Snow Guards For Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Metl-Span

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Metl-Span Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

Which snow guard solutions are suitable for Metl-Span’s standing seam steel roofs?

In winter, standing seam metal roofs can abruptly release accumulated snow and ice, posing dangers to people, pets, or objects beneath.

Addressing the risks linked to roof avalanches involves using proper equipment and consulting knowledgeable professionals. For individuals exploring snow guards and retention systems designed for concealed fastener roof panels, the guidance provided is both clear and effective, aiming to meet a range of specific needs. Regularly updated information, such as that shared in this blog, helps users identify compatible products for various roof types. This content also features leading metal panel brands and recommends suitable snow retention options for each. This well-rounded approach enables our readers to make informed decisions, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the accumulation of snow and ice.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels by Metl-Span

Metl-Span has been a prominent name in the insulated metal panel industry since its founding in 1968. For over fifty years, this company has built a strong reputation through continuous innovation in the research, design, manufacturing, and sales of high-quality insulated metal panels and related building materials. In 2021, Metl-Span became part of Metl-Span Corporation after acquiring the insulated panels division of Cornerstone Building Brands, which included both Metl-Span and Centria. This acquisition led to the formation of the Insulated Panel Group. It expanded the company's product line with the addition of TrueCore. Today, Metl-Span stands as a leading manufacturer in North America, specializing in insulated metal panels for commercial and industrial applications. Their focus on quality and innovation has positioned them as a trusted provider of high-performance building envelope solutions. Operating from eight manufacturing facilities across the United States and Canada, Metl-Span continues to serve its customers with efficiency and dedication. Their diverse product offerings, such as the CFR Insulated Metal Panels, are renowned for their excellent insulation and energy-saving properties, making them a preferred choice in a wide range of construction projects.

CFR Insulated Panels

The CFR panel from Metl-Span is a high-performance insulated metal roof panel featuring a standing seam design. It integrates interior and exterior steel faces with a foamed-in-place polyurethane core that is free from ozone-depleting substances. Its exterior surface includes embossed planks with a 2-inch high standing seam in a Mesa profile, making it suitable for low-slope roofs with pitches as shallow as ½:12. To streamline installation, the panels come with factory-cut notching, swagged ends, and pre-installed backer plates at endlaps, eliminating the need for special fastener pre-drilling. The standing seam construction enhances weather resistance and helps maintain a secure, watertight seal. This panel is ideal for projects that require controlled environments, such as coolers, freezers, food processing facilities, and dry goods warehouses, due to its excellent thermal insulation and long-term durability. Available in widths of 36 or 42 inches and thicknesses ranging from 2 to 6 inches, the panels can span standard lengths from 9 feet 6 inches to 53 feet, with custom options available. The outer face is either 24 or 22-gauge galvanized or aluminum-zinc-coated steel. At the same time, the interior utilizes gauges ranging from 26 to 22. Thermal performance varies with panel thickness; for example, a 2-inch-thick panel provides an R-value of 17.5, while a 6-inch panel offers an R-value of 52.5. The design features a mechanically seamed, concealed clip joint on the exterior and a tongue-and-groove interlock on the interior. The panel meets rigorous standards for fire ratings, uplift resistance, air and water infiltration, and complies with certification requirements for various U.S. and Canadian codes and approvals. Its combination of energy efficiency, weather resistance, and ease of installation makes the CFR panel well-suited for demanding commercial and industrial roofing applications. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Metl-Span CFR Insulated Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels.

This roofing panel supports a variety of snow retention systems, with particular emphasis on compatibility with adhesive-mounted polycarbonate snow guards. Proper adhesive application is essential to ensure the snow guards remain secure and avoid issues caused by moisture or refreezing. Due to the panel's stamped surface, which lacks a smooth version, a heavier adhesive application is typically necessary. Several snow guard options are available to suit different needs, including larger models like the IceJax II, Snojax II, and SnoBlox Ace, as well as smaller versions such as the SnoBlox Deuce and IceJax I. For added defense against sliding snow and ice, we recommend the SnowBreaker and SnowBreaker 3M models. The panel's ribbed design allows for the use of adhesive-mounted guards, as well as clamp-on snow retention systems. Available clamp-on solutions include the SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, SnoBar, and ColorBar rail systems, which mount to the panel using stainless steel SnoBar clamps or aluminum RoofClamp options. To ensure the best fit for a specific roof, we recommend testing a clamp sample before making a final selection. It is up to the user to determine the final suitability of our products for use on this panel.

Metl-Span Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Standing Seam Roofs by Metl-Span

Customize snow guards to match your unique roof design.

Consider snow retention solutions designed for roofs with distinctive shapes or curves, as standard models may not provide optimal performance. Select products that are specifically designed for these unique profiles to ensure optimal protection. It's also wise to consult with your roof panel manufacturer for suitable recommendations.

Add ice control accessories as needed.

Where ice buildup is common, include ice management components, such as aluminum IceStoppers, in bar or rail configurations. These accessories prevent ice from sliding beneath the rails, especially on roofs with higher seams.

Check local snow load regulations.

Before deciding on a snow retention method, consult your local building authority to verify the required ground snow load in your area. Pad-style guards generally support up to 45 pounds per square foot. At the same time, bar and rail systems are better suited for locations with heavier snow accumulation.

Select snow guards compatible with your roof type.

Choose snow retention equipment that suits the design and construction of your roof. Research various models and use compatibility tools or guides to confirm that your chosen model will install properly and function as intended.

Order product samples to confirm proper fit.

Request snow retention product samples to ensure they align correctly with your roof profile. This step minimizes potential fitting issues and supports a reliable installation. You can order any quantity, as there’s no minimum for samples.

Install snow guards to distribute weight evenly.

Install snow guards in a way that distributes the weight of snow and ice evenly across your roof. Pad-style guards should be staggered, while bar and rail systems should be installed in straight, continuous rows. Avoid isolated placements, which can lead to structural stress; refer to our Spacing Guidelines for further advice.

Schedule adhesive installations for optimal weather.

Plan to install polycarbonate snow guards using adhesive during late spring or early summer, when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 50°F. While the glue is usually water-resistant within a few days, full curing often takes around 30 days.

Select snow guards that complement your roof's aesthetic.

Pick snow guards that match or enhance your roof's appearance. Color-matched or powder-coated options are available to blend in visually. Although custom finishes may involve longer lead times, choosing to finish them yourself can help reduce costs and expedite delivery.

Opt for non-penetrating installation methods.

For standing seam metal roofing, use snow retention systems that attach with clamps or adhesives, rather than screws or nails. This approach helps maintain your roof's warranty and lowers the possibility of leaks.

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax provides comprehensive support throughout the snow guard installation process, offering personalized guidance and educational tools to help. Customers can reach out via phone or email to receive assistance tailored to their specific installation needs. In addition to direct support, resources such as our Snow Guard Buyer's Guide help simplify the product selection process. Our website also includes a Best Practices section that outlines common installation errors to avoid. Through clear instructions and reliable products, we help customers complete their installations with confidence. This level of service demonstrates our company's dedication to delivering outstanding 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.