Snow Guards for MBCI Standing Seam Concealed Fastener Metal Roofs

Numerous manufacturers offer various panel options in today's metal roofing market, making selecting the right snow guard for your project challenging. While having many choices may initially seem beneficial, they can quickly become overwhelming when decision time arrives. To alleviate this issue, we've launched this new blog series that will spotlight leading metal panel manufacturers and provide recommendations for suitable snow guard options tailored to their most popular panels. We aim to assist customers in sidestepping analysis paralysis. Let's dive in and begin simplifying the process.

MBCI Standing Seam Concealed Fastener Metal Roofs

Today, we will focus our attention on MBCI. Since establishing itself in 1976, MBCI has dedicated itself to providing top-notch metal building components underscored by reliable performance. In the heart of Houston, Texas, MBCI has manufacturing facilities and sales offices strategically located across the United States. Their diverse catalog comprises over 90 metal roof and wall panel profiles, complemented by secondary structural components, trim, and associated accessories. Today, we will focus on MBCI's Standing Seam and Concealed Fastener Metal Roof Panels.

CRAFTSMAN™ SERIES - HIGH BATTEN Metal Roofing

The Craftsman™ Series features a snap-on batten roof system. Builders construct the pan and batten components separately to enhance design adaptability and simplify installation, particularly in complex hip, valley, and slope change scenarios. The Craftsman™ Series is a water-shedding system suitable for roofs and mansards with a minimum roof slope of 3:12. The Craftsman™ Series design simplifies tricky building transitions without flashings. Transitioning slopes seamlessly from the roof to the fascia and soffit can be achieved using a single, uninterrupted pan and batten system. A discreet clip secures the batten to the panel while allowing for expansion and contraction.

This panel is available in 12" and 16 1/2" rib spacing with 2" high seams and 22, 24, and 26 gauge thickness options. Because this panel utilizes a batten cap or batten strip for the rib, clamp-on individual snow guards like the SnoCleat RC and SnoCleat RCT, as well as clamp-on snow rail systems like our SnoBar and ColorBar, are not compatible with this panel. Companies frequently utilize batten strips for aesthetic purposes to improve the connection between two panels. We do not suggest clamp-on solutions when a separate batten strip is featured on a standing seam panel since the clamps only attach to the strip itself and will not obtain appropriate torque on the main panels, potentially causing the strips to disengage from the roof and resulting in significant and costly repairs. This panel is, however, compatible with all of our individual snow-retaining glue-down polycarbonate snow guard models, including but not limited to SnoBlox Deuce, SnoBlox Ace, Icejax II, and Snojax II. Suppose you want to allow the shedding of snow and ice from your roof in a safer, controlled manner. In that case, you can choose the SnowBreaker, which will break the snow and ice into smaller pieces and slow its release from the roof. The adhesive we recommend for this installation method is Surebond SB-190. This liquid bonding material is the industry standard for glue-down installations.

CRAFTSMAN™ SERIES - SMALL BATTEN Metal Roofing

The Craftsman™ Series is a snap-on batten roof system designed for versatility and hassle-free installation. MBCI produces the pan and batten components separately, providing design flexibility. This approach streamlines installation, particularly in challenging areas like hips, valleys, and slope transitions. The Craftsman™ Series isn't just about aesthetics; it's a water-shedding panel system suitable for roofs and mansards, provided they're installed over a waterproof solid substructure with a minimum slope of 3:12. With its design, complex building transitions become effortless, eliminating the need for intricate flashings. A single continuous pan and batten achieve seamless transitions from roof to fascia to soffit. A concealed clip ensures the batten securely locks onto the panel while accommodating expansion and contraction. The Craftsman™ Series offers a profile suitable for field curving for added convenience.

This panel has a similarly designed batten cap that is only half as high as the High Batten panel. Consequently, it presents the same challenges and incompatibility with clamp-on snow guards and rail systems as the High Batten Panel. While this panel is compatible with the same glue-down snow guard options as its larger sibling, you can only install them when mounting the panels in non-radiused configurations. These snow guards require a flat mounting surface and are incompatible with radiused panels. Suppose you plan to use this panel in a radiused installation. In that case, we recommend contacting MBCI directly and requesting guidance for their snow retention recommendations.

SLIMLINE® Metal Roofing

For residential environments seeking a chic and contemporary touch, the Slimline® roof panel system emerges as a premier choice for roofs with a minimum slope of 3:12. It is available in 16” rib spacing and 26 and 29 gauge thickness options. Exuding a streamlined and modern aesthetic, these panels blend visual allure with practicality, rendering them an ideal enhancement for diverse projects.

