Snow Guards For Great Northern Metal Company (GNMC) Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for GNMC Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

Which snow guards are best suited for GNMC exposed fastener roofs?

During winter, buildings with metal roofs that have exposed fasteners often experience abrupt slides of snow and ice, known as roof avalanches.

Metal roofs with smooth surfaces often allow snow and ice to slide off quickly, sometimes creating hazards for people, pets, and property below. To help prevent these risks, our company offers snow retention solutions compatible with various popular roofing styles. Our product lineup features snow guards and customizable rail systems, all engineered to accommodate multiple roof slopes, metal panel types, and local weather conditions. Customers also benefit from our extensive support resources, including detailed blog posts, step-by-step installation guides, and regularly updated lists of compatible roofing manufacturers. In areas that experience heavy snowfall, these snow retention systems are essential for minimizing the dangers associated with ice accumulation, enhancing safety, and providing reliable protection and reassurance during winter.

Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by GNMC

Founded in 2019 by Jesse and Rainor Kjelsrud alongside their longtime friend Jason Kostelecky, Great Northern Metal Company set a new standard for metal roofing and siding supply in Montana's Gallatin Valley. The company's leadership team expanded in 2020 with the addition of Thain Cook as a co-owner, further strengthening their commitment to delivering top-quality materials and exceptional service. Drawing on deep expertise in steel, aluminum, and construction, the founders have shaped a business prioritizing practical, real-world solutions over generic approaches. Great Northern Metal Company has established a reputation for being approachable, knowledgeable, and committed to delivering exceptional customer service. Their portfolio ranges from commercial projects engineered to endure Montana's harsh winters to custom residential work that balances strength with visual appeal. Clients benefit from working directly with professionals with hands-on industry experience, ensuring each project receives expert attention. Whether the goal is to boost curb appeal, enhance energy efficiency, or install a durable roof, the company is committed to providing high-performance products and straightforward, dependable service.

1/2 Inch Corrugated Panel

The 1/2 Inch Corrugated Panel from GNMC is designed for roofing and siding applications, offering a blend of strength and visual appeal. The panel features a profile with ribs spaced 2.5 inches apart and a rib height of half an inch. It provides a coverage width of 24 inches and an overall panel width of 26 inches. We recommend it for installation on roofs with a minimum slope of 3/12. This panel is available in 29 and 26-gauge thicknesses and can be manufactured from AZ50 Galvalume, painted Galvalume, or bare galvanized steel. GNMC finishes this panel with the MS Colorfast 45 paint system, which includes a 45-year paint warranty and a 25-year substrate warranty. Both available thicknesses use exposed fasteners. For performance, the panel has a Class 4 impact resistance rating under UL 2218 and a Class A fire rating according to UL 790, ensuring strong protection against hail and fire. Installation instructions specify the use of the appropriate fasteners for different substrates, with screws placed no more than two feet apart along the panel. GNMC recommends pre-drilling to maintain a watertight seal and applying bead mastic to every side lap, with stitch screws installed every two feet. For wall applications, similar fastening and pre-drilling guidelines apply. The panel is compatible with #10 Woodfast screws for dimensional lumber, #14 Woodfast screws for plywood or OSB, and #12 Tek screws for structural steel up to 3/16 inch thick. This panel is dependable and versatile for various architectural and structural needs. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for GNMC 1/2 Inch Corrugated Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

Due to the 2.5-inch spacing of this panel's ribs, none of our products, including the 2.67 SnoCleat, SnoBar, and ColorBar systems, are compatible with this panel.

7/8 Inch Corrugated Panel

Great Northern Metal Company's 7/8-inch Corrugated Panel is recognized for its strength and adaptability, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of projects. Its timeless, rustic appearance works well for roofing and siding applications, adding character and visual appeal to any structure. Built from heavier-gauge materials for enhanced durability, this panel also features an anti-siphon groove to help prevent water from seeping through the seams, providing extra protection against the elements. The panel has a profile height of 7/8 inch and comes in 22, 24, or 26-gauge steel. Material options include painted finishes, Galvalume, ReziBond, Cor-Ten, and copper, providing flexibility to suit different construction needs and design preferences. The combination of thoughtful design and robust performance makes this panel a favored option for those looking for reliable functionality and classic style in their building materials. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for GNMC 7/8 Inch Corrugated Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

The 7/8-inch Corrugated Panel distinguishes itself from standard exposed fastener roofing with its distinctive wavy corrugated shape. This design enables a different method for installing snow guards, allowing mounting on the high ribs of the panel—an approach not usually recommended for other panels. Customers have several compatible snow retention options for this panel. The recently launched SnoCleat 2.67 snow guards can be attached directly to the high ribs using 3-inch screws. The SnoBar and ColorBar systems are available, utilizing the ColorBracket 2.67, which is also compatible with the SnoCleat 2.67. Each ColorBracket 2.67 features six attachment points, offering flexibility during installation. While typically four screws per bracket are adequate, using all six can provide increased stability, especially in regions with harsh weather conditions.

