Snow Guards For Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Behlen Building Systems

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Behlen Building Systems Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing.

Taking a proactive approach to installing snow guards and snow retention systems on exposed fastener metal roofs is crucial. Neglecting this measure could put your property, loved ones, and pets at risk from dangerous avalanches of roof snow and ice. The unique designs of different metal roof panels often necessitate specialized snow guard solutions to combat these winter weather challenges effectively. This practical guide presents a range of snow guard options compatible with Behlen's exposed fastener roof panel, equipping you with the knowledge to make an informed decision tailored to your roof system's needs. As part of an ongoing series, these blogs will highlight top metal panel manufacturers and recommend compatible snow guard solutions. The overarching goal is to provide you with the confidence and expertise to navigate this process smoothly, enabling you to make well-informed choices that protect your investment and ensure your property's and its occupants' safety. We offer detailed information to assist you in selecting the most appropriate snow guard system, ensuring optimal protection and peace of mind during the harsh winter months. By taking a proactive approach and leveraging the guidance provided, you can safeguard your metal roof and prioritize the well-being of your property and loved ones, mitigating the risks associated with avalanching roof snow and ice.

Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Behlen Building Systems

In 1936, Walter D. Behlen established Behlen Manufacturing Company in Columbus, Nebraska. The company broke ground in 1950 by unveiling the world's first frameless "stressed skin" metal building design. This approach utilized deeply corrugated steel panels to form a complete load-bearing shell without requiring an internal framing structure. This innovative frameless construction allowed for vast, column-free interior spaces, making Behlen's buildings exceptionally well-suited for agricultural and commercial applications. A pivotal moment came in 1955 during Operation Cue, a series of controlled nuclear tests in Nevada. Remarkably, a Behlen building withstood an astonishing 600 pounds per square foot of wind pressure generated by a 30-kiloton bomb detonated just over a mile away. This astounding demonstration of strength propelled Behlen's building systems into widespread demand across the United States and international markets. Under Walter Behlen's visionary leadership, the company flourished into a multi-million dollar enterprise by the late 1960s, employing over 1,100 workers and maintaining a network of 500 authorized builders. While Wickes Corporation acquired Behlen Manufacturing in 1969, local management eventually repurchased the company in 1984, allowing it to reclaim its Nebraska roots. This return to its origins has enabled Behlen Building Systems to continue innovating and providing cutting-edge frameless steel building solutions to customers worldwide.

ADP-1 Roof and Wall Panels

The ADP-1 is a versatile and visually appealing corrugated panel designed for roof and wall applications in metal building systems. This panel features a distinctive profile that creates an attractive shadow line and highlighting effect, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the structure. This panel has a coverage width of 36" with a rib spacing of 12" and varying panel lengths to suit different building dimensions. Manufactured from 26 gauge 80 KSI steel, the ADP-1 is available in various color finishes, allowing for personalized design choices that complement the building's aesthetic. The panel's construction ensures durability and structural integrity. During the manufacturing process, Behlen employs an exclusive roll-form corrugation technique, ensuring consistent quality and strength. Once installed, the panels are securely bolted together at 6-inch intervals along the seams and footing channels using 3/8-inch plated bolts, creating a robust and reliable system. Furthermore, the ADP-1 panel offers design flexibility, seamlessly integrating various architectural elements, such as windows, overhead doors, glass, wood, pre-cast masonry, and other cladding materials. This versatility enables architects and builders to create unique and visually appealing structures while maintaining the panel's efficiency and functionality. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Behlen Building Systems ADP-1 Metal Roofing.

