Attic Dormer High Snow Load

If the dormer is built above living space rather than over an attic or if you re converting attic space to living space then it provides much needed natural light.

Attic dormer high snow load.

This was the cause of the long standing interior moisture issues. When the roof was snow and ice covered that part of the roof would melt faster causing water to pond which was then wicked up by the dormer structure. In some cases roof snow melt systems or heat tape can be used to combat ice accumulation on eaves and in valleys. These photos were taken by roxie baldwin in 2002 at mirror lake on the medicine bow routt national forest.

The load path needs to flow into the rafter next to the dormer side wall. In areas where you might get 2 or 3 ft. If this rafter is supporting the dormer roof it should. Summer and winter photographs of the same building.

And the extra heat is not just a summer concern come winter hot attic air can melt snow on the roof during the day only to refreeze when temperatures drop overnight creating ice dams that lead. In the case of heavy snow and ice during the last bad winter that s even more ponding water than usual. Underestimation of snow loads can result in premature failure high maintenance costs resource damage and in some cases safety issues. One reason may be that the current unbalanced snow load provisions for gable roofs is much higher then what was required by some codes in the past.

Shed dormers are easier to waterproof and shed snow better than gable dormers. Most dormers are roof dormer windows that is the structure s roof surrounds the dormer as if it were a skylight. Of snow you should upgrade to the 50 lb. In heavy snow areas where you might get 5 or 6 ft.

Snow accumalates in valleys and may be a major design concern. Of snow on the roof a 90 lb. However the side wall does not extend to the floor in this area. Dormers are wonderful spots for a reading nook kids play area dressing area and other uses where extra light is a bonus.

Load path roof dormer the load path from the dormer flows down the side wall. Homes in non snowy areas usually come with 20 lb. However only a single rafter is placed here. Proper roof ventilation and high r value roof insulation is essential to minimizing ice dam formation.

Roof dormers add light.