Snow Guards for Freedom Metals Exposed-Fastener Panels
Posted by Derek Gamble - SnoBlox-Snojax Specialist on Mar 4th 2026
See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Freedom Metals Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.
Which Snow Guards Work Best with Freedom Metal’s Exposed-Fastener Panels?
Exposed-fastener metal roofs tend to release snow and ice quickly once winter weather arrives.
When a roof sheds its entire snowpack in one movement, this roof avalanche can slide off with little warning. The smooth finish of these panels encourages this behavior, allowing heavy layers to break free rather than melt gradually. This rapid release creates hazards around the structure and can threaten people, pets, vehicles, landscaping, and outdoor equipment. To help manage these risks, we provide snow retention systems tailored to each panel profile and the snowfall patterns common in different regions. Installers can choose from individual pad-style guards or continuous rail systems to match the roof layout. Our blogs, installation guides, compatibility tools, and manufacturer-specific resources support contractors and property owners as they select the right products. Snow retention remains a key part of controlling how snow behaves on a metal roof, whether the building sits in a light-snow area or a region with frequent heavy storms.
About Freedom Metals
Freedom Metal began in 1995 when Matthew Will, then 25, purchased a small metal roofing shop near Berlin, Pennsylvania. He operated the business alone in a 3,500-square-foot facility with older equipment until steady growth prompted a move to Roaring Spring in 1999. The new location provided room to expand and helped the company build momentum. Over the following years, Freedom Metal added new capabilities while navigating the usual challenges of a growing operation. The early 2000s brought the launch of Freedom Express, the company's trucking division. In 2011, a second retail store opened in Ridgeley, West Virginia, where it continues to perform well. Another major step came in 2017 when the company moved into a 20,000-square-foot building equipped with modern machinery. Today, Freedom Metal produces a wide range of products, including residential siding panels, interior trim, and custom commercial panels for schools, hospitals, and other institutions. A third retail location in Shamong, New Jersey, is currently in development, extending the company's reach throughout the Mid-Atlantic. What started as a small, determined shop has grown into a regional manufacturer known for its drive and entrepreneurial spirit.
Ag Panel
Freedom Metals' Ag Panel is a versatile exposed-fastener profile used for both roofing and siding. Each panel covers 36 inches and measures 38 inches overall, with 3/4-inch ribs spaced 9 inches on center. Eight stiffeners run across each panel to increase strength, and lengths are cut to the inch up to a maximum of 52 feet. The panel comes in 28-gauge Galvalume. This all-purpose profile remains a popular choice for barns, sheds, outbuildings, and residential projects because it installs easily and provides dependable performance at an affordable price. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Freedom Metals Screw Down Ag Metal Roofing Panels.
This panel works with a range of our snow retention products. Polycarbonate options such as the SnoBlox Deuce and SnowBreaker fit between the minor ribs. Metal choices, including the SnoCleat PBR and decorative SnowCatchers, mount in the flat center section to combine strength with visual appeal. The Snojax I must be mechanically fastened, while the IceJax I allows installation with screws or adhesive. For larger roof areas or regions with ground snow loads above 45 psf, installers should select rail systems for the most consistent results. When paired with Tall ColorBrackets and the correct fasteners, the ColorBar PBR and SnoBar PBR systems provide reliable snow control across a wide range of climates.
Freedom Metals Compatibility Chart for Exposed-Fastener Snow Guards
| Ag Panel | |
|---|---|
 Ecojax |
YES |
 IceJax I |
YES |
 IceJax II |
NO |
 SnoBlox Deuce |
YES |
 Ace |
NO |
 Snojax I |
NO |
 Snojax II |
NO |
 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 Freedom Metals
Should I Test Fit Snow Guards Before Final Installation?
Placing the guards on the roof temporarily before fastening them lets you verify spacing, alignment, and the overall pattern. This quick preview helps ensure a uniform layout and a clean, professional finish once everything is secured.
How Can I Coordinate My Snow Guards with My Roof?
Selecting finishes that closely match the roof’s color and surface texture helps the guards blend into the design. Powder-coated options offer long-lasting durability, while DIY coatings provide an affordable way to customize the appearance.
What Snow Guard Solutions Work Best for Unique Roof Shapes?
Roofs with curves, arches, or other unusual contours often require guards that match those shapes. Standard products may not sit correctly, so custom-fit pieces and careful attention to manufacturer placement guidelines are essential for proper performance.
Should I Use Sealant Under My Screw-Mounted Snow Guards?
Applying sealant beneath screw-mounted guards helps close small gaps, limit water intrusion, and keep moisture from reaching the roof assembly. This added protection contributes to a more reliable installation.
When Is the Best Time to Install Adhesive-Mounted Snow Guards?
Adhesive-mounted guards cure best in warm conditions, usually from late spring into early summer when temperatures remain above 50°F. Warmer weather speeds up curing, and adhesives like SureBond SB-190 typically become moisture-resistant within about a day.
How Can I Fasten Snow Guards for Maximum Strength?
Snow guards achieve their strongest hold when fastened directly into structural framing, such as purlins or rafters, rather than relying solely on the roof panels. Anchoring them into these components increases load resistance and supports long-term durability.
Conclusion
At SnoBlox-Snojax, long-term performance shapes every product we manufacture. Our snow guards and snow retention systems rely on proven engineering to withstand years of harsh winter conditions and avoid the premature failures common with short-term solutions. Clear communication and individualized support have helped us build strong relationships with customers across the United States and around the world. From the earliest planning discussions through the final installation steps, we provide practical guidance, straightforward instructions, and timely assistance. Resources like our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and comprehensive Best Practices guide give building owners the knowledge they need to match the right system to their roof profile and regional snow loads. Whether someone reaches out by phone or email, they receive tailored recommendations, help choosing the correct products, and quick answers to installation or ordering questions. By simplifying each stage of the process and offering dependable expertise, we ensure every customer ends up with a snow retention system that performs exactly as intended.