Snow Guards For ExSteel Building Components Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels
Posted by Derek Gamble - SnoBlox-Snojax Specialist on Oct 13th 2025
See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for ExSteel Building Components Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.
Which snow guards work best with ExSteel Building Components' exposed-fastener metal roof panels?
Exposed-fastener metal roofs are susceptible to sudden snow and ice slides during winter.
Metal roofing has a smooth surface that causes snow and ice to slide off quickly, creating potential hazards for people, pets, and property below. To help prevent these risks, we design snow retention products to work with different roof types and materials. You can customize snow guards and rail systems for various roof pitches, panel profiles, and weather conditions. Along with these solutions, resources such as detailed blog articles, step-by-step installation guides, and updated compatibility charts for major roofing brands are available. In areas that experience consistent or heavy snowfall, these products play an important role in managing the safe release of snow and ice during winter.
Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by ExSteel Building Components
ExSteel, based in Aylmer, Ontario, has built a strong reputation in the steel construction industry by delivering reliable roofing and wall systems designed for Canada's demanding climate. Its facility produces a wide selection of precisely engineered products. One of the company's defining qualities is its commitment to in-house production, where every item meets strict standards, including ASTM A792 requirements, ensuring consistent strength and durability. Customers also benefit from a knowledgeable support team that provides technical guidance and detailed product information. Since its inception in 2004, ExSteel has supplied building materials for both new construction and renovations across North America and beyond, serving a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, recreation, institutional, industrial, and commercial projects. The company's certifications, including ISO 9001:2015, CSA A660, and CWB, demonstrate its commitment to accountability and quality assurance. ExSteel originated within Steelway Building Systems, part of Ardent Industries, which originally produced steel components in-house for pre-engineered buildings. As demand grew, ExSteel offered these products directly to builders, contractors, and suppliers. Today, the company continues to provide solutions that balance durability, functionality, and design, with the RTL-24 panel remaining a popular choice due to its versatility, reliable performance, and resilient construction.
StormSeal
The StormSeal metal roof panel, manufactured by ExSteel Building Components under Steelway Building Systems, is a durable and adaptable cladding option suitable for roofing, wall, and liner applications across residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural projects. Its contemporary deep-rib design optimizes light-gauge steel, enabling it to handle significant snow and wind loads over wide purlin and girt spacing. The panel offers easy and quick installation, cost efficiency, and compatibility with various materials, including glass, masonry, wood, and precast concrete, while maintaining an attractive, natural appearance. It has a 36-inch coverage width, a rib height of 1.5 inches, and ribs spaced 12 inches on center. The panel comes in narrow rib (with the narrow part exposed, ideal for roofing and siding) and wide rib (with the broad rib exposed, suitable for sidewalls only) profiles. It is available in galvanized or Galvalume steel, or aluminum, with gauge options ranging from 22 to 29, commonly including 22, 24, 26, and 28. The panel features a yield strength of 50 ksi. It can be factory-applied with caulking for vapor barrier systems, offering various color options by special order across the gauge range. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for ExSteel Building Components StormSeal Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.
These panels provide strong flexibility for installing our snow guards, accommodating different systems to suit specific needs. Compatible choices include screw-down options such as SnoBar, ColorBar, SnoCleat PBR, and stainless steel SnowCatchers, which are available in several styles, including Standard, Fleur-de-lis, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Mustang, and Kodiak. Most of our polycarbonate snow guards, except for the Snojax I, can be installed using either adhesive or mechanical fasteners. The Snojax I, however, requires only mechanical fastening. Surebond SB-190 is recommended for use with polycarbonate models, but not for metal pad-style guards. For the best performance, smaller snow guards should be positioned in the center between minor ribs and placed in straight lines across the panels. Some styles, such as the Snojax II and Icejax II, need to be mounted off-center, straddling either the left or right minor rib, with consistent placement along the same rib during installation. You should never fix snow guards and rail systems to the high ribs; instead, they must be secured through the panel's flat, low areas into a solid substrate below to ensure proper strength and stability.
ExSteel Building Components Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards
| StormSeal Panel | |
|---|---|
 Ecojax |
YES |
 IceJax I |
YES |
 IceJax II |
YES |
 SnoBlox Deuce |
YES |
 Ace |
YES |
 Snojax I |
YES |
 Snojax II |
YES |
 SnowBreaker |
YES |
 SnowCatcher |
YES |
 SnoBar PBR |
YES |
 ColorBar PBR |
YES |
 SnoCleat PBR |
YES |
 SnoCleat 2.67 |
NO |
 SnoBar 2.67 |
NO |
 ColorBar 2.67 |
NO |
Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Exposed Fastener Roofs by ExSteel Building Components
Apply Sealant to Snow Guards to Prevent Leaks
When fastening polycarbonate snow guards with screws, be sure to place a generous layer of sealant underneath before securing them. This step creates a watertight barrier, closes any gaps, and reduces the risk of future leaks.
Install Adhesive-Mounted Snow Guards in Warm Weather
Plan adhesive installations for warmer months, preferably late spring through early summer, when temperatures remain above 50°F for several weeks. Adequate warmth allows the adhesive to cure properly, while colder conditions may weaken the bond. Products such as SureBond SB190 typically become resistant to moisture within approximately 24 hours, which helps limit water-related concerns.
Attach Snow Guards to Structural Supports
For maximum durability, fasten snow guards into main structural elements like rafters or metal purlins instead of relying only on the outer panels. Reinforce those structures if needed or use compatible adhesives to achieve a secure and lasting attachment.
Coordinate Snow Guard Finishes with Your Roof’s Appearance
Choose finishes or coatings that blend with your roof's style and color. Powder-coated finishes and custom inserts can improve the overall aesthetic and create a seamless look. Professional finishing provides added longevity, while DIY methods can be quicker and more cost-effective.
Seek Guidance for Snow Guards for Unique Roof Shapes
Standard pad-style snow guards may not be suitable for curved, arched, or specialty roof designs. In such cases, make sure to use snow retention products engineered for those applications. Always confirm compatibility with the roofing manufacturer before installation.
Check Snow Guard Placement Before Final Installation
Before securing guards permanently, lay several across the roof to check spacing, alignment, and overall fit. This trial run enables adjustments that enhance both appearance and functionality before the final attachment.
Adjust Snow Guard Layouts Based on Your Roofing Material
The spacing and layout of snow guards vary depending on the roofing type. Softer metals, such as copper or aluminum, often require tighter spacing and additional rows compared to stronger metals like steel. It's also important to ensure the materials used for the guards will not cause adverse chemical reactions with the roof's finish.
Conclusion
SnoBlox-Snojax provides reliable snow guard solutions built for lasting performance rather than temporary fixes. Our company fosters trust by supplying clear product details, straightforward installation instructions, and attentive customer support. Customers have access to our valuable resources, including the Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and a comprehensive best practices guide, which help them make well-informed choices. Additionally, our team is available by phone or email to provide personalized guidance and assist with your orders. With a strong focus on customer care, SnoBlox-Snojax enables users to confidently select, install, and maintain their snow guard systems, supported by expert assistance, open communication, and dependable products.
Do you have a metal roof from a different manufacturer?
Visit our "Snow Guard Compatibility by Roof Manufacturer" resource page for detailed information on which snow guards and snow retention systems are compatible with your metal roof.
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.