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Snow Guards For Holcim Elevate (Firestone) Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels
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Snow Guards For Holcim Elevate (Firestone) Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels

Posted by Derek Gamble - SnoBlox-Snojax Specialist on Oct 9th 2024

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Holcim Elevate (AKA Firestone Building Products) Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

Holcim Elevate (Firestone) Logo - Image courtesy of https://www.holcimelevate.com/

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

Winter poses distinct challenges for buildings equipped with standing seam metal roofs, primarily due to the potential for sudden snow and ice slides. These unexpected events can pose significant risks to people, property, and pets in the vicinity. The smooth surface characteristic of these roofs enhances the probability of snow avalanches, underscoring the necessity of implementing effective snow retention systems. To address these concerns, contractors can tailor snow guards and snow rail systems to accommodate various metal roof designs, serving as crucial safety features. When installing these protective measures, it is essential to consider several critical factors, including the roof's pitch, panel configuration, and typical weather patterns. A range of educational resources is available to assist property owners in making well-informed decisions. These include our informative blog posts, dedicated information pages, and a comprehensive database of metal panel manufacturers compatible with specific snow retention solutions. Through these educational initiatives and innovative approaches, the focus remains on mitigating the hazards associated with snow and ice accumulation, thereby fostering safer environments in regions that experience substantial snowfall. This proactive strategy effectively addresses the unique challenges of winter conditions on standing seam metal roofs, ultimately ensuring people's and property's safety.

Holcim Elevate UC System Installed - Image courtesy of https://www.holcimelevate.com/

Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Holcim Elevate (Firestone)

Holcim Elevate, a prominent name in the roofing industry, has undergone significant changes since its inception. The company began its journey in 1980 in Nashville, Tennessee, and has become a global leader in roofing, wall, and lining solutions. In mid-2022, the organization re-branded from Firestone Building Products to Holcim Elevate following its acquisition by the Holcim Group in early 2021. Over the years, Elevate has expanded its reach far beyond its North American roots. The company now operates numerous manufacturing facilities across the continent and serves markets worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This global presence has allowed Elevate to cater to a diverse range of clients and adapt to varying market needs. Elevate's comprehensive product portfolio encompasses many roofing systems suitable for commercial, industrial, and residential applications. They offer single-ply and asphalt-based membranes, insulation products, and roofing accessories. This diverse range allows the company to provide tailored solutions for different project requirements. At the heart of Elevate's business philosophy lies a steadfast commitment to quality and performance. The company emphasizes working closely with clients to deliver solutions that meet and exceed expectations regarding quality and sustainability. This customer-centric approach, combined with decades of industry experience and global expertise, has solidified Holcim Elevate's position as a formidable player in the building materials sector, particularly in innovative roofing solutions.

UC-3 Panel

The Elevate UNA-CLAD UC-3 Roofing Panel is a premium architectural standing seam metal roofing solution that blends classic aesthetics with cutting-edge performance. This innovative panel features a factory-formed double-lock design. It utilizes mechanical seaming to enhance its visual appeal and structural integrity. Renowned for its exceptional wind resistance, the UC-3 excels in challenging weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for areas susceptible to high winds. One of the UC-3's standout features is its flexibility in design application. The panel can be curved and tapered to accommodate intricate architectural designs, offering architects and builders a versatile solution for complex projects. Available in multiple gauges of steel and aluminum, the UC-3 caters to a wide range of project specifications and budgets. The UC-3 panel comes in standard widths of 12, 16, and 18 inches with a rib height of 1.5", providing options for various aesthetic preferences and structural requirements. Installers can apply this versatile product over diverse substrates, including open framing, rigid insulation, corrugated steel decks, and plywood sheathing. This adaptability makes the UC-3 suitable for new construction and renovation projects across different building types. Adding to its appeal, the UC-3 panel may be eligible for a 30-year Platinum Warranty. This extensive warranty coverage underscores the manufacturer's confidence in the product's longevity and performance, offering building owners and managers peace of mind for decades. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Holcim Elevate (AKA Firestone Building Products) UC-3 Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

Holcim Elevate (Firestone) UC-3 Panel Rendering - Image courtesy of https://www.holcimelevate.com/

