I found out my plastic shed roof isn't rated for snow load and now I'm panicking

I was just checking the manual for my 6x8 shed I put up last fall, and right there in small print it says the roof can only handle 10 pounds per square foot. I live in Buffalo, and we got 2 feet of snow last winter. I never even thought to check that when I bought it. Has anyone else had a shed roof cave in on them or am I overthinking this?

2 comments

2 Comments

jordan_hill10d ago

bro "10 pounds per square foot" is basically nothing, I can't believe they even sell those things in snow country. I had a similar plastic shed a few years back and the roof just straight up buckled after one decent storm, I had to go out there with a broom every few hours to knock the snow off like a maniac. You're not overthinking this at all, that's a real risk especially in Buffalo where you guys get hammered. Honestly I'd either reinforce the roof with some plywood or just plan on clearing it off constantly because that thing is gonna fold like a lawn chair under two feet of snow.

iris_schmidt10d ago

Trust me those snow load ratings are super conservative, my family has had a similar plastic shed in Vermont for like 8 years with no issues even with 3 foot dumps. Just make sure you knock off any wet heavy snow and it'll be fine, the plastic is way stronger than those numbers suggest.