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Snow Guards For Nucor Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels
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Snow Guards For Nucor Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels

Posted by Derek Gamble - SnoBlox-Snojax Specialist on Jan 8th 2025

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

Nucor Logo - Image courtesy of https://www.nucorbuildingsystems.com/

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

The winter season presents unique challenges for buildings featuring exposed fastener metal roofs, with the primary concern being the potential for sudden snow and ice slides. These smooth surfaces increase the risk of snow avalanches, which can be dangerous for people, pets, and nearby property. Experts developed specialized snow retention solutions for metal roofing to address this issue. These innovative systems feature adjustable snow guards and rail systems designed to work with various metal roof configurations and effectively manage snow buildup. When implementing these protective measures, it's crucial to consider several factors, including the roof's slope, panel configuration, and local weather patterns. Various educational resources have been made available, such as our blog posts, informative web guides, and a comprehensive list of compatible metal panel manufacturers for snow retention solutions to assist property owners in making well-informed decisions. Focusing on education and innovative approaches aims to reduce the risks associated with snow and ice accumulation, thereby creating safer environments in areas that experience heavy snowfall. These customized solutions effectively manage snow on metal roofs, offering peace of mind to property owners and enhancing safety for those in and around buildings with such roofing systems.

ColorBar system mounted on R-Panel roof using tall colorbrackets

Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Nucor

Nucor Corporation is a titan in the American steel industry, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the foremost steel producer in the United States and the leading scrap recycler in North America, Nucor has established a formidable presence in the market. The company's extensive network encompasses over 300 facilities, supported by a workforce exceeding 30,000 individuals. This robust infrastructure enables Nucor to achieve an impressive annual steel production capacity of more than 27 million tons. The corporation's product portfolio is remarkably diverse, from carbon and alloy steel to more specialized items such as steel joists, girders, and metal building systems. Additionally, Nucor operates two direct reduced iron plants, further solidifying its position in the industry. Environmental consciousness is a cornerstone of Nucor's operations, as evidenced by its utilization of electric arc furnaces. These furnaces efficiently recycle a substantial portion of scrap steel, resulting in a notable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Nucor prioritizes employee empowerment and performance-based compensation through its unique corporate ethos. This distinctive culture has become a hallmark of the company's identity. Furthermore, Nucor demonstrates a commitment to fostering education through the activities of the Nucor Foundation. By consistently embracing innovation and maintaining operational efficiency, Nucor continues to uphold its status as a front-runner in the steel industry.

R-Panel

The Nucor R-Panel is a widely used metal panel system for wall and roof construction for various building types, including commercial, industrial, and community structures. This versatile panel boasts a 36-inch wide coverage, featuring major ribs placed at 12-inch intervals with a height of 1 1/4 inches. Available in 24 and 26-gauge steel, the R-Panel creates an aesthetically pleasing, evenly shadowed appearance. The design of the R-Panel allows for easy installation by securing it through the flat sections of the panel into secondary support members. Install it over fiberglass batt or rigid board insulation in roof applications. The panel's design incorporates reinforcement between the ribs, enhancing its strength and durability. This feature makes it an attractive option for builders, contractors, and property owners seeking a reliable and adaptable building system. The R-Panel offers flexibility in finish options, with Galvalume, SP, and PVDF color coatings available for roof applications. Wall applications come in various standard colors, with custom colors available upon request. Integrating insulation with the panel system can improve a building's energy efficiency. For those seeking to incorporate natural light, translucent options are available for both wall and roof installations. Known for its durability, energy efficiency, and quick installation process, the Nucor R-Panel represents a cost-effective solution for many construction projects. Its long-standing popularity and proven performance have made it a go-to product in the construction industry for many years. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Nucor Corporation R-Panel Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

Nucor R-panel profile rendering - Image courtesy of https://www.nucorbuildingsystems.com/

