Metal Roof Snow Guards
Metal roof snow guards help prevent dangerous snow slides by holding snow in place and allowing it to melt gradually. Snow retention systems are selected based on roof panel type, attachment method, roof pitch, and local snow load conditions.
What Are Metal Roof Snow Guards?
Snow Guards prevent the sudden movement of frozen precipitation on sloped metal roofs. The frozen mass is suspended in a holding field until it can melt completely and/or drop off safely in small amounts. Install individual pad-style and clamp-on snow guards in a staggered pattern. Install SnoBar and ColorBar snow rails in a continuous, straight run across the entire roof. It is sometimes necessary to have multiple rows of snow guards and snow rails extending up to the roof. This overall pattern also helps evenly distribute the weight across the entire roof surface.
How Snow Guards Prevent Dangerous Snow Slides
Snow guards hold frozen precipitation on a sloped roof until it can melt slowly or fall off in small pieces.
Where Snow Retention Is Most Important
High-risk areas, such as entrances and walkways, are the most critical because this is where personal injuries are most likely to occur. Driveways, parking areas, and loading zones are also vital because they are frequent impact points that can damage vehicles and hurt people. Snow sliding off a roof onto HVAC, Vent Pipes, Mechanical Equipment, and Landscaping can cause costly downtime and emergency repairs. Gutters and eave walls are not built to withstand sliding snow and ice. Snow may tear down the gutter and pile up against the building wall, where it can push against the wall panel, causing damage.
Types of Metal Roof Snow Guards
Metal roof snow-retention systems fall into two main categories: individual pad-style guards and continuous rail or bar systems. These systems typically utilize either metallic assemblies with defined mechanical properties or engineered polycarbonate components designed for high impact resistance and long-term UV stability.
Polycarbonate Snow Guards
Polycarbonate snow guards can be clear or colored to match the roof. The advantage of plastic snow guards is that they do not cause a dissimilar-metal reaction with the steel roof. They are the only types of snow guards that can be adhesive-mounted.
Metal Snow Guards
Metal snow guards for metal roofs are the preferred choice among roofers. The only acceptable metal for snow guards is aluminum or stainless steel to prevent roof corrosion. They are much more expensive and are more noticeable than clear polycarbonate.
Snow Rails and Snow Bars
Snow rails should be made from aluminum or coated with Gatorshield galvanized treatment. They should always be square. Round snow bars will not hold snow and ice effectively. These devices are run in straight rows and can be attached to the seam or screwed into the roof structure.
Snow Guard Mounting Methods
The attachment method must match the roof panel style to ensure proper performance and avoid roof issues.
Clamp-On Snow Guards for Standing Seam Roofs
Seam-mounted clamp-on-style snow guards may consist of individual units staggered along the roof or a continuous rail spanning the entire roof.
Screw-Down Snow Guards for Exposed-Fastener Roofs
Contractors mechanically fasten screw-down snow guard systems through the panel into a purlin or structural support below. Only install mechanically fastened snow guards and snow rails on roofs with exposed fasteners. These types of guards are ideal for agriculture panels, pole barn roofs, or any other through-fastened metal roofs where clamp-on guards are not an option.
Adhesive-Mounted Snow Guards
Just about any metal roof panel can accept adhesive-mounted snow guards. You don't need to worry about crimping to the seam or screwing through the panels. Using glue-down snow guards eliminates the possibility of panel damage and roof leaks. These guards should be installed in the spring or early summer so the glue has ample time to cure in warmer temperatures.
