Snow Guards for Appalachian Metal Sales Exposed-Fastener Steel Roof Panels
Posted by Derek Gamble - SnoBlox-Snojax Specialist on Oct 1st 2025
See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Appalachian Metal Sales Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.
Which of our snow retention options works best with Appalachian Metal Sales' exposed-fastener metal roofing systems?
Metal roofs that use exposed fasteners are especially susceptible to abrupt snow and ice slides during winter, sometimes referred to as roof avalanches.
Because metal panels have a slick surface, snow and ice buildup can suddenly release, posing risks to people, pets, and property below. To mitigate these hazards, our snow retention systems are compatible with a wide range of roof styles and materials. Customers can customize our snow guards and rail systems to match various panel shapes, roof pitches, and local climate requirements. We also offer valuable tools, including blog articles, installation manuals, and updated compatibility charts, for leading roofing brands. In regions with frequent or heavy snowfall, these systems are essential for managing the timing and flow of snow and ice shedding from rooftops.
Appalachian Metal Sales: Exposed-Fastener Metal Roofing
Appalachian Metal Sales offers metal roofing and building supplies throughout the southeastern United States, with facilities located in Mooresburg, Tennessee, and Lexington, Virginia. Their service area includes Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Their mission is straightforward: to deliver top-tier products backed by outstanding customer care. Since opening in 2016, the company has experienced steady growth, led by a management team with over 40 years of combined expertise in the metal industry. This deep knowledge enables them to offer practical, high-performing solutions. With roughly 75% of their business coming from repeat customers, it's clear they've earned lasting trust. One of their key strengths is the ability to produce rapidly and precisely. Roofing panels and trims are manufactured in-house, with most orders fulfilled within two business days. Operating two production sites allows them to maintain fast delivery times while upholding strict quality controls. Their product lineup includes standing seam systems, such as the AppLok 100 and 450 profiles with hidden fasteners, as well as the Elite Panel, a favorite for residential applications. They also manufacture steel siding, post-frame kits, wood and steel trusses, barns, and all-steel buildings. Additional products include garage and entry doors, trim pieces, and various accessories. Many of their materials support energy efficiency and sustainability, with several items made from recycled content and all panels being fully recyclable.
Elite Panel
The Elite Panel from Appalachian Metal Sales is a versatile solution for both residential and light commercial roofing applications. It spans 36 inches and features a low-profile rib design, with ¾-inch tall ribs spaced 9 inches apart, offering strength in a sleek, contemporary appearance. Constructed from Galvalume steel, it's commonly available in 29 gauge. Customers can select from a wide range of painted finishes, many of which include long-term warranties for color stability and weather durability. Designed with energy efficiency in mind, contractors can produce the Elite Panel on-site, ensuring a fast turnaround and consistent quality. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Appalachian Metal Sales Elite Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.
This panel works seamlessly with many of our snow retention products, providing installers with a range of options across various materials. Polycarbonate models, such as the SnoBlox Deuce and SnowBreaker, are designed to nest between the minor ribs. Metal solutions such as the SnoCleat PBR and all six SnowCatcher variants require screw attachment to the flat center section. Other styles, including the Snojax I and Icejax I, span the minor ribs. Icejax I supports both adhesive and screw mounting, while Snojax I requires mechanical fastening. The Elite Panel also pairs well with Tall ColorBrackets. These brackets are compatible with aluminum ColorBar PBR or galvanized SnoBar PBR rail systems. This adaptability makes the Standard 5 Rib Panel a dependable choice for managing snow loads in diverse weather conditions.
PBR Panel
The Purlin Bearing Rib (PBR) Panel is engineered for high-performance applications, making it an ideal fit for commercial, industrial, and agricultural structures. It spans 36 inches and features a rib height of 1¼ inches, with trapezoidal ribs spaced every 12 inches to enhance load-bearing capacity. Typically offered in 26-gauge, this panel is available in Galvalume or G90 galvanized steel, depending on the selected finish. Customers can choose from a range of coatings, including PVDF, MS Colorfast45, and Acrylic-Coated Galvalume, to meet both visual and functional requirements. Its robust design makes it well-suited for use in both roofing and siding projects where strength and longevity are essential. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Appalachian Metal Sales PBR Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.
