5 Pole Barn Features That Affect Snow Load

When planning to build a pole barn in a snowy climate, one of the most common questions we receive is simple but important: “Will this post-frame building handle heavy snowfall?” The answer depends on more than just location or weather patterns—it comes down to structural design.

In this article, we’ll discuss the five pole barn features that affect snow load and why each one matters. Understanding these post-frame building components will help you make informed decisions, whether you’re building a new structure or upgrading an existing one.

But first, what is snow load, and why is it so important in post-frame construction?

The Importance of Pole Barn Snow Load in Post-Frame Construction

Snow load plays a pivotal role in determining the structural integrity, durability, and long-term performance of a pole barn—especially in regions that experience heavy snowfall.

In post-frame construction, snow load refers to the weight a metal roof is engineered to support from winter conditions. The calculation for pole barn snow load is based on the following factors:

• Exposure: Refers to how a post-frame building’s surrounding environment affects snow removal.
  
• Thermal: Describes how internal temperature and insulation impact snow retention on the metal roofing panels.
  
• Purpose of Structure: A classification defined by the American Society of Civil Engineers Standard (ASCE 7-10) that assigns higher snow load requirements to structures considered essential for public safety or critical operations.
  
• Ground Snow Load: The expected amount of snow on the ground in a specific geographic area, as defined by local building codes.
  
• Roof Slope: The pitch and surface type (i.e., metal roofing panels or asphalt shingles) impact snow accumulation.

Overall, these factors help determine how weight is distributed across the pole barn roof and how well the structure performs under winter conditions. Failing to account for snow load by zip code can lead to costly post-frame building repairs, a shortened lifespan, and increased safety risks.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s discuss the five pole barn features that affect snow load.

5 Pole Barn Features That Affect Snow Load

1) Roof Pitch

One of the most important pole barn features affecting snow load is the roof pitch.

A steep roof allows snow to slide off, while a flat roof enables winter conditions to accumulate. More ice and snow buildup = more weight the post-frame building must support.

For example, a pole barn hobby shop with a 4/12 roof pitch will shed snow much more quickly than one with a 2/12 pitch.

2) Roofing Materials

The roofing material on a post-frame building affects how snow accumulates on the structure.

Smooth surfaces, such as steel panels, let snow slide off more easily. Meanwhile, rough surfaces, like asphalt shingles, can hold snow in place and increase structural loads.

A pole barn with metal roofing will experience less snow and ice buildup than one with a textured roof, even at the same pitch.

Choosing a roofing material that releases snow can reduce stress on the trusses, minimize structural damage, and make winter maintenance easier.

3) Truss Spacing and Truss-to-Column Connections

Pole barn truss spacing plays an important role in engineering a post-frame building to handle the snow load.

Trusses support the entire metal roofing system and transfer the weight through the columns and into the foundation.

In post-frame construction, trusses spaced 8’ on-center can distribute snow loads just as effectively as 4’ on-center when properly engineered.

Roof purlins, trusses, and truss-to-column connections work together to create a continuous load path that supports structural strength, controlled deflection, and long-term performance.

Moreover, the connection points within the truss are just as crucial as the spacing. Heavy-duty steel gusset plates secure the framing members at critical joints. Plate performance depends on tensile strength, yield strength, gauge, and tooth density.

Editor’s Note: Hire a post-frame builder with in-house structural engineers and an on-site manufacturing plant to ensure your trusses are custom-ordered and produced under strict quality control standards.

4) Overhangs, Eaves, and Gable Roofs

Roof components such as overhangs, eaves, and gable roofs can affect snow accumulation on a pole barn.

Overhangs are the portions of the roofing system that extend beyond the walls. This post-frame building feature provides protection from the elements, enhances energy efficiency, and adds architectural style. However, longer overhangs can create snow drifts along the edges of the metal roof.

Eaves are the entire section of the roofing system that extends beyond the walls, including fascia and soffit. They provide structure to overhangs and direct melting snow away from the structure.

Gable roofs consist of two sloping sections that meet at the ridge cap, creating a triangular shape on the end walls. This common pole barn roof style is cost-effective and provides extra clearance for attic space. While gable roofs offer practical advantages, they must support higher snow loads to prevent damage or collapse.

Thoughtful planning of overhangs, eaves, and gable roofs contributes to structural integrity and long-term performance.

5) Other Rooftop Accessories

While not every post-frame building includes rooftop accessories, it’s important to consider them for future renovations. Dormers, skylights, and solar panels can affect how snow accumulates on the roofing system.

Dormers with windows add usable space to pole barn lofts. Skylights increase natural lighting inside a post-frame building. Solar panels provide significant energy benefits, but they also add extra weight to the metal roofing panels.

Installing these rooftop accessories correctly helps manage snow loads and keeps your pole barn durable for years to come.

Which Pole Barn Features Will You Choose?

Understanding snow load and how various pole barn features impact structural integrity is essential. Every component influences how ice and snow accumulate and move across the metal roofing system.

Considering snow load when designing your post-frame building—or renovating an existing one—will help you create a structure that is practical and built to withstand winter conditions safely.

Do you have more questions that aren’t covered in this article? If you need help with designing and planning, contact FBi Buildings at 800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you’re ready for a price, click here to request a free quote, and a member of our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps.