Snow Guards For Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Corten Metals

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Corten Metals Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

What Are the Best Snow Guards for Metal Roofs?

Buildings equipped with standing seam metal roofs often encounter serious issues in winter, especially the threat of snow sliding off suddenly and posing risks to people, pets, and property below. Using specialized solutions and seeking expert advice to manage these dangers is essential. This blog focuses on snow retention systems and guards made explicitly for concealed fastener roof panels, like those offered by Corten Metals. It provides helpful guidance for selecting the right snow guard solutions. In addition, the expanding compatibility database for snow guards is a useful tool for the industry. As part of an educational series, these insights highlight top metal panel manufacturers and the snow retention systems designed for their products. By sharing this information, readers are better equipped to make informed choices about snow retention, helping to enhance safety and reduce the risks associated with sliding snow and ice.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Corten Metals

Corten Roofing operates as a division of Western States Metal Roofing, focusing on producing and distributing weathering steel roofing and siding panels. The company supplies Corten steel, which is notable for developing a rusted patina that naturally protects the material from further corrosion, giving buildings a unique, rustic look while enhancing the steel's durability. Western States Metal Roofing, the parent company, was founded in 1996. It began as Western States Decking, Inc., distributing Verco metal decking products before expanding into metal roofing and siding manufacturing. Over the years, the company has become a leader in producing weathering steel panels and products that replicate the appearance of aged metal. Corten Roofing continues this tradition by offering a variety of panels suitable for both residential and commercial use, catering to architects, builders, and homeowners seeking durable and visually striking materials. Their product range includes corrugated panels, standing seam roofing, and structural components made from ASTM-grade weathering steel, such as A606-4, A588, and A847. The company can offer competitive pricing, quick shipping, and custom panel widths and lengths to suit specific project needs by purchasing Corten steel in bulk. Unlike pre-weathered products, Corten Roofing panels are delivered in their original state and develop their protective patina after installation. Corten recommends a minimum roof slope of 3:12 for optimal performance and longevity. Known for quality, competitive pricing, and knowledgeable service, Corten Roofing is a leading supplier in the weathering steel roofing and siding market.

SS675 Snaplock Panel

The SS675 Snaplock Panel, offered by Western States Metal Roofing, is a high-quality standing seam roofing solution crafted from ASTM A606-4 Corten or bare cold rolled steel. Designed for lasting performance, this panel develops a distinctive, weathered look as it ages. It starts with a matte gray finish that gradually evolves into a protective rust patina over two to three years. This patina not only shields the underlying steel from further corrosion but also varies in appearance based on the local climate and moisture, ensuring each installation has its unique character. The panel uses concealed fasteners, which create a seamless and modern appearance while accommodating natural expansion and contraction. Unlike painted metal panels that retain a consistent color, the SS675's finish changes over time in response to environmental exposure. Available in 22-gauge ASTM A606-4 Corten steel and both 22 and 24-gauge bare cold rolled steel, the panel features a rib height of 1.75 inches and a standard width of 16 inches, with custom widths from 12 to 24 inches and lengths ranging from one foot up to 52 feet to suit various design needs. Installation requires a solid substrate, high-temperature underlayment, and bead mastic at overlaps for roofing applications, with a recommended minimum roof slope of 3:12 to ensure adequate drainage. Concealed stainless steel clips and screws fasten the panels, and their brown-painted heads blend with the final patina to preserve the panel's aesthetic. Corten steel performs best in environments that alternate between wet and dry conditions, as this cycle is necessary for the patina to form properly. Corten does not recommend these panels for coastal or high-salt areas, where the patina may not develop correctly and corrosion could accelerate. Additionally, rust runoff can stain adjacent surfaces, so drainage planning is essential. The SS675 panel is widely used in residential and commercial settings for roofing, wall cladding, and architectural accents, providing the visual appeal of aged steel and robust structural integrity. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Corten Metals SS675 Snaplock Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

Because of the Corten coating on these panels, we do not recommend using adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards. Corten designed the Corten coating to patina and rust. We do not have testing data for Surebond SB-190 on this panel style and cannot guarantee its performance or outcome if you try it. These panels also contain nickel, chromium, manganese, and copper elements. Of these elements, copper is especially incompatible with adhesive, and using this glue could cause premature corrosion of the panels. The distinctive rib design of the panels does, however, support the use of clamp-on snow guards and rail systems such as SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar. Installation generally uses standard stainless steel SnoBar clamps or aluminum RoofClamp options; however, we highly recommend testing a clamp sample before placing a final order to confirm it matches the specific panel profile. Because of the coating on these panels, we recommend that our customers powder coat their snow guards before installation to avoid issues with dissimilar metals.

Corten Metals Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Standing Seam Roofs by Corten Metals

Blend Snow Retention with Roof Design

Choose snow retention systems that complement the appearance of your roof. Our metal products offer powder-coated finishes or customizable metal inserts, allowing you to match or contrast the system with your building's color scheme and architectural style.

Assess Local Snow Load Levels

Evaluate your region's typical ground snow load to determine the appropriate type of snow guard. Pad-style guards generally work for areas with snow loads up to 45 pounds per square foot, while rail systems are better suited for regions experiencing heavier snowfall.

Confirm Product Compatibility

Before committing to a system, order and test sample components to ensure a proper fit with your specific roof profile. This step helps prevent installation errors and provides seamless integration.

Design an Efficient Layout

Plan the snow guard layout to distribute weight evenly across the roof. Use staggered patterns for pad-style guards and straight lines for rail systems. Avoid placing guards only in isolated spots, as this can cause stress and lead to potential roof damage. See our spacing guidelines for more information. 

Preserve Roof Integrity

Opt for snow guards that use non-penetrating attachment methods, such as clamp-on or adhesive-mounted systems, to protect the roof's surface and maintain manufacturer warranties.

Schedule Installation Wisely

For adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards, plan installation during warmer periods—late spring or early summer is ideal. Adhesives typically require about 30 days to fully cure above 50°F, though they become rain-resistant within 24 hours.

Enhance Ice Management

In high-traffic areas or where ice buildup is a concern, consider adding ice management accessories like IceStoppers to rail systems. Proper spacing is essential to prevent ice from sliding under the rails, especially on roofs with taller seams. Following these guidelines, you can select and install snow guards that protect your property and maintain your standing seam metal roof's visual appeal and structural integrity.

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax provides comprehensive support for snow guard installations by offering direct assistance and a range of educational resources to help ensure successful projects. Our customer service team is available weekly to provide personalized help via phone or email, addressing any installation-related questions. In addition to this direct support, our company supplies helpful materials such as the Snow Guard Buyer's Guide, which offers valuable information to simplify the decision-making process, and the What Works and What Doesn't page, which highlights effective methods and common mistakes to avoid. By focusing on product quality and empowering customers with the proper knowledge and tools, SnoBlox-Snojax enables users to carry out installations confidently. Customers are encouraged to use these resources to understand snow guard systems better and prepare for their projects. This well-rounded approach reflects the company's commitment to quality, support, and delivering dependable solutions for various snow management challenges.

Do you have a metal roof from a different manufacturer?

Visit our "Snow Guard Compatibility by Roof Manufacturer" resource page for detailed information on which snow guards and snow retention systems are compatible with your metal roof.

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.