snow load on roof of forester by forest river

patted1571 · 12-26-2013, 07:25 PM

Hi
We are up here in Ottawa Canada and have had a fair amount of snow and then a dump of freezing rain. I am worried about the load on the roof of our motorhome 3011 DS Forester. When should we start trying to take the snow off of the roof and won't the air conditioner and covers over the vents cause problems trying to clear the snow? We are hoping to have a building to park it in next year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.
Pat

caper · 12-26-2013, 07:47 PM

If you do try to clear the snow off the roof be vary careful. I would not want to cut the roof material with a shovel when trying to clear the snow. I would rather take a chance with the snow and if the roof did cave in claim it under insurance. If you did rip the roofing material and did not know it happened you could have a lot of water damage inside before you discovered the hole. We live just south of you and I have never cleared the snow from the roof of a TT. Plus is you were to drive past any of the local RV dealerships you will notice that they do not shovel snow from the roofs.

Wiscampsin · 12-26-2013, 07:51 PM

If you do go up on the roof be very careful as it will be slippery.

garbonz · 12-26-2013, 09:40 PM

There should not be a problem, in a rig that you can walk on. if you do want to remove it, then use a brush and be careful.

ATVer · 12-26-2013, 11:12 PM

For what it's worth my dealer recommended to clear off the roof if the snow is greater than 24 inches, less if it is wet snow.

mwebber78 · 12-27-2013, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caper

If you do try to clear the snow off the roof be vary careful. I would not want to cut the roof material with a shovel when trying to clear the snow. I would rather take a chance with the snow and if the roof did cave in claim it under insurance. If you did rip the roofing material and did not know it happened you could have a lot of water damage inside before you discovered the hole. We live just south of you and I have never cleared the snow from the roof of a TT. Plus is you were to drive past any of the local RV dealerships you will notice that they do not shovel snow from the roofs.

The roof is fiberglass, so no membrane per se, but still worth using caution as to not break a roof vent. I use my house roof rake, it's lightweight and doesn't require climbing. The rake is made of plastic, so it's less likely to damage the roof compared to a shovel which can have a metal leading edge.

Taranwanderer · 02-16-2014, 11:17 AM

Has anyone had any luck with turning on the heat in their travel trailer to melt the snow off the roof. Does it work? Seems like it would be less dangerous and potentially damaging than trying to get up there with an implement.

Wiscampsin · 02-16-2014, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taranwanderer

Has anyone had any luck with turning on the heat in their travel trailer to melt the snow off the roof. Does it work? Seems like it would be less dangerous and potentially damaging than trying to get up there with an implement.

IMHO it would be a very long process and a waste of LP.

ATVer · 02-16-2014, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taranwanderer

Has anyone had any luck with turning on the heat in their travel trailer to melt the snow off the roof. Does it work? Seems like it would be less dangerous and potentially damaging than trying to get up there with an implement.

It would help to make it easier to shove or slide the snow off but it would likely take a tank or more of propane before it would melt an appreciable amount.

OldCoot · 02-16-2014, 01:03 PM

I think the best thing is regardless of how deep it gets, stay off the roof. The load is spread very evenly and cannot possibly equal a 250# person stepping on it which would put more than 250#/sq. ft of pressure on it with each individual step.

Taranwanderer · 02-16-2014, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCoot

I think the best thing is regardless of how deep it gets, stay off the roof. The load is spread very evenly and cannot possibly equal a 250# person stepping on it which would put more than 250#/sq. ft of pressure on it with each individual step.

See, that's what I'm thinking. There's already over a foot of snow up there, and I really don't want to be walking around up there on it. If it melts the snow and prevents roof damage, I'm OK "wasting" the LP. It's on right now, I'll report back later.

ATVer · 02-16-2014, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taranwanderer

See, that's what I'm thinking. There's already over a foot of snow up there, and I really don't want to be walking around up there on it. If it melts the snow and prevents roof damage, I'm OK "wasting" the LP. It's on right now, I'll report back later.

I don't think you have anything to worry about with only a foot of snow. My dealer who said he has repaired a number of collapsed roofs, told me not to worry unless it is more than 24 inches. Then you should get to shoveling from a ladder to get as much off as you can before climbing on to get the rest. You could also use a roof rake which reduces the chance of damaging something and can be done from the ground.

mark0224 · 02-16-2014, 08:17 PM

Had close to 18" on mine and put a ladder up and very gently shoveled it off using one of those stupid emergency shovels. No metal edges and edge of the was kept off the roof. Be careful of your vents and any skylights. Live just 60 miles south of you. Its supposed to warm up in the next couple of days and rain, didn't want all that heavy wet snow up there. Make sure you don't scrape the top you dont have to take all of it off just some. Tried one of those foam car snow brushes but wouldn't do it the snow was too heavy.

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