Snow Guards For Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Green American Home

“What Are the Best Snow Guards for Metal Roofs?”

Winter poses specific challenges for standing seam metal roofs, mainly due to the risk of sudden snow and ice avalanches. These unexpected slides can harm people, property, and pets below. Addressing this issue requires specialized knowledge and approaches. This article offers insights into snow retention systems compatible with Green American Home's concealed fastener standing seam roof panels. The smooth surface of metal roofs increases the likelihood of sudden snow slides, underscoring the need for effective snow retention solutions. When evaluating snow guard options, it's essential to consider factors like the roof's pitch, panel design, and local weather patterns. Our ongoing educational blog series explores major metal panel manufacturers and our range of compatible snow retention products. We regularly update our snow guard fitment database to provide readers with the most current information. By adopting this comprehensive approach, we aim to enhance the safety and performance of metal roofs during harsh winter conditions, thereby protecting both individuals and assets. These insights empower building owners and facility managers to make informed decisions about snow retention systems. Ultimately, this contributes to creating safer, more resilient structures in regions prone to severe winter weather, ensuring peace of mind for all involved.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Green American Home

Green American Home is a company that provides eco-friendly and sustainable home solutions. Their mission focuses on promoting environmentally responsible living through various products and services that enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The company emphasizes the importance of using renewable resources and sustainable materials in home construction and renovation. They offer various services, including energy audits, green building consultations, and installing energy-efficient systems. Green American Home aims to educate homeowners about the benefits of sustainable living and to help them make informed choices that contribute to a healthier planet. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their practices and the products they endorse, fostering a community of environmentally conscious consumers.

Universal Standing Seam

Universal Standing Seam is a versatile roofing system made from heavy-duty, Kynar 500®/Hylar 5000® coated G90 galvanized steel, designed for residential and light commercial use. It features 12" or 16" wide panels with a hidden fastener design, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal for decades. The system offers protection against leaks and is easy to install, with all trims and accessories produced in a quality-controlled environment. In addition to its functional benefits, Universal Standing Seam is environmentally friendly, incorporating 35% post-consumer recycled steel and 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan. Its advanced coatings help reduce energy costs by up to 25% and attic heat gain by 34%. This roofing solution aims to eliminate the need for frequent replacements, contributing to sustainability by reducing landfill waste from temporary roofing materials.

This roofing system is compatible with multiple snow retention solutions. It is particularly compatible with adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards. However, it is essential to apply the adhesive properly to avoid issues such as refreezing and detachment caused by moisture infiltration between the snow guards and the roof panel. Customers have a wide selection of options, including larger models like IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller models such as the Deuce and IceJax I. For enhanced safety during controlled snow and ice shedding, we recommend using the SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M. The panel's rib configuration suits various clamp-on snow guards, including SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar rail systems. These can be mounted using standard stainless steel SnoBar clamps or aluminum RoofClamp alternatives. Testing-fitting a clamp sample before finalizing an order for one of these systems is advisable.

Green American Home Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Standing Seam Roofs by Green American Home

Plan Installation Timing

Schedule the installation of adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards for late spring or early summer. The industry standard, Surebond SB-190 adhesive, requires about 28 days at 50°F (10°C) to cure fully, though it becomes rain-resistant within approximately 24 hours.

Assess Snow Load Capacity

Research the "ground snow load" specific to your area to inform your choice of snow retention system. While individual pad-style guards typically handle up to 45 psf, areas with significant snowfall might necessitate more durable snow rail systems. For loads exceeding 45 psf on roofs unsuitable for snow rails, consult the panel manufacturer for guidance.

Implement Non-Invasive Installation Methods

Avoid using penetrating hardware to attach snow retention systems to standing seam metal roofs, as this can damage panels and compromise weather protection. Instead, choose clamp-on or adhesive-mounted solutions to ensure compatibility and maintain your warranty.

Design a Holistic Snow Retention Plan

Create a comprehensive snow retention layout for your roof. To ensure balanced load distribution, you may need several ascending rows extending across the entire length of the affected areas. Arrange pad-style guards in staggered patterns and align snow rails in straight rows. Avoid installing systems only above specific areas to prevent overloading. Utilize our available resources, spacing guides, and quote forms to perfect your design.

Enhance Ice Management

Upgrade your SnoBar or ColorBar systems with IceStopper attachments for standing seam roofs, especially above high-traffic zones. Installers can add these during the initial installation or retrofit them later. Proper spacing is crucial to prevent ice slippage, particularly with taller seams.

Verify System Compatibility

Before installing, test sample snow guards, clamps, brackets, or IceStoppers on your specific roof type. This step is essential to avoid costly errors and ensure all components integrate seamlessly.

Integrate Aesthetics with Functionality

Ensure your snow retention system complements your roof's aesthetics. To match or contrast colors, consider customizable metal inserts for ColorBar and SnoCleat products. These can be crafted from leftover roofing materials or purchased with new systems. Alternatively, powder coating offers full coverage and precise color matching, with local options potentially providing faster turnaround times.

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax provides comprehensive assistance for snow guard installations, offering a variety of resources and personalized support to ensure optimal outcomes for clients. Our team is readily available to address any inquiries or challenges that may occur during the installation process, and we encourage customers to reach out via email at support@snojax.com or by phone at 800-766-5291 for assistance. We have developed several informational tools to enhance your understanding and improve installation success. Our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide offers crucial insights for making informed decisions, while our "What Works and What Doesn't" page provides practical advice and highlights potential obstacles, helping customers navigate the installation process more effectively. We highly recommend clients use these resources to understand our snow guard solutions thoroughly. By providing high-quality products, knowledge, and expertise, we strive to maximize the effectiveness of our solutions in real-world applications. Our commitment extends beyond product quality, encompassing extensive customer support to ensure clients have all the necessary tools and information for successful snow guard installations.

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.