{
  "id": "riskg-snow-load",
  "type": "risk-guideline",
  "languages": {
    "en": {
      "id": "riskg-snow-load",
      "lang": "en",
      "type": "risk-guideline",
      "title": "Snow Load and Roof Collapse Risk",
      "shortDefinition": "Snow load refers to the loading of roof structures from accumulated snow and ice, which can cause deformation or roof collapse once the design load is exceeded.",
      "synonyms": [
        "Roof snow accumulation",
        "Snow drift load"
      ],
      "linesOfBusiness": [
        "Property"
      ],
      "jurisdictions": [
        "CH",
        "Global"
      ],
      "tags": [
        "Natural hazards",
        "Risk assessment"
      ],
      "relations": {
        "relatedTerms": [
          "riskg-natural-hazards",
          "term-elementarschaeden"
        ],
        "partOf": [
          "riskg-natural-hazards"
        ],
        "appliesTo": [
          "cov-property-all-risks"
        ],
        "regulatedBy": [],
        "relevantFor": [],
        "insurableVia": [],
        "mitigatedBy": [],
        "comprises": [],
        "alternativeTo": [],
        "complementedBy": []
      },
      "attribute": null,
      "profile": null,
      "coverageProfile": null,
      "clause": null,
      "legalBasis": [],
      "standards": [
        "FM Data Sheet 1-54: Roof Loads and Drainage",
        "SIA 261 – Actions on Structures (Snow Load Annex)"
      ],
      "reviewStatus": "expert-reviewed",
      "reviewedBy": "Guido Hesse, Hesse Group Holding AG",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-04",
      "version": "0.1.0",
      "updated": "2026-09-01",
      "generated": {
        "by": "cursor-agent/claude-sonnet-5",
        "at": "2026-09-01T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      "verified": [
        {
          "by": "human:ghesse",
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      "staleAfter": null,
      "url": "https://hgh.ch/lexikon/en/knowledge/risk-engineering/snow-load-roof-collapse-risk/",
      "alternateUrl": "https://hgh.ch/lexikon/de/wissen/risk-engineering/schneelast-dacheinsturzrisiko/",
      "body": "## Hazard picture\n\nFlat and low-pitched roofs are particularly at risk where wind-driven snow accumulates locally against parapets, roof-mounted equipment or level changes, forming drifts that carry a multiple of the uniform design load. Wet fresh snow and superimposed ice further increase the effective density, so the actual load is frequently underestimated by visual inspection alone.\n\n## Protection measures\n\nStructural design to the applicable regional snow load standards forms the baseline; existing roofs subject to a change of use or later additions should be checked against their original design basis. Managed snow clearance of critical roof areas, functioning roof drainage to prevent ice damming, and a documented snow monitoring and clearance plan for large-span roofs further reduce collapse risk during extreme winters.\n\n## Insurance relevance\n\nSnow-load roof collapses frequently affect large commercial and warehouse buildings and can cause substantial property and business interruption losses. Property insurers regularly require evidence of adequate snow load reserve for older structures and for retrofits such as rooftop photovoltaic installations."
    },
    "de": {
      "id": "riskg-snow-load",
      "lang": "de",
      "type": "risk-guideline",
      "title": "Schneelast und Dacheinsturzrisiko",
      "shortDefinition": "Schneelast bezeichnet die Belastung von Dachkonstruktionen durch Schnee- und Eisansammlungen, deren Überschreitung der Bemessungslast zu Verformungen oder zum Dacheinsturz führen kann.",
      "synonyms": [
        "Schneedruck",
        "Snow Load"
      ],
      "linesOfBusiness": [
        "Sach"
      ],
      "jurisdictions": [
        "CH",
        "Global"
      ],
      "tags": [
        "Naturgefahren",
        "Risikobewertung"
      ],
      "relations": {
        "relatedTerms": [
          "riskg-natural-hazards",
          "term-elementarschaeden"
        ],
        "partOf": [
          "riskg-natural-hazards"
        ],
        "appliesTo": [
          "cov-property-all-risks"
        ],
        "regulatedBy": [],
        "relevantFor": [],
        "insurableVia": [],
        "mitigatedBy": [],
        "comprises": [],
        "alternativeTo": [],
        "complementedBy": []
      },
      "attribute": null,
      "profile": null,
      "coverageProfile": null,
      "clause": null,
      "legalBasis": [],
      "standards": [
        "FM Data Sheet 1-54: Roof Loads and Drainage",
        "SIA 261 – Einwirkungen auf Tragwerke (Anhang Schneelast)"
      ],
      "reviewStatus": "expert-reviewed",
      "reviewedBy": "Guido Hesse, Hesse Group Holding AG",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-04",
      "version": "0.1.0",
      "updated": "2026-09-01",
      "generated": {
        "by": "cursor-agent/claude-sonnet-5",
        "at": "2026-09-01T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      "verified": [
        {
          "by": "human:ghesse",
          "at": "2026-09-04T00:00:00.000Z",
          "method": null
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      ],
      "staleAfter": null,
      "url": "https://hgh.ch/lexikon/de/wissen/risk-engineering/schneelast-dacheinsturzrisiko/",
      "alternateUrl": "https://hgh.ch/lexikon/en/knowledge/risk-engineering/snow-load-roof-collapse-risk/",
      "body": "## Gefährdungsbild\n\nFlachdächer und schwach geneigte Dächer sind besonders gefährdet, wenn Schnee durch Windverfrachtung an Attiken, Dachaufbauten oder Höhenversprüngen zu lokalen Schneeansammlungen (Schneesäcken) mit einem Vielfachen der Flächenlast führt. Nasser Neuschnee sowie aufsitzendes Eis erhöhen das spezifische Gewicht zusätzlich, sodass die tatsächliche Belastung optisch oft unterschätzt wird.\n\n## Schutzmassnahmen\n\nDie statische Bemessung nach den regional gültigen Schneelastnormen bildet die Grundlage; bestehende Dächer mit Nutzungsänderungen oder nachträglichen Aufbauten sind auf ihre ursprüngliche Bemessung zu überprüfen. Ergänzend reduzieren geregeltes Schneeräumen kritischer Dachbereiche, eine funktionierende Dachentwässerung gegen Eisbildung sowie ein dokumentiertes Schneeräum- und Überwachungskonzept für Grossdächer das Einsturzrisiko in Extremwintern.\n\n## Versicherungsrelevanz\n\nDacheinstürze durch Schneelast betreffen häufig grossflächige Gewerbe- und Lagerhallen und können zu erheblichen Sach- und Betriebsunterbrechungsschäden führen. Sachversicherer prüfen bei älteren Konstruktionen und bei Nachrüstungen (z. B. Photovoltaik) regelmässig den Nachweis einer ausreichenden Schneelastreserve."
    }
  }
}