Snow Guards For Premier Metals Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels

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

In winter, buildings with exposed fastener metal roofs face significant challenges, particularly the risk of sudden snow and ice slides. The smooth surfaces of these roofs increase the likelihood of snow avalanches, posing a threat to people, pets, and nearby property. We have developed specialized snow retention solutions for metal roofing to address this issue. Our innovative systems, which include adjustable snow guards and rail systems, are designed to fit various metal roof styles, effectively managing snow buildup and providing customized solutions for different structures. When implementing these protective measures, it's important to consider factors such as the roof's pitch, panel configuration, and local climate conditions. We offer a range of educational resources to help property owners make informed decisions. These resources include blog posts, informative web pages, and a comprehensive list of compatible metal panel manufacturers for snow retention solutions. By emphasizing education and innovative strategies, we aim to mitigate the risks associated with snow and ice accumulation, promoting safer environments in areas with heavy snowfall.

Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Premier Metals

Premier Metals has established itself as a leading manufacturer of high-quality metal roofing and siding solutions in Ohio. With three strategically located facilities across the state, the company has become a preferred choice for residential and commercial roofing projects. Their product lineup includes standing seam metal roofing, architectural panels, and metal siding, serving a wide range of customers from contractors to homeowners and architects. The company demonstrates its dedication to excellence through a meticulous manufacturing process that uses carefully chosen materials to create long-lasting and durable products. Premier Metals takes pride in maintaining high consistency, quality, and efficiency standards, with most orders fulfilled within 48 hours. Their in-house production capabilities and a dedicated fleet of delivery trucks ensure prompt and reliable delivery directly to construction sites. Beyond their core offerings, Premier Metals provides post-frame building packages and innovative metal visualizer tools, enabling customers and contractors to conceptualize their projects easily. With an impressive track record and a loyal customer base of over 1,000 contractors and homeowners, Premier Metals continues to strengthen its position as a trusted name in the metal roofing and siding industry throughout the Midwest region.

Premier Rib

The Premier Rib panel, offered by Premier Metals, is a versatile product for dual purposes as roofing and siding material. This adaptable panel features a 36-inch width and can be tailored to lengths up to 46 feet, accommodating a wide range of project requirements. This panel features major ribs that are 9 inches on-center. The panel is available in 28 or 26-gauge thicknesses and provides flexibility for various applications. Its low-profile design with exposed fasteners makes it suitable for diverse architectural styles. The designers crafted the Premier Rib panel using carefully selected materials and high-quality coatings to ensure durability and longevity. These factors make it an excellent choice for residential and commercial projects, balancing functionality and visual appeal. The panel comes with WeatherXL coating, which enhances its resistance to UV rays and helps maintain its appearance by minimizing color fading over time. As a key component of Premier Metals' specialized lineup of metal roofing and siding materials, the Premier Rib panel represents a sound long-term investment for those seeking a dependable and customizable building solution. Its versatility, durability, and aesthetic options make it popular among builders and property owners looking for high-quality metal panels. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Premier Metals Premier Rib Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

This versatile panel is compatible with our snow retention solutions, catering to different installation needs and material preferences. Install products like SnoBlox Deuce and SnowBreaker models between the smaller ribs for polycarbonate applications. Metal alternatives include screw-mounted options such as the SnoCleat PBR and various SnowCatcher designs, best placed in the panel's flat central area. Additional choices for spanning minor ribs in the 9-inch sections include the Snojax I, which requires mechanical fasteners, and the Icejax I, which supports both adhesive and screw mounting. Customers can enhance this panel to create a comprehensive snow management system by combining tall color brackets and appropriate fasteners with aluminum ColorBar or galvanized SnoBar snow rail systems. This integrated approach provides a robust and effective solution for managing snow accumulation, ensuring dependable performance across various weather conditions and environments.

