Snow Guards For Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Union Corrugating Company

See the Compatibility Chart of Snow Guards for Union Corrugating Metal Roof Panels.

Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Union Corrugating Company

Protecting your property with snow guards on an exposed fastener metal roof requires thoughtful planning. The distinct designs of various metal roof panels often call for specific snow guard solutions to manage snow and ice on your roof effectively. This article showcases our comprehensive selection of snow guard options suitable for Union Corrugating Company's exposed fastener metal panels, equipping you with the necessary information to make a well-informed decision for your roof system. This blog series aims to highlight prominent metal panel manufacturers and suggest compatible snow guard solutions, empowering customers to navigate this process confidently. We strive to help safeguard your investment and ensure your property's and its occupants' safety.

Union Corrugating Company has a rich history dating to its founding in 1946 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. J.E. Union established the company after bringing his manually operated corrugating machine from West Virginia. In the early years, the business struggled to survive. Still, a pivotal moment came in 1954 when a powerful hurricane (Hazel) swept through eastern North Carolina, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake. In the aftermath, Union Corrugating, the only local manufacturing company with available metal roofing, found itself at a crossroads. As residents sought to repair their damaged homes, the demand for metal roofing skyrocketed. The foreman, sensing an opportunity to capitalize on the situation, suggested raising prices to maximize profits. However, the company's leader, J.E., made a moral decision to maintain their standard pricing, recognizing the importance of upholding their values of fairness and integrity, even in the face of a potential windfall. This decision demonstrated the company's commitment to its customers and laid the foundation for its future success. As word spread about Union Corrugating's ethical practices, the business flourished, earning a reputation for being a trustworthy and reliable partner in the community. Union Corrugating Company has expanded its operations to serve the residential, commercial, and agricultural roofing and siding markets from 10 manufacturing facilities across the central and eastern United States. The company takes pride in producing durable, efficient, and sustainable metal roofing and siding products. Union Corrugating's unique distribution system has enabled the company to grow beyond its southeastern roots by providing fast and reliable deliveries to its customers.

MasterRib Metal Roofing

MasterRib is a popular metal roofing panel for residential, commercial, and post-frame buildings due to its exceptional strength and durability. Its classic appearance and versatility have made it an industry leader. The panel's design features extra-wide ribs, enhancing its strength and facilitating easier handling and roof installation. To provide additional protection against leaks, even in extreme wind and rain conditions, the MasterRib panel incorporates an extra-large siphoning channel on the under-lap rib. The standard dimensions of the MasterRib panel include a coverage width of 36" and a rib height of 3/4", with a spacing of 9" between each rib and two minor ribs evenly distributed between them. This panel is available in two gauge options, 26 ga, and 29 ga, with a minimum slope requirement of a 3:12 pitch. See the Compatibility Chart of Snow Guards for Union Corrugating MasterRib Metal Roof Panels.

The MasterRib panel is compatible with multiple snow retention options, enabling users to choose adhesive or screw-based installation. The SnoBlox Deuce and SnowBreaker, made of polycarbonate, suit both attachment methods. They mounted in the center of the panel between the minor ribs. For those wishing to mount a metal snow guard in the center flat of the panel using screws, the SnoCleat PBR and all six SnowCatcher shapes are viable options. Furthermore, the Snojax I and Icejax I can be used with this panel by straddling one of the minor ribs between each 9" rib. While the Icejax I is compatible with both adhesive and screws, the Snojax I requires mechanical fastening and is not suitable for adhesive application. Pairing this panel with Tall ColorBrackets and mechanical fasteners ensures compatibility with aluminum ColorBar PBR and galvanized SnoBar PBR snow rail systems.

7/8" Corrugated Metal Roofing

The 7/8" Corrugated Panel is a versatile metal roofing and siding solution designed for various applications, including commercial, industrial, residential, and steel-framed buildings. With its corrugated profile and 7/8" height, this panel offers exceptional structural integrity, allowing for installation over solid substrates or open framing. The panel is available in two size options: the 24 Gauge Profile, which is 34.67" wide, and the 26 Gauge Profile, which is 29.33" wide. Customers can also choose high-strength steel gauge options of 22 ga, 24 ga, or 26 ga. See the Compatibility Chart of Snow Guards for Union Corrugating 7/8" Corrugated Metal Roof Panels.

