Snow Guards Compatible with Bigbee Steel Buildings Exposed-Fastener Panels

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Bigbee Steel Buildings Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

Which Snow Guards Work Best with Bigbee Steel Buildings’ Exposed-Fastener Panels?

Exposed-fastener metal roofs are prone to sudden snow and ice release, often dropping large sheets when temperatures rise and fall.

Because these panels have a slick surface with minimal friction, accumulated snow tends to slide off all at once rather than melting away slowly. This sudden movement, often described as a roof avalanche, can pose hazards to people, pets, vehicles, and anything positioned near the eaves. To help reduce these risks, we offer snow-management products designed to fit a wide variety of panel profiles and regional snow-load requirements. Installers can choose from individual pad-style guards or continuous rail systems that distribute holding strength across the roof. We also provide extensive educational resources, including these blogs, installation instructions, compatibility tools, manufacturer-specific compatibility charts, and guidance to support proper product selection. Managing snow movement is key to protecting a metal roof, whether the structure sits in a light‑snow region or an area with harsh winters.

About Bigbee Steel Buildings

Bigbee Steel Buildings began in 1962, when Perry Bigbee started producing reliable metal building systems from a small fabrication shop in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. What started as a modest operation has grown into one of the largest privately owned metal-building manufacturers in the United States. Despite its expansion, the company continues to emphasize craftsmanship, dependable service, and consistent quality. Bigbee holds AC472 accreditation through the Metal Building Manufacturers Association. This designation reflects strict standards in engineering, fabrication, and quality assurance. This dedication to excellence remains a defining part of the company's approach and product lineup.

BigbeeRib II

The BigbeeRib II panel is a rugged exposed-fastener roof and wall system designed for commercial, agricultural, and industrial applications that require reliable long-span performance. Each panel covers 36 inches and features ribs 1-1/4 inches tall, spaced 12 inches apart, creating a strong profile suitable for both roofing and siding. It is manufactured from 24-ga or 26-ga steel and is available in Galvalume or factory-applied color finishes. Installers can produce the panel in lengths from 3 to 45 feet. Bigbee provides full engineering documentation, including section properties such as moment of inertia, section modulus, and allowable bending values, along with load tables for single‑span through four‑span conditions covering both wind and live loads. A dedicated installation manual details proper handling, layout, fastener patterns, sealant use, and trim integration to ensure correct field performance. The 26-ga wall panel also carries Florida Product Approval (FL7412.2-R5) for installation over open framing in non-HVHZ areas, rated for design pressures of +57.5 psf and –47.5 psf. Altogether, the BigbeeRib II offers a strong, versatile, and thoroughly engineered panel solution. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Bigbee Steel Buildings Screw Down BigbeeRib II Metal Roofing Panels.

This profile is compatible with a wide selection of our snow-retention products, giving installers flexibility to match the system to the project’s climate and performance needs. Our stainless steel SnowCatcher snow guards, including Standard, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Fleur-de-lis, Kodiak, and Mustang, can be mechanically fastened directly to the panel. Polycarbonate options such as the SnoBlox Deuce, IceJax II, and SnoBlox Ace may be installed with adhesive or screws, while the Snojax I requires mechanical fastening and cannot be adhered. For applications where breaking up sliding snow is preferred, the SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M help disperse movement into smaller, less hazardous pieces. Rail systems like SnoBar and ColorBar provide strong, continuous protection in areas with snow loads above 45 PSF or when a streamlined appearance is preferred. These systems use Tall ColorBrackets with butyl tape gaskets to ensure proper sealing. Because the panel has a textured finish, installers may need to apply a thicker layer of adhesive or sealant to achieve a reliable bond.

Bigbee Steel Buildings Compatibility Chart for Exposed-Fastener Snow Guards

	BigbeeRib II Panel
Ecojax	YES
IceJax I	YES
IceJax II	YES
SnoBlox Deuce	YES
Ace	YES
Snojax I	YES
Snojax II	YES
SnowBreaker	YES
SnowCatcher	YES
SnoBar PBR	YES
ColorBar PBR	YES
SnoCleat PBR	YES
SnoCleat 2.67	NO
SnoBar 2.67	NO
ColorBar 2.67	NO

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Exposed Fastener Roofs by Bigbee Steel Buildings

How Can I Coordinate My Snow Guards with My Roof?

Choosing finishes that complement the roof’s color and texture helps the guards blend in rather than stand out. Durable powder-coated options maintain their appearance over time, while on-site coatings provide a budget-friendly way to customize the final look.

Should I Use Sealant Under My Screw-Mounted Snow Guards?

Applying sealant beneath screw-mounted guards helps seal small gaps, reduce the risk of leaks, and prevent moisture from entering the roof system. This added layer of protection supports long-term performance.

What Snow Guard Solutions Work Best for Unique Roof Shapes?

Roofs with arches, curves, or other nonstandard contours often require guards that are selected or shaped to match those profiles. Standard models may not sit properly, making custom-fit options and strict adherence to manufacturer instructions essential for reliable results.

How Can I Fasten Snow Guards for Maximum Strength?

For the strongest attachment, secure snow guards directly into structural framing components, such as rafters or purlins, rather than relying solely on the roof panels. Anchoring to these members increases load capacity and enhances long-term durability.

When Is the Best Time to Install Adhesive-Mounted Snow Guards?

Adhesive-mounted guards bond most effectively in warm weather, typically from late spring into early summer when temperatures stay above 50°F. Warmer conditions speed up curing, and adhesives like SureBond SB-190 usually reach moisture resistance within about 24 hours.

Should I Test Fit Snow Guards Before Final Installation?

Laying out the guards temporarily before fastening them lets you confirm spacing, alignment, and the overall layout. This simple step helps ensure a uniform pattern and a clean, professional finished appearance.

Conclusion

At SnoBlox-Snojax, long-term reliability is at the core of every product we manufacture. We build our snow guards and snow-retention systems to withstand repeated freeze–thaw cycles, significant snow loads, and demanding winter environments without the early failures common in lower-grade alternatives. Customers throughout the United States and around the world trust our products not only for their durability, but also for the individualized support that comes with every order. From the first planning conversation through the final installation steps, our team offers clear guidance, practical insights, and timely assistance. Resources such as our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and detailed Best Practices manual help contractors and building owners select systems that match their roof profile and local climate. Whether someone contacts us by phone or email, they receive personalized product recommendations, compatibility evaluations, and fast answers to installation or purchasing questions. By streamlining the process and drawing on decades of industry experience, we help ensure each project results in a snow-retention system that delivers dependable performance year after year.

Do you have a metal roof from a different manufacturer?

Visit our "Snow Guard Compatibility by Roof Manufacturer" resource page for detailed information on which snow guards and snow retention systems are compatible with your metal roof.

Compatibility Guidance Note

The compatibility information presented in this guide is based on SnoBlox-Snojax product testing and field experience with Bigbee Steel Buildings metal roof panel profiles. Panel manufacturers periodically update profile specifications, and individual project variables including seam condition, coating type, and installation method can affect outcomes. Customers are encouraged to confirm current panel specifications directly with Bigbee Steel Buildings and to contact SnoBlox-Snojax with project-specific questions before ordering.