This panel is compatible with our clamp-on individual snow guard SnoCleat RC and RCT models and SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems. Our standard SnoBar Clamp, RoofClamp RC, and RoofClamp RCT roof clamps will work with this panel. Our glue-down individual polycarbonate snow guards are also compatible with this panel. Still, this panel does feature two different striation designs, meaning that a thicker application of adhesive may be required to ensure a weather-tight seal below the guards. Any moisture that travels below the guard can freeze and expand, causing the guard to be forced away from the panel and causing failure.

BATTENLOK® HS Metal Roofing

BattenLok® HS is a robust, field-seamed standing seam roof system engineered for superior strength and versatility. BattenLok® HS features a 2" tall vertical seam and is offered in 12 and 16-inch widths, catering to diverse project requirements with a minimum of ½:12 pitch. It is available in 22 and 24-gauge thickness options. Whether installed over purlins or bar joists, this system seamlessly transitions from roof to fascia without needing a solid substructure for support, drawing inspiration from Steelox's LRX and PRX roof panels. Moreover, BattenLok® HS presents an option for curving in the field, ensuring flexibility in design.

This panel integrates with our clamp-on individual snow guards, including the SnoCleat RC and RCT, and the clamp-on SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems. Its design accommodates our standard SnoBar Clamp, RoofClamp RC, and RoofClamp RCT roof clamp models. Moreover, our glue-down individual polycarbonate snow guards are fully compatible with this panel. It is, however, essential to note that this panel is also available in two distinct striation designs, like the Slimline panel. As a result, for optimal performance and to guarantee a weather-tight seal beneath the guards, a slightly thicker application of adhesive may also be necessary for this panel.

DOUBLE-LOK™ Metal Roofing

The Double-Lok™ roof panel finds its niche across industrial, commercial, and architectural domains, excelling particularly in Retrofit applications, where it significantly enhances energy efficiency and the lifespan of structures. MBCI offers the Double-Lok™ panel in widths of 18 inches and 24 inches. It showcases a trapezoidal leg standing seam roof system, mechanically field-seamed, with a total rib height of 3 inches and a minimum slope requirement of ¼:12. This panel is available in 22 and 24-gauge thickness options.

This panel interfaces with our clamp-on individual snow guards, such as the SnoCleat RC and RCT, along with the clamp-on SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems. Its design accommodates our standard SnoBar Clamp, RoofClamp RC, and RoofClamp RCT roof clamp models. Moreover, our adhesive-mounted individual polycarbonate snow guards are also compatible with this panel. This panel features small minor ribs in the panel flat, so it is essential to select either a guard that can mount in the center flat between those minor ribs, like the SnoBlox Deuce, or a guard that straddles one of them on either side, like the Snojax II or Icejax II.

LOKSEAM® Metal Roofing

The LokSeam® snap-together standing seam roof panels showcase a vertical rib standing at 1-3/4″ in height, designed for roofs with a minimum slope of 3:12. Available in widths of 12-inch, 16-inch, and 18-inch, LokSeam® panels offer versatility in installation. This panel is available in various thicknesses, including 22, 24, and 26 gauge. Panel gauge availability depends on the seam spacing of the panel. MBCI recommends installation over open framing or a solid substructure and transition from roof to fascia utilizing a rib cover. Notably, LokSeam® excels without necessitating a solid substructure for support.

Like many other MBCI panels, LokSeam works well with our clamp-on snow guards, rail systems, and glue-down options. A similarly striated panel requires a liberal application of adhesive to fill gaps under the guards' base.

SUPERLOK® Metal Roofing

SuperLok® is a vertically aligned, mechanically field-seamed roof system featuring a slender 2-inch tall rib and outstanding resistance against uplift forces. Offered in widths of 12 inches and 16 inches, SuperLok® stands prepared to face the most demanding weather challenges on roofs with a minimum slope of ½:12. Its installation versatility allows it to be mounted directly over purlins or bar joists without the necessity of a solid substructure for support. This panel is available in 22, 24, and 26-gauge thickness options.

Like many other MBCI panels, SuperLok® works well with our clamp-on snow guards, rail systems, and glue-down options. Continuing the theme of many MBCI roof panels, SuperLok® is also striated, requiring liberal application of adhesive to fill any gaps under the guards' base.

ULTRA-DEK® Metal Roofing

Ultra-Dek® is a snap-together, trapezoidal leg standing seam roof system that boasts Air Leakage and Water Penetration testing approvals. Available in widths of 18 inches and 24 inches with a total seam height of 3", Ultra-Dek® accommodates diverse construction needs with 22 and 24-gauge thickness options available. A minimum slope requirement of ¼:12 proves optimal for industrial, commercial, and architectural applications. Ultra-Dek® offers versatility across various construction types, ensuring adaptability to your project requirements.

Ultra-Dek is very similar to MBCI's Double-Lok panel, dimension-wise, with only a difference in the upper rib shape where the panels are seamed together. This panel can accommodate all of the same snow retention options.

