Grading, Drainage, and Site Layout That Works With Roof Shedding Patterns

Most people think snow load is just about picking the right trusses and roofing materials. But in Teton Valley, where winter storms dump heavy, wet snow and subzero nights lock it in place, snow load planning starts long before the roof ever goes on.

Shawn at ParkFab knows the real truth: snow load starts on the ground, before the foundation is even poured. The way your site is graded, drained, and laid out determines whether snow melts harmlessly away — or turns into ice dams, water intrusion, and long-term structural headaches.

1. Map Your Snow Fall Zones

Every roof sheds snow differently. Steeper pitches shed faster, while lower pitches hold snow longer. In Teton Valley’s climate, knowing where that snow will land is as important as how much your trusses can carry.

Before the foundation is poured, Shawn maps out:

  • Fall zones from each roof slope

  • Access points for snow removal equipment

  • Safe distances from doors, windows, and walkways so you’re not buried in a roof avalanche

2. Grade for Meltwater Control

Snow doesn’t just disappear — it melts, and all that water needs somewhere to go.

In Teton Valley, that means grading the site so:

  • Meltwater flows away from the foundation, not toward it

  • Low points are placed for natural drainage or French drains

  • Driveways and walkways stay clear of pooling water and ice sheets

3. Guard Against Frost Heave

Even with perfect drainage, some snowmelt will seep into the soil. If that water freezes near your foundation, frost heave can shift walls and crack slabs.

Shawn’s pre-pour prep includes:

  • Compacted road base or gravel to promote drainage under slabs

  • Insulation where frost penetration risk is high

  • Sloping soil away from stem walls to keep water moving

4. Plan for Snow Storage

By mid-winter, you can run out of room to pile snow if you don’t plan ahead.

Shawn factors in:

  • Dedicated snow dump zones that don’t block sightlines or driveways

  • Berm placement that doubles as both a snow fence and a windbreak

  • Access for loaders and blowers without tearing up finished landscaping

5. Keep Maintenance Access Clear

Ice dam removal, siding repairs, gutter work — you’ll be thankful later if snow piles aren’t locking you out of your own exterior walls.

Shawn’s layouts leave space for:

  • Safe winter siding inspections

  • Year-round utility and vent access

  • Reduced snow pressure on siding and windows

Bottom Line

In Teton Valley, building for snow load starts long before the first truss goes up. Site grading, drainage planning, and smart layout save thousands in future repairs — and keep your property safer, drier, and easier to maintain every winter.

Shawn at ParkFab brings decades of local building experience to make sure your site is ready for anything a Teton winter can throw at it.

📞 Call Shawn at ParkFab: 208-360-2411
📧 Email: shawn@parkfab.com