The R-Panel panel system is compatible with a wide array of our models and designs to suit various customers' needs. This system encompasses everything from screw-down options like SnoBar and ColorBar rail systems to specialized solutions like SnoCleat PBR and stainless steel SnowCatcher designs. For most polycarbonate snow guards, installation using screws or adhesives is recommended, with Surebond SB-190 being the preferred adhesive due to its superior bonding qualities. However, it's crucial to note that this adhesive is unsuitable for metal pad-style guards. Proper placement is key to ensuring optimal performance of the snow guard system. Installers should follow specific guidelines for different models during installation. It's important to avoid attaching snow guards directly to the panel's high ribs, as this can compromise stability and strength. Instead, securing the snow guards through the panel's low flats into a solid underlying structure is the most effective method. This approach guarantees a robust and reliable snow retention system capable of withstanding harsh winter conditions. By adhering to these guidelines, installers can create an effective snow guard system that mitigates the potential hazards of snow and ice accumulation on roofs.

Nucor Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Exposed Fastener Roofs by Nucor

Evaluating Your Roof's Capacity to Handle Snow

Examine your roof's snow-bearing ability by referencing local climate statistics, particularly the ground snow load. This information will guide you in choosing a suitable snow retention system. Simple snow guards or screw-attached rails suffice in areas with milder snowfall (below 45psf). More substantial rail systems are necessary for regions experiencing heavier snow accumulation (exceeding 45psf).

Optimal Timing for System Installation

For adhesive-mounted snow guards in North America, aim to install them during late spring or early summer. This timing ensures proper adhesive curing, especially for products like Surebond SB-190, which need about 28 days of temperatures above 50°F. While rain isn't an issue after the first day, cold weather can hinder bonding.

Addressing Unique Roof Configurations

Curved or radiused roof panels present specific challenges for snow retention systems. Standard flat-based guards may not adhere properly to these contoured surfaces. Explore custom solutions designed for effective snow management on non-standard roof shapes.

Effective Placement Strategies

The positioning of snow guards significantly impacts their performance. Avoid concentrating guards in specific areas, leading to uneven load distribution and potential system failure. Aim for a balanced arrangement across the entire roof surface.

Harmonizing Aesthetics and Functionality

Consider the visual impact of snow retention systems on your roof's appearance. Look into customizable options that enhance your roof's look, such as color-matched inserts or powder-coated finishes. While DIY coloring is possible, professional powder coating offers better durability and visual appeal.

Ensuring Proper Attachment Methods

Secure anchoring is crucial for mechanically mounted systems. Strive to attach snow guards to a solid base, preferably using at least 1 inch of sturdy wood like plywood decking or purlins. Direct attachment to metal purlins is preferable over relying solely on the roof panel on metal roofs. Consider adhesive-mounted options if reinforcing weaker roof structures isn't feasible.

Preventing Water Infiltration

Applying silicone sealant is essential when installing screw-mounted polycarbonate snow guards. Adequate pressure ensures thorough coverage at the base and eliminates air pockets. While many metal guards and rail brackets come with waterproof gaskets, some installers add sealant around the edges for additional protection. However, this is not always necessary.

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax is dedicated to exceptional assistance for snow guard installations, emphasizing long-lasting solutions over temporary fixes. Our main goal is to ensure our customers comprehensively understand our product offerings. We achieve this by combining personalized support with various resources, giving our clients the knowledge and tools they need for successful implementation. Customers can benefit from our services through direct interaction with our support team and by using our practical guides. Our unwavering commitment to quality and practical effectiveness is at the core of our mission to deliver superior solutions, reflecting our passion for product excellence and customer satisfaction. To help clients make informed decisions, we've developed valuable resources like a Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and a "What Works and What Doesn't" page. These materials provide essential insights and practical information to simplify the decision-making process. We actively encourage customers who require assistance with their orders to contact our support team via phone or email, ensuring they receive the guidance necessary to achieve optimal 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.