Login

How Many Snow Guards Do I Need?

There are several product areas within which determining the right number to order is very important, and a great example here is the realm of snow guards for a metal roof. Especially for areas with significant snowfall during the winter, ensuring the proper number of snow guards is vital for everything from roof protection and safety to cost efficiency and more.

At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we're here to offer a comprehensive range of metal roof snow protection products, including metal roof snow guards, snow rails and related roofing screws and fasteners to keep your home or building protected throughout the winter. How many snow guards does your metal roof require? There are several factors that play a role here, from basic roof size to pitch, snow accumulation levels and more. While a consultation with a professional is best to obtain precise snow guard needs for your property, here are some of the key factors to be considering while making this choice.

Risks of Too Few Snow Guards

Definitely the riskier of the two poles in this setting is not having enough snow guards. Several negative outcomes may result from this, including:

  • Damage to the Roof - One of the main purposes of snow guards is to protect your roof from damage due to heavy snow loads. Without enough guards, too much snow can accumulate in certain areas and potentially cause structural issues or leaks.
  • Safety Hazards - Snow and ice sliding off a metal roof can pose a serious safety hazard for individuals walking below. This is especially true for areas with high foot traffic, such as doorways or walkways.
  • Costly Repairs - As mentioned before, without proper snow guards, your metal roof could sustain significant damage that would require costly repairs to fix.

Risks of Too Many Snow Guards

On the other hand, having too many snow guards can also pose problems, which may include:

  • Snow Buildup - While snow guards are designed to prevent large amounts of snow from sliding off the roof, having too many guards can actually cause a buildup of snow and ice. This extra weight can put additional stress on the roof and potentially lead to issues.
  • Aesthetics - Snow guards can be unsightly, especially if there are too many of them. This may be a concern for property owners who prioritize the appearance of their building.
  • Cost - Snow guards can add up in cost, so having unnecessary extra guards can mean spending more money than needed.

Our next few sections will go over the key factors to consider as you're choosing the right number of snow guards for your roof.

Roof Square Footage

Naturally, one of the most important factors when determining how many snow guards to order is the size of your roof. The larger the surface area, the more potential weight from snow and ice buildup there will be. However, it's important to note that different areas of the roof may require a different number of guards based on sun exposure, pitch, and other variables.

Pitch

The pitch, or slope, of your roof is another crucial consideration. Steeper roofs typically require more snow guards, as gravity has a greater effect on the snow and ice. Generally, the steeper the pitch, the closer together your snow guards should be placed.

For instance, if you have a roof with a 6:12 pitch (meaning for every 12 horizontal inches, the roof rises 6 inches), we recommend placing your snow guards at intervals of about 8-10 feet. However, if your roof has a flatter pitch of 4:12 or less, you may be able to get away with fewer guards.

Snow Accumulation Levels

Of course, the amount of snowfall in your area is a major factor in determining how many snow guards you need. The more snow accumulation you get, the more guards required to prevent dangerous buildup and potential damage.

In places like Michigan, which have some of the highest annual snowfall in the US, we recommend erring on the side of caution and ordering more snow guards than you may think necessary. It's always better to have a few extra guards than not enough.

Determining the right number of snow guards for your metal roof is essential for protecting your home or building from costly damage and ensuring the safety of those around you. By considering factors such as roof size, pitch, and snow accumulation levels, you can effectively determine the appropriate number of guards to order for your specific needs.

At Supply Maverick, we're here to help guide you through this process and provide high-quality snow protection products for your metal roof. So don't hesitate to reach out to us for any questions or assistance in choosing the right number of snow guards for your property.

homecartphone-handsetquestion-circle