Snow Guards For Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Behlen Building Systems

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Behlen Building Systems Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

It's essential to be proactive when installing snow guards and snow retention systems on "concealed fastener" or "standing seam" metal roofs. If you don't, your property, people, and pets could be at risk from avalanching roof snow and ice. The unique designs of different metal roof panels often require specialized snow guard solutions to deal with these winter weather challenges effectively. This practical guide shows you a range of snow guard options that work with Behlen's standing seam metal panels, giving you the knowledge to make an informed decision for your roof system's needs. As part of an ongoing series, these blogs will highlight top metal panel manufacturers and recommend compatible snow guard solutions. The goal is to give you the confidence and expertise to smoothly navigate this process, allowing you to make well-informed choices that protect your investment and keep your property and its occupants safe. We provide detailed information to help you select the most appropriate snow guard system. This guidance ensures optimal protection and peace of mind during the harsh winter.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Behlen Building Systems

Behlen Building Systems originated in 1936 when Walter D. Behlen established Behlen Manufacturing Company in Columbus, Nebraska. The company broke ground in 1950 by unveiling the world's first frameless "stressed skin" metal building design. This innovative approach utilized deeply corrugated steel panels that formed a complete load-bearing shell without requiring an internal framing structure. The frameless construction allowed for large, column-free interior spans, making Behlen's buildings exceptionally well-suited for agricultural and commercial applications. A pivotal moment came in 1955 during Operation Cue, a series of controlled nuclear tests in Nevada. Remarkably, a Behlen building withstood the immense 600 pounds per square foot of wind pressure generated by a 30-kiloton bomb detonated just over a mile away. This astounding demonstration of strength catapulted Behlen's building systems into widespread demand across the United States and international markets. Under Walter Behlen's visionary leadership, the company flourished into a multi-million dollar enterprise by the late 1960s, employing over 1,100 workers and maintaining a network of 500 authorized builders. While Wickes Corporation acquired Behlen Manufacturing in 1969, local management eventually repurchased the company in 1984, allowing it to reclaim its Nebraska roots. This return to its origins has enabled Behlen Building Systems to continue innovating and providing cutting-edge frameless steel building solutions to customers worldwide.

ZL-24® Standing Seam Roof System

The ZL-24® Trapezoidal Industrial Standing Seam Roof System is a patented roofing solution with exceptional performance and cost-effectiveness. This innovative system features a unique trapezoidal panel design with a coverage width of 24 inches and a rib height of 1-3/4 inches. The panels are available in standard 24-gauge or an optional heavy-duty 22-gauge thickness, allowing for customization based on project requirements and anticipated load conditions. One of the standout features of the ZL-24® system is its revolutionary seam design, which enables the roof to resist varying load zones by simply selecting the appropriate seam configuration to meet the specific uplift load for that zone. The ZL-24® system eliminates the need to change purlin spacing or use external mechanisms over the seams, resulting in lower costs for materials and installation. In terms of finishes, the ZL-24® system offers a standard Galvalume® Plus protective metallic coating and optional painted finishes. These include Kynar 500® or Hylar 5000® PVDF resin-based coatings, available in a wide range of standard colors or custom hues to suit the desired aesthetic. With its trapezoidal rib design and standing seam construction, the ZL-24® system provides superior structural strength and weather resistance, making it a durable and reliable choice for industrial and commercial buildings. The patented seam technology, combined with the ability to tailor the gauge and finish options, allows for optimized material usage and installation costs while meeting the specific requirements of each project. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Behlen Building Systems ZL-24 Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

The ZL-24® Standing Seam Roof System is an excellent option for installing glue-down polycarbonate snow guards. Proper adhesive application is crucial to prevent moisture infiltration, which could lead to refreezing and potential detachment issues. Customers have a wide range of choices, from larger options like the IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace to smaller alternatives such as the SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I, ensuring adequate snow and ice retention on their roofs. The SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M products facilitate safer snow and ice shedding by breaking the snowpack into smaller, more manageable pieces. The panel's rib shape ensures compatibility with clamp-on snow guards, including SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar systems. These systems offer flexibility in attachment options, with standard stainless steel SnoBar Clamps or aluminum RoofClamp attachment options featuring cupped tip set screws. When using glue-down polycarbonate snow guards with this panel, a thicker application of Surebond SB-190 adhesive may be necessary to compensate for the panel's striations, ensuring a secure and reliable installation.

