Snow Guards For Rok-Bilt Steel Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Rok-Bilt Steel Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

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

Winter brings unique challenges to buildings with exposed fastener metal roofs, particularly the risk of sudden snow and ice slides. The smooth surface of these roofs increases the likelihood of snow avalanches, which can pose a significant threat to people, pets, and nearby property. We have developed specialized snow retention solutions specifically designed for metal roofing to address this issue. These innovative systems incorporate adjustable snow guards and rail systems engineered to accommodate various metal roof designs and effectively manage snow accumulation. When implementing these protective measures, it's essential to consider several factors, including the roof's slope, panel configuration, and local weather patterns. Various educational resources are available to assist property owners in making informed decisions, such as blog posts, informative web pages, and a comprehensive list of compatible metal panel manufacturers for snow retention solutions. Focusing on education and innovative approaches aims to mitigate the risks associated with snow and ice buildup, creating safer environments in regions that experience heavy snowfall. These tailored solutions offer effective ways to manage snow on metal roofs, providing peace of mind for property owners and enhancing safety for those in and around buildings with such roofing systems.

Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Rok-Bilt Steel

Rok-Bilt Steel, a veteran-owned company based in Broussard, Louisiana, has established itself as a leader in the metal-building industry over the past five decades. The founder's extensive experience, spanning all 50 U.S. states and numerous countries, has contributed to the company's expertise in designing and providing pre-engineered metal building kits. Rok-Bilt Steel offers high-quality, customized solutions for various projects, from small agricultural buildings to expansive industrial facilities. The company demonstrates its commitment to excellence through a manufacturing process that adheres to rigorous industry standards. Rok-Bilt Steel's facilities have obtained IAS 472 accreditation, and their products meet the criteria set by respected organizations in the field. Additionally, the company ensures compliance with national and local building codes by following guidelines from various industry associations. A key aspect of Rok-Bilt Steel's success is its unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. The company provides personalized attention and guidance to all clients, regardless of project size or client type. This customer-centric approach, combined with their ability to create tailored buildings for various sectors, has cemented Rok-Bilt Steel's position as a trusted name in the metal construction industry.

PBR

The PBR metal panel, or the R panel, has gained widespread popularity across various architectural, agricultural, commercial, and industrial sectors. This versatile panel system offers a robust alternative to conventional materials for siding and roofing applications. You can customize the R Panel profile to meet specific project needs by choosing from various coatings, colors, purlin-bearing legs, and substrates. Its flexible design allows vertical and horizontal installation, adapting effortlessly to diverse building requirements. The PBR panel features a 36-inch coverage width with prominent ribs standing 1-1/4 inches tall, 12 inches apart, and complemented by two smaller ribs in between. This through-fastened panel system can be directly installed over purlins or joists, streamlining the construction process. With a minimum pitch requirement of 1/2:12 and available in 22, 24, and 26 gauge thicknesses, the PBR panel offers durability and versatility for various architectural and industrial applications. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Rok-Bilt Steel Screw Down PBR Metal Roofing Panels.

The PBR panel system offers a comprehensive and adaptable approach to snow guard installation, accommodating a wide range of models and designs. This versatile system includes various options, from screw-down solutions like SnoBar and ColorBar rail systems to specialized alternatives like SnoCleat PBR and stainless steel SnowCatcher designs. We recommend that you install most polycarbonate snow guards using screws or adhesives. We prefer Surebond SB-190 for its exceptional bonding properties. However, it's important to note that this particular adhesive is unsuitable for metal pad-style guards. Proper placement is essential for optimal performance, and different models have specific guidelines to follow. Installers should avoid attaching snow guards directly to the panel's high ribs to ensure maximum stability and strength. Instead, the most effective method is to secure the snow guards through the panel's low flats into a solid underlying structure. This approach ensures a robust and reliable snow retention system that withstands harsh winter conditions. By following these guidelines, installers can create an effective snow guard system that protects against the potential hazards of snow and ice accumulation on roofs.

Rok-Bilt Steel Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Exposed Fastener Roofs by Rok-Bilt Steel

Assessing Your Roof's Snow-Bearing Capacity

Begin by scrutinizing your roof's ability to withstand snow loads. Consult local climate data, often called the ground snow load, to inform your selection of an appropriate snow retention system. Basic barriers or screw-fastened rails may be adequate in areas with light to moderate snowfall (under 45psf). Regions experiencing heavier snowfall (above 45psf) will require more robust rail systems.

Timing Your Installation for Optimal Results

For North American installations using adhesive-mounted snow guards, target the late spring or early summer months. This timing ensures proper bonding of adhesives such as Surebond SB-190, which requires approximately 28 days of temperatures exceeding 50°F. While rainfall isn't problematic after 24 hours, cold temperatures can impede curing.

Tackling Challenges of Non-Standard Roof Shapes

Roofs with curved or radiused panels pose unique difficulties for snow retention systems. Traditional flat-based guards may not attach effectively to these contoured surfaces. Investigate specialized solutions to ensure efficient snow management on non-planar roofs.

Strategic Placement for Maximum Effectiveness

The location of snow guards is critical to their effectiveness. Avoid clustering guards in isolated areas, leading to localized overloading and potential system breakdown. Strive for a uniform distribution across the entire roof surface. Se our spacing guidelines page for more information. 

Balancing Form and Function

Consider the visual impact of snow retention systems on your roof's appearance. Explore customizable options that complement your roof's aesthetic, such as color-coordinated inserts or powder-coated finishes. While DIY coloring methods exist, professional powder coating typically offers superior longevity and visual appeal.

Ensuring Secure Attachment

Proper anchoring is essential for mechanically mounted systems. Aim to attach snow guards to a robust substrate, ideally using at least 1 inch of solid wood such as plywood decking or purlins. Direct attachment to metal purlins is preferable to relying solely on the roof panel on metal roofs. Consider adhesive-mounted alternatives if reinforcing weaker roof structures isn't feasible.

Safeguarding Against Water Ingress

Applying silicone sealant is crucial when installing screw-mounted polycarbonate snow guards. Adequate pressure ensures complete coverage at the base and eliminates air pockets. While many metal guards and rail brackets include waterproof gaskets, some installers apply additional sealant around the edges for extra protection. However, this may not always be 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.