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Old 03-25-2013, 05:02 AM   #1
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snow on roof

I live in central Illinois and own a 33 bhts jayflight. We just recieved a foot of heavy wet snow. Last night before dark I got up on the camper and carefully removed most of the snow. I was really worried about a roof collapse. Does anyone know how much weight those roofs can hold? Anyone else ever had problems?
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Old 03-25-2013, 09:10 AM   #2
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Doesn't this winter weather get old? I'm ready for some REAL spring-like weather.

Regarding snow on your roof, I've yet to hear of anyone ever having a RV roof collapse because of the weight of snow. That tells me RV roofs are substantial enough to bear considerable weight especially when snow equally distributes weight over the entire roof, unlike when you walk on the roof and that weight is applied to the area of your feet only.

All said, however, I don't know the exact amount of weight an RV roof is capable of supporting. I'd worry more about getting up on the roof and falling off removing the snow.
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Old 03-25-2013, 09:19 AM   #3
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X2. And if you have a factory roof ladder, the roof will be designed to carry the weight of someone walking on the roof. As previously noted by taviking22, the few pounds of snow on each square foot due to wide distribution should not be anywhere near enough to collapse the roof. JMHO
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Old 03-25-2013, 05:50 PM   #4
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I did the math last year, on a 32' motorhome I used the average % of water-per-foot in snow and calculated to get the mass. The average cubic foot of snow is 15 pounds - do the math and it's downright scary. I have seen the header over a slide opening bow downward and axles loose their arch due to snow load. Of course, this is in Maine. I don't get worried until it gets past 15" or so.
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Old 03-25-2013, 10:07 PM   #5
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Is the math per square foot or overall? I ask because I'd think a stationary trailer can handle a LOT more than a moving one.....

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Old 03-26-2013, 07:02 AM   #6
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I use a 8' step ladder and a "sno broom" to clear off the snow. i don't like walking on it with a few inches or feet of snow on the roof. i can't afford any broken bones or worst.
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Old 03-26-2013, 08:31 AM   #7
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Check out this video. It will give you a good idea of what your roof can handle.
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Old 03-26-2013, 08:48 AM   #8
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That roof video is awesome, Jason. Sure gives me a good feeling. Thanks for the link.
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Old 03-26-2013, 09:46 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by edowsfamily View Post
i can't afford any broken bones or worst.
I completely understand. I fell about 3 feet from a ladder a few years ago while painting my house and broke my tibula and fibula. Luckily my 8 year old daughter was home and knew how to call 911.
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Old 03-26-2013, 12:10 PM   #10
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That roof video is awesome, Jason. Sure gives me a good feeling. Thanks for the link.
your welcome!
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Old 03-26-2013, 06:49 PM   #11
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Quote:
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Is the math per square foot or overall? I ask because I'd think a stationary trailer can handle a LOT more than a moving one.....

-Chak
Static load.

A 12" base of snow on a 33' roof = 4,752lbs. This is for average snow, no ice. The calculation below is used by local responders in snow load issues to calculate snow load on buildings (like schools).

(S)(1.50)=P
(12”)(1.50 lbs/sq ft) = 18 lbs/ sq ft

Just to throw a wrench in it, ice is 5.2 lbs/ sq ft per inch of thickness.....

The new roof was standard on Jayflight and Eagles starting in 2013.
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