Enhance Roof Safety and Aesthetics with the Time-Proven Stainless Steel SnowCatcher!
Posted by Derek Gamble - SnoBlox-Snojax Specialist on Dec 6th 2023
Winter is coming!
As winter approaches, homeowners and building owners with metal roofs often find themselves grappling with the challenges and dangers of snow and ice sliding off of their roofs. Accumulated snow and ice pose a significant hazard when they unexpectedly shed from the roof. This presents a serious threat to people, vehicles, and property below, potentially causing injuries, vehicle damage, and structural damage. To address these concerns, it's essential to invest in reliable snow retention solutions. One such solution is the SnowCatcher.
What is the SnowCatcher?
SnowCatchers are designed to prevent snow and ice from sliding off a roof suddenly, reducing the risk of damage to property and ensuring the safety of individuals below. These snow retention devices are particularly critical in areas where snowfall is a regular occurrence, preventing the hazards associated with rooftop avalanches.
The SnowCatchers are crafted from 16 gauge 304-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity. Traditional snow guards, often made from cheap cast metal, can oxidize quickly when exposed to the elements. Additionally, cast guards may be made from dissimilar metals that can become brittle, leave rust marks, and/or stain your panels. When designing the SnowCatcher, we made sure to only use American-Made, high-quality 304 stainless steel material. This type of metal will not get brittle in the cold or have an adverse reaction with the roof panel.
SnowCatchers are designed with easy installation in mind.
The straightforward
installation process allows for quick and efficient setup, minimizing
both labor and time expenses. Simply apply the 1/16" thick
adhesive-backed PVC foam gasket to the bottom of the
SnowCatcher and
then fasten it to the roof with 2 or 3 mounting screws. We offer two
types of screws for use with this product. The
Master Gripper is a 2”
long #14 screw, with a neoprene washer, which is suitable for
buildings with wood purlins and structure. For buildings with metal
purlins, we offer the
Master Driller, a 1.5” long #14 screw with
neoprene washers. Homeowners and roofing professionals alike
appreciate the user-friendly nature of these snow guards.
The SnowCatcher is extremely versatile and can be installed on any roof that accepts mechanical fasteners. The 2.5” long by 1.5” wide base allows the SnowCatcher to fit in the flat portion of a multitude of metal roofing panels like 9” and 12” r-panels, for example. This adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial roofing applications. The 4” Wide face of the guard is installed up-slope. When snow and ice put pressure on the SnowCatcher’s face, it is supported by the two super strong struts located on the downhill side, which keeps the guard from folding flat.
Function and Form: you CAN have both!
Apart from their functional benefits, these stylish SnowCatchers can contribute to the overall aesthetics of your roof. We offer the SnowCatcher in the standard rectangular shape, along with several decorative shapes, including the fleur-de-lis, maple leaf and our newest bear-shaped guard called the Kodiak. Customized shapes, that are conducive to proper snow guard design criteria, can be created in special circumstances with a minimum order. These guards can be purchased in either mill finish or custom TGIC Polyester powder-coated colors to match the roof. Customers can also get their SnowCatchers powder coated locally or spray paint the guards themselves.
With any snow guard system, the guard is only as good as the layout. We offer layout recommendations for the SnowCatcher, and our other products, on our website. They can be found on the Spacing Guidelines Page for FREE. It is never recommended to install snow retention systems in isolated areas, such as only above doorways, walkways, chimneys, or vent pipes. A proper layout features full rows the entire length of the roof and commonly requires multiple patterns up the slope for even weight distribution.
These stainless snow guards are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and heavy snow loads. The resilience of the SnowCatchers ensures that they remain effective and reliable in even the harshest winter climates. Investing in a high-quality snow retention system is a proactive measure to safeguard your property and the people around it from the potential dangers of rooftop snow avalanches. SnowCatchers offer a winning combination of functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. By choosing these reliable snow retention devices, homeowners and businesses can enjoy peace of mind during winter, knowing that their roofs are well-equipped to handle the challenges of heavy snowfall for the life of the roof.