Retractable roof systems are increasingly used in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across Europe. However, when these systems are installed in regions with harsh winters, one critical factor must be carefully considered: snow load resistance. Designing a retractable roof capable of supporting heavy snow accumulation requires advanced engineering, precise calculations, and high-quality materials.

At Airclos, retractable roof systems are developed with this challenge in mind. As a manufacturer focused exclusively on custom solutions, every project is engineered to meet specific climatic and structural requirements, including extreme weather conditions.

Understanding snow load requirements

Snow load refers to the weight of snow and ice that a structure must safely support. In many European countries, building regulations define minimum snow load values based on geographic location, altitude, and historical climate data. These values directly influence the design of large-span retractable roofs.

A system that performs well in mild climates may not be suitable for northern or mountainous regions. For this reason, retractable roof systems must be engineered from the outset to withstand the expected loads without compromising safety, functionality, or longevity.

Structural design for large-span retractable roofs

One of the main challenges in snow-prone areas is designing retractable roofs with large dimensions. Bigger spans naturally increase structural stress, especially when snow accumulates unevenly.

To address this, Airclos designs systems with:

• Reinforced aluminium profiles with high structural inertia
• Optimised support points to distribute loads evenly
• Precision-engineered tracks and guides that maintain alignment under pressure

Each retractable roof system is calculated individually, ensuring that the structure remains stable even under extreme conditions.

The role of aluminium in snow-resistant systems

Aluminium is a key material in modern enclosure systems, particularly for retractable roofs. Its high strength-to-weight ratio allows for robust structures without excessive weight, which is crucial when managing snow loads.

In heavy snow applications, aluminium profiles are:

• Custom-designed for each project
• Tested for resistance and durability
• Combined with high-performance glass panels

This combination ensures that the roof maintains both structural integrity and smooth operation throughout the year.

Glass selection and load performance

Glass plays an essential role in retractable roof systems, especially in terms of safety and performance. In snowy environments, glass panels must support additional vertical loads while maintaining transparency and thermal efficiency.

For this reason, systems are manufactured using:

• Laminated and tempered safety glass
• Thickness adapted to snow load calculations
• High-quality seals to prevent water infiltration during thaw cycles

These elements contribute to a roof that performs reliably in both winter and summer conditions.

Custom engineering versus standard systems

One of the main differences between standard retractable roofs and custom-manufactured systems lies in load adaptability. Standard systems are often designed with average conditions in mind, limiting their application in demanding environments.

Custom manufacturing allows:

• Precise adaptation to local snow load regulations
• Design flexibility for large or complex structures
• Long-term durability with minimal maintenance

By manufacturing each system to order, Airclos ensures that retractable roofs meet the specific technical demands of every project.

A long-term investment in safety and performance

Retractable roof systems designed for heavy snow loads are not only about compliance; they represent a long-term investment in safety, reliability, and architectural freedom. When properly engineered, these systems offer year-round usability without compromising design or comfort.

Through advanced engineering, custom aluminium systems, and a manufacturing-focused approach, Airclos develops retractable roofs capable of performing in some of Europe’s most demanding climates.