Snow Guards for AEP Span Standing Seam Roof Panels

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for AEP Span Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

AEP Span standing seam roof systems require snow guards and snow retention solutions compatible with the seam geometry and attachment method of each panel profile. Below are compatibility considerations and recommended SnoBlox-Snojax systems for AEP Span standing seam panels.

Curved Span-Lok Panel

Curved Span-Lok™ metal roofing is a high-performance architectural standing seam roof system. This panel is suitable for both new construction and retrofit applications. It features a mechanically seamed 2" high rib for added aesthetic appeal and a weathertight design. Curved Span-Lok ideally suits commercial, education, hotel, industrial, institutional, and retail projects. This 16" x 2" panel is available in 22 and 24-gauge options and is meant for roofs with a minimum ¼:12 slope. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for AEP Span Curved Span-Lok Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

We recommend using only a clamp-on SnoBar or ColorBar snow rail system with this panel. The non-penetrating clamps attach to compatible seams without requiring holes through the roof panel. Test-fit the clamp before ordering a complete system. We also do not recommend using individual polycarbonate glue-down snow guards with this panel, as they require a flat attachment surface for proper installation.

Design Span hp Panel

Design Span® hp metal roofing is a high-performance structural standing seam metal panel ideal for residential, commercial, retail, municipal, and multi-use building applications. Design Span hp is long-lasting, resilient, and sustainable, making it suitable as a roof over metal or wood decking and a fascia or mansard over plywood or supports. Design Span merges effortlessly with other traditional construction materials, giving architects, homeowners, and building owners the ultimate design versatility. This standing-seam panel features a 1 3/4-inch rib height and is available in 12-, 16-, 17-, and 18-inch coverage widths with 22- or 24-gauge steel. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for AEP Span Design Span Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

AEP Span designs the Design Span hp panel for standard, non-radiused roofs with a minimum slope of 2:12. This panel's flat nature and the seams' shape allow for multiple snow retention options. This panel is excellent for use with glue-down polycarbonate snow guards. Still, it may require a more liberal application of adhesive to account for the minor striations of the panel, fill any possible gaps, and prevent moisture from traveling under the guards. Any moisture trapped under the guards has the potential to freeze and expand, which could dislodge the guard from the roof panel. The IceJax II and SnoBlox Ace could be excellent choices for this panel in its larger configurations. At the same time, customers might prefer the Deuce, Ecojax, and IceJax I for the smaller panel sizes.

This panel's rib shape makes it compatible with all of our clamp-on snow guards, including the SnoCleat RC and SnoCleat RCT, and both the SnoBar and ColorBar systems with either the standard SnoBar Clamps or RoofClamp attachment options.

Select Seam Narrow Batten Panel

Select Seam® Narrow Batten Metal Roofing is a high-performance, non-structural Batten Seam Metal Roofing Panel ideal for educational, civic, and institutional applications. This panel's clean, broad pan design makes it great for achieving a classic architectural effect. Architects and building owners prefer Select Seam, a performance-rated, non-structural batten-seam metal roof system capable of curving for numerous radius applications. This standing-seam panel features a 1-inch height and is available in 12-, 16-, and 21 1/4-inch coverage widths with 22- or 24-gauge steel. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for AEP Span Select Seam Narrow Batten Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

We don't recommend clamp-on systems whenever a separate batten strip is on a standing seam panel, as the clamps only attach to the strip itself and might not achieve proper torque on the panels, potentially causing the strips to disengage from the roof and leading to extensive and expensive repairs.

Like the Design Span® hp panel, we recommend using glue-down polycarbonate snow guards with this panel. However, this is only when the panel is not being radiused on a roof. Individual polycarbonate snow guards require a flat mounting surface for correct installation. Striated configurations may require a thicker application of SureBond SB-190 to fill shallow gaps between the panel and the guard.

Select Seam Wide Batten Panel

Select Seam® Wide Batten Seam Metal Roofing is a high-performance, non-structural Batten Seam Metal roof system suited for use in education, civic, retail, commercial, and institutional settings. This panel's clean, broad pan design makes it great for creating a traditional architectural impact on metal roofs or siding projects. This standing seam metal panel features a 1 7/8" rib height and is available in 13 1⁄4″, 17 1⁄4″, and 22 1⁄2″ rib spacing with either 22 or 24 gauge options. This panel serves non-radiused roofing applications with a minimum slope of 3:12. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for AEP Span Select Seam Wide Batten Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Unfortunately, this panel has the same challenges as the Select Seam® Narrow Batten panels when choosing snow guards. Still, it is even more exaggerated by the wider square-shaped batten strip. While this panel is visually stylish, it is also very limited in options due to the wide box-style batten strip. Clamp-on individual snow guards like the SnoCleat RC and RCT are not an option for this panel. Clamp-on snow rails are also unable to work with this panel. That leaves glue-down polycarbonate pad-style snow guards as the sole remaining options for this panel. Striated configurations may require a heavier adhesive application to fill shallow gaps beneath the guard. Follow the standard adhesive instructions for compatible flat-pan configurations.

