Snow Guards For Exposed Fastener American Building Components (ABC) Metal Roofing

In the current market landscape, the sheer variety of metal roofing brands and panel selections can make choosing the perfect snow guard for your project somewhat intimidating. Although the wide range of options gives customers lots to choose from, it frequently poses a hurdle when making the final decision. Our latest blog series is to simplify this process by spotlighting prominent metal panel brands and suggesting appropriate snow guard solutions for their popular panels.

American Building Components (ABC) Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing

Continuing our recent blog post spotlighting the standing seam roofing panels from American Building Components (ABC), we now focus on their array of exposed fastener roof panels. With a legacy spanning over a century, American Building Components (ABC) has been a trusted provider of top-tier products and steadfast service. Boasting an extensive assortment of metal building materials, ABC stands behind its offerings with unmatched warranties within the industry. Renowned for superior quality and performance across its comprehensive product range, which encompasses metal roofing, siding, light-gauge framing, trim, and accessories, ABC has solidified its position as a leader in the field.

PBR Metal Roofing

The adaptability of the PBR metal roof panel makes it a timeless selection for your clients' construction projects. Offering high-quality craftsmanship and versatility, the PBR panels can be mounted horizontally or vertically, ensuring a practical design that fulfills the demands of various building projects. Renowned for their functionality across diverse markets, these panels work in commercial and residential settings. Specifically engineered for low-slope installations, PBR panels guarantee top-notch quality and easy delivery and setup. With a width of 36 inches, these panels boast 1-1/4-inch tall high ribs spaced 12 inches apart, complemented by evenly spaced minor ribs. The PBR panel is also available in 22, 24, 26, and 29 gauge thicknesses.

PBR panels offer exceptional versatility for snow guard installations, presenting many options. This panel is compatible with our screw-down SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems, as well as the SnoCleat PBR and various stainless steel SnowCatcher models, including Standard, Fleur-de-lis, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Mustang, and Kodiak. These panels cater to diverse preferences. Moreover, all of our polycarbonate snow guards, except for the Snojax I, can be affixed using adhesive or screws. The Snojax I requires installation with mechanical fasteners only. It's imperative to utilize Surebond SB-190 adhesive for polycarbonate models. This adhesive is not compatible with metal pad-style snow guards. While most of these options necessitate mounting the snow guards in the centers of the panels between the minor ribs, specific guards may require off-center mounting to straddle either the left or right minor rib. Examples of this are Snojax II and Icejax II. Consistent mounting over the same rib is crucial in such instances.

Mounting individual snow guards or rail systems by screwing them onto the high ribs of a panel is discouraged. It's essential to secure them by screwing down through the low flats of the panel into a sturdy structure for optimal installation strength. For comprehensive insights into why this approach is vital, refer to our recent blog post, " Mounting Snow Guards on the High Ribs or the Panel Flats: Which is Correct?"

PBU Metal Roofing

With the PBU's highly adaptable profile, this exposed fastener panel offers a symmetrical design suitable for horizontal and vertical installations. The PBU panel provides flexibility in installation orientation, catering to various roof and wall panel applications for your customers. With its cost-effective yet premium-quality metal construction, this panel ensures durability and reliability, confidently meeting your customers' expectations. This architectural panel features an overall width of 36 inches, with sturdy ribs standing 3/4" tall and spaced 6" apart. Customers can choose from various thickness options, including 22, 24, 26, and 29 gauge.

The PBU panel is compact, with flat areas measuring around 3 1/2" wide. While this limited width may restrict some options, there are still plenty of choices available. For customers looking to retain snow and ice on their roofs, the Ace, Icejax I, or Deuce polycarbonate snow guards are a suitable solution. Alternatively, if the goal is to allow the snow and ice to shed in a slower, more controlled manner, the SnowBreaker or SnowBreaker 3M snow guards may be the better choice. All of these models can use screws or Surebond SB-190 adhesive. Additionally, Tall ColorBrackets enable the mechanical attachment of SnoBar and ColorBar systems to this panel.

