Understand the Benefits of Installing Metal Roof Snow Guards
- On August 10, 2023
There’s certainly something magical about the first snowfall of the season, but it isn’t without its drawbacks. The ice and snow that accumulates atop a building’s roof can become extremely heavy and potentially cause a hazard to people and property. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution – metal roof snow guards.
Metal roof snow guards are designed to hold snow and ice in place during heavy storms. This prevents the problem of large chunks of ice or snow suddenly falling off the roof, potentially causing injury or damage below. With metal roof snow guards, snowmelt is also able to drain off the roof in a controlled manner when temperatures rise.
Benefits of Metal Roofing Snow Guards
The following are some of the reasons why you should consider installing metal roofing snow guards:
- Protection and Safety: Metal roof snow guards provide an added layer of protection against potential snow and ice-related damage, helping to keep the area around the building safe. After all, the last thing you want is for large chunks of ice and snow to come crashing down onto the ground below, where it can potentially cause injury to anyone passing by.
- Protect Property and Landscaping: Metal roof snow guards also provide protection to your property and landscaping. By keeping the ice and snow in place, you can help prevent water damage due to melting snow, as well as damage from heavy chunks of ice or snow crashing down and damaging outdoor furniture, plants, and other items.
- Reduce Maintenance Costs: By keeping the ice and snow in place, metal roof snow guards can reduce the amount of maintenance that needs to be done on the roof. This helps to keep the roof in good condition and ultimately means fewer repair costs for you.
- Protect Your Roof: Snow guards can help prevent snow from sliding off your roof in large chunks, which can damage the shingles and put extra strain on your roof. By preventing pileups of snow on the roof, you can also prevent damage to the gutters, windows, siding, and other portions of the exterior.
- Protection from Extreme Climates: Lastly, metal roof snow guards are an excellent option for areas that experience extreme weather conditions. By keeping the snow and ice in place, you’re helping to protect your roof from the elements. In areas that experience heavy snow, this is especially important.
Successful Snow Retention is About More Than Shape
In order to achieve the best results, it’s important to understand that successful snow retention is about more than just shape. The material you choose for your metal roof snow guards should be able to withstand extreme temperatures and be designed to work with the slope of your roof.
For example, it should be made from non-corrosive materials such as aluminum or stainless steel, and it should have a flat base to ensure proper snow retention. Additionally, the mounting hardware needs to be compatible with your roofing material to prevent premature degradation. For instance, if you have a copper roof, the mounting hardware should be stainless steel or brass alloy.
Prevent a Roof Avalanche with a Metal Roof Snow Guard
An avalanche is a natural phenomenon that occurs when a large mass of snow and ice breaks off from the side of a mountain, creating an unstoppable force of destruction. This occurs when the snow and ice on the mountain slope become unstable due to a variety of factors, such as temperature fluctuations, wind, the instability of the accumulated snow, or seismic activity.
The same thing can happen on a roof when snow and ice pile up, so it’s important to have a metal roof snow guard in place to help prevent catastrophe. Installing metal roof snow guards can provide you with added peace of mind, knowing that your property and those around you are safe from potential harm.
How Many Snow Guards Do I Need?
The number of snow guards you need will depend on the size of your roof, as well as the type and weight of snow expected in your area. Generally speaking, it’s best to install one snow guard per valley for every five feet of roof slope. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or have a steep roof that is prone to avalanching, it’s best to consult a professional roofer who can provide you with advice on the appropriate number of snow guards for your particular property.
Metal Roof Snow Guards vs. Snow Rails
Snow guards and snow rails both serve the function of keeping large masses of snow and ice from sliding off the roof, but there are some key differences between them. Snow guards are typically installed as individual pieces and can be more easily customized to the roof’s slope, while snow rails must sometimes be cut and bent in order to fit the roof correctly. As such, snow guards tend to be the better option for smaller roofs and residential roofs, whereas snow rails are more appropriate for commercial roof applications.
Ironclad Roofing Offers Comprehensive Roofing Services
At Ironclad Roofing, we provide services for all your residential and commercial roofing needs. We offer high-quality metal roof systems as well as installation services. Our team is experienced in the installation of all kinds of metal roof systems, and we can help you choose the right system for your property, as well as provide detailed advice about snow guards to maximize protection in winter weather. Contact us online or call us at 1-905-752-4685 to request an estimate today.
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