Snow guards: Are they necessary on a Metal Roof?
A question that we get asked a lot, is if it is really necessary to install snow guards on a metal roof. The short answer is that it depends where you live. Lets unpack some of the information regarding snow guards.
What is the purpose:
The purpose of snow guards is to hold accumulated snow on the roof, until it can slowly melt. Lets say that you live in a area that receives 4-6 inches of snowfall regularly. The snow can build up on your roof throughout the winter until there is 12″ or more accumulated. As the weather begins to warm, this accumulated snow can slide off the roof in large chucks, causing possible damage to gutters and personnel. If snow guards are installed, they prevent the snow from sliding, until it has a chance to melt.
What Damage can be Caused:
Depending on the situation, and the severity of the winter, the lack of snow guards can cause a lot of damage. Sliding snow and Ice can tear gutters off of your home, requiring new gutters to be installed. Chunks of snow can also slide off at the most inopportune times,inuring anyone that happens to be standing in its way. The last thing that you need is to have someone suing you because of being injured by sliding Snow and Ice.
What options of Snow Guards are available:
There are several options of snow guards available depending on the style and look that you prefer. There are plastic snow gems that can be caulked, or screwed to the roofing surface. These are very economical and can be installed with little effort. There are also continuous bar options for both the Ag Panel and Standing Seam Roofing. These bar option are the cadillac of snow guards and are proven to work well in all conditions. If you are looking for a more decorative look, there are many options along that line as well.
In Summary:
Snow guards are something that can be overlooked at times, however, they play a important part in the performance of your roofing. Talk to your installer and be sure that this vital component is not neglected.
Be sure to give us a call if you have any question concerning your roof, and we will do our best to answer them for you.
The information provided is for reference only and may change without notice
had that repaired for $500.00. The following year, while going down a hill at 60 MPH, his brakes froze up and he ended up in Mrs. Pickles yard after running over her Rhododendron bush, and hitting the side of her house. It was then that he discovered that his insurance policy by Cut-Rate Insurance Co. did not cover incidences that occur on Fridays. The total bill for all the damages reached $2,500.00. Within 6 months of having the car repaired, the piston on the engine blew apart while idling at a gas station, and caused unrepairable damage to the car. It had to be towed to the junk yard. The worst part about the engine failure, was that at that very moment, Mr. Tootles was walking past the car, He suffered major hearing loss, and had to purchase a new pair of pants, as brown streaks on khaki pants are not appealing. Bill ended up putting 50,000 miles on the car.
After discussing all the options with their installer of choice Kline Home Exteriors, they decided to go with the 26ga Eterna Guard Standing Seam manufactured in the 18″ width with a 1 3/4 rib height in Sierra Tan. This panel has superior rigidity and water tightness and was manufactured on site to the installers specifications.
When I discussed with the homeowner (who prefers not to be named ) about why she chose to replace her roof with the 26ga Low Gloss Standing Seam. She informed me that she recently purchased the home, and knew at that point that there were several leaks. Although the leaks made the project urgent, there were several reasons that led her to the decision to not install asphalt shingles.
When I asked Jesse regarding what he does in his spare time, I discovered that he has a lot to keep himself busy. His main occupation is his business, Tranquil Acres Cabins, which is located on the premises.