In regions with significant snowfall, snow guards are essential additions to metal roofs. They prevent significant amounts of snow and ice from sliding off the roof, thereby protecting the people, property, and vegetation below. Choosing the most effective snow barriers for your metal roof requires careful consideration. In this article, we will explore what are the best snow guards for metal roofs.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing Your Snow Guards
- Type of panel profile
- Aesthetics Price
- Exposed Fastener Snow Protection
What Are The Best Snow Guards For Metal Roofs?
1. Exposed Fastener Snow Guards
This is one of the most prevalent snow barriers for metal roofs. They are simple to install and typically secured to the roof with fasteners.
Snow guards for exposed fasteners are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, including pad-style, bar-style, and pipe-style. They may be constructed from metal, plastic, or rubber.
2. Clamp-On Snow Guards
On standing seam metal roofs, clamp-on snow guards are designed to be affixed directly to the seams or ribs.
They come in various profiles to complement the design of your roof. The snow guard is installed by clamping it onto the crevice without penetrating the roof material, thereby preserving the roof’s integrity.
3. Adhesive Or Glue-On Snow Guards
These snow guards are attached to the metal roof without fasteners or clamps using a strong adhesive or sealant.
Traditional fasteners may not be suitable for use with corrugated metal roofing and other profiles.
4. Pad-Style Snow Guards
Attached to the roof, pad-style snow shields are flat or slightly curved panels.
They aid in evenly distributing snow and ice across the roof, thereby preventing hazardous avalanches. Frequently, they are made of metal, plastic, or rubber.
5. Pipe-Style Snow Guards
Pipe-style snow guards are a series of small, cylinder-shaped tubes attached to the roof.
They can be strategically spaced to disrupt the flow of snow and ice and permit its more gradual melting.
6. Bar-Style Snow Guards
Bar-style snow guards are metal or plastic bars that are affixed across the roof horizontally. They create barriers that keep snow in position and promote uniform melting.
7. Snow Fence Systems
Multiple bars or pipes mounted in parallel on the roof constitute snow fencing. They construct a fence-like structure to prevent enormous sheets of snow from sliding off.
How Does Panel Profile Affect Which Snow Guards To Install?
The panel profile of your metal roof determines the sort of snow retention system that can be utilized. Corrugated panels or standing seam (concealed fastener) panels are types of metal panels.
The direct attachment of corrugated panels to the roof produces penetration points through which water could potentially enter.
Nevertheless, standing seam panels have concealed fasteners and no surface penetration openings, which is one of its greatest advantages. The snow retention systems for these panels are designed to correspond with their installation methods.
Snow protection systems can be mounted in one of three ways:
- Attached to the seams of a roof with standing seams
- Attached to the building structure via piercing.
- Adhered to the roof
- If you have a standing seam metal roof, you should not use a clamped and not drilled snow retention system, as drilling holes in the roof contradicts the purpose of having a roof with concealed fasteners. This would also void the warranty on the standing seam roof.
How Does Appearance Affect Which Snow Guards To Install?
Each form of snow retention system has a distinct appearance, which affects the roof’s overall aesthetic. This is a matter of aesthetic preference and individual preference.
In order to emphasize the building’s safety precautions against the threat of falling snow and ice dams, commercial buildings may opt for a larger and more visible retention system, whereas a residential roof may have something less noticeable that does not detract from the home’s curb appeal.
Do snow guards work on metal roofs?
On metal roofs, snow guards can be effective. They are designed to prevent large quantities of snow and ice from avalanching off the roof at once. Snow guards break up snow and ice into manageable chunks, reducing the danger to people, property, and vegetation below. However, their effectiveness depends on their design and implementation, so it is essential to select the appropriate snow guards and position them properly on the metal roof.
Choosing the appropriate snow guards for your metal roof is essential for preventing snow and ice accumulation, protecting your property, and preserving the roof’s integrity. Climate, local snowfall patterns, and the type of metal roofing you have all play a role in determining the best snow guard for your requirements. Consult a roofing expert to evaluate your unique situation and make an informed decision to safeguard your investment. Prioritizing safety and functionality will help you select the best snow protectors for your metal roof, giving you peace of mind during the winter.
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