The ADP-1 panel has gained widespread popularity for snow guard installations due to its remarkable versatility. This panel seamlessly integrates with a diverse range of snow guard systems, making it a go-to choice for various applications. Among the compatible systems are the screw-down SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems, the SnoCleat PBR, and the comprehensive lineup of stainless steel SnowCatcher designs, including the standard rectangle shape and the decorative Kodiak, Maple Leaf, Fleur-de-lis, Sun Burst, and Mustang models. Polycarbonate snow guards, commonly used with the ADP-1 panel, offer the flexibility of adhesive and screw-down installation methods. The only exception is the Snojax I, which requires mechanical fastening and is incompatible with adhesive mounting. Larger models, like the SnoBlox Ace and Icejax II, are favorites for this panel. At the same time, some customers may opt for a smaller guard like the SnoBlox Deuce. These models are great for retaining snow and ice on your roof. If the goal is to allow the snow and ice to shed, but in a more controlled and safer manner, then the SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M guards are the way to go. For some snow guard options, we recommend mounting the guard at the center flat of the panel. However, specific guards may necessitate off-center mounting, straddling either the left or right minor rib. In such cases, maintaining consistent mounting along the same rib is crucial for optimal performance. When installing snow guards, it is essential to secure them by screwing them down through the low flats of the panel and into a sturdy underlying structure. This approach ensures maximum strength and effectiveness of the installation. Conversely, mounting screw-down individual snow guards or rail systems by screwing them onto the high ribs of the panel is strongly discouraged, as it can compromise the integrity and performance of the installation. For comprehensive guidance on the correct mounting techniques, refer to our recent blog post titled  Mounting Snow Guards on the High Ribs or the Panel Flats: Which is Correct? This resource provides valuable insights and best practices to ensure a successful, long-lasting snow guard installation.

Behlen Snow Guard Compatibility Chart

Preparing for Snow Guard Installation on Behlen Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing

1. Secure Those Snow Guards Properly

When screwing in snow guards, make sure you're going into at least 1" of solid wood - decking, purlins, or added blocking. For pre-engineered metal buildings, fasten them to the metal purlins whenever you can. Don't just screw into the panels; that's asking for trouble. If you can't easily add blocking and your ground snow load is 45 psf or less, switch to adhesive-mounted snow guards instead.

2. Timing Matters for Adhesive Installation

You can install screw-down snow guards and rails anytime there isn't snow, ice, or debris on your roof. For adhesive-mounted guards, however, timing is critical. Our SureBond SB-190 adhesive for polycarbonate guards needs around 28 days at 50°F to cure fully. Late spring or early summer is usually best for installations across most of the U.S. and Canada. Colder temperatures will pause the curing until it warms back up. Rain won't affect it after 24 hours, but avoid using SB-190 on copper roofs - the adhesive and metal might react, leading to premature corrosion.

3. Know Your Ground Snow Load

Ground Snow Load is the maximum snow weight your roof can handle. You can find this information online, check your building plans, or ask local officials for your area's number. Under 45 psf, you can use adhesive or screw-mounted individual guards and bars. Over that, we suggest snow rail systems only.

4. Matching Roof Colors

You've got options to match our metal snow guards to your roof! The SnoCleat PBR, SnoCleat 2.67, and ColorBar Rails work with slide-in color strips you can buy or make from leftover roofing material. We also offer powder coating in custom colors for a seamless look, which takes around 3 to 4 weeks. If you need it faster or want more color control, you can powder coat or paint the guards locally after delivery.

5. Prevent Leaky Roofs

Products like SnoCleat PBR, SnoCleat 2.67, SnowCatchers, and screw-down rails come with butyl gaskets that seal without liquid sealant when used with our Master Gripper/Driller screws with neoprene washers. Some customers use an extra bead of silicone sealant for peace of mind. For polycarbonate guards, use a neutral curing silicone to seal the entire base, letting it ooze around the edges before smoothing with a gloved finger. We recommend NovaFlex MR150 sealant.

6. Plan That Layout Right

Follow the manufacturer's recommended layout for your snow retention system, no matter what type. Our website has free product spacing charts and quote request forms for custom layouts of our bar systems and individual pad-style snow guards. Avoid putting snow guards in isolated areas like above doors, HVAC units, or chimneys.

In Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax takes immense pride in delivering outstanding customer support while you select and install your snow guards. Our dedicated staff is here and ready to address any questions or concerns. Feel free to contact us via email at support@snojax.com or our toll-free number, 1-800-766-5291. Moreover, we have curated many informative resources to empower you with the knowledge necessary to make well-informed decisions. Our comprehensive Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and insightful "What Works and Doesn't" page are designed to provide you with valuable insights, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free installation experience.

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.