5V Crimp

The 5V Crimp metal panels are a timeless classic. They offer customers durable, low-maintenance, cost-effective solutions for their metal building needs. These high-quality panels are a trusted choice across various industries, from residential to agricultural, thanks to their aesthetic appeal, strength, and ability to withstand diverse weather conditions. With a low margin and high quality, the 5V Crimp panels are profitable, making them a favored option for cost-conscious customers. These 24-inch panels have a distinctive pattern of alternating 1/2" tall single and double ribs spaced approximately every 12 inches. They are available in two thickness options: 26-gauge and 29-gauge.

The 5V Crimp roof panel offers versatility for snow retention options. You can install metal screw-down individual pad-style snow guards on this panel, such as our stainless steel SnowCatchers in a range of shapes like Standard, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Fleur-de-lis, Kodiak, and Mustang. This panel is also compatible with all of our polycarbonate snow guards, including the SnoBlox Deuce, Icejax II, and SnoBlox Ace, which can be secured with screws or glue to prevent snow and ice buildup on the roof, except for the Snojax I which is not compatible with adhesive attachment and requires a screw down installation.

The SnowBreaker or SnowBreaker 3M products are suitable solutions for customers who want to allow snow and ice to shed from their roofs while slowing it down and breaking it into smaller, safer pieces. Customers looking for a sleek, modern snow retention system or living in high snow load areas can consider our SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems. Contractors install these heavy-duty snow fences with mechanically fastened ColorBrackets and butyl tape gaskets.

PBC Metal Roofing

PBC is a versatile metal panel perfect for various roof and wall applications. Crafted with high-quality PBC material, it offers your customers exceptional durability and reliability. The easy-to-install design makes it a flexible solution for all your customers' building needs, whether working on a residential, commercial, or industrial project. The 32" wide panels with 7/8" rib height have a minimum pitch requirement of 3:12 and are available in 22, 24, 26, and 29 gauge thickness options.

This roofing panel does not have flat areas, making it unsuitable for most traditional snow retention methods requiring flat surfaces for installation. Customers who choose this panel and need an individually mounted solution can opt for our SnoCleat 2.67 snow guards. This recently released product can be installed on the high ribs of the panel using 3-inch screws for secure attachment. Unlike standard exposed fastener roofing, this panel's unique wavy corrugated design allows for mounting on the high ribs, an exception to the typical installation guidelines.

Customers interested in a continuous snow rail or snow fence system for their projects can equip their roofs with our SnoBar or ColorBar snow retention systems using the same bracket as the SnoCleat 2.67. Each ColorBracket 2.67 comes with six attachment holes. While four screws are sufficient for each bracket, the additional two holes can be utilized to enhance the mounting strength, particularly in more extreme weather conditions.

RETRO-R® Metal Roofing

The Retro-R® metal panel provides an affordable way for your customers to extend the lifespan of their existing R-panel roof. By installing this panel directly over the current roof, your customers can revitalize their building's exterior without the expense and disruption of a total roof replacement. The Retro-R® panel is an excellent choice for customers seeking a durable, long-lasting roof upgrade. Despite its lightweight construction, this high-quality metal panel offers exceptional strength and resilience. It's the perfect solution for customers who want to cost-effectively prolong the life of their building's roof. This 36" wide panel features 1-1/16" tall ribs on 12" center-to-center spacing with 26 and 29 ga panel gauges available. This panel has a minimum slope requirement of ½:12.

We could not find the exact width of the low flats on this panel, but we estimated it to be approximately 4" wide. We recommend contacting American Building Components to confirm these dimensions before ordering your snow guards. Although the limited panel width may restrict some options, a few choices are still available. The Ace, Deuce, or Icejax I polycarbonate snow guards offer a suitable solution for customers seeking to retain snow and ice on their roofs. Alternatively, if the goal is to allow the snow and ice to shed in a slower, more controlled manner, the SnowBreaker or SnowBreaker 3M snow guards may be the better choice. All of these models are installable using screws or the Surebond SB-190 adhesive. Additionally, the Tall ColorBrackets enable the mechanical attachment of SnoBar and ColorBar systems to this panel, providing further flexibility in managing snow and ice on the roof.