PBR (Purlin Bearing Rib) Panel

The PBR (Purlin Bearing Rib) Panel from Great Northern Metal Company is a versatile metal panel for roofing and wall installations. It is manufactured in 26 and 24-gauge options and uses AZ 50 Galvalume as the substrate on painted materials. It is available in both painted and Galvalume finishes. The panel features a silicon-modified polyester paint system and a 45-year warranty on painted surfaces. It is suitable for roofs with a minimum slope of 3/12. It provides a coverage width of 36 inches, with an overall width of 38 inches. The ribs are spaced 12 inches apart and stand 1.25 inches tall. The panel meets rigorous standards for impact resistance, fire safety, and wind uplift, holding UL 2218 Class 4, UL 790 Class A, and UL 580 Class 90 ratings, respectively. A broad selection of standard and specialty colors is available, including several crinkle finishes. Fastener recommendations vary depending on the substrate, with specific screws advised for wood, plywood, OSB, and structural steel. For installation, GNMC recommends pre-drilling holes to ensure water-tightness, especially on roofs with lower slopes, where they advise bead mastic and additional stitching screws. The panel's robust construction and range of color options make it a reliable choice for various building projects. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for GNMC PBR Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

This panel offers excellent versatility for snow guard installation, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and user preferences. It supports multiple types of snow guards, including screw-mounted rail systems like SnoBar, ColorBar, and SnoCleat PBR. The panel also accommodates several stainless steel SnowCatcher designs, such as Standard Rectangle, Fleur-de-lis, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Mustang, and Kodiak. Most polycarbonate snow guards can be secured using either adhesive or screws. Still, the Snojax I model requires screw fastening exclusively. When using adhesive for polycarbonate options, Surebond SB-190 is the recommended industry standard; however, this adhesive is not compatible with metal pad-style snow guards. Mount smaller snow guards between the minor ribs in the panel's center for optimal performance. Certain models, like Snojax II and Icejax II, must be installed off-center, straddling either the left or right minor rib or mesa. Snow guards and rail systems should not be mounted directly on the high ribs; instead, fasten them through the flat, low sections and anchor them to a solid substrate to ensure a secure and durable installation.

Tuf Rib Panel

The Tuf Rib Panel from Great Northern Metal Company is a versatile metal panel designed for roofing and siding applications. It comes in 28 and 26-gauge options and features an AZ 50 Galvalume substrate for painted materials. It is available in both painted and Galvalume finishes. The panel uses a silicon-modified polyester paint system with a 40-year warranty. It provides a coverage width of 36 inches, with ribs spaced 9 inches apart and standing 3/4 inches tall. Contractors can install these panels on roofs with a minimum slope of 3/12. The Tuf Rib Panel rates for UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance, UL 790 Class A fire resistance, and UL 580 Class 90 uplift. For installation, specific fasteners are recommended depending on the substrate, including woodfast screws for lumber and plywood and Tek screws for structural steel. On roofs, screws should be aligned with the purlin spacing of no more than 2 feet, and pre-drilling is suggested. For slopes under 3/12, bead mastic should be applied at the side lap, with stitch screws every 2 feet. Wall applications require similar screw spacing, with pre-drilling also recommended. The panel is an exposed fastener and light gauge option, suitable for various building needs. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for GNMC Tuf Rib Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

This panel accommodates a variety of snow retention systems, providing flexibility in installation methods and material selection. Polycarbonate options such as the SnoBlox Deuce and SnowBreaker fit between the minor ribs of the panel. For those who prefer metal, contractors can install screw-down products, such as the SnoCleat PBR and any of the six available SnowCatcher models, on the flat central section. Additional choices, including the Snojax I and Icejax I, are intended to span across the minor ribs. The Icejax I is suitable for installation using either adhesive or screws, whereas the Snojax I requires the use of mechanical fasteners. The panel is also compatible with Tall ColorBrackets, which work with the aluminum ColorBar PBR and the galvanized SnoBar PBR snow rail systems. This extensive compatibility ensures effective snow retention and dependable performance across a wide range of weather and environmental conditions.