Our snow retention solutions, particularly our adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards, suit this roofing system. Proper adhesive application is crucial to prevent issues like refreezing and moisture-induced detachment. We provide a wide range of snow guard models, including larger ones such as IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller options like the SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I. For enhanced protection during snow and ice shedding, we offer SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M models. The panel's rib design allows for installing clamp-on snow guards, including the SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar rail systems. Installers can attach these snow guards using stainless steel SnoBar clamps or the aluminum RoofClamp alternative. We advise performing a test fit with a clamp sample before ordering these systems. Additional rows of rails may be necessary when installing snow guards on aluminum or copper roof panels compared to steel options, as these materials have lower rigidity and require extra support for strength and stability. *Pad-style snow guards are unsuitable for curved roofs because they need a flat surface for effective installation. In these situations, snow rail systems are the better option.

UC-4 Panel

The Elevate UNA-CLAD UC-4 Roofing Panel represents a cutting-edge architectural standing seam metal roofing solution. Its innovative design features a self-locking mechanism that streamlines the installation process and eliminates the need for traditional clips. The panel's integral fastening flange allows for natural thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring long-term structural integrity. One of the UC-4's standout features is its snap-together seam design, significantly reducing installation time and labor costs. This fact makes it an economical choice for a wide range of projects. The premium seam design provides exceptional leak resistance and durability, contributing to the panel's long-lasting performance. The UC-4 panel offers versatility in material options, available in steel and aluminum, with varying gauges to suit different project requirements. With typical panel widths ranging from 12 to 18 inches and a rib height of 1.5", it mounts over various substrates, including rigid insulation, plywood sheathing, and nail base insulation. Further enhancing its appeal, the UC-4 panel is eligible for Elevate's comprehensive warranty options. These include the 25-year Medallion Warranty and the 30-year Platinum Warranty, providing building owners additional assurance and protection for their investment. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Holcim Elevate (AKA Firestone Building Products) UC-4 Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

Holcim Elevate (Firestone) UC-4 Panel Rendering - Image courtesy of https://www.holcimelevate.com/

Our snow retention solutions, particularly our adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards, suit this roofing system. Proper adhesive application is crucial to prevent issues like refreezing and moisture-induced detachment. We provide a wide range of snow guard models, including larger ones such as IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller options like the Deuce and IceJax I. For enhanced protection during snow and ice shedding, we offer SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M models. The panel's rib design accommodates clamp-on snow guards, such as SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar rail systems, which mount using stainless steel SnoBar clamps or aluminum RoofClamp alternatives. We advise performing a test fit with a clamp sample before ordering these systems. Additional rows of rails may be necessary when installing snow guards on aluminum or copper roof panels compared to steel options, as these materials have lower rigidity and require extra support for strength and stability.

UC-6 Panel

The Elevate UNA-CLAD UC-6 Double-Lock Standing Seam Roofing Panel is an advanced roofing solution that combines the time-tested Pittsburgh Locking seam technique with a concealed clip assembly featuring floating capabilities. This design allows the roof to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction, resulting in a highly effective, nearly impenetrable roofing system with superior resistance to uplift forces. The UC-6 panel's exceptional protective qualities and longevity make it a top choice for architects and builders across various projects. Manufactured in both steel (22 and 24-gauge) and aluminum (.032" and .040" thickness) options, the UC-6 panel caters to a wide range of project specifications. Its versatility extends to panel widths, typically 12 to 18 inches, with a 2" high rib. It offers architects and designers considerable flexibility in their creative approaches. This roofing system may also be eligible for Elevate's extensive 30-Year Platinum Warranty, providing building owners with long-term assurance and confidence in their investment. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Holcim Elevate (AKA Firestone Building Products) UC-6 Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

Holcim Elevate (Firestone) UC-6 Panel Rendering - Image courtesy of https://www.holcimelevate.com/

Our snow retention solutions are exceptionally well-suited for this roofing system, with particularly effective adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards. Correct adhesive application is essential to prevent problems like refreezing and moisture-induced detachment. We provide a comprehensive range of snow guard models, including larger options such as IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller variants like the Deuce and IceJax I. For enhanced protection during snow and ice shedding, we offer SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M models. The panel's rib design is compatible with clamp-on snow guards, including SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar rail systems, which mount using stainless steel SnoBar clamps or aluminum RoofClamp alternatives. We recommend performing a test fit with a clamp sample before ordering these systems. Additional rows of rails may be necessary when installing snow guards on aluminum or copper roof panels compared to steel options, as these materials have lower rigidity and require extra support to maintain strength and stability.

