country roofs are exposed (which often includes high temperatures from solar radiation due to their high-altitude locations), roofing and related materials require careful selection. Detailing of roof features is particularly critical, since winter conditions can exploit any deficiencies in the system. The damage caused by water leakage can be significant, and correction of these conditions can be particularly difficult since low temperatures, snow, and ice can impede repair work.

The damage caused by snow and ice on these snow-country roofs can be extensive, and the repairs can be expensive. Further, condensation as the result of interior humidities can pose significant challenges to snow-country roofing designs.