IMPERIAL RIB® Metal Roofing

This versatile exposed fastener panel is a top choice for nearly any building project. Imperial Rib's optional Drip Stop technology results in this panel's use across multiple industries. As the most sought-after panel by ABC, Imperial Rib® enhances your customers' projects with added value and enduring durability. Crafted from premium metal, it provides peace of mind for commercial and residential buildings. Efficient, dependable, and virtually maintenance-free, Imperial Rib roofing protects against the elements while meeting industry safety standards. Imperial Rib® features a 36" wide standard R-Panel design with 3/4" tall ribs on 9" spacing and two minor ribs evenly between them. This panel is available in 26 and 29-gauge thickness options and has a minimum slope requirement of a 3:12 pitch.

This panel offers versatile options for attaching various guards, whether you prefer glue-down or screw-down methods. The SnoBlox Deuce and SnowBreaker work well with either attachment method positioned between the minor ribs. If you're considering mounting a metal snow guard in the center flat of the panel using screws, the SnoCleat PBR and all six SnowCatcher shapes are great choices. Additionally, the Snojax I and Icejax I can be utilized with this panel by straddling one of the minor ribs between each 9" rib. While the Icejax I is compatible with either glue or screws, the Snojax I requires mechanical fastening and is not compatible with glue. Those interested in using ColorBar and SnoBar remain compatible with this panel when paired with Tall ColorBrackets and mechanical fasteners.

AMERI-DRAIN® Metal Roofing

This classic exposed-fastener panel provides a timeless aesthetic that suits a wide range of building projects for your customers. The Ameri-Drain® panel is favored by cost-conscious builders seeking a traditional look. The traditionally designed Ameri-Drain® panel offers your customers the durability they can rely on for their building endeavors. This cost-effective panel will retain its value for years, making it a sound investment that pays dividends over time.

The Ameri-Drain® panel is 36 inches wide, with major ribs spaced 6 inches apart and a rib height of 1/2 inch. This panel is available in 26-gauge and 29-gauge thickness options. Unfortunately, we don't have enough information about the panel's profile to recommend a suitable snow guard. Based on our research, the spacing between the primary and minor ribs may be too narrow to accommodate our standard snow guard products. We suggest contacting the manufacturer, ABC, for more details on the panel's specifications. Additionally, we recommend purchasing samples for test fits before placing an order for your entire project.

PERMA-CLAD® Metal Roofing

The Perma-Clad® panel system offers versatile applications for roofing and wall installations, catering to various settings, including residential, light commercial, agricultural, and storage structures and canopies. Ensuring a successful roofing installation with the Perma-Clad® panel involves mounting it on a sturdy, waterproof deck. The panel is a 36" wide standard R-Panel design. It features 5/8" tall ribs spaced at 9" intervals, with two minor ribs evenly distributed between them. It is available in 26 and 29-gauge thickness options.

The panel accommodates a range of guards with glue-down and screw-down options. SnoBlox Deuce and SnowBreaker are recommended polycarbonate snow guards for attachment, positioned centrally between the minor ribs. For installation with this panel, Snojax I and Icejax I can be utilized but require off-center spacing while straddling a minor rib. Snojax I requires mechanical fastening, while Icejax I allows for both glue and screw installation. SnoCleat PBR and all 6 SnowCatcher shapes are metal snow guards that are ideal for mounting in the center flat of the panel using screws. ColorBar and SnoBar are compatible with this panel when combined with Tall ColorBrackets and mechanical fasteners.

⅞ WIDE-RIB® Metal Roofing

The ⅞ Wide-Rib® panel offers a classic appearance and exposed fasteners, making it ideal for agricultural and post-frame ventures. Distinguished by its uniform ribs, the ⅞ Wide-Rib® stands out among similar panels in the market. This option ensures that customers mindful of costs can attain the desired aesthetic without compromising their budget. Combining durability with sustainability places the ⅞ Wide-Rib® at the forefront of premium metal panel selections across various industries. This 36-inch-wide panel showcases 7/8-inch-tall high ribs spaced at 12 inches center-to-center, with two minor ribs evenly interspersed between them. Available in 26 and 29-gauge thickness options, the ⅞ Wide-Rib® panel offers versatility for various snow retention systems.

