Why do some roofs have hooks on them?

A snow guard is a device used to retain snow and ice from falling from one surface to a lower one; in contemporary usage, they are installed to prevent snow/ice pack from avalanching and damaging people, plants, and property below.

Why are there hooks in Amsterdam?

The characteristic hooks located in the top of Amsterdam houses serve to pull goods up the houses using a wheel and rope. This is a Medieval technique that still works nowadays and both old and new construction feature them. Using the narrow staircases of Dutch houses is not an option.

What are those metal things on top of roofs?

When snow guards are attached to a roof they basically look like a shoe cleat upside down with projecting pieces of metal or plastic. This projecting pieces of metal or plastic, snow guards, are what stop the snow from sliding off of a roof.

Are snow guards really necessary?

The purpose of snow guards is to hold accumulated snow on the roof, until it can slowly melt. Lets say that you live in a area that receives 4-6 inches of snowfall regularly. If snow guards are installed, they prevent the snow from sliding, until it has a chance to melt.

What are houses in the Netherlands made of?

Many Americans value the privacy that distance creates and hate to hear neighbors through thin walls. In The Netherlands houses built from the mid 20th century are typically made of concrete. Rather than wood-framing, they have concrete floors and outer walls.

Why are Amsterdam’s buildings so narrow?

Houses in Amsterdam are very narrow because in Medieval times owners would have to pay for the meter of the facade facing the canals. To avoid paying such high taxes, houses were designed to be narrow yet tall and functional. These buildings tend to be narrow, leaning forward and facing the water.

Is Amsterdam built on piles?

5. Amsterdam Was Built on Stilts —The entire city of Amsterdam was built on piles — massive stakes that are driven into the ground. These piles laid the foundation for every building in the city. This means that if you stay at one of the many Amsterdam hotels, you are actually staying on stilts.