Span-Lok hp Panel

Span-Lok™ hp metal roofing is a performance-rated, architectural standing seam panel offering aesthetic appeal and weathertight construction. This panel works with commercial, mixed-use, retail, and multi-use developments. This standing seam metal panel features a 2" rib height and is available in 12" and 16″ rib spacing with 22 and 24-gauge options. The Span-Lok™ hp design suits non-radiused roofing applications with a minimum slope of 1/4:12. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for AEP Span Span-Lok Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Span-Lok™ hp metal roofing is one of the more popular panels we work with from AEP Span, as it is one of the most versatile panels for snow guard selection. You can equip this panel with clamp-on snow guards, glue-down polycarbonate snow guards, or continuous rail systems. You can't go wrong with these choices when using Span-Lok™ hp metal panels. Continuing the trend of AEP Span's other standing seam panels, a thick coating of adhesive may be required when gluing down polycarbonate snow guards to account for the striations of this panel.

SpanSeam Panel

SpanSeam™ metal roofing is a high-performance architectural standing seam roof system. This panel has a mechanically seamed 2" high rib, providing visual appeal and a weathertight design. You can use this panel for both new construction and retrofit applications. SpanSeam is a versatile product suitable for roofing and vertical metal siding applications. This panel is ideal for retail, institutional, industrial, commercial, educational, and hospitality projects. This standing seam metal panel is only available in 16″ rib spacing with either 22 or 24-gauge options. This panel is for non-radiused roofing applications with a minimum slope of 1/4:12. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for AEP Span SpanSeam Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

SpanSeam is compatible with individual clamp-on guards, continuous rail systems, and adhesive-mounted polycarbonate guards. AEP Span offers the panel in standard striated and optional flat-pan or two-pencil-rib configurations. Striated versions may require additional adhesive to fill shallow gaps, while a standard adhesive application may be sufficient on a compatible flat-pan configuration. 

6 Considerations Before Buying and Installing Snow Guards On AEP Span Standing Seam Roofing

1. Snow Load

Check the project’s ground snow load before selecting a system. Individual adhesive-mounted or clamp-on guards generally suit lighter snow-load applications, while heavier snow loads often require properly engineered rail systems. Roof slope, run length, seam spacing, and system layout also affect the final recommendation. Contact the panel manufacturer when the roof profile does not support an appropriate snow retention system.

2. NO Screw Down Snow Guards for Standing Seam Roofs!

We NEVER recommend installing screw-down, mechanically fastened snow guards on a standing seam panel. Penetrating a concealed-fastener roof can restrict thermal movement, damage the panels, create leak risks, and potentially affect the manufacturer’s warranty.

3. Get a Layout!

Regardless of your snow retention system, obtaining a layout recommendation from the snow guard manufacturer is vital. We offer FREE spacing charts for our products online and FREE quote request forms for our snow rail systems and individual guards when our customers desire a more custom layout solution. Installing snow retention in isolated areas, like just above doorways, HVAC units, chimneys, etc., is never recommended. Isolated installations have a high potential for failure.

4. Color Matching Snow Guards

Color-matching options are available on panels where clamp-on individual metal snow guards or continuous rail systems are compatible. The SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, and ColorBar Snow Rails Systems can all accept slide-in color strips purchased with the guards or created by cutting leftover roofing material. These slide-in strips will color-match the face of these products to your roof. These snow guards can also be custom powder coated for a full coverage color match. We can match any roofing shade and even create custom bespoke colors in more unusual circumstances. Powder coating allows snow guards to blend in with the roofing panels and creates a clean, unobstructed aesthetic for your home, commercial, or industrial building. Please remember that powder-coated products are not kept in-house and are custom-made. As a last resort, when customers desire a faster solution or more control over the color, they can have them powder-coated locally or paint them upon arrival.

5. Installing Glue Down Snow Guards at the Right Time of the Year

Install clamp-on snow guards and clamp-on rail systems when the roof is free of snow, ice, and debris. Adhesive-mounted snow guards require more strategic timing. SureBond SB-190 requires approximately 28 days at 50°F or warmer to cure fully. Late spring or early summer is generally the best installation period for customers in the United States and Canada. Temperatures below 50°F will not harm the adhesive but will temporarily pause the curing process until temperatures rise above that threshold again. Rain will not adversely affect the adhesive after 24 hours. Do not use SureBond SB-190 on copper roofing.

6. IceStopper Attachments for Snow Rail Systems

If using the SnoBar or ColorBar snow rail systems, we recommend using the IceStopper attachments over at least any pedestrian walkways or parking spaces. The IceStoppers can be attached during the initial installation or easily retrofitted later. On panels with seam spacing up to 17" on center, use 1 IceStopper centered per panel. For panels with rib spacing from 18"-24" on center, 2 IceStoppers should be used and spaced evenly per panel. Panels with Seam Spacing from 24"- 42" on-center require three IceStoppers per panel spaced evenly. Only ColorBar can be used on roof panels with a seam spacing larger than 24" on-center.

Conclusion

Selecting the proper snow guards for your project can be daunting, but hopefully, this blog has helped. Please check back as we highlight other roofing styles and different manufacturers similarly. The #1 thing to remember when purchasing snow guards is that a reputable snow guard company can quickly answer your questions and provide input when requested. SnoBlox-Snojax is no exception to this rule. For questions or orders, please get in touch with us at support@snojax.com or 1-800-766-5291. Check out our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and What Works and What Doesn't Page for more information. We are here to help!