⅞ Wide-Rib® is compatible with different metal snow retention methods, such as the screw-down SnoBar and ColorBar Rail Systems with Tall ColorBrackets, the SnoCleat PBR, and all stainless steel SnowCatcher Models, including Standard, Fleur-de-lis, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Mustang, and Kodiak shapes. Every polycarbonate model is compatible with this panel, and most can be installed using either glue or screws, except for the Snojax I, which requires a screw-down installation due to its incompatibility with Surebond SB-190 adhesive. Never install metal pad-style snow guards with adhesive.

During installation, we recommend placing many snow guard models in the center flat of the panels. In contrast, specific guards like the Snojax I & II and Icejax I & II may need to be mounted off-center to straddle either the left or right minor rib. Consistently maintaining mounting over the same rib is essential in such cases.

MONARCH RIB® Metal Roofing

Monarch Rib® offers a blend of strength and cost-effectiveness, rendering it an optimal selection for budget-conscious clients. Renowned in the industry, the Monarch Rib® panel ensures durability that clients can rely on for an extended period. These economic panels empower your clients to manage their project finances effectively. Widely favored in agricultural and post-frame sectors, our Monarch Rib panels stand as a preferred choice. Monarch Rib® features a 36" wide standard design with 5/8" tall ribs on 9" spacing with two minor ribs spaced evenly between them. 26 and 29-gauge thickness options are available for this panel.

While Monarch Rib® features dimensions similar to a standard 9" r-panel, the angular-shaped faces of this panel limit your options for snow guards. While we could not determine the exact width of the center flats on this panel, in keeping with the traditional styling of this panel type, we estimate it to be approximately 1.5" wide. We recommend contacting ABC before placing an order or ordering a sample snow guard from our website before ordering your entire system. This panel accommodates both glue-down and screw-down options for a variety of guards. The SnoBlox Deuce and SnowBreaker are great for use with either attachment method centered between the minor ribs. The Deuce is a snow retaining guard that will hold snow and ice on the roof until it melts, whereas the SnowBreaker breaks the snow and ice into small pieces while it sheds from the roof. SnoCleat PBR and all 6 SnowCatcher shapes are also perfect for use with this panel if you are looking to mount a metal snow guard in the center flat of the panel with screws. Because of the shape of this panel, we do not recommend using snow guards that require rib straddling. This panel does not offer flats on both sides of the minor rib to make it compatible with this type of installation. ColorBar and SnoBar, however, are compatible with this panel when using the Tall ColorBrackets and mechanical fasteners mounted in the panel's center flats.

REGAL RIB® Metal Roofing

This panel offers reliable performance that ensures your customers can confidently tackle tasks across various industries and applications. The Regal Rib® panel delivers enduring structural stability sought after by budget-conscious customers. Setting itself apart from other panels on the market, Regal Rib® guarantees the robustness and resilience your customers rely on. This panel is very similar to the PBR panel. With a width of 36 inches, these panels have 5/8 inch tall high ribs spaced 12 inches apart, complemented by evenly spaced minor ribs. Additionally, the PBR panel is available in 26 and 29-gauge thicknesses.

The Regal Rib® panels offer a wide range of possibilities for snow guard installations, providing numerous choices for compatibility. They seamlessly integrate with our screw-down SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems, along with the SnoCleat PBR and a variety of stainless steel SnowCatcher models, including the Standard, Fleur-de-lis, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Mustang, and Kodiak designs. These panels cater to diverse preferences and needs. Furthermore, most of our polycarbonate snow guards can be secured using either adhesive or screws, excluding the Snojax I, which requires installation solely with mechanical fasteners. Utilizing Surebond SB-190 adhesive only for polycarbonate models is crucial, as it is unsuitable for metal pad-style snow guards. While most options call for mounting the snow guards in the center of the panels between the minor ribs, specific guards, such as the Snojax II and Icejax II, may require off-center mounting to straddle either the left or right minor rib. Consistent mounting over the same rib is essential in such cases.

