Proper installation is key for many important exterior elements of our property, and any snow guards you're considering for your metal roof are a great example. The right installation will allow your snow guards to provide immense protection value for years to come, but on the flip side, improper installation can lead to undesirable issues and increased costs.
At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we're proud to offer a huge range of metal roof snow guards for varying needs, plus expertise on how to best utilize our products. We've seen or heard of every common mistake out there when installing snow guards, and we'll help you steer clear of all of them. Here are some of the most common examples to avoid.
Choosing the Wrong Snow Guards
The first major mistake here actually comes well before the installation process. Choosing the wrong type of snow guard for your specific roof and climate is a surefire recipe for disaster. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your snow guards:
- Roof material: Different types of roofs require different types of snow guards. For instance, metal roofs will need a clamp-style guard while asphalt shingle roofs can use adhesive or wire-mounted guards.
- Pitch of roof: The pitch, or angle, of your roof affects how much snow accumulates and how quickly it slides off. Steeper pitches require stronger and more frequent placement of snow guards.
- Snow load: This refers to the weight of accumulated snow on a roof at any given time. Areas with heavy snowfall will require more snow guards to prevent damage.
- Roof material: Certain materials, such as slate or tile, can be easily damaged by falling snow and require more specialized snow guard systems.
- Building location: Buildings in areas with heavy snowfall or where there is a risk of avalanches will need additional snow guards for extra protection.
Improper Layout
One of the more common initial issues during the planning phase of a snow guard installation is improper layout. This refers to the placement of snow guards on the roof, which must take into account factors such as:
- Roof slope: The angle of a roof determines how snow will accumulate and slide off. Snow guards should be placed at strategic points along the slope to prevent large amounts of snow from sliding down in one area.
- Roof size and shape: Different layouts will be required for different roof sizes and shapes. For example, a long, narrow roof may require more frequent placement of snow guards compared to a wider roof with the same slope and material.
- Roof penetrations: HVAC systems, skylights, and other rooftop features can affect the snow accumulation and distribution on a roof. These areas should be taken into consideration when determining the placement of snow guards.
- Local climate: The amount and frequency of snowfall in a particular area will play a crucial role in determining the number and placement of snow guards required for a roof. Areas with heavy, frequent snowfall will need more robust snow guard systems compared to areas with lighter, less frequent snowfall.
- Building codes: Different states and countries have specific building codes that dictate the minimum requirements for roofs, including the use of snow guards. It is important to consult local building codes before installing any type of rooftop system.
Clamp Issues
In other situations, you may have issues with the clamps used to secure snow guards onto a metal roof. Some common clamp issues include:
- Inadequate strength: If the roofing clamps are not strong enough, they may slip or break under heavy snow loads, rendering the snow guard ineffective.
- Improper installation: Clamps must be installed correctly and securely to ensure they can withstand the weight of snow and ice. Any errors in installation can compromise their effectiveness.
- Compatibility: Certain types of snow guards may require specific clamps for proper installation. Using incompatible clamps can cause damage to both the snow guard and the roof itself.
To avoid these clamp issues, it is important to carefully select high-quality clamps that are compatible with your chosen snow guard system.
Solar Panels
As more and more buildings are incorporating sustainable energy sources, such as solar panels, onto their roofs, it is important to consider how these systems may affect the installation and functionality of snow guards.
In particular, snow guard placement should take into account the placement of solar panels, as well as any future maintenance or repairs that may need to be done on the panels. Additionally, it is important to ensure that snow guards do not interfere with the performance of solar panels by creating shade or causing damage to the delicate equipment.
At Supply Maverick, we're happy to offer high-quality metal roof snow guards that are simple and straightforward to install. Contact us today to learn more about our roof snow guard products!
