How Pre‑Engineered Metal Buildings Stand Strong Against Today’s Intensifying Winter Storms 

Across many regions, winter storms have appeared more frequent or more intense in recent years and some areas have experienced snowfall that exceeded what certain buildings were originally designed to support. At the same time, many structures have been affected by how snow and ice tend to accumulate in specific locations on a roof, such as step downs, parapet walls, overhangs and areas where drainage becomes blocked. These localized pockets can become significantly heavier than the surrounding snow cover and both FEMA and other industry sources note that such concentrated loading has played a role in building stress or isolated failures. These accumulation patterns are long‑recognized winter behaviors and are not new, but their impact can become more apparent during stronger storms or in buildings that were not originally engineered for higher or uneven snow loads. 

 

This guide explains how winter loads actually behave, why pre-engineered metal buildings are especially well suited to handle them and what owners can do to keep their structures resilient through intensifying winters. 

 

Understanding How Winter Roof Problems Really Happen 

In today’s storms, some regions are seeing snowfall that exceeds what older buildings were originally experiencing. But even in heavy‑snow events, most roof problems start with where the snow ends up, not simply how much falls. Winter conditions often create uneven, highly localized loads as snow drifts, slides, absorbs rainwater or refreezes into dense pockets. These concentrated areas can place far more stress on a roof than the overall snow depth would suggest. 

Below are the four most common real‑world causes of failures from snow and ice. 

1. Drifting Snow: Localized Piles at Roof Features 

As wind moves across a building, it deposits snow unevenly. Certain architectural features function as natural collection points. Drifts form against parapets, at roof step downs, at tall adjacent structures or at sudden changes in roof slope. These drifts can be several times deeper than the surrounding snow cover.  

Even if a building has had decades without incident, a single storm with the right wind direction can create new drift conditions. 

2. Sliding Snow from Upper Roofs 

On multi-level buildings, the upper roof often warms faster and sheds snow. That snow can slide or fall onto a lower roof. This creates a sudden, concentrated load that the lower roof may not have been designed to handle. This type of impact is a well-documented cause of winter roof problems.  

Sliding snow can also damage equipment, gutters, lower roof seams or wall panels. 

3. Rain on Snow Events: Rapid Increases in Weight 

Rain falling onto a layer of snow is one of the most dangerous winter patterns. Snow absorbs water like a sponge, dramatically increasing in weight over a noticeably brief period. This heavier wet snow can exceed what the roof was originally intended to support. 

Rain on snow events are common today due to shifting winter temperatures. 

4. Ice-Blocking Drains and Gutters 

Blocked drainage can create hidden winter hazards. When melting snow encounters a frozen gutter, scupper, or downspout, the water backs up and refreezes. Ice buildup can overload the roof edge or trap water that later freezes into a heavy mass. These conditions can significantly increase localized loads.  

For low slope roofs, ponded meltwater that refreezes becomes an additional load entirely separate from the snow itself. Areas of overhang tend to collect snow melt from warmer areas of the roof, leading to ice-blocking at the low eave where water freezes due to greater exposure to cold weather.

 

Why Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Perform Well in These Conditions 

Modern winter behavior is not only about higher snowfall. It is about how snow moves, how snow piles and how snow changes weight through thawing, refreezing and rain events. Modern engineering practices incorporate broader datasets and more robust methods to help designers address these realities.  

Pre-engineered Metal Buildings (PEMBs) align naturally with this real-world approach and today’s leading manufacturers further strengthen this advantage by using proprietary engineering tools and design technologies that incorporate updated climate data and modern load‑analysis methods. 

 

Metal Buildings Are Engineered to Match the Site 

PEMB frames and secondary members are designed to reflect expected local snow patterns. This includes factors such as terrain, wind exposure, roof shape and known drift prone areas. Pre-engineered metal building systems are inherently flexible in design, allowing engineers to customize strength exactly where it is needed.

 

1. Metal Buildings Address Drift Zones Thoughtfully 

Drifting near parapets and roof transitions is a common cause of winter roof overload. PEMB design allows drift-prone areas to be addressed through targeted reinforcement. Designers can evaluate where snow will likely collect and design those areas accordingly. This approach aligns with updated engineering requirements that better reflect real-world drift behavior. 

2. Metal Roofs Offer Natural Snow Shedding Advantages 

Metal is a low friction surface. On certain roof slopes, it allows snow to slide off more readily than other roofing materials. This reduces retained snow in some scenarios when paired with the right detailing, adequate clearance zones and safe pathways below. Designers must still evaluate drift potential because snow that sheds from one roof plane may accumulate on another. 

