Snow Guards For Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Drexel Metals

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Drexel Metals Roofing Panels.

Safeguarding your property with snow guards on an exposed fastener metal roof demands careful consideration. The unique profiles of metal roof panels necessitate tailored snow guard solutions to manage snow and ice accumulation efficiently. This article covers our full range of snow guard options suitable for Drexel Metals exposed fastener metal roofs, equipping you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your roof system. This blog series aims to spotlight prominent metal panel manufacturers and suggest compatible snow guard solutions, empowering customers to navigate this process confidently. Our objective is to provide expert guidance, enabling you to select the appropriate snow guards for your metal roofing system. By doing so, we strive to safeguard your investment and ensure your property's and its occupants' safety.

Exposed Fastener Roof Panels by Drexel Metals

Drexel Metals, founded in 1985, has become a leader in painted metal distribution in various industries. In 2009, Drexel Metals Inc. emerged as the successor company. In 2011, it acquired custom fabricator Met-Fab Manufacturing to expand its product offerings and services. The company operates multiple sales, fabrication, and distribution locations across the United States. They offer a range of superior-quality engineered metal roofing systems, equipment, and custom fabrication services. Drexel Metals has established the Drexel Metals Plus program to support its authorized fabricators, certified installers, and distributors. Its commitment to quality, safety, energy efficiency, and performance has earned it a strong reputation in the industry, with a diverse range of profiles, styles, and colors using pre-painted Galvalume©, pre-painted aluminum, Drexlume™, and copper, all proudly made in the USA.

5V Profile Exposed Fastener Panels

Homeowners nationwide are increasingly recognizing the remarkable advantages of 5V Profile metal roofing. This classic roof system, featuring a charming "Key West" style, has been popular for many years. Its wide 24-inch panel coverage and exposed fastener installation combine for a visually appealing finish built to withstand the elements and endure inclement weather. Furthermore, 5V Profile panels are commonly utilized as interior liners or accent pieces, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a home. The 5V Profile roof panel is particularly prevalent in the southern and southwestern coastal areas of the United States. These panels exhibit a distinctive pattern of alternating single and double ribs, spaced approximately 12 inches apart and standing 1/2 inch tall. Home and building owners have many snow guard options for their projects, including 22, 24, and 26-gauge thickness steel or .032" and .040" aluminum. It is important to note that the 5V Profile requires a minimum slope of 2:12. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Drexel Metals 5V Profile Roofing Panels.

The 5V Profile roof panel offers versatility regarding snow retention solutions. Homeowners can install individual pad-style snow guards, such as the stainless steel SnowCatchers, in various shapes like Standard, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Fleur-de-lis, Kodiak, and Mustang. Additionally, the 5V Profile panel is compatible with a range of polycarbonate snow guards, including the SnoBlox Deuce, Icejax II, and SnoBlox Ace, which install with screws or adhesive to control snow and ice buildup on the roof. The one exception to this rule is the Snojax I, which requires a screw-down installation and is incompatible with adhesive mounting. For homeowners who want to let snow and ice naturally fall from their roofs in a more controlled manner, breaking it into smaller, less hazardous chunks, the SnowBreaker or SnowBreaker 3M systems are effective options to consider. These systems help control snow and ice flow, ensuring people's and the property's safety below the roof. Homeowners living in regions with heavy snow loads above 45 psf or those desiring a streamlined, contemporary snow retention solution can explore the SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems as viable options. These systems' designs effectively manage snow accumulation on roofs while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. These systems utilize mechanically fastened Tall ColorBrackets and butyl tape gaskets to provide a secure and visually appealing solution for preventing snow and ice buildup on the roof.

1/2" & 7/8" Corrugated Exposed Fastener Panels

Drexel Wall Series panels are a great choice if you want something that looks good and is easy on your wallet. These panels are excellent for many projects, including walls and roofs. Drexel Metals has two wavy corrugated metal panels in different styles available. Customers can purchase the 1/2" Corrugated or the 7/8" Corrugated. Both are versatile and work well for roofs, walls, and fun linear looks. The 1/2" and 7/8" corrugated panels come in different thicknesses and materials. The 1/2" covers a total width of 44.5", while the 7/8" covers a total width of 39.75". See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Drexel Metals 1/2 inch and 7/8? Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels.