ZL-16™ Standing Seam Roof System

The ZL-16® Standing Seam Roof System is a patented vertical leg design that offers a reliable and weather-resistant roofing solution. This system boasts a panel coverage width of 16 inches, with a seam height of 2 inches. The panels are available in 24 gauge and 22 gauge steel, with the gauge selection depending on the specific building requirements and span conditions. One of the standout features of the ZL-16® is its triple-bend seam, which provides superior resistance against leaks and wind uplift. The vertical leg design facilitates efficient seaming and accommodates thermal movement, ensuring long-lasting performance. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Behlen Building Systems ZL-16 Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Regarding finishes, the ZL-16® offers a range of options to suit different aesthetic and functional preferences. The Galvalume® Plus protective metallic coating, an aluminum-zinc alloy, is used for painted panels. At the same time, an unpainted Galvalume® Plus finish is an economical alternative. Customers can choose from a wide array of Kynar 500®/Hylar 5000® paint colors, including standard popular shades like colonial red and burnished slate and premium, energy-efficient, cool roof colors. With its customizable dimensions, steel thickness, and color options, the ZL-16® Standing Seam Roof System provides a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for metal standing seam roofing applications. The system's patented design, long-lasting finishes, and resistance to weather elements make it a reliable choice for various building projects.

The ZL-16® Standing Seam Roof System is perfect for installing adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards. Proper adhesive application is crucial to prevent moisture intrusion, which could lead to refreezing and potential detachment issues. Customers have a wide array of options to choose from, ranging from larger solutions like the IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace to smaller alternatives such as the SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I, ensuring adequate snow and ice retention on their roofs. The SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M products facilitate safer snow and ice shedding by breaking the snowpack into smaller, more manageable pieces. The panel's rib shape ensures compatibility with clamp-on snow guards, including SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar systems. These systems offer flexibility in attachment options, with standard stainless steel SnoBar Clamps or aluminum RoofClamp attachment options featuring cupped tip set screws. When using adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards with this panel, a thicker application of Surebond SB-190 adhesive may be necessary to compensate for the panel's striations, ensuring a secure and reliable installation.

Behlen Snow Guard Compatibility Chart

Snow Guard Considerations for Behlen Standing Seam Roofing

Determine Your Local Snow Load

Knowing the ground snow load for your area is crucial when selecting snow retention systems for metal roofs. While most individual guards and rails can handle ground snow loads up to 45 psf (pounds per square foot) without issues, areas with heavier snowfall may require more robust snow rail solutions. If your roof panels cannot accommodate rails and the load exceeds 45 psf, consult the panel manufacturer for their recommended approach. To find your local ground snow load, contact your building inspector or search online for "[your town] ground snow load."

Timing Matters for Adhesive-Mounted Guards

While clamps and rails are compatible with year-round installation, timing is essential for glue-down polycarbonate snow guards. The industry standard adhesive, Surebond SB-190, requires approximately 28 days at 50°F to cure fully. Plan adhesive-mounted installations for optimal results in the US and Canada for late spring or early summer. Rain should not be an issue after 24 hours. We do not recommend using SB-190 on copper roofs, as chemical reactions could accelerate corrosion.

Ensure Compatibility with Test Fittings

Before committing to a snow retention system, it's wise to test-fit any snow guards, clamps, brackets, or IceStoppers to ensure compatibility with your project. You can order samples from our website without minimum orders, and we offer 27" and 20" bar sample kits. Testing compatibility upfront can prevent costly mistakes, making it a prudent step.

Achieve a Seamless Look with Color-Matching

Our metal snow retention products can be color-matched to your roof for a clean, integrated appearance. SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, and ColorBar Snow Rail Systems use slide-in metal strips that blend the system's face with your roof color. You can purchase these strips with the system or create them from leftover roofing materials on-site. We also offer custom powder coating for our systems, which may add extra lead time and cost.

Proper Layout is Key for Peak Performance

The proper layout is crucial for optimal performance, regardless of your chosen system. We provide free advice, resources,  spacing charts, and custom quote request forms for individual snow guards and snow rail systems to assist you. An adequately installed snow retention system should span the entire roof length with multiple ascending rows to distribute weight evenly. Install individual guards in a staggered pattern and mount rails in straight lines. Avoid installing guards over isolated areas, which can overload the system and lead to failure. If using SnowBreaker, the isolated placement rules differ, but we have guidelines for that.

Consider IceStopper Attachments for Rail Systems

For SnoBar or ColorBar rail systems on standing seam roofs, we highly recommend adding IceStopper attachments—especially over walkways, entrances, and parking areas. IceStoppers can be installed during the initial setup or retrofitted later. Proper spacing is critical for effectively managing snow and ice buildup. They become even more important for seams over 1" tall since ice can slide under the bar on taller seams without IceStopper protection.

Avoid Screwing Into Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Installing screw-down snow guards or rails on standing seam metal roofs can lead to disastrous consequences. This approach risks damaging your panels due to the roof's expansion and contraction. You could end up with leaks, costly repairs, and voided warranties. Use clamp-on or adhesive-mounted systems for standing seams to ensure a secure, compatible installation.

In Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax takes pride in providing excellent customer support while selecting and installing snow guards. We encourage customers to contact our support team at support@snojax.com or 1-800-766-5291 with any questions or concerns. We also offer helpful resources like our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and "What Works and Doesn't" page to assist customers in making informed decisions and ensuring a smooth installation process.

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.