The Complete Guide to Metal Roof Snow Guards

Everyone living in Ontario is familiar with the dangers of winter weather, especially when snow and ice accumulate on rooftops. When snow builds up on your roof, there’s a risk of rooftop avalanches. With the potential to release thousands of pounds of snow all at once, these slides can be incredibly dangerous. Snow guards are a reliable way to help prevent this from occurring and protect your home or business.

Snow guards are small clips or holders installed on metal roofs to help retain snow and ice. They work by breaking the smooth surface of a roof, thereby creating friction and allowing snow to accumulate in small, manageable piles.

As such, if you live in any area that experiences regular snowfall, it’s a good idea to consider installing snow guards on your roof. Keeping this in mind, the following guide will provide you with everything you need to know about snow guards.

Why You Need Metal Roof Snow Guards

The following are the three main reasons why you should have metal roof snow guards:

Safety

Whenever snow piles up on your roof, there’s a risk that it can all come crashing down at once. The odds of someone passing by the moment this happens might be slim, but it’s still not a risk you’ll want to take. After all, even a tiny avalanche can cause serious injuries.

Liability

Although safety should be your number one priority, liability is also something to consider. If you don’t have snow guards installed, you’re responsible for any damage or injuries caused by a rooftop avalanche on your property. The last thing you want is for a guest to be injured while visiting you — and if this does happen, you’ll be held legally liable. Installing snow guards is one way to help protect yourself against this potential liability.

Damage Prevention

Finally, without snow guards, a small avalanche from your roof can cause massive damage to your home or any nearby property, such as a vehicle parked beside your house. If snow accumulates on one part of your roof, it could also damage the roof itself, even if it doesn’t fall off.

Snow Guard Materials & Quality

Now that you understand the importance of installing snow guards, it’s time to learn more about the materials and quality of guards available. The following are a few of the different types of snow guards available:

• Stainless Steel Snow Guards: Stainless steel snow guards are a popular choice due to their strength and durability. The clips or holders are made from high-grade stainless steel, ensuring they can withstand the weight of heavy snowfall. Additionally, they are resistant to corrosion.
• Powder-Coated Snow Guards: Powder-coated snow guards are made from aluminum and feature a protective coating. This helps them resist corrosion, fading, and other weathering effects. Furthermore, the coating helps them blend in with the existing roof colour, making them more aesthetically pleasing. In fact, if you want a specific colour, powder-coated snow guards are more adhesive and cohesive, which means the colour won’t chip away as it will on snow guards that were coloured using wet paint.
• Polycarbonate Snow Guards: Polycarbonate snow guards are the most affordable option because they are lightweight and made from a type of plastic. While they may not be as strong as stainless steel or powder-coated guards, polycarbonate snow guards are still quite durable and are a great way to protect your roof from avalanches.

Do’s & Don’ts to Buying the Right Metal Roof Snow Guards

When buying metal roof snow guards, keep the following tips in mind:

• Don’t Expect & Assume: Don’t assume that all snow guards are the same. It’s essential to read product descriptions and compare different types of snow guards before purchasing.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask the seller. If they don’t provide helpful answers or aren’t able to answer your questions, consider purchasing from a different supplier.
• Do Find a Solution: Do your research and find a snow guard solution that best meets your needs. Make sure you consider the size, shape and angle of your roof when choosing snow guards. Don’t put off getting snow guards just because you’re a little overwhelmed. The safety of your family and home is a priority, after all.

What You Need Before Installation Begins

Once you’ve decided to invest in snow guards, you’ll want to know what’s required before installing them. The following are just a few things you’ll need to know before installation begins.

The Roof Snow Loads in Your Specific Area

Snow loads vary depending on where you live, so it’s important to check with your local building department for specific requirements for your area. They can tell you what snow loads are expected for your roof, which will help you determine what kind of snow guards are best suited for your roof.

Job-Specific Information

In addition to understanding the area’s snow loads, the installation service you work with will need to know the size and type of roof you have and the slope and orientation of your roof. This will help them design a snow guard system tailored to your specific roof and area.

Accurate Calculations to Engineer Your Job

Before your installation service can begin work, they will need to perform accurate calculations and engineering to ensure that your roof is safe and secure. This includes evaluating the snow guard layout, spacing, and fastening applications, and making sure that all components are compatible.

We Can Help You Install Snow Guards

At Ironclad Roofing, we can help you install a new metal roof system with metal roof snow guards to help protect your family and home from potential rooftop avalanches. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals is uniquely qualified to help you determine which type of snow guards best suit your specific roof and area. To request an estimate, contact us online at Ironclad Roofing or call us at 905-752-4685 today.