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There are a few concepts that are important when it comes to the proper use of snow guards on any home or other structure's roof, and one of these that's always vital to consider is proper placement. Among several basics to keep in mind here, one of the single most important is avoiding the use of snow guards on what are known as isolated areas of the roof.
At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we're proud to offer a huge range of snow guards and related products like snow rails and more, ensuring that clients around the entirety of the US and Canada and their structures are protected throughout the winter. Here are some examples of what we mean when referring to isolated areas of the roof, plus several reasons why it's immensely risky to install snow guards in these areas and why you should avoid isolating your snow guards.
Some of our readers may have come to this point wondering exactly what we mean by "isolated areas" of the roof. In general, these are smaller sections or portions of the roof that are not connected to larger areas - think dormers, chimneys or valleys, for instance.
These areas may have different angles or pitches than the main section of the roof, which can make them more prone to snow buildup and potential sliding. They may also have significantly different or lesser weight-bearing capacity, making them more susceptible to damage from heavy snow loads.
So why is it so risky to install snow guards in these isolated areas of the roof? Our next few sections will go over some basic reasons.
As you may have already guessed, one of the most common and significant issues that can arise from installing snow guards on isolated areas of the roof is weight overload. As just noted, these areas may have significantly different weight-bearing capacities than other parts of the roof and may not be able to handle the same amount of snow buildup without risking structural damage.
This can lead to serious issues such as roof collapse or damage to the structure. In fact, many snow guard manufacturers explicitly warn against installing their products in isolated areas for this very reason.
Even if the roof can handle the weight from snow buildup, installing snow guards on isolated areas can create an uneven distribution of weight that may lead to additional problems. For instance, the snow guards may cause areas of the roof to sag or warp due to uneven pressure, which can result in leaks and other issues.
In addition, if snow slides off one side of the roof but not the other (due to isolated snow guards), this can create an imbalance that may lead to further damage over time.
With all of these risks in mind, it's easy to see how installing snow guards on isolated areas of the roof can lead to costly repairs or replacements. Not only will you need to fix any structural damage that may occur, but you may also have to remove and reinstall the snow guards themselves - this is not a task anyone wants to undertake multiple times due to avoidable errors.
Furthermore, installing snow guards on isolated areas of the roof simply won't provide adequate protection in dangerous conditions. If a large amount of snow or ice slides off another area and hits these spots, there's a risk that even with snow guards in place, they will not be able to hold the weight and could potentially fail.
In many cases, structures with isolated areas of the roof also have other property or landscaping areas below them. If snow guards fail and cause significant damage, this could lead to expensive repairs for these areas as well.
For commercial properties of any kind, there is also the potential for liability concerns if snow guards are improperly installed in isolated areas and cause damage or injuries. This could lead to expensive legal fees and settlements, not to mention potential damage to your reputation.
For instnace, a commercial building with a dormer that has snow guards installed on it may be more prone to leakage and even structural damage. As such, this could lead to increased costs for repairs or damages to property below the dormer.
Isolated areas of the roof should always be avoided when it comes to installing snow guards. Not only can this result in costly repairs and potential damage to surrounding property, but it also poses serious safety risks and liability concerns.
At Supply Maverick, we always recommend proper placement of snow guards as a crucial factor in maintaining the longevity and integrity of any structure's roof. Be sure to consult with a professional before installing snow guards on your roof, and always keep proper placement guidelines in mind. Contact us to learn about any of our snow guards or other products for clients around the USA and Canada!