Where to Consider Ice Flags Alongside Snow Guards

For those who utilize quality snow guard systems on their roof to help protect their structures, occupants and more, there are a few additional components or fixtures that may be quite beneficial for your setup. One great example, particularly in colder areas, is the use of what are known as ice flags.

At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we're proud to offer a wide range of metal roof snow guards, roof fasteners and other products to help with snow protection and control for any property. What are ice flags, what are their key purposes and benefits, and which are some common locations where they should often be utilized? Here are some basics.

Benefits & Purposes

When it comes to the key benefits of ice flags, a few stand out. Primarily, they protect structures and areas from becoming clogged or blocked by snow or ice buildup. This can help keep things running efficiently and without interruptions, which is essential for many businesses.

They can also be used in combination with snow guards for even more protection during periods of heavy snowfall. They protect against ice creating an "avalanche" effect coming off of a roof, and can be used to protect people or property below.

Our next several sections will go over some of the common locations or roofing setups where ice flags should be considered, and what to be thinking about in these settings.

Above or Near Pedestrian or Parking Areas

For roofs that are located above or near pedestrian or parking areas, ice flags can be essential to help protect the area and any occupants from slipping on snow or ice that may have drifted down off of a roof. The added protection provided by these fixtures can help keep everyone safe and free from injury.

In commercial settings, installing ice flags in these areas often serves as a check against liability issues in the event of an accident. Rather than just relying on snow guards, adding ice flags can provide an additional layer of protection and peace of mind for property owners.

What Are Ice Flags?

For those who are just learning about them for the first time, ice flags refer to metal plates which are used to help direct water and ice away from particular areas of a structure. They are installed in the tubing of snow retention systems, adding surface area and helping block the movement of snow and ice underneath said tubing.

Ice flags are installed in conjunction with snow guards. While snow guards are designed to help keep larger amounts of snow and ice from slipping off roofs, ice flags can provide additional protection for several areas around the roof that may be affected by such issues as well.

Around Gutter Installations

For roofs located directly above gutters or other drainage systems, it's important to ensure that no excess snow or ice is allowed to clog up the system or create a blockage. Installing ice flags at the right intervals can help control the flow of snow and ice into a gutter system, providing more efficient drainage and helping to avoid any potential backups or other issues.

On Standing Seam Roofs With Tall Seam Heights

Another common application for ice flags is on standing seam roofs with high or tall seam heights. With these types of roofs, the added surface area provided by ice flags can help keep snow and ice from drifting in between the seams, which could potentially cause blockages or other problems.

Frequent Freeze-Thaw Cycle Areas

From a climate standpoint, certain areas experience frequent freeze-thaw cycles. During this kind of weather, ice flags can be invaluable for helping protect roofs and structures from snow or ice falling off due to the cycle's repeating action.

This is because ice flags can provide additional surface area, which helps to break up the snow and ice during these kinds of weather patterns. Installing them can be a smart idea if you live in an area that experiences frequent freeze-thaw cycles.

Highly Shaded Areas

Down related lines, if you have a roof that is in a highly shaded area, it's important to keep snow and ice buildup from occurring. This is due to the fact that the shade can help create an environment where melting and freezing occur more quickly and easily, which could present problems for your system. Installing ice flags here can be an excellent way to help protect against clogged or blocked areas.

At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we understand the importance of quality snow guard systems and products to safeguard your roof from winter weather conditions. Contact us today for more information on our products or to speak with one of our friendly staff members to get ideal product recommendations!