Snow Guards For Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Metal Central

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

Which snow guard solutions are suitable for Metal Central’s standing seam steel roofs?

During winter, standing seam metal roofs may suddenly shed built-up snow and ice, creating hazards for anyone, animals, or objects below.

Managing the dangers associated with roof avalanches requires the use of the right equipment and seeking expert guidance. For those considering snow guards and retention systems for concealed fastener roof panels, our straightforward and practical advice meets or exceeds individual needs. Ongoing updates, such as those found in this blog, help users find products that work with various types of roofing. Our educational content also highlights top metal panel brands and suggests the best snow retention solutions for each one. This comprehensive strategy enables readers to make well-informed choices, improving safety and helping to prevent the buildup of snow and ice.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Metal Central

Metal Central is a well-regarded regional provider of metal roofing, siding, and building systems, combining the quality of a national supplier with personalized local service. Based in Lowell, Arkansas, the company serves contractors throughout the Southeast and Midwest, offering a wide selection of metal products, including panels, building kits, gutters, trim, and other related items. Metal Central stands out by blending the manufacturing expertise of Central States Manufacturing with attentive, hands-on customer support, making it a preferred choice for residential, commercial, and agricultural construction projects. With retail locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Texas, contractors can conveniently access a wide range of products, from roof panels to complete metal building solutions. The company is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail, fast turnaround times, and contractor-oriented services, including job site delivery, material takeoffs, and in-house estimating. Whether the project is a small barn or a large warehouse, Metal Central offers both the products and expertise needed for successful construction.

Horizon-Loc Panels

The Horizon-Loc panel delivers the modern appearance of standing seam roofing at a lower cost. Designed with concealed fasteners and a straightforward snap-together installation, Horizon-Loc—also referred to as H-Loc—is Metal Central's top choice for concealed fastener roofing. It provides the streamlined look of standing seam roofing without requiring specialized mechanical seaming tools. Produced by Central States, this snap-lock panel measures 16 inches wide with a 1-inch seam height and is available in 24 and 26-gauge steel. It is installed over solid decking with an underlayment, such as 30-pound felt or a similar material, eliminating the need for hand-seaming. Skipping this step makes installation faster and more economical compared to traditional mechanically seamed panels. The panels come in AZ50 painted Galvalume or AZ55 acrylic-coated Galvalume finishes, with a variety of SMP and CentralGuard Kynar color options. Horizon-Loc panels meet UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance and UL 790 Class A fire resistance standards, as well as Texas Windstorm and Florida building codes. With a recommended minimum roof slope of 3:12, Horizon-Loc is a dependable solution for residential and light commercial buildings seeking the advantages of standing seam roofing without the added complexity or expense. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for METAL CENTRAL Horizon-Loc Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

These roofing panels are highly versatile and work well with many of our snow retention systems, especially those that use adhesive-mounted polycarbonate components. Applying the adhesive correctly is important to prevent moisture from accumulating between the snow guards and the panels. Failure to ensure proper application will result in moisture intrusion that can cause the guard to separate from the panel. The product range features larger options, such as the IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller models like the Deuce and IceJax I. For enhanced safety and more effective snow management, we recommend the SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M. The ribbed structure of these panels also supports clamp-on snow guards, including rail systems like SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar. While most installations utilize standard stainless steel SnoBar clamps or aluminum RoofClamp options, it is best to test a clamp sample first to confirm it fits your specific panel profile.

Central Span

The Central Span panel serves as a flexible metal roofing option that blends practicality with visual appeal. Its design includes a broad surface accented by subtle striations and a distinct vertical rib, giving it a classic architectural look that designers often prefer. The panel measures 16 inches in coverage width and has a rib height of 2 inches, with a 24-gauge thickness available. A key feature of this panel is its rib, finished with either a 90 or 180-degree seam. This design enhances resistance to wind uplift and helps prevent water from penetrating the roof, contributing to its durability and reliable performance in a range of weather conditions. Suitable for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, the Central Span panel is valued for its strength, long lifespan, and attractive appearance, making it a favored option for steep-slope roofing projects. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for METAL CENTRAL Central Span Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

