Snow Load

[Davydd]

Generally if a roof collapses it is because the drainage system gets clogged and melting water accumulates to the point of failure. Also, if snow drifiting is not accounted for (over and above the uniform design live load) a failure could occur as well. And then there are some buildings that never really met the code or were modified over the years with additional loads. It doesn't hurt to remove as much snow as possible when the snowfall is extraordinary. Duluth, MN got 28" in this storm. They may have some failures.

But, again, I would not worry about an Airstream. The Rocky Mountain states get much more snow. Were there any Airstream failures when Buffalo, NY got that 8 foot dump?

As an aside, the skylights over Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America were designed to carry over 80 lbs of snow load, not because they felt it was needed, but because they did not want even the very minor percentage of glass failure that statistically could occur at code load.

[norbert]

Originally posted by Canoe stream
I had trouble when I divided acre-feet by furlongs-per-fortnight. Still I came up with a top end of 1000# total load. I don't think that's a big problem and it won't be up there long for you in Delaware -- even with the colder temp high pressure (blue sky) following a snowstorm. If 100 of us get up on ladders somebody is going to get hurt. I suspect we'll get more northerners providing their feedback this evening...

Hey!
do you think that equation can be applied proportionally to the popularity of LUTEFISK??
norby

[CanoeStream]

Cool, Norby. Cool. Lutefisk is nothing but dried codfish. Not that a cod is purdy, but a freshwater cod relative causes more turned stomachs up here -- the ugly eelpout. 'Specially when you were looking to pull up a walleye. It looks like you can still make your reservations! http://www.poutfest.com/


Dick, I've been aware of your Minnesota saga. I got my Argosy out of Laurel, DE. Small world! Yes, it has all the character issues of an older trailer but looks to be what I was seeking. I'm handy but didn't want to have to fix up, then decorate on top of it -- the inside is in well kept condition. The rest is a topic for another day I guess.

Stay warm y'all!!

[norbert]

canoe,
kinda looks like a cross between a catfish and a northern.....
norby

[CanoeStream]

They're infamous for wrapping their tail around anything in sight when you get 'em out of the water.

Ya nail the snout to a board, make a slice around behind the gills, then pull back the non-scaly skin with pliers to expose the meat which you then remove....

(note to self: good, I've gotten his mind outa the lutefisk track)

[markdoane]

I think I will paint the top of my Tradewind with white paint.

IF I EVER SEE IT AGAIN!

[Davydd]

A lot of snow and cold temperatures to keep it around (and on top).

[Pick]

I solved my snow loading problem by driving South 950 miles.

[trumpwer]

Things look pretty much the same in Montana

[InsideOut]

Looks like igloos abound! We only have about 2-3 inches right now...and melting!

Shari

[59toaster]

Originally posted by markdoane
I think I will paint the top of my Tradewind with white paint.

IF I EVER SEE IT AGAIN!

Your cheating. I know the frame of your coach is just out of the picture to the left! LOL.

No albino brain chiggers here.

[59toaster]

Ok after all ove thee cold miserable pictures what does folks think of spray in foam? I was hoping to avoid pulling the rest of the inner skin but it's starting to look like the best thing to do to replace the rest of the wiring.

That foam is closed cell so not only would I get some added R value It would form a seal AND ad a little rgitity to the structure.


What negetives am I missing?
Most that I can come up with would be 20 years away inless I am wrong about it preventing any leaks.

[markdoane]

Originally posted by 59toaster


Your cheating. I know the frame of your coach is just out of the picture to the left! LOL.

No albino brain chiggers here.

59Toaster:

Look again. Can't you see the tongue jack sticking up through the snow on the right?

[Navigator]

59,
Sprayed in foam; Now there is an interesting idea. I use to formulate various urethane adhesives and coatings, and if I had an opportunity, I would make the standard commercial insulating foam a bit more flexible, wash off forming oil (cocoanut oil) off the aluminum, give it a quick prime with isocyanate, (to make the foam stick like grim death) spray the 2 component foam, and after cure would shave off the excess then install the interior skin.
It can be done.
Dick

[74Argosy24MH]

Go for it, it works great. Even with the temps we have been having (0-mid teens) it warms up very quickly. Airstream construction is great for longevity, but 2 aluminum skins connected by aluminum ribs are not thermally efficient. The foam expands and fills all the voids, that helps a lot. I put foam tape on the ribs before installing the inner skins for a thermal break.

I didn't use anything to prime the skin and probably wouldn't. It sticks pretty well as it is, but can be removed. I got some cheap serrarated knives at the dollar store, cut the openings for electric boxes, etc. The 'plug' pops out fairly easily, then I filled around it with the spray can foam to seal behind and gaps. You don't have to be very accurate on the initial hole location and size. Actually oversize is better as it expands so much.

Small body openings (tail lights, antenna, etc.) I covered with masking tape from the inside, sprayed and cut the opening from the outside when I did the trimming. It makes nice clean holes and is real easy.

John

[Davydd]

Toaster,

This is another view a few miles west. Markdoane may not have his shell on the frame but I doubt it would have made much difference.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Airstream's experience with the sprayed foam on the interior of the shell was not good.

Because of the movement of the shell, the foam slowly ground itself to powder.

It also did not work very well in the entrance door.

They also used it on the bottom of some floors, within the underbelly. Performance was not too bad, but it also gave some problems.

Apparently, at least the material they used, was not designed to flex. When it did, over time, it failed.

Andy

[mtbob]

A few years ago over in western Montana, Memorial weekend, the usual late snow dumped 18" on us. Didn't get on the roof to measure what stayed, but it was plenty wet and deep. Had to turn up the heat slightly to stay comfy!!

[Navigator]

Polyurethane insulating foam can be made so flexible that it is used to make pillows.

[overlander63]

You could always use one of these to clear the snow off the top of your unit, if you really, really wanted to... The infamous jet-powered snow blower...
Terry