The wavy shape of these panels makes it tricky to use most traditional snow guards that need a flat surface. We have a solution called SnoCleat 2.67 that you can install directly on the raised ribs of the panels using 3-inch screws. Since these brackets go across multiple high ribs, the wavy panels don't have the same rules about screwing into the flats that traditional screw-down roofs do. If you want a continuous snow rail or fence, you can use SnoBar or ColorBar with the same 2.67 brackets as the SnoCleat. The ColorBracket 2.67 has six holes, but you only need to use four screws per bracket. If you want extra holding strength, especially in areas with extreme weather, you can use all six holes.

R-Panel Exposed Fastener Panels

Drexel's R-Panels are stylish, affordable, and eco-friendly. These expertly made panels are versatile and perfect for commercial and residential projects' walls, roofs, and linear panels. The panels fit perfectly with Drexel Metal Roof Systems, looking great together. The R-Panel is a versatile wall and roof panel for pre-engineered buildings and residential metal roofs. It has a 1-1/4 inch major rib spaced 12 inches apart, with evenly spaced minor ribs. This panel comes in 22 and 24-gauge steel and .032, .040, and .050 aluminum. The options make the R-Panel perfect for all metal building and roofing jobs. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Drexel Metals R-Panel Screw Down Roofing Panels.

The R-Panel is excellent for snow guard installations, working with tons of snow guard products. These include the screw-down SnoBar and ColorBar, the SnoCleat PBR, and the stainless steel SnowCatcher models like the Standard Rectangle, Fleur-de-lis, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Mustang, and Kodiak. For polycarbonate snow guards, most install with adhesive or screws, except the Snojax I, which needs screws only. Use the Surebond SB-190 adhesive only for polycarbonate snow guards, as it doesn't work with metal pad-style ones. When putting snow guards on the R-Panel, consider the panel's design and make sure the attachment is solid. Most smaller snow guard models go between the minor ribs in the center of the panels. But some, like the Snojax II and Icejax II, need to be off-center to straddle the left or right minor rib. Make sure to mount consistently over the same rib. Don't screw individual snow guards or rails onto the high ribs, as that won't hold up. Anchor the panels to a solid base in the low flats for the most robust, stable installation possible.

7.2 Rib Exposed Fastener Panels

The 7.2 Panel is a versatile and practical choice if you're working on a commercial or industrial project needing an exposed fastener metal panel. This panel has a 7.2-inch rib design, which works great for all building projects, like roofs, walls, and linear panels. With a 36-inch coverage width and a solid 1.5-inch rib height, the 7.2 Panel comes in different steel and aluminum options - 22, 24, and 29 gauge steel, plus .032, .040, and .050 aluminum. The panel's symmetrical rib structure is strong and perfect for carports, walkway canopies, and other structures needing a reliable roofing solution. The only downside is the limited 1-1/2-inch-wide low-panel flats, which might sometimes make installation tricky. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Drexel Metals 7.2 Rib Screw Down Roofing Panels.

To help keep snow and ice under control on your roof, you can pair the 7.2 Panel with some excellent snow retention products. The polycarbonate SnoBlox Deuce lets you hold snow and ice on the roof with a pad-style guard, while the SnowBreaker breaks the ice and snow into smaller, safer pieces as it slides off the roof. These snow guards are easy to install with screws or adhesive, and the SnowBreaker 3M even works with 3M double-sided tape. The 7.2 Panel also works with the galvanized SnoBar and aluminum ColorBar snow rails, which use the 1.5-inch wide aluminum Tall ColorBracket for attachment. These snow management systems are super secure and effective at controlling snow and ice. When you're thinking about using snow guards on Drexel Metals exposed fastener metal roofing, consider the specific needs of your project and the local climate. The 7.2 Panel has many great features and works with different snow management products. Still, the best solution for your project will depend on roof pitch, snow load, and local building codes. It's a good idea to talk to a professional roofing contractor or snow management expert to figure out the perfect solution for your project.

