Roof Trusses & Snow Load: How To Build Winter-Ready Houses

When installing roof trusses, snow should definitely make it to the top three of your concerns. 

 

Winters in Ontario are famous for being cold, icy, and snowy. The constant freeze-and-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on most roofs, thus emphasizing the need for careful planning on the part of contractors when it comes to roof trusses. 

 

Fonthill Lumber Inc. has been providing structurally sound and code-compliant roof trusses to builders across Ontario for 75 years. Our weather-proof trusses have been built to handle the challenges of Ontario’s changing climate. 

 

In this blog, we will show you how a combination of the right truss design and installation practices can help you build winter-ready roofs. 

 

 

The Relation Between Roof Trusses and Snow Load

 

Before we get to how they are connected, let us explain what snow load is. 

 

Snow load can be defined as the downward force accumulated snow and ice exert on the roof of a building. 

 

The permissible limit of snow load a roof can handle varies across Ontario. The OBC or Ontario Building Code has strict requirements in place for how much weight roof trusses are allowed to carry, so it is best to check with them before you start building.

 

To illustrate with an example, the average range of ground snow load in Southern Ontario is 1.5 to 3.5 kPa. So if you are installing roof trusses, you have to make sure their design accounts for this range. Of course, the final number will depend on your project’s location and local building requirements. 

 

 

Why Is Roof Truss Design Important?

 

Shape, span, and spacing – each of these properties will vary for each truss type. However, these properties can have a direct impact on how the roof handles the weight of snow. Let’s explore some of the truss types used in snowy regions and what they are known for:

 

• Fink trusses are the best choice for gable roofs as they offer superior load distribution
• Howe and fan trusses’ inherent strength makes the perfect choice for roofs with long spans
• Scissor trusses enable vaulted ceiling but require specialized engineering to handle loads

 

Your client’s choice of truss is critical in designing roofs that can withstand localized stress (snow or ice, in this case) without sagging or resulting in a structural failure.

 

At Fonthill Lumber Inc. you get precision-engineered residential roof trusses that are in sync with your client’s design choices and compliant with local snow load codes. 

 

 

Best Installation Practices For Snow Load Resilience

 

While getting perfectly crafted residential roof trusses from us is the first step to building winter-ready homes, the next step is all about installing them correctly. 

Here are tips contractors can use to ensure the entire structure handles snow load efficiently: 

 

• Brace trusses properly: Use proper bracing during installation to curb lateral movement and preserve the integrity of the trusses. 
• Use approved metal plates and connectors: These are key to maintaining consistent transference loads between the different members of a truss system. 
• Stick to manufacturer-specified spacing: By following recommended spacing you will ensure uniform weight distribution, thus preventing uneven stress points. 
• Perform pre-installation checks: Inspect for damage or distortion. Do not ignore minor cracks as they can adversely impact the truss’s load bearing capacity. 

 

At Fonthill Lumber Inc., we take a more professional and in-depth approach to designing trusses. Before the process begins, we discuss the project’s requirements with the builders, architects, and engineers to ensure the final product is tailor-made to your demands – both in terms of aesthetics and performance. 

 

 

Conclusion

 

As the season of snow and ice nears, it is critical to ensure your projects are fitted with the right kind of roof trusses. A compromise here can result in trusses that are prone to damage under the weight of snow. 

 

That is why we take the smallest factors into account when building winter-ready truss systems. Fonthill Lumber Inc. provides custom roof trusses in Welland, Ontario that are engineered for strength and consistency, no matter the season. Contact us to get strong, stable, and code-compliant trusses for your project. 

 

 

FAQs

 

How does the pitch of a roof affect its snow load capacity?

 

Roofs with steep pitches, ideally 6/12 or more, are adept in shedding snow faster, thus preventing accumulation. Flatter roofs, on the other hand, need additional reinforcement to stay stable under ice and snow build-up. 

 

Are metal connectors resistant to freeze-thaw cycles?

 

Yes, but there is a catch. Only galvanized connectors rated for cold climates are corrosion-resistant. However, you need to install them properly to keep rust at bay.

 

How often should roof trusses be inspected in areas prone to heavy snowfall?

 

We recommend conducting annual inspections – especially before and after winter. Be sure to check the trusses for moisture damage, fastener corrosion, and displacement.