One unique feature of the 7/8" Corrugated Panel is its wavy corrugated design, which sets it apart from traditional exposed fastener roofing. This design allows for snow guard mounting on the high ribs of the panel, an exception to typical installation guidelines. The 7/8" Corrugated Panel is compatible with several options for customers requiring snow retention systems. The recently released SnoCleat 2.67 snow guards can be installed on the high ribs of the panel using 3-inch screws for secure attachment. Alternatively, customers can choose the SnoBar or ColorBar snow retention systems, which utilize the same ColorBracket 2.67 as the SnoCleat 2.67. Each ColorBracket 2.67 comes with six attachment holes. While customers only need four screws per bracket, they can choose to use all six screws for enhanced mounting strength, particularly in more extreme weather conditions.

2-1/2" Corrugated Metal Roofing

Corrugated metal panels have a long history in agricultural applications, but their use has expanded significantly in recent years. These panels, featuring a 2-1/2" rib spacing and a more subtle design with shorter 1/2" ribs, create a gently rolling wave pattern that adds a traditional and rustic look to various building types, including homes, restaurants, and retail establishments. The 1/2" corrugation height provides the necessary structural integrity for installation over solid substrates or open framing, making the 2-1/2" Corrugated a versatile metal panel suitable for various roof and wall applications. Crafted with high-quality materials, these panels offer exceptional durability and reliability. The easy-to-install design makes them a flexible solution for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. With a 24" coverage width, the panels are available in multiple materials, including 24 ga, 26 ga, and 29 ga gauges. See the Compatibility Chart of Snow Guards for Union Corrugating 2 1/2" Corrugated Metal Roof Panels.

One notable feature of the 2-1/2" Corrugated panels is their unique wavy corrugated design, which sets them apart from traditional exposed fastener roofing. This design allows for mounting on the high ribs, an exception to typical installation guidelines. Customers who choose these panels and need an individually mounted snow retention solution can opt for the SnoCleat 2.67 snow guards, which can be installed on the high ribs using 3-inch screws for secure attachment. The SnoBar 2.67 or ColorBar 2.67 snow retention systems can use the same mounting bracket as the SnoCleat 2.67 for customers interested in a continuous snow rail or snow fence system. Each ColorBracket 2.67 has six attachment holes, enhancing mounting strength, particularly in extreme weather conditions. While four screws are sufficient for each bracket, the additional two holes provide an option for increased stability if needed.

5V Metal Roofing

The 5V roof panel is popular for residential and light commercial projects due to its classic, nostalgic aesthetic. This panel features alternating single and double ribs spaced approximately every 12 inches, with panel widths of 24 inches available in 24, 26, and 29-gauge thicknesses. A strong roof deck with a waterproof membrane and a minimum slope of 3:12 is required to ensure proper installation. See the Compatibility Chart of Snow Guards for Union Corrugating 5V Metal Roof Panels.

One of the key advantages of the 5V roof panel is its compatibility with various snow retention options. Customers can choose from a range of metal screw-down individual pad-style snow guards, such as the stainless steel SnowCatchers in Standard, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Fleur-de-lis, Kodiak, and Mustang shapes. Additionally, the panel is compatible with all polycarbonate pad-style snow guards, including, but not limited to, the SnoBlox Deuce, Icejax II, and SnoBlox Ace. These polycarbonate models can be installed using screws or glue, depending on the desired level of snow and ice retention. Snojax I is the only polycarbonate snow guard in our product lineup that cannot be installed with adhesive and requires mechanical fasteners. For customers who prefer to allow snow and ice to shed from their roofs while slowing it down and breaking it into smaller, safer pieces, the SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M products are suitable options. On the other hand, those looking for a sleek, modern snow retention system or living in areas with high snow loads may opt for the SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems. These heavy-duty snow fences use mechanically fastened Tall ColorBrackets with butyl tape gaskets.

PBR Metal Roofing

Union Corrugating offers metal roofing panels for various applications, including industrial, commercial, and steel-frame buildings. The "R" family of panels is known for its strength and versatility, suitable for roof pitches as low as 1:12, and spans up to five feet. These panels can be tailored to specific requirements, such as coatings, color choices, purlin-bearing legs, and substrates, allowing seamless integration with the building's design. The R and I.R. panels are well-suited for use on the sides of buildings. In contrast, the PBR panel is designed with an additional purlin bearing leg to provide enhanced support when used for roofing purposes. See the Compatibility Chart of Snow Guards for Union Corrugating PBR Metal Roof Panels.

The PBR panel is popular for snow guard installations due to its versatility. It works well with various snow guard systems, including screw-down SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems, the SnoCleat PBR, and the full range of stainless steel SnowCatcher designs. Most polycarbonate snow guards are compatible with adhesive or screw-down installation. Mounting the snow guard in the center flat of the panel is necessary for most options. Still, for some other guards, off-center mounting may be required to straddle either the left or right minor rib. Maintaining consistent mounting over the same rib is crucial in such cases.