Drexel Metals Snow Guards Compatibility Chart

Picking the Right Snow Retention System

When choosing a snow guard system for your project, you must obtain the ground snow load for your area. This data, collected from historical weather records, is essential. For projects with ground snow loads up to 45 pounds per square foot (PSF), you can use glue-down or screw-down individual snow guards or screw-down snow rail systems. However, for areas with higher ground snow loads, we recommend using snow rail systems only. You can find your project's ground snow load online or by checking the building plans.

When to Install Glue-Down Snow Guards

The sweet spot for installing glue-down snow guards is late spring or early summer. The adhesive we use and recommend, Surebond SB-190, needs around 28 days at a Fahrenheit temperature of 50 degrees to cure fully. If it's colder than that, the curing process will pause until it warms up again. Please plan accordingly when scheduling the installation of glue-down snow guards to give the adhesive enough time to cure properly. On the other hand, screw-down snow guards and rail systems have a year-round installation window as long as the roof is clear of snow, ice, and debris.

Making a Solid Layout Plan

No matter what type of snow retention system you're using, it is crucial to get the manufacturer's design recommendation. Limiting the system to only isolated areas is a big no-no because that method is super risky and often fails due to overloading. A proper snow retention system should cover the whole roof length, usually with multiple rows up the slope, to spread the weight evenly. Looking at the roofing system, you can make a snow retention plan that keeps heavy snow from causing problems while blending in with the overall design. We offer FREE spacing layout charts, bar quote request forms, and snow guard request forms for our customers.

Attaching Snow Guards Securely

When using screws to install snow guards, you need to anchor them into a solid wood structure that's at least 1 inch thick, like plywood decking, purlins, or extra blocking. For pre-engineered metal buildings, the best way is to mount the snow guards straight into the metal purlins whenever you can. Relying only on the panel to hold the snow guards is a considerable risk and not recommended. If the structure under where you want to put the snow guards is weak and the ground snow load is 45 PSF or less, look for a different solution. A glue-down snow guard might work better if the installer can't add more blocking.

Matching Colors Like a Pro

We offer many ways to ensure your snow guards match your roof's color perfectly. We can provide color strips for our SnoCleat and ColorBar products that slide right in for a perfect match. You can also make strips from leftover roofing material cut 2 inches wide. Our metal snow guards and rail systems can be powder-coated in any color. These custom jobs usually take 3–4 weeks, depending on the color and size of the job. Or you can get them powder-coated locally or painted when they arrive for faster results and more color control.

Keeping Your Roof Watertight

Sealing your roof correctly is vital to keeping it dry and protected. Luckily, we have some fantastic products that help with that. Our SnoCleat PBR, SnoCleat 2.67, SnowCatchers, and screw-down rail systems all come with butyl tape gaskets that create a tight seal without needing extra liquid sealants. When paired with screws that have neoprene washers, you've got a super strong barrier against the weather. Some customers go the extra mile and put a ring of liquid silicone around the edges of these snow guards for even more protection. When attaching polycarbonate snow guards with screws, use a neutral curing, cold-weather liquid silicone like NovaFlex MR150. This product seals the entire base of the snow guard, keeping water out. With these great products and techniques, you can keep your roof safe from the elements and your home dry as a bone.

Conclusion

Picking the proper snow guards for your project can initially seem tricky. Still, this blog series has given you some great tips to help you feel more confident. As we continue, you can look forward to more info, including info on more roof panel brands, in upcoming posts. When you're buying snow guards, it's essential to work with a company that's reputable and easy to reach. They should be able to answer your questions and give you the help you need. SnoBlox-Snojax always delivers on that and often goes above and beyond. Feel free to hit us up at support@snojax.com or 1-800-766-5291 if you have any questions or want to place an order. Also, check out our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and What Works and What Doesn't Page on our website for additional insights to help you make the best choice.