This metal roofing panel is compatible with a variety of snow retention systems. It provides a suitable surface for attaching polycarbonate snow guards. Applying the adhesive correctly is important to prevent issues such as moisture intrusion, refreezing, or the guards coming loose. Customers have several snow guard options to choose from, including larger models like IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as more compact choices such as SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I, all designed to keep snow and ice securely on the roof. Products like SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M break up the snowpack, allowing snow and ice to shed from the roof in smaller, safer pieces. The panel's ribbed design also works well with clamp-on snow guards, such as SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar systems, giving users flexibility in how the guards are attached. Standard SnoBar Clamps are stainless steel. At the same time, RoofClamp attachments use aluminum, and all three clamp types feature cupped-tip stainless steel set screws. When installing glue-down polycarbonate snow guards on this panel, use a thicker layer of Surebond SB-190 adhesive to account for the panel's striations, helping to ensure a strong and lasting bond.

Central Snap

The Central Snap is a standing seam metal roofing panel designed for use in residential, light commercial, and architectural settings. It features a contemporary snap-lock joint that is 1 3/4 inches high, giving the panel a modern architectural appearance. One of its main benefits is the snap-together design, which removes the need for field seaming and makes installation quicker and more cost-effective. The panel comes in 24-gauge steel with coverage widths of either 16 or 18 inches. It also comes with a factory-applied sealant to provide a weather-tight and durable finish, ensuring reliable performance in a range of environmental conditions. With its combination of visual appeal, straightforward installation, and strong weather resistance, the Central Snap panel has become a favored option for a variety of metal roofing applications. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for METAL CENTRAL Central Snap Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

This metal roofing panel is well-suited for a variety of snow retention systems. It offers an ideal surface for securing polycarbonate snow guards. Ensuring the adhesive is applied correctly is important to prevent problems such as moisture intrusion, refreezing, or the guards coming loose. Customers have multiple snow guard choices, including larger options like IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller versions such as SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I, all designed to keep snow and ice in place on the roof. SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M products help snow and ice break apart into smaller pieces, making it safer as it slides off the roof. The ribbed design of the panel also works with clamp-on snow guards like SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar systems, providing flexibility in how the guards are attached. Standard SnoBar clamps are made from stainless steel and use cupped-tip stainless steel set screws, while RoofClamp attachments are aluminum but use the same type of set screw. When installing glue-down polycarbonate snow guards, use a thicker layer of Surebond SB-190 to account for the panel's striations, helping to ensure a strong and lasting installation.

Central Seam Plus

The Central Seam Plus® panel is an architectural metal roofing option tailored for commercial and industrial applications. Its design includes a mechanically seamed construction with floating clips, which makes installation both simple and long-lasting. The panel is available in coverage widths of 18 or 24 inches. It features a noticeable 3-inch seam height that gives it a unique visual character. For material selection, Central Seam Plus® comes in 24-gauge steel. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for METAL CENTRAL Central Seam Plus Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

This metal roofing panel is compatible with a variety of snow retention systems. It offers an ideal surface for attaching polycarbonate snow guards. Applying the adhesive correctly is important to prevent moisture from seeping in, as well as to avoid issues with refreezing or the guards coming loose. Customers have a broad selection of snow guard options, including larger models like IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as more compact choices such as SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I, all designed to keep snow and ice securely on the roof. Products like SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M help break up the snowpack, allowing snow and ice to slide off in smaller, safer pieces. The ribbed design of the panel also supports the use of clamp-on snow guards, including SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar systems, providing flexibility in how these guards are attached. Standard SnoBar Clamps are stainless steel. At the same time, RoofClamp attachments are aluminum, and all three clamp styles use cupped-tip stainless steel set screws for installation. When installing glue-down polycarbonate snow guards on this panel, a thicker layer of Surebond SB-190 adhesive may be required to accommodate the panel's stiffening ribs, ensuring a strong and dependable hold.