The PBR Panel accommodates a wide range of snow retention systems, enabling tailored solutions tailored to installation preferences and climate considerations. Stainless steel pad-style guards, such as the SnowCatcher series in styles like Standard, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Fleur-de-lis, Kodiak, and Mustang, can be securely fastened to the panel surface. Polycarbonate options, such as the SnoBlox Deuce, Icejax II, and SnoBlox Ace, offer installation flexibility, supporting both adhesive and screw mounting methods. The Snojax I, however, requires mechanical fastening and cannot be adhered with glue. For those looking to break up snow and ice into smaller, safer fragments during release, the SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M systems provide effective mitigation. In regions with snow loads exceeding 45 pounds per square foot, or for customers seeking a modern, streamlined appearance, rail systems such as SnoBar and ColorBar deliver a durable solution. These systems utilize Tall ColorBrackets with butyl tape gaskets to ensure a secure and clean-looking installation. Due to the panel's striated texture, installers may need to use a thicker adhesive or sealant layer to ensure proper bonding between the guard and the panel surface.
Appalachian Metal Sales Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards
| Elite Panel | PBR Panel | |
|---|---|---|
 Ecojax |
YES | YES |
 IceJax I |
YES | YES |
 IceJax II |
NO | YES |
 SnoBlox Deuce |
YES | YES |
 Ace |
NO | YES |
 Snojax I |
YES | YES |
 Snojax II |
NO | YES |
 SnowBreaker |
YES | YES |
 SnowCatcher |
YES | YES |
 SnoBar PBR |
YES | YES |
 ColorBar PBR |
YES | YES |
 SnoCleat PBR |
YES | YES |
 SnoCleat 2.67 |
NO | NO |
 SnoBar 2.67 |
NO | NO |
 ColorBar 2.67 |
NO | NO |
Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Exposed Fastener Roofs by Appalachian Metal Sales
How Can I Coordinate Snow Guard Finishes with My Roof Design?
Choose finishes that complement your roof's color scheme and architectural features. Powder coating and custom inserts can enhance aesthetics and facilitate a seamless integration of the guards with the roof surface. Professionally applied coatings last longer, while DIY options offer faster turnaround and lower costs.
Should I Apply Sealant Under Screw-Mounted Snow Guards?
Using a generous layer of sealant beneath screw-attached polycarbonate guards helps seal gaps, enhance waterproofing, and minimize the risk of future leaks. This added measure strengthens the installation and improves its long-term reliability.
How Can I Fasten Snow Guards for Maximum Strength?
For optimal hold, secure snow guards to structural supports, such as rafters or purlins, instead of relying solely on the roof panels. Reinforcing the attachment point or combining adhesive with mechanical fasteners can further increase durability and load resistance.
What Snow Guard Solutions Work Best for Unique Roof Shapes?
Roofs with nontraditional contours—such as arched or curved profiles—may not work well with standard snow guard designs. In these cases, it’s wise to use guards specifically built for the roof’s geometry and consult the manufacturer to ensure compatibility.
Should I Test Fit Snow Guards Before Final Installation?
Laying out the snow guards temporarily before final installation helps verify spacing and alignment. This dry run allows for quick adjustments and contributes to a more precise and professional-looking result.
How Does Roofing Material Affect Snow Guard Placement?
Roofing material significantly influences how snow guards should be spaced and installed. Softer metals, such as aluminum or copper, often require closer spacing and multiple rows for effective retention. Harder materials, such as steel, may permit wider spacing. Always ensure adhesives or sealants are chemically compatible with the roof finish to prevent damage or performance issues.
When Is the Best Time to Install Adhesive Snow Guards?
Adhesive snow guards should be installed during the warmer months—ideally, late spring through early summer—when daytime temperatures consistently remain above 50°F. Warm conditions promote proper curing, while cold weather can slow the process. Products like SureBond SB-190 typically become moisture-resistant within a day, reducing concerns about weather-related delays.
Conclusion
At SnoBlox-Snojax, we design our snow guard systems with long-term durability in mind—not quick fixes. We've earned the trust of our customers by providing clear, honest product information, straightforward installation instructions, and responsive support throughout the entire process. Tools like our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and detailed installation manual help customers make confident, informed choices. Our team is always available by phone or email to provide personalized assistance and support with your orders. We're committed to reliability and customer care, making it easy for our clients to select, install, and maintain their snow retention systems with confidence—backed by dependable products and expert guidance.
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.
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.