UC-14 Panel

The Elevate UNA-CLAD UC-14 Roofing Panel is a sophisticated architectural metal roofing solution that combines ease of installation with exceptional performance. This panel system features a distinctive 1 3/4" tall, seamless interlocking design that facilitates quick and efficient assembly. The UC-14's innovative construction incorporates a hidden fastening system, enhancing the panel's protective qualities and ability to adapt to thermal fluctuations. One of the UC-14's notable attributes is its capacity to accommodate panels of considerable length, making it a versatile choice for various architectural projects. The panel is offered in multiple steel and aluminum gauge options, providing design and structural integrity flexibility. Its versatility extends to panel widths, typically 8 to 24 inches. Furthermore, the UC-14 panel may be eligible for Elevate's comprehensive 30-Year Platinum Warranty, offering building owners long-term assurance and protection for their investment. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Holcim Elevate (AKA Firestone Building Products) UC-14 Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

Holcim Elevate (Firestone) UC-14 Panel Rendering - Image courtesy of https://www.holcimelevate.com/

This roofing system is highly compatible with our snow retention solutions, particularly our adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards. Proper adhesive application is crucial to avoid refreezing and moisture-related detachment. We offer a diverse selection of snow guard models, including larger options like IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller variants such as the Deuce and IceJax I. For additional protection during snow and ice shedding, we provide SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M models. The panel's rib design accommodates clamp-on snow guards, including the SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar rail systems, which can be mounted using stainless steel SnoBar clamps or aluminum RoofClamp alternatives. We advise conducting a test fit with a clamp sample before ordering these systems. When working with aluminum or copper roof panels, installers may need to add more rows of rails than steel alternatives, as these materials have lower rigidity and require extra support for strength and stability.

UC-7 Panel

The Elevate UNA-CLAD UC-7 Snap-On Standing Seam Roofing Panel is a versatile and innovative roofing solution that offers architects and designers a range of creative possibilities. With its distinctive 1.143" profile with rib spacing from 9.75"-24", this panel allows for creating striking high-profile elements in architectural projects. One of the critical features of the UC-7 panel is its ability to be curved, making it ideal for radius applications and enabling seamless, aesthetically pleasing finishes across various design styles. The panel's flexibility extends to its material options, as it is available in copper, acrylume, and 31 standard PVDF-painted aluminum and steel colors. This diverse palette ensures that designers can find the perfect match for their specific project requirements. The UC-7 panels are supplied in rolls, facilitating their use in applications requiring high-radius curvatures. They are particularly well-suited for complex architectural designs that demand functionality and visual appeal. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Holcim Elevate (AKA Firestone Building Products) UC-7 Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

Holcim Elevate (Firestone) UC-7 Panel Rendering - Image courtesy of https://www.holcimelevate.com/

Snow retention systems for batten cap standing seam metal roofs require careful consideration due to their unique design features. The presence of a batten strip or cap, often used for aesthetic purposes to enhance the connection between panels, limits the compatibility of certain snow guard types. Specifically, we do not recommend clamp-on individual snow guards and rail systems for these roofs. This incompatibility is because these clamp-on solutions would only attach to the batten strip itself, failing to achieve proper torque on the main panels. This incorrect installation could lead to the disengagement of the strips from the roof, resulting in significant and costly damage. However, there are suitable alternatives for these roof types. All individual glue-down polycarbonate snow guard models are compatible with batten cap standing seam panels. These include SnoBlox Deuce, SnoBlox Ace, Icejax II, and Snojax II. For those seeking a solution that allows for a more controlled release of snow and ice from the roof, the SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M systems are worth considering. These systems break snow and ice into smaller pieces, slowing their descent from the roof surface. Regarding installation, the industry-standard adhesive for glue-down snow guards on these roofs is Surebond SB-190. We recommend this adhesive to ensure a secure attachment. Consulting with roofing professionals or snow guard manufacturers is crucial to determining the most appropriate solution for a specific roof type and local climate conditions. *Pad-style snow guards do not work well on curved roofs because they require a flat surface during installation. Snow rail systems are the suitable choice for these types of roofs.

