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Snow Guards For Advanced Architectural Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels
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Snow Guards For Advanced Architectural Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels

Posted by Derek Gamble - SnoBlox-Snojax Specialist on Jan 29th 2025

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Advanced Architectural Sheet Metal Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

Advanced Architectural Logo - Image courtesy of https://www.advarchsm.com/

What Are the Best Snow Guards for Metal Roofs?

Winter presents unique challenges for buildings with standing seam metal roofs, particularly the risk of sudden snow and ice slides. These unexpected avalanches threaten people, pets, vehicles, and property near the structure. Smooth roof surfaces exacerbate the problem by allowing accumulated winter precipitation to slide off without warning. This safety concern highlights the importance of implementing effective snow and ice retention strategies to protect the surrounding area. Various snow retention devices, including guards and rail systems, have been developed to address this issue and help them work with different roof styles. When implementing these protective measures, it's essential to consider several factors, such as the roof's pitch, panel configuration, and local weather patterns. Property owners can utilize our online resources, like articles and blog posts, to help them select appropriate snow retention solutions. By employing these resources and adopting innovative approaches, building owners can significantly reduce the hazards associated with snow and ice accumulation on standing seam metal roofs, creating a safer environment during the winter months.

Advanced Architectural standing seam installed on a restaurant - Image courtesy of https://www.advarchsm.com/

Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Advanced Architectural

Advanced Architectural Sheet Metal is a Michigan-based company that provides top-quality roofing and metal building products. They focus on delivering exceptional architectural sheet metal solutions, gutters, and rain accessories to small and medium-sized contractors. The company's approach combines affordability with high standards, ensuring their customers receive excellent value. What sets Advanced Architectural apart is its commitment to customization and efficiency. Almost all of their products are made-to-order and manufactured in-house. Hence, they offer contractors the flexibility to meet specific project requirements while reducing inventory costs and saving time. This approach has helped them build a strong reputation in the industry. The company's success comes from more than just quality products. They prioritize building strong customer relationships, recognizing that personalized service is as crucial as competitive pricing. This customer-centric approach, combined with their consistent quality and expertise, has earned them the trust of contractors nationwide.

Batten Cap U-Panel

This innovative roofing system offers a user-friendly installation process, eliminating the need for specific orientation. Its distinctive design incorporates a double-hemmed standing seam batten cap that securely locks into place. The system employs a hidden clip fastening mechanism, topped with a slim, low-profile snap-on batten. This design choice creates a sleek, linear aesthetic that allows architects to incorporate curved or high-profile elements into their projects. The U-Panel profile comes in two leg height options: 1 inch or 1.5 inches, with an optional flat rib reinforcement available. Customers can choose between 24-gauge steel or .032 Kynar 500® for their material. The manufacturer offers a 20-year warranty covering cracking, peeling, and color-fading issues. This versatile panel system is well-suited for various applications, including roofing, mansards, and fascias. It particularly excels in projects requiring roof transitions. The straightforward panel design enhances on-site maneuverability and handling. However, it's crucial to note that proper installation necessitates a flat underlying surface to ensure optimal performance. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Advanced Architectural Sheet Metal Batten Cap U-Panel Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Advanced Architectural Batten Cap U-panel rendering - Image courtesy of https://www.advarchsm.com/

Clamp-on systems are not advisable for standing seam panels that feature separate batten strips. Because the clamps attach only to the strip, they may not provide sufficient torque on the panels. As a result, there's a risk that the strips could detach from the roof, potentially leading to costly and extensive repairs. For this panel type, a better alternative is using glue-down polycarbonate snow guards. However, it's important to note that this recommendation only applies when the panel is not curved or radiused on the roof. Individual polycarbonate snow guards require a flat surface for proper installation and optimal performance. Without a level mounting area, these snow guards may not function as intended, potentially compromising their effectiveness in managing snow and ice accumulation on the roof.

SOP Snap Lock Panel

The SOP Snap Lock Panel offers a versatile roofing solution for commercial and select residential applications. Its adaptability allows for installation in a wide range of scenarios. The panel's design combines aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, featuring a 1.5-inch leg height and a seamless interlocking system that enhances its structural integrity. A notable aspect of this panel is its innovative concealed fastener system, which provides exceptional hold-down strength without compromising the roof's appearance. One of the key advantages of the SOP Snap Lock Panel is its snap-lock mechanism, which eliminates the need for mechanical seaming or additional battens. This design allows for extended panels while maintaining the ability to expand and contract freely with temperature changes. For those seeking additional reinforcement, an optional flat rib stiffener is available. The panel has two material options: 24 gauge steel or .032 Kynar 500®. To ensure long-term customer satisfaction, the manufacturer provides a comprehensive 20-year warranty. This warranty covers potential issues such as cracking, peeling, and color fading, offering peace of mind to property owners who choose this roofing system. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Advanced Architectural Sheet Metal SOP Snap Lock Panel Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Advanced Architectural SOP Snap Lock panel rendering - Image courtesy of https://www.advarchsm.com/

