Snow Guards For Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Rigid Global Buildings

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Rigid Global Buildings Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

"What Are the Best Snow Guards for Metal Roofs?"

Metal roofs, particularly exposed fastener designs, face significant challenges during the winter. The primary concern is the potential for sudden snow and ice slides, posing severe risks to people, pets, and property below. The smooth surface of these roofs increases the likelihood of snow avalanches, making effective snow retention systems crucial for safety. Snow guards are specialized solutions designed to address this issue, compatible with various metal roof designs. When selecting a snow retention system, it's essential to consider factors such as roof slope, panel design, and local weather patterns. We provide educational resources to help building owners, homeowners, and facility managers make informed decisions. These include blogs, informational pages, and databases of compatible products for different metal panel manufacturers. SnoBlox-Snojax aims to mitigate the risks associated with snow and ice accumulation by focusing on education and innovative solutions. This effort ultimately contributes to creating safer environments in regions prone to heavy snowfall, ensuring that customers can enjoy the benefits of metal roofing without compromising safety during harsh winter conditions.

Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Rigid Global Buildings

Rigid Global Buildings has emerged as a leading force in the metal building sector since its establishment in Houston, Texas, over three decades ago. The company has grown significantly, becoming a key player in pre-engineered metal structures and structural steel fabrication. Known for taking on complex projects that others might shy away from, Rigid has consistently showcased its expertise and capabilities. With an extensive manufacturing capacity and a global footprint, Rigid Global Buildings operates from multiple locations worldwide. The company's strength lies in its in-house engineering team comprising over 100 skilled professionals. In 2016, Rigid expanded its operations by opening a sizeable structural fabrication facility, further enhancing its production capabilities. Rigid's commitment to customization is evident in its approach to meeting specific client requirements. The company offers bespoke roofing solutions, including its Hi-Tech and Platinum series panels. As an IAS AC472 accredited entity, Rigid Global Buildings has solidified its reputation as a well-established metal building and roofing company. With over a billion square feet of metal buildings manufactured in America, Rigid Global has demonstrated its prowess in designing and fabricating various shapes and sizes of steel buildings. The company's portfolio spans multiple industries, including agriculture, commercial, industrial, religious, institutional, and educational sectors. Rigid Global Buildings continues to stay at the forefront of technology, offering high-quality products for the building industry. Their focus on engineering excellence and tailored solutions has made them a preferred choice for complex and detailed metal building projects, from churches and stadiums to convention centers and office buildings.

PBR Roof and Wall Panel

Rigid Global Buildings offers a robust and versatile metal roofing solution in their PBR (Purlin Bearing Rib) panel. This product stands out for its distinctive ribbed design, which enhances its structural integrity and allows for greater span distances between supports, making it an efficient choice for various construction projects. This panel features a 36" coverage width with 1.25" tall major ribs on 12" spacing. The PBR panel's adaptability is evident in its suitability for roofing and wall cladding applications, providing architects and builders with increased design flexibility. Customers can choose from an extensive palette of colors, with expert guidance available to ensure the perfect aesthetic match for each unique project. These panels are engineered to withstand challenging weather conditions and boast impressive durability and longevity. Rigid Global Buildings demonstrates its confidence in the PBR panel's quality by offering warranties extending up to three decades. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Rigid Global Buildings Screw Down PBR Metal Roofing Panels.

The PBR panel system offers a comprehensive solution for snow guard installation, addressing a broad spectrum of needs and preferences in the roofing industry. This versatile panel accommodates a range of snow guard models, from the screw-down varieties like SnoBar and ColorBar to the specialized SnoCleat PBR. Additionally, it supports various stainless steel SnowCatcher designs, including unique patterns such as Fleur-de-lis, Sun Burst, and even animal-inspired models like Mustang and Kodiak. When it comes to polycarbonate snow guards, most mount easily using either screws or adhesive, with the notable exception of Snojax I, which demands mechanical fasteners for proper security. We recommend Surebond SB-190 for adhesive applications due to its excellent bonding properties with polycarbonate materials. However, it's important to note that this adhesive is unsuitable for metal pad-style snow guards. Proper placement is crucial for optimal performance; smaller snow guards should be centrally positioned between the panel's minor ribs, while specific models like Snojax II and Icejax II require off-center installation on a consistent minor rib. It's essential to avoid attaching snow guards or rail systems directly to the panel's high ribs to ensure maximum stability and strength; instead, the most effective method involves securing the guards by screwing through the panel's low flats into a solid underlying structure. This approach guarantees a robust and reliable snow retention system that withstands harsh winter conditions.

Rigid Global Buildings Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Exposed Fastener Roofs by Rigid Global Buildings

Waterproofing Your Snow Guards

A comprehensive silicone sealant application is vital for screw-mounted polycarbonate snow guards. Ensure the base is fully covered, and press down firmly to remove air bubbles. While metal snow guards and rail brackets usually come with waterproof gaskets, some installers prefer to add sealant around the edges for additional protection, though this isn't necessary.

Matching Snow Guards to Your Roof's Aesthetics

It's essential that snow guards visually harmonize with your roof's color palette. Customers can order custom color inserts for ColorBar and SnoCleat systems, or you can create them using leftover roofing materials. Metal pad-style guards and rail systems can be powder-coated for a perfect match. If you need a quicker solution, consider local coating services or DIY painting, as powder coating might delay delivery.

Understanding Your Roof's Snow Load Capacity

Choosing the right snow retention system requires knowing your roof's snow load capacity. Meteorologists analyze historical data to determine regional snow loads. Individual guards or screw-down rails are typically adequate for areas with 45 PSF or less ground snow loads. However, regions experiencing heavier snowfall should consider rail systems.

Proper Placement for Effective Snow Guards

The placement of snow guards significantly impacts their effectiveness. Always adhere to our guidelines for optimal layout. Avoid installing guards only in specific areas, like above doorways or walkways, as this can overburden the system and lead to failure. Our website provides resources such as spacing guides and quote request forms to help you.

Anchoring Snow Guards Securely

Proper anchoring is essential for mechanically mounted snow guards. Attach them to a solid substrate, preferably using at least one inch of sturdy wood like plywood decking or purlins. For metal structures, a direct connection to metal purlins is ideal. Don't depend solely on the roof panel for support. When additional reinforcement isn't possible, adhesive-mounted guards are appropriate for less robust structures.

Ideal Timing for Adhesive Snow Guard Installation

The installation timing for adhesive snow guards is crucial. In North America, late spring or early summer is the best time. The recommended adhesive, Surebond SB190, requires about a month of temperatures above 50°F (10°C) to cure completely. While cold weather stops the curing process, rain isn't a problem after the first 24 hours.

Conclusion

Regarding snow guard installations, SnoBlox-Snojax stands out as a comprehensive resource. The company offers an extensive array of tools and personalized assistance to ensure optimal outcomes for customers. Their dedicated team is readily accessible to address any questions or concerns that may arise during the installation process, with support available via email or phone. To enhance customer understanding and facilitate successful installations, SnoBlox-Snojax has developed several valuable resources. These include a detailed Snow Guard Buyer's Guide, which provides crucial information for making well-informed decisions. Additionally, their "What Works and What Doesn't" page offers practical insights and highlights potential challenges, streamlining the installation experience. SnoBlox-Snojax takes pride in delivering high-quality products that perform effectively in real-world conditions. Their commitment extends beyond simply providing superior snow guard solutions; they strive to offer exceptional customer support, equipping clients with all the necessary tools and knowledge for a successful installation. By encouraging customers to explore their resources, SnoBlox-Snojax aims to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their snow guard offerings.

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.