Snow Guards For Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Chief Buildings

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Chief Buildings Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing Panels.

Choosing snow guards for Chief Buildings exposed fastener roofing panels involves evaluating rib design, mounting locations, and panel layout. This guide outlines compatible SnoBlox-Snojax snow retention options for these panel profiles.

CS/AP Profile

The CS Panel is a corrugated metal roofing solution offered by Chief Buildings for their pre-engineered steel building systems. This through-fastened panel design features major structural ribs spaced at 12-inch intervals. These panels are directly secured to the roof purlins using exposed fasteners. While the standard panel length is 30 feet, Chief Buildings can customize these panels up to 45 feet long to meet specific project requirements. Constructed from durable 26 or 24-gauge galvalume steel, the CS Panels are coated with a high-performance Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 paint system, ensuring long-lasting color retention and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. The panels interlock together using a triple-lap design, creating a weathertight seal that protects the building's interior from the elements. To complement the CS Panel roofing system, Chief Buildings offers a range of accessories, including panel splices, ridge caps, gable trims, and closures. These components ensure a seamless and professional installation, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the roofing system. With its economical pricing and versatile design, the CS Panel from Chief Buildings is a popular choice for industrial, commercial, and agricultural applications, providing a cost-effective and durable roofing solution for pre-engineered metal buildings. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Chief Buildings CS Panel Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing.

The CS panel system offers remarkable versatility when it comes to installing snow guards, catering to diverse preferences and project requirements. These panels integrate with a wide range of snow guard models, providing flexibility in design and functionality. Among the compatible options are the screw-down SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems, the SnoCleat PBR, and the stainless steel SnowCatchers, which include designs such as the Standard Rectangle, Fleur-de-lis, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Mustang, and Kodiak. Additionally, most polycarbonate snow guard models, except for the Snojax I, can be affixed to these panels using adhesive or mechanical fasteners. It is important to note that the Snojax I requires installation solely with mechanical fasteners. When working with polycarbonate models, you must use the Surebond SB-190 adhesive, as its formulation ensures compatibility with these materials; however, this adhesive is unsuitable for metal pad-style snow guards. You should mount smaller snow guards between the minor ribs centered on the panels for optimal installation. At the same time, specific models, such as the Snojax II and Icejax II, require off-center mounting, straddling either the left or right minor rib, and consistent placement over the same rib is crucial in these cases. It is essential to avoid securing individual snow guards or rail systems directly onto the high ribs of the panel. Instead, the recommended approach is to fasten them by screwing through the panel's low flats into a solid underlying structure, ensuring maximum installation strength and stability.

Considerations for Purchasing and Installing Snow Guards for Chief Buildings Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing

When to Install Adhesive Snow Guards

While you can install screw-down snow guards and rail systems year-round (as long as the roof is clear of snow, ice, and debris), you'll need to plan carefully for adhesive-based snow guard installations. The standard adhesive used for polycarbonate snow guards, SureBond SB-190, needs around 28 days at 50°F to cure fully. The best time to install in the US and Canada is late spring or early summer. Colder temperatures won't damage the adhesive, but they'll pause the curing until it warms up again.

Matching Colors

We offer various solutions to ensure our snow retention systems blend in seamlessly with your roof color, creating an attractive installation. These options include interchangeable color strips that slide easily into the faces of our SnoCleat and ColorBar products, allowing you to match the snow guards' to your roof's shade. We also offer powder-coating services for all metal snow guards to ensure a complete coverage color match. Powder-coated products take longer (approximately 3-4 weeks) due to custom manufacturing. Still, you can also choose to have them powder-coated locally or painted on-site for faster turnaround and more color control.

Determining Snow Loads

To pick the right snow retention system, we consider historical weather data. Meteorologists use this information to calculate your ground snow load. For areas with loads up to 45 PSF, consider adhesive or mechanically fastened individual snow guards or screw-down rail systems. We recommend only using rail systems when loads exceed that threshold. You can find your local ground snow load information online, in your building plans, or by contacting your local officials.

Ensuring Solid Structural Support

When installing mechanically fastened snow guards, anchoring them into at least 1 inch of solid wood structure like plywood decking, purlins, or retrofitting blocking is crucial. For pre-engineered metal buildings, mount them directly into the metal purlins whenever possible. Don't rely on just the panel to support the snow guards or rails, as that increases failure risk. If the structure under the proposed mounting points is inadequate and your ground snow load is 45 psf or less, consider using an adhesive product if the installer can't easily add extra blocking.

Keeping Your Roof Watertight

Products like SnoCleat PBR, SnoCleat 2.67, SnowCatchers, and screw-down rail systems use butyl tape gaskets to create a secure seal against the elements, so you don't need liquid sealants. Combined with screws that have neoprene washers, you get a watertight installation. Some customers add an extra layer of protection by applying a neutral-curing, cold-weather liquid silicone like Novaflex MR150 around the snow guards' edges. For polycarbonate snow guards attached with screws, you must use this type of liquid silicone to seal the entire base effectively.

Planning a Comprehensive Layout

No matter what snow retention system you choose, get a design recommendation from the manufacturer. We provide free spacing charts and quote request forms to help customers who need custom layout guidance. Just keep in mind that installing snow retention in isolated areas is never recommended, as it consistently poses a high risk of failure and potential safety issues.

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax prioritizes providing an outstanding experience as you install our snow guards. Our team of experts is readily available to address any inquiries or concerns. Feel free to contact us via email at support@snojax.com or our dedicated support hotline at 1-800-766-5291. We have curated a comprehensive collection of valuable resources to empower our customers. Our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide offers in-depth insights and guidance to assist you in making well-informed decisions throughout the selection process. Additionally, our "What Works and Doesn't" page provides practical perspectives on best practices and potential pitfalls, ensuring a smooth and successful installation journey. We encourage you to leverage these resources to gain confidence and make informed choices when selecting and installing our snow guard solutions. Our commitment is to provide you with the knowledge and support necessary for a seamless and satisfactory experience.