For most, the winter season means snow — some love it, some hate it, but no matter how you feel about it, snow is a pretty unavoidable part of winter. If you have a metal roof on your home and live in an area prone to snow, you may want to consider adding snow guards to your roof.
The Role of Snow Guards
Snow guards are devices used on rooftops to help snow and ice melt completely and drift off your metal roof in small amounts, rather than all at once. Without snow guards, your roof may be susceptible to “roof avalanches.” A roof avalanche is the sudden release of snow and ice all at once, which can cause damage to your gutters, lower roof area, skylights, and any other objects or people below your roof.
Assessing the Need for Snow Guards
If you live in an area prone to snowfall, especially heavy snowfall, we highly recommends installing snow guards for metal roofs. As snow accumulates, ice dams can form, snow gets heavier, and your metal roof could be prone to cave-ins.
Snow guards are designed to keep your roof and the objects below it in tact. So, if you’ve ever experienced ice or snow falling off your roof and causing damage to your property, the answer is yes — you need snow guards!
Installation Methods for Snow Guards
When installing snow guards, you should always refer to any instructions and installation guides provided by the manufacturer. Typically, snow guards can be installed on a metal roof in two different two ways: with an adhesive or mechanically fastened with a clamp. Using the clamp method, torqued to your roof’s specifications, in order to avoid any unnecessary penetrations to your roof. There are different snow guards designed for different types of metal roofs (corrugated, standing seam, etc.), so it’s vital that you follow the installation instructions specific to your metal roof profile.
Protecting Your Property with Snow Guards
Sliding ice and snow can cause damage to a homeowner’s property. This damage isn’t just limited to your roof and trim or gutters, but also any objects (or people) below the roof. Snow guards help protect your home and property from these potential damages.
Conclusion
Snow guards are essential for homes with metal roofs in snowy regions. They prevent the dangerous and potentially damaging effects of roof avalanches by allowing snow and ice to melt and shed gradually. By installing snow guards, you can protect your roof, gutters, and property below from heavy snow and ice damage. Whether you use adhesive or mechanical fastening methods, following proper installation guidelines will ensure that your snow guards function effectively. For homeowners in snowy areas, snow guards are a crucial addition to maintaining the safety and integrity of your home.
