Snow Guards For Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Central States Manufacturing

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Central States Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

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

Protecting your property, loved ones, and pets from the risks of sliding snow and ice is vital when you've got a standing seam metal roof. These roofs often need specialized snow retention solutions to handle the challenges of harsh winter weather. This guide covers various snow guard options that work with Central States' standing seam metal roofs, helping you choose the right fit for your roof system. As part of an ongoing series, we'll highlight top metal panel manufacturers and recommend compatible snow guard solutions. We aim to give you the confidence and know-how to navigate this process smoothly so you can make well-informed choices that protect your investment and keep everyone safe. We provide detailed information to help you select the most appropriate snow guard system, ensuring optimal protection and peace of mind during those brutal winter months.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Central States Manufacturing

From humble beginnings, Carl Carpenter established Central States Manufacturing in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1988. What started as a modest plant producing metal roofing and siding panels for wood-frame structures would soon experience substantial growth and expansion. By 1990, just two years after opening, the company had already outgrown its original facility in Rogers. Central States relocated to a larger manufacturing plant in the nearby city of Lowell to accommodate increasing demand. An innovative move in 1991 transitioned the company to an employee-owned model through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving workers a stake. Over the next decade, Central States aggressively grew its footprint. New plants opened in Indiana, Texas, and Alabama. Revenues skyrocketed 82% in the five years leading up to 2007 as metal building products gained widespread acceptance. Investments in advanced technologies like improved painting systems, cool roof coatings, and floating roof panel designs drove this success. By 2013, the company's workforce had swelled to over 850 employees, spanning multiple locations across the United States, including a new facility in Hartford, South Dakota. Central States transformed from a small local startup into a major industry player through consistent expansion, manufacturing innovations, and capitalizing on rising metal construction demand.

Horizon-Loc™ (H-Loc®)

The Horizon-Loc is an innovative concealed-fastener panel system for metal roofing and siding applications. Its ingenious snap-together interlocking mechanism and hidden fasteners offer unparalleled weather protection by preventing water infiltration and leaks. This cutting-edge panel system boasts a streamlined installation process that significantly reduces labor costs and installation time compared to traditional standing seams. Crafted from high-quality steel, the Horizon-Loc panels are available in 26 gauge steel with a 16" seam spacing that ensures durability and longevity. The concealed fasteners and interlocking design not only enhance weather resistance but also create a sleek, seamless appearance for metal roofs and siding, elevating the overall visual appeal of any building. The Horizon-Loc panel system is well-suited for residential roofing and light commercial applications installed over solid decking. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Horizon-Loc (H-Loc) Metal Roofing.

This versatile metal roofing panel accommodates a wide range of snow retention solutions. It offers an excellent surface for installing polycarbonate snow guards, ensuring a secure and reliable installation. Proper adhesive application is crucial to preventing moisture intrusion and subsequent issues like refreezing or detachment. Customers can choose from various snow guard options, from larger solutions like the IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace to smaller alternatives such as the SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I, effectively retaining snow and ice on their roofs. Additionally, the SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M products facilitate safer snow and ice shedding by breaking the snowpack into smaller, more manageable chunks. The panel's ribs ensure compatibility with clamp-on snow guards, including SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar systems, offering flexibility in attachment options. Standard SnoBar Clamps are made from stainless steel, while RoofClamp attachments are aluminum with cupped-tip stainless steel 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.

Central Span™

The Central Span panel is a versatile metal roofing solution that combines functionality and aesthetic appeal. This panel features a wide surface with subtle striations, complemented by a prominent vertical rib, creating a traditional architectural profile many designers favor. In terms of dimensions, the Central Span panel features a coverage width of 16 inches and a rib height of 2 inches, with an available 24 gauge panel thickness. One of the standout features of the Central Span panel is its rib design, which incorporates a 90 or 180-degree seam. This profile provides exceptional resistance against wind uplift. It prevents water infiltration, ensuring long-lasting performance and durability in various weather conditions. Whether for commercial, industrial, or residential projects, the Central Span panel offers a compelling combination of strength, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. It is a popular choice for steep-slope roofing applications across diverse building types. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Central Span Metal Roofing.