3. Metal Buildings Can Evolve with Changing Climate Patterns 

Pre‑engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) can be designed to reflect new winter conditions as they emerge. When regions begin to see heavier, wetter snow or more drifting, engineers update future PEMB designs to match the latest building code requirements and current winter‑load data. This ongoing improvement helps newer buildings stay aligned with how winter weather is changing. 

For existing buildings, owners who want added peace of mind also have options. A licensed structural professional can evaluate the building and recommend selective upgrades, such as reinforcing key areas, improving drainage, or addressing roof zones where snow naturally collects, if the owner chooses to invest in greater resilience. 

These updates aren’t required for most buildings, but they can offer extra confidence as winter patterns continue to shift.  

 

What Should Building Owners Look for After a Storm 

Even well-designed buildings can experience stress if snow and ice collect in unexpected ways. Owners do not need engineering knowledge to recognize warning signs. 

Key warning signs include: 

• Sagging or uneven roof lines 

• Popping, cracking or unusual noises 

• Leaning walls or bowed framing 

• Doors or windows that suddenly become hard to open 

• Ice dams or visibly blocked roof drainage systems 

 

If the owner suspects the building is structurally compromised, they should prevent anyone from accessing the building and contact a licensed structural professional to assess the structure.  

Not sure where to start? Use our Winter Readiness Checklist to quickly assess gutters, drains, rooflines and prior drift zones. 

 

Snow Removal and Safe Winter Operation 

Snow removal is not always necessary, and when it is, it should be performed by trained professionals. Manual removal can damage roof surfaces, scratch protective coatings or unintentionally overload other parts of the roof. In some cases, it is safer to leave the snow in place until professionals can evaluate the situation.  

Owners should avoid actions such as: 

• Chipping ice with metal tools 

• Attempting to push snow off without considering where it will land 

• Creating unbalanced removal patterns that leave drifts in dangerous areas 

• Walking or working on a roof covered in ice or packed snow 

• Using heat sources (torches, hot water, heat guns) to melt ice, which can damage sealants or create sudden runoff 

• Allowing untrained personnel or heavy equipment on the roof 

 

Even small mistakes during removal can create larger structural issues or future leaks. 

 

Preparing Your Building Before Winter 

Maintenance is one of the best ways to reduce winter stress. Key steps include: 

• Clearing gutters, drains and downspouts of debris 

• Checking for loose fasteners, flashing issues or seam concerns 

• Reviewing areas where snow has collected in previous winters 

• Considering gutter heat tracing where freeze-thaw cycles are common 

• Discussing local winter patterns with your builder or maintenance team 

• Consulting a professional to determine if snow guards are needed 

These steps help keep water flowing away from the roof and prevent ice buildup. 

 

What to Avoid Before a Winter Storm 

• Don’t skip checking drainage paths around the building. 
  Blocked ground drains, clogged scuppers, or backed‑up downspouts can trap meltwater and create ice dams once temperatures drop. 

• Don’t let rooftop equipment or accessories go unchecked. 
  Loose HVAC covers, unsecured antennas, or missing fasteners can become hazards when high winds or freezing rain hit. 

• Don’t overlook insulation or air‑leak issues beneath the roof. 
  Warm air escaping upward can lead to uneven melting, refreezing, and ice buildup in vulnerable spots. 

• Don’t wait until the first storm to verify that gutters and snow diverters are functioning. 
  Early‑season failures tend to cascade into bigger problems later in winter. 

• Don’t assume that a mild fall means a mild winter. 
  Sudden shifts can produce heavy, wet snow or freeze‑thaw cycles that challenge drainage and loading systems. 

• Don’t use salt or ice‑melt chemicals anywhere on the roof system or metal components. 
  These products can corrode metal, damage coatings, and void warranties. 

 

Why Updated Winter Thinking Matters Even in Older Code Areas 

Local regions update their building regulations at various times. Some follow newer guidance. Some remain in earlier editions. Modern engineering practices evolve based on more complete snow data and deeper understanding of winter behavior. Designing or maintaining a building with this modern insight can improve long‑term performance even if your area uses older rules. 

Because building code adoption is determined by local authorities, your region may not reflect the most recent snow‑load research or design approaches; making it even more valuable to apply updated engineering thinking when evaluating or maintaining your building. 

Pre-engineered solutions ensure buildings are prepared for: 

• Frequent temperature swings 

• Increased wet and dense snow 

• Large snow drifts

• Repetitive freeze thaw cycles

• Ice related drainage challenges

 

These conditions are common and are addressed directly by engineering to modern best practices.

 

Smart Winter Design Builds Confidence 

Every building is unique. So is every storm. Metal buildings, designed and engineered with up-to-date best practices, offer owners resilience, adaptability and confidence during winter weather. 

Safety Reminder 

This guide provides general best practice information. Always consult a licensed structural professional for evaluations that consider the specifics of your building, your region and recent winter conditions.