Seven Considerations Before Buying and Installing Snow Guards On MBCI Standing Seam Roofing

1. Standing Seam Snow Rail Systems Should Have IceStoppers Equipped.

When utilizing the SnoBar or ColorBar snow rail systems, it's advisable to incorporate IceStopper attachments, particularly over pedestrian walkways or parking areas. This is especially true for MBCI's Ultra-Dek and Double-Lok panels, as the rib heights are significant and can otherwise allow low-lying snow and ice to creep under the bar. These IceStoppers can be affixed during the initial setup or conveniently added later as a retrofit product. For panels with seam spacing up to 17" on center, one IceStopper centered per panel. In cases where the rib spacing ranges from 18" to 24" on center, two IceStoppers should be used and evenly spaced per panel. Panels featuring seam spacing from 24" to 42" on-center necessitate three IceStoppers per panel, evenly distributed. It's important to note that only ColorBar is suitable for roof panels with seam spacing exceeding 24" on-center. We have a great blog that further explains this topic called, "5 Reasons to Add IceStoppers to Your SnoBar/ColorBar Snow Rail System".

2. Obtaining Ground Snow Load Information for Your Project Is Vital.

You can install all snow retention types for projects with ground snow load ratings of up to 45 psf. However, in areas with ground snow loads surpassing 45 psf, we stop advising the use of individual guards and recommend snow rail systems due to their more substantial holding power. Should the panel type prove incompatible with a snow rail system, we recommend contacting the metal roofing manufacturer for their recommended snow guard systems. Accessing ground snow load information is often possible through a quick web search or consulting your project's building plans. Alternatively, contacting your local building inspector or township office can provide this vital information.

3. Glue Down Snow Guards Cannot Be Installed Year Round.

You can install clamp-on snow guards and rail systems anytime, provided the roof is clear of snow, ice, and debris. However, the timing for installing glue-down snow guards requires more consideration. Surebond SB-190, the industry standard for snow guard glue, typically needs approximately 28 days at 50 degrees Fahrenheit to cure completely. For customers in the USA and Canada, late spring or early summer is the optimal time for installation. While temperatures below 50 degrees won't harm the adhesive, they will temporarily pause the curing process until the temperature rises again. Rain won't adversely affect the glue after 24 hours. As a side note, using Surebond SB-190 adhesive with copper roofing is not advisable.

4. Never Install Screw Down Rails or Mechanically Fastened Snow Guards on a Standing Seam Roof!

We strongly advise against installing screw-down, mechanically fastened snow guards or snow rails on a standing seam panel. Such installations can damage the panel over time. They may lead to roof leaks due to the roof's floating nature and thermal expansion and contraction, resulting in costly repairs and a potential loss of warranty from the panel manufacturer.

5. A Snow Retention System Is Only As Effective as Its Layout!

Regardless of the snow retention system you choose, obtaining layout recommendations from the manufacturer is crucial. We provide free spacing charts for our products online and free quote request forms for our snow rail systems and individual guards if you need a custom layout solution. Installing snow retention only in isolated areas, like just above doorways, HVAC units, or chimneys, is never advisable, as such installations are prone to high failure rates.

6. We Have Options for Color-Matching Snow Guards.

Color-matching is available for many of our snow retention options. The SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, and ColorBar Snow Rail Systems all facilitate slide-in color strips, which users can obtain with the guards or fashion from leftover roofing material. These strips match the face of the products to your roof. Our metal snow guards and rail systems can undergo custom powder coating for a more full-coverage color match. We can match any roofing shade and create custom bespoke colors when necessary. Powder coating ensures that the snow guards blend seamlessly with roofing panels, offering a clean, unobstructed aesthetic for your home, commercial, or industrial building. Please note that powder-coated products are custom-made and not stocked in-house. If customers prefer a faster solution, they can arrange for local powder coating or paint the guards upon receipt.

7. Test Fitting Snow Guards Can Help You Make the Right Choice!

Test fitting snow guards, clamps, brackets, and IceStoppers before placing your order is vital to ensuring a proper fit for your project. We offer all these products online without minimum order requirements for use as test samples. We also have bar sample kits available in 20" and 27" lengths for test fitting purposes. This small expense can save you from a significant expense if the product doesn't fit when it is time for the final install.

Conclusion

Navigating the myriad of snow guard options for your project can be daunting. Still, we hope this blog has provided valuable insights to make this choice more accessible for our customers. Watch for future posts as we delve into other roofing styles and manufacturers. Remember, when purchasing snow guards, accessibility to a knowledgeable company for inquiries and guidance is critical. SnoBlox-Snojax upholds this principle steadfastly. For questions or orders, reach out to us at support@snojax.com or 1-800-766-5291. Explore our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and What Works and What Doesn't Page for further details. We're here to support you every step of the way!