This metal roofing panel works well with various snow retention solutions, providing an excellent surface for adhering polycarbonate snow guards. Proper adhesive application prevents moisture intrusion, refreezing, or detachment issues. Customers can choose from several snow guard options, ranging from larger solutions like IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace to smaller alternatives such as SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I, effectively retaining snow and ice 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 ribs are compatible with clamp-on snow guards, including SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar systems, offering flexibility in attachment options. Standard SnoBar Clamps are made from stainless steel, while RoofClamp attachments are aluminum. All three clamp styles utilize cupped-tip stainless steel 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.

Central Snap®

The Central Snap is a standing seam metal roofing solution for residential, light commercial, and architectural applications. This panel features a modern 1 3/4" high snap-lock joint, lending it an architectural aesthetic appeal. One of the key advantages of the Central Snap panel is its snap-together design, which eliminates the need for field seaming. This feature streamlines the installation process, reducing labor costs and enhancing efficiency. Available in 24-gauge steel with 16" or 18" coverage widths, the panel incorporates factory-applied sealant to ensure a weather-tight and durable installation, capable of withstanding various environmental conditions. Combining an attractive architectural look with ease of installation and weather-resistant performance, the Central Snap panel has emerged as a popular choice for metal roofing projects across various sectors. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Central Snap Metal Roofing.

This metal roofing panel accommodates various snow retention solutions. It provides an excellent surface for attaching polycarbonate snow guards. Proper adhesive application prevents moisture intrusion, refreezing, and detachment issues. Customers can choose from a range of snow guard options, including larger solutions like IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller alternatives such as SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I, effectively retaining snow and ice 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 designs ensure compatibility with clamp-on snow guards, such as SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar systems, offering flexibility in attachment options. Standard SnoBar clamps are stainless steel with stainless steel cupped-tip set screws. The RoofClamp attachments are aluminum with the same cupped-tip stainless steel 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.

Central Seam Plus®

The Central Seam Plus® panel is an architectural metal panel designed specifically for commercial and industrial roofing projects. This versatile panel features a mechanically seamed construction incorporating floating clips that facilitate a straightforward and durable installation process. Offered in coverage widths of 18 and 24 inches, the Central Seam Plus® panel features a prominent 3-inch seam height, lending it a distinctive aesthetic appeal. Regarding material options, Central Seam Plus® is available in 24-gauge steel. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Central Seam Plus Metal Roofing.

This metal roofing panel works with various snow retention solutions, providing an excellent surface for adhering polycarbonate snow guards. Proper adhesive application prevents moisture intrusion, refreezing, or detachment issues. Customers can choose from a wide range of snow guard options, including larger solutions like IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller alternatives such as SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I, to effectively retain the snow and ice on their roofs. The SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M products facilitate safer snow and ice shedding by breaking the snowpack into smaller, safer chunks. The panel's rib design ensures compatibility with clamp-on snow guards, such as SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar systems, offering flexibility in attachment options. Standard SnoBar Clamps are made from stainless steel, while RoofClamp attachments are aluminum. These three available clamps use cupped-tip stainless steel set screws for installation. 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 stiffening ribs, ensuring a secure and reliable installation.

Central-Loc®

The Central-Loc® is a standing seam panel tailored for commercial low-slope roofing projects. This durable and economical metal roofing system boasts a mechanically seamed design with a 3-inch-tall seam, enhancing structural integrity and weather resistance. The 24 gauge steel panels are available in coverage widths of 18 or 24 inches. A wide array of PVDF and SMP coatings in various colors allows for aesthetic customization. The panels incorporate precise engineering to accommodate thermal movement. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Central-Loc Metal Roofing.

