While winters in the UK are often relatively mild and severe snow falls rare, it is not uncommon for heavy snow to result in damage to buildings, including roofs and their supporting structures. Good building design in terms of resistance to snow loading starts with the correct specification of the roof cladding and its supporting structure.

In this CPD you will distinguish between types of snow load, the factors affecting snow loading and snow loading calculations. By following the recommended calculation procedures and specifying the cladding and supporting structure accordingly, building designers can ensure that the roofs of their buildings do not collapse due to snow loading even in the harshest of winters.

Snow loading is normally calculated by suitably qualified engineers using the latest codes of practice and software. However, all construction professionals need to be aware of the basic principles of snow loading to ensure that they play their part in specifying and delivering a safe building.

You can download the document here

Learning objectives:

• Distinguish between types of snow loads
• Understand the factors that affect snow loading
• Understand the recommended calculation procedures and be able to distinguish between designing to the British Standard and the Eurocode
• Know how to specify the correct cladding and supporting structure for a specific building
• Understand the importance of load paths and distribution for pitched roofs

This CPD has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. You can download a copy of the certificate here