Reference chart
Shed roof snow load table
For an unheated, low-risk shed the ASCE 7 method gives a roof snow load of about 0.67 times the ground snow load before slope reduction: 20 psf of roof load at 30 psf ground load, 34 psf at 50. Steep smooth metal roofs shed part of it.
Ce 1.0, Ct 1.2 (unheated), Is 0.8 (Risk Category I). Shingle and resin roofs are treated as non-slippery; the 8/12 column assumes smooth unobstructed metal. Drift, rain-on-snow and sliding snow are not included. General guidance only, not engineering: get your ground snow load from your building department.
| Ground load | Flat roof pf | 2/12 shingle | 4/12 shingle | 8/12 metal | Total on 8x10 roof (4/12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 psf | 6.7 | 8.0 | 6.7 | 4.4 | 538 lb |
| 20 psf | 13.4 | 16.0 | 13.4 | 8.9 | 1,075 lb |
| 30 psf | 20.2 | 20.2 | 20.2 | 13.3 | 1,613 lb |
| 40 psf | 26.9 | 26.9 | 26.9 | 17.7 | 2,150 lb |
| 50 psf | 33.6 | 33.6 | 33.6 | 22.2 | 2,688 lb |
| 60 psf | 40.3 | 40.3 | 40.3 | 26.6 | 3,226 lb |
| 70 psf | 47.0 | 47.0 | 47.0 | 31.1 | 3,763 lb |
| 80 psf | 53.8 | 53.8 | 53.8 | 35.5 | 4,301 lb |
| 100 psf | 67.2 | 67.2 | 67.2 | 44.4 | 5,376 lb |
Sheds for snow country
Researched picks spread from budget to premium.
Prices change often; the button shows today's price on Amazon.
Other shed reference charts
- Shed size chart
- Equipment footprint chart
- Gravel for a shed pad, by size
- Concrete for a shed slab, by size
- Shed roof pitch chart
- Shed paint coverage chart
- Shed permit size thresholds
- Shed cost per square foot
Frequently asked questions
Is this table enough to choose a shed for heavy snow?
It is a screening tool. Compare the design load for your area with the roof rating a manufacturer publishes, and where there is no published rating, plan to clear the roof after large storms. Drifting against a house or taller wall can multiply the load, so placement matters as much as the number.
This page is researched guidance, not professional engineering, legal or building-code advice. Sizes, loads and permit rules vary by product and by town: check your local code and the kit manufacturer's instructions before you build.