Legacy Rib

The Legacy Rib, a versatile metal panel offered by Premier Metals, serves dual purposes as a roofing and siding solution. This adaptable product spans 35.25 inches in width and comes in lengths reaching 46 feet. Consumers can select either 28 or 26-gauge thickness, allowing for tailored specifications based on project requirements. The ribs of this panel are 11.75 inches apart and 1.5 inches tall. Crafted with longevity in mind, this panel incorporates premium materials and protective finishes to ensure lasting durability. Premier Metals offers an array of color choices for the Legacy Rib, including WeatherXL and WeatherXL Textured options. These specialized finishes combat UV damage and color fading, preserving the panel's aesthetic appeal over time. Beyond its primary exterior applications, the Legacy Rib demonstrates further versatility by doubling as an interior liner material, making it a flexible choice for various construction endeavors. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Premier Metals Legacy Rib Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

The versatility of this panel for snow guard installation is remarkable, addressing a wide range of project needs. It's compatible with various snow guard types, from screw-fastened rail systems to specialized stainless steel SnowCatchers. Most polycarbonate snow guards can be adhered to or screwed down, except for Snojax I, which requires screwing. When attaching it with adhesive, a much heavier glue coating may be necessary to fill gaps below the guards caused by this panel's striated pattern. It's crucial to avoid attaching guards or rails directly to the panel's high ribs. Instead, mount them through the panel's low, flat areas into solid underlying structures for maximum stability. Surebond SB-190 is the industry standard when using adhesive for polycarbonate models, though it's unsuitable for metal pad-style guards. Adhering to these guidelines ensures effective, long-lasting snow guard installation on these adaptable panels, providing reliable protection against snow and ice buildup.

3/4 Inch Corrugated

Premier Metals' 3/4" Corrugated Panel is a versatile option for roofing and siding, blending seamlessly with modern and traditional architectural designs. Its exposed fastening system simplifies installation, appealing to professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. This panel's ribs are 2.625 inches apart, similar to most panels. With a generous 32-inch coverage width, this panel allows for quick installation over large areas. Manufacturing panels up to 46 feet long provides flexibility for various project sizes and minimizes seams. Crafted from 28 gauge material, the panel offers a perfect balance of durability and lightweight construction, ensuring long-lasting performance without excessive structural burden. This corrugated panel combines aesthetic appeal with practical functionality and is suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Its robust design and versatility make it an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and attractive metal roofing or siding solution. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Premier Metals 3/4 Inch Corrugated Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

The 3/4" Corrugated Panel stands out from conventional exposed fastener roofing due to its distinctive wavy corrugated design. This unique feature allows for an unconventional approach to snow guard installation, permitting mounting on the panel's high ribs, which is typically not recommended. This panel offers multiple compatible options for customers needing snow retention systems. The newly introduced SnoCleat 2.67 snow guards can be securely fastened to the panel's high ribs using 3-inch screws. As alternatives, the SnoBar and ColorBar systems are available, utilizing the ColorBracket 2.67, also used with the SnoCleat 2.67. Each ColorBracket 2.67 is equipped with six attachment points, providing installation flexibility. While four screws per bracket are generally sufficient, you can use all six for added stability, particularly in areas prone to severe weather conditions.

Regent Rib (R-Panel)

The Regent, also known as R-Panel or PBR panel, is a versatile metal panel solution offered by Premier Metals for both roofing and siding applications. This robust panel is ideal for wood or steel-framed structures and features an exposed fastener system for easy installation. With its generous 36-inch coverage width and ability to span up to 46 feet in length, the R-Panel provides extensive coverage options for various projects. Crafted from 26 gauge steel, the R-Panel balances strength and workability, making it suitable for different construction needs. The panel's design incorporates raised ribs 12 inches apart, enhancing its structural integrity and adding to its visual appeal. Premier Metals offers the R-Panel in 22 colors, allowing customization to suit various aesthetic preferences. One of the standout features of the R-Panel is its impressive 40-year warranty, which underscores its durability and longevity. This long-term guarantee makes it an attractive option for residential and commercial projects where long-lasting performance is crucial. The exposed fastener design of the R-Panel contributes to its popularity among professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike, as it simplifies the installation process. This combination of durability, versatility, ease of use, and aesthetic options has made the Regent (R-Panel) a go-to choice for various construction projects. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Premier Metals Regent Rib Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