When installing snow guards, it's essential to secure them by screwing down through the low flats of the panel into a sturdy structure for optimal strength. Mounting screw-down individual snow guards or rail systems by screwing them onto the high ribs of a panel is never advisable, as it compromises the installation's strength and effectiveness. For more information 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?"

Union Corrugating Snow Guards Compatibility Chart

Six Important Factors to Weigh Before Purchasing and Installing Snow Guards on an Exposed Fastener Metal Roof

1. What's a Ground Snow Load?

The ground snow load helps determine how much snow your roof can handle. This info comes from weather stations all over the U.S. that have collected data for many years. If your project has ground snow loads up to 45 pounds per square foot, you can use glue-down or screw-down individual snow guards and bar systems. For anything higher, go with snow rail systems. You can find the ground snow load for your project by doing a quick web search or checking the building plans. If you need help finding it, ask your local building inspector or township office – they should be able to provide you with the details.

2. Can I Match My Snow Guards to My Roof Color?

Absolutely! We can color-match all our metal snow guard options in a few different ways! The SnoCleat PBR, SnoCleat 2.67, and ColorBar Snow Rail Systems come with slide-in color strips that you can buy with the guards or make yourself using leftover roofing material. Just slide them in, and boom - your snow guards match your roof perfectly. We can also powder coat the SnoCleat, SnoBar, ColorBar, and stainless steel SnowCatcher models to get your desired custom color. We can match any roofing shade and even create unique colors for one-of-a-kind situations. The powder coating makes the snow guards blend with your roofing panels, giving your building a seamless look. Remember that we don't stock powder-coated products - we make them unique for each order. Depending on size and color, orders can take 3-4 weeks to process. If you need it faster or want more control over the color, you can get your snow guards powder coated locally or painted after they arrive.

3. Do I Need a Layout for My Snow Guards?

YES! No matter what kind of snow retention system you're installing, you should always get a design recommendation from the manufacturer. We've got free spacing charts for our products on our website, and we also offer free quote request forms for our snow rail systems and individual snow guards if you need custom layout guidance. Installing snow retention in just a few isolated areas, like above doorways, HVAC systems, chimneys, etc., is a big no-no.

4. How Do I Avoid Roof Leaks?

Products like the SnoCleat PBR, SnoCleat 2.67, SnowCatchers, or a screw-down rail system come with butyl tape gaskets that seal without liquid sealant. Pair that with our Master Grippers for wood or Master Drillers for metal - they've got neoprene washers that make a super tight weather-proof seal. Some customers like to add liquid silicone around the snow guards for extra protection, but it's not mandatory. If you're screwing polycarbonate snow guards to your roof, use a neutral curing, cold-weather liquid silicone to seal the entire base. Put on enough so that it oozes out around the edges, then run your finger around the perimeter to finish it off. We recommend the NovaFlex MR150 silicone sealant - we've recommended it to our customers for years. Use screws with neoprene washers for these guards.

5. When Can I Install Glue Down Snow Guards?

You can install screw-down snow guards and rail systems anytime the roof is clear of snow, ice, and debris. But you need to get the timing right for installing glue-down snow guards. The SureBond SB-190 adhesive we use for polycarbonate snow guards takes about 28 days at 50°F to fully cure. Late spring or early summer is the best time for most of the U.S. and Canada. Temps below 50°F won't hurt the glue, but they pause the curing process until it warms up again. Rain won't hurt with the glue after 24 hours. One more thing - don't use SureBond SB-190 with copper roofing, as the glue and metal can react.

6. Do I Need to Screw Into the Structure Under the Panel, or Will the Metal Panel Be Good Enough?

When installing snow guards with screws, it is critical to make sure that you're screwing into at least 1" of wood structure - that could be plywood decking, purlins, or blocking behind each snow guard or bracket. Mount the snow guards into metal purlins whenever possible for pre-engineered metal buildings. Never install snow guards or rails using just the panel as the structure - it's a recipe for disaster. If you can't easily add blocking under the snow guard mounting points and your ground snow load is 45 psf or less, switch to a glue-down product instead.

Conclusion

Picking the perfect snow guards for your project can feel like a lot, but we hope this blog gave you some helpful info. Stay tuned as we add these featured blogs with more roof panel brands. Remember that a good company should answer your questions quickly and guide you when buying snow guards. SnoBlox-Snojax is one of those companies. If you have any questions or want to place an order, hit us up at support@snojax.com or 1-800-766-5291. Check out our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and What Works and What Doesn't page for more details. Our team is here to help you out!

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.