3 Foot Rugged Rib Panel

The 3' Rugged Rib Panel is an exposed fastener metal panel suitable for roofing and wall installations. It comes in 29 and 26-gauge options, with an overall panel width of 38 inches and a coverage width of 36 inches. The panel features ribs spaced 12 inches apart, each standing 3/4 inch tall. Constructed from AZ 50 Galvalume for painted materials, it uses a silicon-modified polyester paint system with a 40-year warranty. The minimum recommended roof slope for this panel is 3/12. Fastening options include various screws designed for wood, plywood, OSB, and structural steel, with specific guidelines for spacing and pre-drilling to ensure water tightness. For roofing applications, purlin spacing should not exceed 2 feet. Additionally, GNMC recommends taking extra sealing measures for slopes with a pitch of less than 4/12. Wall installations follow similar fastening recommendations. Currently, no testing data is available for this panel. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for GNMC Foot Rugged Rib Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

This panel offers significant versatility for installing snow guards, making it suitable for a wide range of uses and preferences. It works with multiple snow guards, including screw-mounted rail systems like SnoBar, ColorBar, and SnoCleat PBR. The panel is compatible with several stainless steel SnowCatcher styles, such as Standard Rectangle, Fleur-de-lis, Sun Burst, Maple Leaf, Mustang, and Kodiak. Most polycarbonate snow guards can be attached using either adhesive or screws. However, the Snojax I model must be fastened with screws only. When using adhesive for polycarbonate guards, we recommend Surebond SB-190. Still, this adhesive is not suitable for metal pad-style snow guards. For best results, position smaller snow guards between the minor ribs in the center of the panel. Certain models, such as the Snojax II and Icejax II, must be installed off-center, straddling a minor rib or mesa. It is important not to mount snow guards or rail systems directly on the high ribs; instead, they should be anchored through the flat, lower sections and secured to a solid substrate to ensure a stable and lasting installation.

GNMC Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Exposed Fastener Roofs by GNMC

Test-Fit Components Before Full Installation

Perform a trial assembly of snow guard components to confirm their compatibility with your roof's configuration. Securing and experimenting with sample pieces beforehand enables you to identify and correct any fit or alignment issues early on.

Adapt Snow Guard Placement for Roofing Type

Customize your installation strategy based on the specific roofing material. Softer metals, such as copper or aluminum, usually require tighter spacing and potentially more rows of snow guards compared to more durable materials like steel. Verify the compatibility of all finishes and coatings to prevent any adverse reactions between different metals.

Coordinate Snow Guard Finish with Roof Design

Opt for snow guards featuring finishes or coatings that harmonize with your roof's aesthetic and color palette. Powder-coated finishes or tailored color inserts can produce a cohesive and visually pleasing result. Professional-grade finishes offer enhanced durability, while DIY alternatives may be more economical.

Secure Snow Guards to Structural Supports

For optimal sturdiness, anchor snow guards to the building's structural framework—such as wooden rafters or metal purlins—rather than solely to the roof panels. If the existing structure lacks sufficient strength, reinforce it with additional bracing or explore specialized adhesives to enhance stability.

Use Sealant for Improved Water Resistance

When affixing polycarbonate snow guards with screws, installers should ensure the entire base is coated with silicone sealant. This measure seals gaps, boosts water penetration resistance, and mitigates the risk of leaks.

Select Snow Guards for Special Roof Shapes

Conventional snow guards may not function optimally on the arched, radius, or uniquely shaped roofs. Select products designed for atypical roof designs to ensure dependable snow retention and protect the roof's integrity. Consulting with the roof panel manufacturer can help pinpoint the most suitable solution.

Schedule Adhesive Installations for Warm Conditions

When employing adhesive to mount snow guards, aim to conduct the work during late spring or early summer, when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 50°F for several weeks. This warmth is crucial for adequate adhesive curing, as colder conditions can impede the process. Rain typically does not compromise the adhesive's effectiveness after 24 hours.

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax focuses on delivering reliable, durable snow guard solutions that prioritize long-term effectiveness over short-term fixes. Our company builds trust by offering personalized support and clear, accessible product information, including straightforward installation guides. Customers benefit from direct assistance and valuable resources, such as our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and detailed product comparisons, making it easier to choose the right solution. Our knowledgeable team provides tailored advice and order assistance by phone or email. With a strong emphasis on expert guidance, open communication, and high-quality products, SnoBlox-Snojax empowers customers to confidently select, install, and maintain their snow guard systems with confidence.

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.