What they are for
On a smooth roof, the snow layer can let go as a single slab during a thaw. Held back by snow guards, the snow melts in place or comes down in small amounts rather than all at once.
Snow guards are a lasting answer to snow falling off the roof above a place where people walk.
A snow guard does not make snow disappear. It keeps the snow on the roof, along with its weight. The structure matters as much as the roofing in the choice.
The two families
Continuous bars. One or more tubes or rails run parallel to the roof edge, held by brackets. They form a barrier across the whole protected width.
Spaced pads or hooks. These are small individual pieces installed in rows along the bottom of the slope, sometimes higher up. Each one holds a little snow, and the load is spread over several points.
The fastening changes with the roofing. On standing seam metal, the brackets often clamp onto the seams without piercing the metal. On other roofs, they are generally fastened through the roofing, and every fastening point has to be sealed.
Which roofs they go on
Snow guards are mostly seen on metal roofs. Snow slides off metal more easily than off a rough roofing. They are also installed on other sloped roofs when the bottom of the slope faces a sensitive spot.
- the entrance and outdoor staircase of a plex
- a sidewalk at the foot of the facade
- a parking spot or a lane along the wall
- a lower roof, a balcony, an awning or a shed
What decides their number and layout
We install snow guards after looking at the roof, not from a recipe. Four things guide the choice.
- The slope. The steeper it is, the harder the snow pushes on the guards.
- The roofing. It dictates how the pieces are fastened and what is compatible with it.
- The structure. Snow held back stays on the roof. The framing and the decking must be able to hold the fasteners and carry that load.
- What lies below. A door, a sidewalk or a car does not call for the same protection as an empty yard.
Our quote states the family of snow guards proposed, the slopes protected and how the fasteners are sealed. If there is any doubt about the structure, an engineer is consulted.
What they do not fix
Snow guards do not prevent icicles or ice at the roof edge. They do not replace snow removal either when the house shows signs of overload.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best snow guard for a roof?
There is no best snow guard for every roof. The choice depends on the roofing, the slope and what lies under the roof edge. The right choice is the one that fastens properly to your roofing and that the structure can carry.
Can snow guards be added to an existing roof?
Often, yes. It all depends on the roofing, its condition and how the pieces can be fastened to it. On a roof near the end of its life, installation is better planned with the roof replacement.
Can snow guards cause a leak?
A badly made fastening can let water through, like any piece that passes through roofing. The fastening method is chosen to suit the roof, and every hole is sealed.