Whether you live in the suburbs or in the city, installing a snow guard on your car can help you prevent the dangerous accumulation of snow on the windshield. There are many different types of snow guards, ranging from pads to bar-style guards. Regardless of what type you decide on, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a product that is made to last.
Discontinuous
Unlike snow cleats or gutter guards, which are generally glued onto the roof, a continuous snow guard is a two-part design, comprising a bracket attached to the roof and cross members anchored to the brackets. The continuous snow guard is a great way to prevent ice dams and protect the structure of your roof from damage.
A properly designed and tested snow retention system will keep your roof and property safe from damage. You should choose a system based on the type of metal roof you have and the type of snow your area receives. There are several different types of snow retention systems to choose from, including continuous snow guards, cleat snow guards, and clamped snow guards.
While you are at it, you may want to consider installing non-penetrating adhesive metal roof snow stoppers. This is important for a number of reasons, including preventing the snowpacks from breaking apart and preventing snow from falling to the ground.
The MCA (Metal Construction Association) has done some research into metal roof service lives, which can range from about 60 years to a full century. If you are in the market for a new roof, make sure that you ask if your contractor has considered installing a metal roof snow retention system. This will ensure your property stays in tip-top condition throughout the winter.
The most important part of this whole process is the design. The design should incorporate the snow load requirements of your roof as well as the required attachments. A properly designed and installed system should be able to resist a load equivalent to about 18 inches of snow per linear foot of eave. The MCA suggests a factor of safety no less than 2.0 for mechanically attached systems. The factors of safety are also used to determine the most efficient way to transfer the load to the building structure.
The MCA’s technical bulletin on snow retention systems is a good resource to check out for more information. The MCA also offers a free online tool that calculates the snow weight for any roof.
Read Also: Protect Your Wood Flooring From Salt and Snow
Bar-style
Whether you have a metal roof or a roof made from other materials, you need to install snow guards to protect your roof from the damaging effects of ice and snow. There are several types of snow guards to choose from, based on budget, coverage, and aesthetics.
Bar-style snow guards are connected to the roof structure through brackets. They are usually installed horizontally across the roof, but they may also be installed on the pitch. They are commonly used on sloped roofs, as well as metal panels.
These snow guards form an ice and snow barrier on the roof and are attached to the structure with tape or strong liquid adhesive. Metal roof panels are typically 16 inches (40 cm) wide.
Large-profile snow guards are typically installed in slightly staggered rows. The first row of snow guards should be placed approximately a foot from the edge of the roof. The second row should be placed two feet from the first row. The third row should be placed about six inches from the edge of the roof.
If your roof is sloped, it’s important to keep the rows of snow guards close. A 3/12 to a 12/12 slope requires at least 10 feet of snow guards, and a 5/12 to a 6/12 roof pitch requires at least 8 feet.
If your roof is steeper than a 12/12 pitch, you may need to install more rows of snow guards. The additional rows should be staggered. For example, if you have a pitch of 0.5/12 to 12/12, you’ll need to install five feet of snow guards between rows. For a more aggressive pitch, you may need to install six feet of snow guards between rows.
Point snow retainers are made of plastic, and they’re usually used on roofs that have little winter precipitation. They’re also used as an additional barrier to protect metal roof pipes. The point snow retainers are usually attached to the metal roof with brackets.
Continuous snow guards are also known as snow rails. They’re usually installed across the roof’s eaves. These snow guards usually have one or more cross members attached to the brackets.
Pad-style
Whether you’re considering installing pad-style snow guards on a new home or replacing the ones on an existing roof, there are a few things to keep in mind. From a safety perspective, a properly installed snow guard system can save your family from injury and property damage. However, not all snow guards are created equal. Choosing the best snow guard for your application is a matter of style and performance.
The best way to determine which type of snow guard is right for your project is to perform a site-specific analysis. Snow guards are manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from simple rectangular cleats to elaborate continuous guards. It’s also important to consider the type of roofing material you’re working with. This is particularly important if you’re trying to install guards on a standing-seam roof.
Pad-style snow guards are easy to install, especially on an asphalt shingle roof. They’re also easy to mount onto corrugated roofs. They are also relatively inexpensive, making them an excellent choice for a snow retention solution. The best part? They’re a lot easier to install than clamp-on guards, which can be particularly challenging on metal roofs.
It’s also worth mentioning that the pad-style snow guard is the least expensive of the lot. This means you get the most bang for your buck. Choosing a well-designed and well-engineered snow guard can reduce the cost of your home’s snow removal by hundreds of dollars.
When comparing a pad-style snow guard against its more expensive counterparts, you’ll want to make sure you select the right guard for your needs. You don’t want to install an underperforming product that isn’t worth the cost. Choosing the wrong snow guard can result in a failed system. For example, a pad-style snow guard is a wrong choice if you have a slate roof. If you’re installing one on a metal roof, it’s important to choose non-penetrating adhesive cleats to keep snow from falling to the ground.
The best way to determine which type is best for your home is to perform a site-specific analysis. Ice and snow can damage your home’s roof, interiors, and fixtures, and a properly designed and installed snow guard system can help keep the bad stuff off your property.
ColorGard Limited Lifetime Warranty
Choosing a snow guard installation system is a critical decision. There are several options on the market today, each with its own benefits. However, not all options are right for every application. That’s why it’s important to choose an experienced manufacturer.
The Colorguard system from S-5 is a proven, long-term solution to reducing the risk of rooftop avalanches. The system is custom engineered to meet the needs of each project and has been installed all over the world. It’s been around for nearly two decades, and its performance has been thoroughly tested by independent laboratory studies.
Colorguard is mechanically attached to the roof panel with aircraft-quality aluminum clamps. These clamps feature round-point setscrews that grip the seam securely, without penetrating it. This design eliminates the need for painting. The metal panel is also coated with a premium PVDF paint system, which is oven-cured and can be warranted against color fade for 30 years.
With the ColorGard system, you have a lifetime warranty against product failure. If your system fails for any reason, S-5 will replace it for free, or provide a refund of the cost of the product. The warranty isn’t a sales tactic; it’s a guarantee of performance. You can also purchase a limited lifetime warranty for the snow guard installation.
The Colorguard system is made from 100% non-corrosive metals. This means the system will not damage the roof or gutters and is safe for people and vehicles to walk around on. Also, the Colorguard system is guaranteed to match the color of your roof. This is a unique feature among snow retention systems.
You can also purchase a snow guard installation system from Snow Guard Depot, a trusted name in metal rooftop attachment technology. They offer a warranty against the movement of rooftop snow and ice, as well as a warranty against roof maintenance. They also accept returns on their stock products and complete sets within 90 days. If you don’t like your color or want to return it for any reason, Snow Guard Depot will refund you for it, provided you have returned it in a resalable condition.