RUGGED RIB® Metal Roofing

This top-tier, exposed fastener panel is the premier option for your clients' construction endeavors, regardless of industry or building purpose. The robustness of Rugged Rib® panels ensures longevity and enhances the worth of your clients' structures. With a commitment to consistent peak performance, these economical metal panels are a surefire selection for your clientele. The Rugged Rib® boasts a standard R-Panel design, spanning 36" in width, with 9/16" tall ribs spaced at 9" intervals and two minor ribs evenly interspersed between them. It comes in 26 and 29-gauge thickness variations.

This versatile panel supports glue-down and screw-down options for various snow guard installations. The SnoBlox Deuce and SnowBreaker are ideal for either attachment method, positioned neatly between the minor ribs. For those seeking to mount metal snow guards in the panel's center flat using screws, you can use the SnoCleat PBR and all 6 SnowCatcher shapes. Additionally, the Snojax I and Icejax I can be utilized with this panel by straddling one of the minor ribs between each 9" rib. While Icejax I allows for installation with either glue or screws, Snojax I is exclusively for mechanical fastening. When employing Tall ColorBrackets and mechanical fasteners, ColorBar and SnoBar remain compatible with this panel configuration.

2 ½ CORRUGATED Metal Roofing

The 2 ½ Corrugated panel, featuring exposed fasteners, presents a timeless visual allure characterized by its prominent rib profile, often sought after by customers. As a stalwart choice, this panel ranks among the most prevalent profiles in the post-frame industry. Boasting bold curves, the 2 ½ Corrugated panel exudes a traditional charm while ensuring the steadfast durability essential to your customers. These panels come engineered with structural integrity and superior quality as standard, offering robust curves and unwavering resilience tailored to meet your post-frame construction requirements. These premium metal roof and wall panels uphold their strength and structural integrity over the entire lifespan of your building. These 24" wide panels with 1/2" rib height have rib spacing of 2-1/2" and are available in 26 and 29-gauge thickness options.

Unfortunately, this panel's ribs deviate from a traditional 2.67" spacing, so we do not offer a compatible snow retention system.

1 ¼ CORRUGATED Metal Roofing

1 ¼ corrugated metal roofing and siding seamlessly blend classic aesthetics with cutting-edge design, garnering favor among metal building experts across diverse industries, particularly in agricultural settings. Boasting robust ridges, these corrugated metal panels deliver unwavering strength and stability, meeting the demands of various projects. Designed for seasoned builders, they offer unparalleled versatility and longevity, ensuring top-notch performance at a budget-friendly cost. ABC's corrugated steel panels cater to roofing and siding needs, enabling you to achieve the desired aesthetic for your endeavors. These 24" wide panels with 1/4" rib height have rib spacing of 1-1/4" and are available in 26, 29, and 32 gauge thickness options.

Regrettably, we do not have a suitable snow retention system because this panel's ribs deviate from the standard 2.67" spacing.

Six Things to Think About Before Purchasing and Installing Snow Guards for ABC Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing

1. Should I Screw into the Structure Beneath the Panel, or Is the Metal Panel Sufficient on Its Own?

When installing snow guards with mechanical fasteners, it's crucial to ensure they're anchored into at least 1 inch of solid wood structure, whether plywood decking, purlins, or retrofitted blocking behind each snow guard or bracket. For pre-engineered metal buildings, it's best to mount snow guards into metal purlins whenever possible. Relying solely on the panel as the structural support for snow guards or rails is not recommended as it poses a high risk of failure. If the structure beneath the proposed snow guard mounting points is inadequate and the ground snow load is 45 psf or less, consider using a glue-down product if the installer cannot easily install additional blocking.