Central Loc

The Central-Loc® is a standing seam metal panel designed specifically for commercial low-slope roofing applications. Its robust and cost-effective construction features a mechanically seamed design with a seam height of 3 inches, which contributes to its strength and ability to withstand harsh weather. Made from 24 gauge steel, the panels come in coverage widths of either 18 or 24 inches. A selection of PVDF and SMP coatings in a variety of colors allows for aesthetic flexibility. The engineering of these panels also takes thermal movement into account, ensuring reliable performance over time. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for METAL CENTRAL Central Loc Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

This panel works well with a broad selection of snow retention systems. It is especially suitable for glue-down polycarbonate snow guards. Applying the adhesive correctly is important to prevent problems like moisture intrusion, refreezing, or the guards coming loose. Customers have several snow guard options to choose from, including larger models such as IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller alternatives like SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I, all designed to keep snow and ice securely on the roof. Products such as SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M help snow and ice shed more safely by breaking the snowpack into smaller pieces. The panel is also compatible with clamp-on snow guards, including systems like SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar. These snow guard systems use either stainless steel Standard SnoBar Clamps or aluminum RoofClamps, both featuring cupped-tip stainless steel set screws. When installing glue-down polycarbonate snow guards, a thicker layer of Surebond SB-190 adhesive may be needed to account for the panel's stiffening ribs, helping to ensure a secure and lasting installation.

Metal Central Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Standing Seam Roofs by Metal Central

Order product samples to confirm proper fit.

Request samples of snow retention products to check alignment with your roof’s profile. This step helps ensure a secure installation and reduces the likelihood of fitting problems. There is no minimum quantity required for sample orders.

Select snow guards that complement your roof's aesthetic.

Select snow retention devices that visually complement your roof, such as powder-coated or color-matched options. While many standard colors are available, custom finishes may require extra time to produce. DIY finishing can reduce costs and expedite delivery.

Install snow guards to distribute weight evenly.

Position snow guards so that snow and ice loads are spread uniformly across the roof surface. Use staggered arrangements for pad-style guards and straight rows for bar or rail systems. Avoid placing guards in isolated spots, as this can create structural stress. See our Spacing Guidelines for more information.

Add ice control accessories as needed.

In regions where ice accumulation is a concern, integrate ice management solutions, such as our aluminum IceStoppers, into rail or bar systems. These components help prevent ice from slipping beneath the rails, especially on roofs with taller seams.

Opt for non-penetrating installation methods.

For standing seam metal roofs, use snow retention systems that attach with clamps or adhesives, rather than fasteners such as screws or nails. This approach helps preserve your roof's warranty and reduces the risk of leaks.

Check local snow load regulations.

Before selecting a snow retention system, consult your local building department to determine the required ground snow load for your location. Pad-style guards are generally suitable for ground snow loads up to 45 pounds per square foot. At the same time, we recommend rail and bar systems for areas with heavier snowfall.

Select snow guards compatible with your roof type.

Select snow retention products tailored to your roof's style and material. Research available options and consult resources to verify that your selection will fit and function correctly.

Customize snow guards to match your unique roof design.

Standard snow guards may not perform well on curved or unusually shaped roofs. For effective snow retention and roof protection, select products engineered for these distinctive profiles. Consult your roof panel manufacturer for recommendations.

Schedule adhesive installations for optimal weather.

Plan to install adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards in late spring or early summer, when temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Most adhesives require about 30 days to cure fully, though they typically become water-resistant within a few days.

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax supports customers through every step of the snow guard installation process by offering tailored guidance and educational materials. Customers can contact us by phone or email to receive personalized support tailored to their unique installation requirements. Alongside this direct assistance, users can take advantage of resources such as the Snow Guard Buyer's Guide, which makes it easier to choose the right product. Our website also features a Best Practices section that highlights common mistakes to avoid. By delivering straightforward instructions and dependable products, SnoBlox-Snojax enables customers to approach their installations with confidence. This approach reflects our company's commitment to providing exceptional support and effective snow retention solutions.

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.