Metal Roof Snow Guard Installation Factors

Most projects where you're upgrading or protecting your roof will involve some specific factors and considerations to keep in mind, and a great example here is any installation of snow guards or other snow retention systems on a metal roof. Proper installation of these systems will go a long way toward ensuring their effectiveness, and there are just a few simple things to be thinking about as you enter this process.

At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we offer the very best metal roof snow guards you'll find in the industry, including top manufacturers like Snow Defender and others. Here are some basics on why proper installation of any snow guard product is so important, plus some key factors to be keeping in mind as you carry this process out.

Why Proper Installation of Snow Guards Matter

There are several major reasons why snow guards need to be installed properly:

Maintaining structural integrity: Proper installation of the snow guards will help ensure that your structure remains safe and secure throughout the winter season. It will allow the snow to come off safely and slowly, preventing large chunks of ice from damaging your roof.

Ensuring maximum protection: A properly installed snow guard will not only protect your structure, but it will also help ensure that any neighboring buildings are protected as well. This is especially important if you live in an area where heavy snows occur frequently or for long periods of time.

Meeting industry standards: Proper installation of snow guards is also essential in order to meet industry standards and regulations. Failure to do so can cause a variety of problems, including costly repairs or fines from local building codes.

Avoiding roof damage: In some cases, incorrect installation of snow guards can cause roof damage. This is especially true on metal roofs, as improper installation can lead to corrosion or other long-term problems.

Our next several sections will go over the top factors to consider when installing any kind of snow guard setup.

Roof Material

Naturally, one of the single most important factors when it comes to snow guard installation is the type of roof material being used. Different materials require different installation methods, so be sure to thoroughly research what guidelines and best practices should be followed for your particular situation.

Here are some of the metal roofing systems that you may be considering, plus what to think about with regard to snow guards:

Standing seam metal roofs: These roofs offer a great deal of protection and durability, but they require very specific installation procedures for your snow guards.

Corrugated metal roofs: These roofs are generally stronger than standing seam, but still require special attention when it comes to snow guard installation.

Screw-down panels: With these panels, the installation process is slightly different since the screws themselves need to be considered.

The key takeaway here is that your roof material will dictate how you go about installing snow guards. Be sure to read up on this thoroughly before starting the process.

Roof Pitch

Another factor to think about is the roof pitch, or how steep your roof is. The steeper a roof is, the more significant of an issue snow can become, and so you may want to opt for sturdier snow guards that are specifically designed for use on steep roofs.
That said, even if your roof isn't particularly steep, you will still need to take some extra precautionary measures. For instance, adding additional snow guards along the edges of the roof or near any valleys can be a good idea. This will help ensure that the weight of the snow is properly distributed and will protect against potential damage caused by large chunks of ice sliding off in one area.

Building Orientation

As you may already know, the orientation of a building can have an impact on how much snow accumulates in any given year. Buildings that face north will usually receive more snowfall than buildings facing south, for example. This is something to keep in mind when determining where and how many snow guards you need to install.

If your building faces north or northeast and receives frequent snowfall, you may want to consider adding more snow guards than normal. This could help reduce the risk of damage caused by large chunks of ice sliding off in one area.

Location of Vent Pipes, Chimneys or HVAC Equipment

Finally, it's important to keep in mind any other roof-mounted equipment that may be installed on the roof. Vent pipes, chimneys, and HVAC equipment all need to be taken into account when planning your snow guard installation.

These structures can create a sort of "valley" effect in the roof, allowing large chunks of ice or snow to slide down off the roof. In order to prevent this from occurring, you may need to install additional snow guards in these areas or adjust your other snow guard installations accordingly.

At Supply Maverick, we partner with some of the top manufacturers in the industry to provide you with the best metal roof snow guards money can buy. Be sure to keep all of these factors in mind as you work on your installation, and if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out for help. We are always here to answer any of your roof snow protection needs!