This panel's design offers exceptional adaptability for snow guard installation, meeting diverse project specifications. It supports a range of snow guard options, including screw-mounted rail systems and custom-designed stainless steel SnowCatchers. While most polycarbonate snow guards allow for either adhesive or screw-down installation, the Snojax I model specifically requires screw mounting. Installers should position smaller guards between the minor ribs at the panel's center for best performance. However, specific models such as Snojax II and Icejax II demand off-center placement, consistently aligning with the left or right minor ribs. It's essential to avoid attaching guards or rails directly to the panel's high ribs. Instead, mount them through the panel's low, flat areas into a solid substrate for optimal strength and stability. We recommend using Surebond SB-190 adhesive on polycarbonate models. However, this isn't suitable for metal pad-style guards. Following these guidelines, installers can ensure effective and durable snow guard placement on these versatile panels, providing reliable protection against snow and ice accumulation.

Premier Metals Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Exposed Fastener Roofs by Premier Metals

Assessing Snow Load Capacity

Before choosing a snow retention system, evaluate your roof's ability to handle snow loads. Consult local weather data or "ground snow load" statistics to guide your decision. Individual guards or screw-down rails may be sufficient for areas with ground snow loads up to 45 PSF. However, regions experiencing heavier snowfall require more robust rail systems.

Timing Is Key

In North America, late spring or early summer is typically the best installation period for adhesive-mounted snow guards. This period allows the adhesive, usually Surebond SB-190, to cure properly, requiring about 30 days at temperatures above 50°F. While rain won't affect the adhesive after 24 hours, low temperatures can impede curing.

Curved Roof Challenges

Curved or radiused roof panels pose unique challenges for snow retention. Pad-style guards, which need flat surfaces for adequate adhesion, are unsuitable for these roofs. Seek alternative solutions to ensure effective snow retention on curved surfaces.

Strategic Placement

The effectiveness of snow guards heavily relies on their positioning. Refrain from concentrating guards only in isolated areas, like above doorways or walkways, which can lead to overloading and potential system failures. Instead, aim for an even distribution to ensure optimal performance. Use our Snow Guard Spacing Guides for reference. 

Aesthetic Considerations

When integrating snow guards into your roof design, consider aesthetics. Look for customizable options such as color-matched inserts or powder-coated finishes to harmonize with your overall roofing design. While DIY options offer quick solutions, professional powder coating typically provides superior quality and longevity.

Secure Mounting Practices

Proper attachment is crucial for mechanically mounted systems. Secure snow guards to a solid substrate, preferably using at least one inch of durable wood like plywood decking or purlins. Attaching guards directly to metal purlins on metal roofs is preferable to relying solely on the roof panel. Consider adhesive-mounted guards if reinforcing weaker roofs isn't feasible.

Leak Prevention Techniques

Proper application of silicone sealant is essential when installing screw-mounted polycarbonate snow guards. Apply adequate pressure to ensure complete coverage at the base and eliminate air pockets. While many metal guards and rail brackets come with waterproof gaskets, some installers add sealant around the edges for extra protection. However, this may only sometimes be necessary.

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax takes pride in offering outstanding support for snow guard installations, focusing on durable solutions rather than quick fixes. Our primary objective is to ensure our clients fully grasp our product range. We skillfully blend individualized support with various resources, equipping customers with the necessary knowledge and tools for effective implementation. Clients can take advantage of our offerings through direct communication with our support team and by utilizing our practical guides. Our steadfast dedication to quality and practical effectiveness underscores our commitment to delivering top-tier solutions, reflecting our passion for product excellence and customer satisfaction. We've created valuable resources such as a Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and a "What Works and What Doesn't" page to aid clients in making well-informed decisions. These materials offer crucial insights and practical information to facilitate the decision-making process. We actively encourage customers who need help with their orders to contact our support team via 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.