Snow/Ice guards

RetiredGuy14

I'm in need of some information as what type and size of snow guards to attach on my metal roof. Thanks

OldNBroken

Lots of variables. What type of system, where are you located? Roof design, pitch. Most people don't understand that it is very possible the installation of snowbreak can be dangerous to the structural integrity of the building.

One example quite common is imbalanced snow load. Technically on a gable roof, proper snowbreak installation calls for installing it equally on both sides of the building. Not doing so will allow the snow to slide off one side, while being held on the roof on the other side. This puts undo lateral stress on the structure and could potentially cause it to collapse towards the side with no snow break.

That's just one example. Snow break installation needs to be done based on an engineers calculations. The higher-end mfrs will do the calculations for you but most people, including many contractors, just think you need to slap a piece of metal over your doorways and call it good.

tinner666

Along with what OB said, you need to install them in rows not exceeding 8' MAX, between them to hold the snow on the roof. Letting it slide down and hitting them on the bottom will destroy the snowguards and possibly damage the roof too.
Here's more info, though the examples I show here are slate, the principle is the same.
http://www.albertsroofing.com/SnowGu...stallation.htm

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Frank

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Luv2Roof

Assuming you have a smooth metal panel without any striations, ribs, coating, etc. we have had pretty good luck with adhered guards from these guys. http://www.snogem.com/sno-gem-snowguards-models.html You have to make sure you follow the directions pretty closely or they wont stick very well. We started using them cause I didnt want to add screw holes through a perfectly good roof panel.

Also, Broken has some good ideas too. I have gotten into more than 1 argument with a contractor when I tell them I would be happy to install the snow guard system after they have it designed.

OldNBroken

If it is a standing-seam roof panel, I highly recommend S-5! .

Here is their website. Their distributors will do all the calcs for you as long as you can give them your building location and specification.

http://www.s-5.com/home/index.cfm