This roofing panel features a versatile design that can accommodate a wide range of our snow retention solutions. It's particularly well-suited for adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards. However, proper adhesive application is crucial to prevent detachment caused by moisture infiltration and freezing. The product line includes various sizes, from larger units like the Ace, Snojax II, and IceJax II to more compact options like the Deuce and Icejax I. For those needing enhanced management of sliding snow and ice, specific variants called SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M are available. The panel's ribbed construction also supports clamp-on snow guards, including several rail systems called SnoBar and ColorBar. These components can be mounted using stainless steel or aluminum clamp alternatives. Test the clamp sample before finalizing the order to confirm its precise fit with the panel.

Advanced Architectural Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Standing Seam Roofs by Advanced Architectural

Holistic Roof Protection Approach

Implement a comprehensive strategy to safeguard your entire roof structure. Distribute multiple rows of snow retention products evenly to prevent stress concentration. Utilize spacing guidelines and calculation tools to optimize placement and maximize protective coverage.

Regional Snow Load Assessment

When selecting a retention system, thoroughly analyze your area's typical ground snow accumulation. Various guard styles may suffice in regions with moderate snowfall. In contrast, areas experiencing heavier snowfall require specialized rail systems to prevent potential avalanches.

Aesthetic Snow Management Solutions

Enhance your roof's visual appeal by selecting snow retention systems that complement its design and color scheme. Consider snow guards with matching metal inserts or color-coordinated systems. Budget-conscious homeowners may explore local finishing options or DIY coloring techniques.

Innovative Fastening Techniques

Investigate advanced attachment methods for metal standing seam roofs to ensure structural integrity. Consider seam-attached or adhesive-based solutions that maintain weatherproofing and adhere to warranty requirements.

Flexible Roofing Material Adaptations

Recognize the unique properties of more pliable roofing materials like aluminum and copper. Compared to more rigid steel roofing systems, these panels may necessitate additional rows of clamp-on snow guards or snow rails.

Adhesive Application Timing Optimization

Schedule adhesive-mounted system installations during appropriate temperature windows. Factor in ambient temperature fluctuations when estimating curing times, noting that high-quality adhesives may require extended bonding periods under moderate conditions.

Copper Roofing Protection Measures

Exercise caution when installing snow guards on copper roofs. Avoid direct contact between adhesive-mounted pad-style guards and copper to prevent chemical reactions. For bar systems, apply protective layers before attaching them to copper surfaces to avoid interactions between dissimilar metals.

System Compatibility Verification

Before installation, thoroughly verify the compatibility of all system components with your specific roof type. This crucial step prevents costly errors and ensures seamless integration. Consider individual component testing for comprehensive compatibility assessment.

Curved Roof Retention Solutions

Develop custom retention methods for rounded or radiused roof panels. Traditional flat pad-style snow guards often struggle with adhesion on these surfaces. Roofing experts must devise innovative approaches for these unique architectural elements.

Ice Management Integration

Consider incorporating specialized components like ice stoppers into your snow retention systems, particularly in ice-prone areas. Carefully select and position these elements, paying special attention to roofs with higher seams to effectively address ice-related issues.

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax has positioned itself at the forefront of the snow retention industry by embracing a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes enduring solutions through extensive support and education. The company's approach extends beyond product sales, empowering clients with essential knowledge and resources for effective implementation. We reflect our dedication through personalized assistance and diverse online materials. Customers can readily access guidance and solutions through open lines of communication with our support team. To enhance user experience, SnoBlox-Snojax has developed practical tools, including a detailed Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and an informative page on best practices. Our company actively encourages customers to reach out for order and installation support. By emphasizing education and support, SnoBlox-Snojax ensures positive experiences and optimal outcomes for all users of our snow guard installations. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction drives ongoing product and support service improvements. This unwavering dedication has established SnoBlox-Snojax as a trusted partner in snow retention solutions, offering products and a complete package of expertise and support. Through this holistic approach, the company has cemented its position as an industry leader, equipping customers with the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve superior results with their snow retention systems.

Disclaimer

The views, recommendations, and information presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the featured panel manufacturer, its brands, subsidiaries, or parent companies. Customers are strongly encouraged to reach out directly to the roof panel manufacturer for inquiries regarding snow guard compatibility with their products, as well as to address any potential warranty issues that may arise following the installation of our products.