2. How Can I Prevent Roof Leaks?

Products like the SnoCleat PBR, SnoCleat 2.67, SnowCatchers, or a screw-down rail system come with butyl tape gaskets designed to seal without liquid sealant. Paired with screws featuring neoprene washers, such as our Master Grippers for wood or Master Drillers for metal, this ensures a secure seal against the elements. Although not required, some customers opt to apply liquid silicone around the perimeter of these snow guards for an extra layer of protection. When attaching any of our polycarbonate snow guards to your roof using screws, it is essential to utilize a neutral curing, cold-weather liquid silicone to seal the entire base effectively. Ensure an ample application of silicone across the whole base so that it seeps out around the edges, then use a gloved finger to smooth the perimeter and finalize the sealing process. Our recommended silicone sealant is NovaFlex MR150. This product has undergone extensive comparison and testing over the years, leading us to endorse its effectiveness confidently. We strongly recommend using screws equipped with neoprene washers for optimal performance of these guards.

3. Should I Have a Layout Plan for My Snow Guards?

Obtaining a design recommendation from the manufacturer is crucial, regardless of the type of snow retention system you're installing. We offer free spacing charts for our products on our website and free quote request forms for our snow rail systems and individual snow guards. These resources cater to customers seeking custom layout guidance. It's not advisable to install snow retention only in isolated areas, such as just above doorways, HVAC systems, chimneys, etc., as this installation method consistently poses a high risk of failure.

4. What Exactly Is a Ground Snow Load?

Understanding the concept of a ground snow load is essential for determining a good snow guard layout. This data is calculated based on historical records collected from numerous weather stations nationwide. For projects with ground snow loads up to 45 PSF, opting for glue-down and screw-down individual snow guards or screw-down snow rail systems is advisable. However, in regions where ground snow loads exceed this threshold, experts recommend implementing snow rail systems only. Typically, you can access information regarding ground snow loads for your project through a quick online search or by reviewing the building plans for your project. Suppose you require assistance in locating this data. In that case, contacting your local building inspector or township office is recommended, as they will likely have access to the necessary information.

5. What's the Best Time to Apply Glue Down Snow Guards?

You can install screw-down snow guards and rail systems year-round if the roof is free of snow, ice, and debris. However, the timing for installing glue-down snow guards requires careful planning. The industry standard adhesive, SureBond SB-190, used for polycarbonate snow guard installation, needs about 28 days at 50 degrees Fahrenheit to cure completely. Late spring or early summer is ideal for customer installation in the USA and Canada. While temperatures below 50 degrees won't harm the adhesive, they will temporarily halt the curing process until the temperature rises. After 24 hours, rain will no longer cause issues with the adhesive application. It's worth mentioning that using Surebond SB-190 adhesive with copper roofing should be avoided due to potential chemical reactions between the adhesive and the metal.

6. Are color-matched snow guards available for my roof?

Our company offers a range of color-matching solutions to ensure your metal snow guards seamlessly integrate with your roof. Our SnoCleat PBR, SnoCleat 2.67, and ColorBar Snow Rail Systems can include slide-in color strips purchased with the guards or created by cutting excess roofing material on-site. These custom-fit strips help blend the faces of the products with your roof's color. Additionally, we provide customization options for our SnoCleat, SnoBar, ColorBar, and stainless steel SnowCatcher models through powder coating. This process allows us to achieve a perfect color match, ensuring the snow guards blend harmoniously with your roofing panels and enhance the overall aesthetic of your residential, commercial, or industrial building. Our color-matching capabilities extend to matching any roofing hue and creating bespoke colors for unique situations. However, it's important to note that we do not keep powder-coated products in stock; they are custom-made upon order. Typical lead times for these orders range from 3 to 4 weeks, subject to variation based on order size and color selection. For customers seeking a faster solution or desiring more control over color, we recommend having your snow guards powder-coated locally or painted upon arrival. Doing so provides a quicker turnaround and greater flexibility in color selection.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct snow guards for your project may initially seem complicated. Still, we trust this blog has provided valuable insights to alleviate concerns. Keep an eye out as we expand our coverage to include more roof panel manufacturers in future posts. It's crucial to remember that when purchasing snow guards, you should seek assistance from a reputable company that is readily available to address your queries and provide guidance. SnoBlox-Snojax sets a prime example of meeting this standard. For inquiries or orders, contact us at support@snojax.com or call 1-800-766-5291. Explore our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and What Works and What Doesn't Page for further information.