Holcim Elevate (Firestone) Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

  UC-3 Profile UC-4 Profile UC-6 Profile UC-14 Profile UC7 Profile
IceJax I Glue Down *YES YES YES YES *YES
IceJax II Glue Down *YES YES YES YES *YES
SnoBlox Deuce Glue Down *YES YES YES YES *YES
SnoBlox Ace Glue Down *YES YES YES YES *YES
Snojax II Glue Down *YES YES YES YES *YES
SnowBreaker Glue Down *YES YES YES YES *YES
SnowBreaker 3M *YES YES YES YES *YES
SnoBar Standing Seam YES YES YES YES NO
ColorBar Standing Seam YES YES YES YES NO
SnoBar RCB-3 YES YES YES YES NO
ColorBar RCB-3 YES YES YES YES NO
SnoBar 2-Bar YES YES YES YES NO
ColorBar 2-Bar YES YES YES YES NO
SnoCleat RC YES YES YES YES NO
SnoCleat RCT YES YES YES YES NO

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Standing Seam Roofs by Holcim Elevate (Firestone)

Harmonize Snow Guards with Roof Aesthetics

Choose snow retention solutions that enhance your roof's visual appeal. Explore options like custom-colored powder-coated systems or bespoke metal inserts. Consider local powder coating services or DIY painting techniques to match your roof's design for quick customization.

Evaluate Local Snowfall Trends

Investigate the ground snow load in your region to guide your system selection. Individual guards or basic rail systems might suffice for areas with snow loads under 45 psf. In regions experiencing heavier snowfall, use more robust rail systems for adequate protection.

Safeguard Roof Integrity

When choosing attachment methods, prioritize those that maintain your roof's structural integrity, particularly for standing seam metal roofing. Opt for non-penetrating, surface-mounted systems like clamp-on or adhesive-mounted options to preserve weatherproofing and warranty conditions.

Develop a Comprehensive Retention Strategy

Design a thorough plan to protect the entire roof surface. Consider multiple rows and distribute retention elements evenly to prevent stress concentration if necessary. Utilize our resources, such as spacing guidelines and quote request tools, to ensure optimal positioning.

Time Your Installation Wisely

For adhesive-based systems, plan installation during warmer months, preferably in late spring or early summer. Consider ambient temperatures to determine appropriate curing times for optimal adhesion. Many high-quality adhesives, like Surebond SB-190, require several weeks at moderate temperatures to bond fully.

Tackle Ice-Related Issues

Investigate specialized IceStopper accessories for areas prone to icing. Proper selection and placement of these components is crucial, especially on roofs with higher seams, to maximize their effectiveness in combating ice-related challenges.

Ensure System Compatibility

Before installation, test fit system components to confirm compatibility with your specific roof type. This crucial step helps avoid costly errors and ensures seamless integration. Many suppliers offer individual parts and accessories for various systems, which can be purchased separately for testing.

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax provides exceptional customer support for snow guard installations, focusing on long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. Our main goal is to ensure our customers thoroughly understand our product range. We employ a holistic approach that combines personalized assistance with various resources, giving our clients the necessary knowledge and tools for successful implementation. By providing direct access to our support team and offering practical guides and tools, we empower our customers to get the most out of our products. Our unwavering commitment to quality and real-world effectiveness highlights our dedication to delivering superior solutions, demonstrating our commitment to product excellence and customer satisfaction. We have developed valuable resources, including a Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and a "What Works and What Doesn't" page, to help clients make informed decisions. These materials offer essential insights and practical information. We actively encourage customers who need help with their orders to contact our support team by phone or email, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance to achieve the best results with our snow guard products.

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.

THE SNOBLOX-SNOJAX SNOW GUARDS DIFFERENCE

  • Fast Shipping Times Fast Shipping Times
    “In Stock” orders processed Mon–Fri same or next day, except for holidays. See Transit Times.
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    All of our snow guard and snow retention products are made right here in America.
  • Lifetime Warranty Lifetime Warranty
    All of our snow guard and snow retention products come with a life time warranty. See Warranty Policy.
  • Manufacturer  Compatibility Manufacturer Compatibility
    Our database of compatible snow guards for various Roof Panel Manufacturers and their panels.