Guide to Metal Roofing Snow Guards

Many buildings all over the U.S. and Canada use metal roofing. However, snow tends to accumulate on metal roofs just as it does on other types of roofing. As the snow starts melting, the smooth surface of the roof allows it to slide off. If large amounts of accumulated snow falls, it can harm any people or items below. In addition, the gutters, fascia, and build’s foundation may also be damaged by the sliding ice and snow.

Installing snow and ice guards is the best way to avoid damaging your foundation and roofing. These snow retention systems are installed on the roof edge. These metal building components are popular and reliable. Keep reading to get detailed information about metal roofing snow guards.

What are Metal Roof Snow Guards?

Snow guards are components installed on the roof that allow any accumulated ice or snow to fall off slowly and systematically instead of unexpectedly or suddenly. They are installed to protect anything surrounding the roof and prevent damage caused by accumulated snow or ice.

If snowpacks fall suddenly, they can create devastation that may be harmful to both people and property. Snow guards are not only essential during snowfall; they also allow the ice and snow to melt completely before it falls off the ground.

How Do Snow Guards Work?

When there is a snowstorm, snow and ice often accumulate on rooftops, creating a snowpack. As the temperatures rise from the sun, the snow warms up and begins to melt. The force of gravity will work on the loosening snow, and the whole sheet of ice or snow will suddenly be released.

Snow guards can be installed on sloped roofing systems to hold the snow and ice and prevent sudden slides. The weight of ice and snow is evenly distributed by roof snow guards, avoiding any damage. Snow guards are essential for both public buildings and residential properties.

Where to Place Snow Guards During Metal Roofing Installation

To properly install snow guards, you should position them on the lower half of the metal roof. They can be placed in multiple rows or a single line. Snow guards are excellent additions for those who desire easy metal roof maintenance.

How Do You Prevent Snow From Sliding Off a Metal Roof?

One of the best ways of ensuring snow doesn’t slide off the roof is by installing guards. Snow guards are crucial, especially in locations that experience heavy snowfall during winters.

Do Metal Roofing Snow Guards Cause Snow Dams?

Snow guards never cause ice dams. They help hold snow and ice in position to prevent them from falling. Ice dams occur when snow and ice melt during the daytime due to the sun. It then refreezes before it can fall off when the temperatures drop at night.

This mainly occurs in older homes whose insulation is not efficient. At the drip edge, the snow will refreeze and cause water to move back up, penetrating the roof. This problem is rarely experienced in modern homes since good insulation eliminates this issue.

Types of Metal Roofing Snow Guards

Small Profile Snow Guards

Small profile snow guards have a face or pad area of less than 4 square inches. These snow guards are ideal since friction will keep the snow blanket in position. Small profile snow guards are usually attached to the roof, beginning from the areas close to the eaves and continuing to the roof peak.

Low-profile guards tend to be less conspicuous than large-profile snow guards. Because of their smaller face area, more guards are needed to achieve results similar to the large profile snow guards. Furthermore, small snow guards are less effective on steeper pitches and higher snow loads.

Large Profile Snow Guards

Large-profile snow guards have a pad face that is more than 4 square inches and acts more as a barrier to snow movement. Some large-profile snow guards may have over 15 square inches of pad faces. These snow guards are generally installed in a slightly staggered row or a row about 12″ from the eave edge.

Additional rows may be necessary for steeper pitches or steel roofing systems with extended eaves to peak dimensions and roofs with higher maximum snow loads. Fewer guards are needed to regulate snow when compared to small profile snow guards.

Bar-Style Snow Guards

Bar-style snow guards are continuous lengths of rectangular metal bars installed horizontally across a metal roofing system to form a barrier to ice and snow. These guards look very clean on the metal roof with their modern, streamlined styling. Usually, just one row is required, but more rows can be added based on the pitch of the roof, the snow load present, and the distance from the eave to the peak. Some roofing projects need several rows of bar-style snow guards to accommodate the snow load.

Bar-style snow guards are comprised of a bracket where a bar is attached. The bracket is connected mechanically to the roof structure or decking below the metal roof using screws.

How Many Snow Guards Do You Need for Metal Roofing?

Several factors will determine the number of snow guards your metal roof needs. Some factors include roof pitch, snow guard style, snow load, length of the metal roof, the length between the ride and eave, and many more. Several snow guard calculators online can help determine the number of snow guards you need. Always remember that the steeper roof, the more snow guards you will require.

Why Choose Us for Premium Quality Metal Roofing Accessories

If you are looking for snow guards, you can trust Ironclad Roofing. Our team uses superior quality accessories to ensure that your metal roof performs as efficiently as possible. We are also able to colour-match our accessories to your roof.

Contact the Ironclad Roofing team today to speak with our representatives regarding our wide range of roofing accessories, including snow guards.