Determining the necessity of certain products can be very important for various components of a home or building, and the roof is one of the single most vital. A common question for those with metal roofs who live in snowy areas: Are metal roof snow guards necessary for my home or building?
At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we're here to provide a huge range of metal roof snow guards from top manufacturers like Snow Defender and more, plus important products like metal roofing screws and fasteners. The answer to the above question depends - not just on where you live, but also on several other factors that may be specific to your property and structure. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether snow guards are necessary for your metal roof.
Before we get into the details, let's clarify what snow guards actually do. These are small devices that are installed on metal roofs to prevent large chunks of snow and ice from sliding off and potentially causing damage or harm.
They create friction and help distribute the weight of the snow more evenly, preventing dangerous avalanches from occurring. Snow guards can also protect gutters, downspouts, landscaping, and anyone walking below the roofline.
How do you know if you need snow guards for your building? Our next few sections will go over some factors to consider.
Naturally, one of the top considerations here will be the typical snowfall in your region. If you live in an area with frequent heavy snowfalls, then it's likely that you will need some form of snow guards to help protect your home or building. This is especially true if there are large sections of roof with a steep slope, as these are more prone to significant amounts of snow and ice buildup.
On the other hand, if you live in an area where snow isn't as common or only falls lightly and infrequently, then you may not need to worry about installing metal roof snow guards. However, keep in mind that even small amounts of accumulated snow can potentially slide off and cause damage or injury - so don't write off the possibility completely.
Another important factor to consider is the pitch or slope of your metal roof. Steeper roofs are more likely to see large amounts of snow and ice buildup, which can potentially lead to dangerous avalanches. Lower-pitched roofs may not need snow guards as much, but they can still benefit from having them installed for added protection.
Additionally, if you have a flat roof that doesn't allow for proper drainage, then snow guards become even more crucial. Without proper drainage, melted snow and ice can accumulate on the roof and cause significant damage over time.
The type of material used for your metal roof can also affect the necessity of snow guards. For example, corrugated metal roofs tend to be slicker than standing seam roofs, making them more prone to snow and ice sliding off. Similarly, smooth metal roofs may also require snow guards due to their lack of texture.
Another major consideration is the potential for damage caused by snow and ice sliding off your roof. If there are vulnerable areas such as walkways, driveways, or landscaping below the roofline, then installing snow guards can help protect these areas from potential harm.
Similarly, if your metal roof has skylights or solar panels, it's important to install snow guards to prevent any damage to these expensive additions.
In certain areas, there may be local codes or regulations that require the installation of snow guards on metal roofs. It's important to check with your local building department to see if this applies to you.
For instance, some areas with heavy snowfall may have codes that require a specific number of snow guards per square foot of roof. Or, if you're installing a metal roof on a commercial building, there may be safety regulations that require the use of snow guards.
Overall, the necessity of metal roof snow guards depends on various factors such as location, roof pitch, and potential for damage. It's essential to carefully consider these factors and consult with professionals before making a decision on whether or not to install snow guards.
At Supply Maverick, we offer high-quality metal roof snow guard products from top manufacturers at competitive prices. We also provide expert advice and assistance to help you determine the best solutions for your specific needs. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for all your metal roofing protection and securing needs.