This panel is compatible with a wide range of snow retention solutions. It is perfect for glue-down polycarbonate snow guards. Proper adhesive application prevents moisture intrusion, refreezing, and detachment issues. Customers can choose from various snow guard options, including larger solutions like IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller alternatives such as SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I, to effectively retain snow and ice on their roof. The SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M products also facilitate safer snow and ice shedding by breaking the snowpack into smaller, safer pieces.

Additionally, this panel is compatible with clamp-on snow guards, such as SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar systems. The snow guard systems feature Standard SnoBar Clamps, made from stainless steel or aluminum RoofClamps. The options come with the same cupped-tip stainless steel 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 stiffening ribs, ensuring a secure and reliable installation.

Central States Snow Guard Compatibility Chart

Ensuring Optimal Snow Guard Performance on Central States' Standing Seam Roofs

Expert Color Matching

We can match the color of our metal snow retention systems with the color of your roof to create a cohesive, visually appealing appearance. The SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, and ColorBar Snow Rail System feature interchangeable metal strips that can be matched to your roof's hue, creating a unified look. Customers sometimes use this as a chance to choose a contrasting color to add further visual interest to their roof. You can purchase these strips with the system or craft them on-site using leftover roofing materials. We also offer custom powder coating services, which can blend the system with your roof's color, albeit with the potential for additional lead time and costs.

Compatibility Testing Prevents Costly Mistakes

Before committing to a snow retention system, testing the compatibility of any snow guards, clamps, brackets, or IceStoppers with your project is crucial. Our website allows you to order samples without minimum requirements, including 20" and 27" bar sample kits. This proactive step ensures a proper fit and prevents costly errors.

Optimal Timing for Adhesive-Mounted Guards

While clamp-on snow guards and rails can be installed year-round, adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards require careful timing. The industry-standard adhesive, Surebond SB-190, requires approximately 28 days at 50°F to cure fully. Plan adhesive installations during late spring or early summer for optimal results in the U.S. and Canada. After 24 hours, rain should not pose an issue. We do not recommend using SB-190 on copper roofs due to potential premature corrosion caused by chemical reactions.

Proper Layouts Ensure Effective Performance

The performance of any snow retention system hinges on its layout. Our website offers complimentary guidance, resources, spacing charts, and custom quote request forms. An optimal system should span the entire roof, typically with multiple ascending rows, to evenly distribute weight. Install individual guards in a staggered pattern and mount rails in straight lines. Avoid isolated installations, which can overload the system and lead to failure. If using SnowBreaker, which has different rules for isolated placement, follow our specific installation guidelines.

Consider IceStopper Attachments for Enhanced Protection

For SnoBar or ColorBar rail systems on standing seam roofs, we highly recommend adding IceStopper attachments, especially over walkways, entrances, and parking areas. Install IceStopper attachments initially or retrofit them later. Proper spacing is critical for effectively managing snow and ice buildup. It becomes even more important for seams over 1" tall, as ice can slide under the bar without IceStopper protection.

Know Your Local Snow Load

Knowing your area's ground snow load is crucial when selecting snow retention systems for metal roofs. While most snow retention systems can easily handle up to 45 psf (pounds per square foot) snow loads without issues, heavier snowfall areas require the exclusive use of our more robust snow rail solutions. If your roof panels cannot accommodate rails and the load exceeds 45 psf, consult the manufacturer for their recommended approach. Contact your building inspector or search online for "[your town] ground snow load" to obtain this information about your project.

Avoid Screwing Into Standing Seam Metal Roofs

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

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax prioritizes delivering an exceptional experience as you choose and install your snow guards. Our knowledgeable support team is always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns. Feel free to contact us via email at support@snojax.com or by calling 1-800-766-5291. We have curated valuable resources to empower our customers, including our comprehensive Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and the insightful "What Works and Doesn't" page. These resources provide the necessary information to make informed decisions and ensure 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.