Snow Guards For Varco Pruden Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels

See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Varco Pruden Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

Which snow guards provide the best performance with Varco Pruden metal roof panels with exposed fasteners?

Metal roofs with exposed fasteners are frequently prone to sudden snow and ice slides in the winter.

The sleek surface of metal roofing makes it easy for snow and ice to slide off quickly, which can create risks for people, pets, and property below. To mitigate these hazards, we offer a range of snow retention solutions tailored to various roofing types and materials. Our options include snow guards and rail systems that fit a wide range of roof slopes, panel designs, and climate conditions. In addition, we offer useful resources like in-depth blog articles, step-by-step installation instructions, and regularly updated compatibility charts for many leading roofing brands. For regions that experience frequent or heavy snowfall, these products are essential in controlling snow and ice accumulation, helping to maintain safety and protection throughout the winter.

Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels by Varco Pruden

Varco Pruden Buildings has grown into a recognized leader within the pre-engineered steel building industry since its establishment. The company traces its roots to two separate businesses—R.G. Varner Steel Products, founded in 1948 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Pruden Products, founded in 1950 by Clark Prudhon in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Both companies initially manufactured equipment for farm buildings, with Pruden Products later shifting its focus to steel-building components. In 1968, the two firms combined their strengths to form Varco Pruden Buildings, creating a foundation for delivering innovative pre-engineered steel building systems. Over time, the company expanded its product lines, refined its manufacturing operations, and established a robust network of authorized dealers across North America. In the early 2000s, Varco Pruden became part of BlueScope Steel, a global steel manufacturer based in Australia, through an acquisition by BlueScope's North American division. Today, supported by nearly 1,000 authorized VP Builders, Varco Pruden continues to serve markets throughout the United States and Canada as a leading industry name.

Panel Rib Roof

The Panel Rib Roof by Varco Pruden provides a strong, cost-effective solution for roofing needs. It features a purlin-bearing edge that increases both the panel's structural integrity and its ability to seal out the elements. With the use of self-drilling, stainless steel-capped fasteners and extra-wide panels that come in long lengths, this roof system minimizes the need for overlapping seams. It speeds up the installation process, resulting in a more weather-resistant finish. A key benefit of this system is its ability to incorporate up to 6 inches of fiberglass blanket insulation, providing customers with the option to enhance the building's energy efficiency according to their specific needs. The roof panels are available in a standard 26-gauge thickness, with thicker options also available in 24-gauge and 22-gauge thicknesses. They span 36 inches in width, featuring prominent ribs spaced every 12 inches that are 1-3/16 inches high. Compatible with low slopes starting at 1.5:12, these panels are available in lengths up to 48 feet and come in a clear-coated Galvalume finish or a variety of colors, all backed by a 25-year warranty. The roofing system also boasts high industry certification standards, including UL wind ratings and regional product approvals, ensuring durability alongside its visual appeal and energy-saving potential. See the Snow Guards Compatibility Chart for Varco Pruden Panel Rib Roof Screw Down Metal Roofing Panels.

Due to the inverted nature of the minor ribs and striations on this panel, compared to standard PBR shapes, the installation of our snow guards is slightly different. It is worth noting that if the optional insulation is present, you cannot screw any of our guards down, as the fasteners need more structure for installation than just the metal panel itself. With that said, from our polycarbonate models, you can use the Snojax I, Snojax II, and Icejax II to straddle the center depression. All three of these models mount with mechanical fasteners. The Snojax II and Icejax II can also use adhesive. Still, please note that the glue is incompatible with the Snojax I. Suppose you are looking to mount a polycarbonate guard off-center. In that case, you can utilize the Icejax I, SnoBlox Deuce, SnoBlox Ace, and SnowBreaker. However, we only recommend installing these guards centered on the raised panel flats. If you are looking for a metal option, you can use the SnoCleat 2.67 to straddle the center of the panel. All of our SnowCatchers and SnoCleat PBR can be mounted with mechanical fasteners, but will require off-center spacing. This spacing also applies to our SnoBar and ColorBar systems when utilizing the Tall ColorBrackets.

Varco Pruden Compatibility Chart for Snow Guards

Considerations for Adding Snow Guards to Exposed Fastener Roofs by Varco Pruden

Seek Guidance for Snow Guards for Unique Roof Shapes

Traditional pad-style guards often don’t perform well on curved, arched, or unusually shaped roofs. In these cases, it’s best to select snow retention systems designed specifically for such structures. Always check with your roofing manufacturer to confirm that the chosen design is suitable for your roof type.

Apply Sealant to Prevent Leaks

When fastening polycarbonate-style snow guards with screws, coat the entire underside with sealant before securing them in place. This practice helps create a watertight barrier, fills small gaps, and minimizes the chance of leaks developing over time.

Check Placement Before Final Installation

Before securing anything permanently, lay out sample guards on the roof to test their spacing, alignment, and positioning. This temporary setup makes it easier to spot and fix any alignment or fitment issues before finalizing the installation.

Coordinate Finishes with Your Roof’s Appearance

Select finishes or coatings that complement your roof's color and design well. Powder-coated surfaces or custom inserts can enhance curb appeal and provide a consistent look. Professionally applied coatings usually offer longer durability, but DIY finishing methods can be faster and more affordable.

Attach Guards to Structural Supports

For maximum durability, fasten snow guards directly into major structural components of the roof—such as metal purlins or rafters—rather than attaching them only to the surface panels. If the existing supports are insufficient, consider strengthening them or using specialized adhesives that create a reliable bond.

Adjust Layouts Based on Your Roofing Material

The type of roofing material influences the layout of the guards. Softer metals, such as copper or aluminum, typically require closer spacing and more rows than tougher materials like steel. Always verify chemical compatibility between the guard material and the roof finish to avoid negative reactions.

Install Adhesive-Mounted Guards in Warm Weather

You should schedule adhesive-based installations for warmer seasons—ideally late spring or early summer—when daytime temperatures consistently remain above 50°F for several weeks. Warm conditions allow the adhesive to cure properly, while cold weather can delay bonding. For example, products like SureBond SB190 typically achieve moisture resistance within approximately 24 hours, thereby reducing the likelihood of water interference.

Conclusion

SnoBlox-Snojax provides durable snow guard solutions designed for dependable, long-term performance rather than short-term fixes. The company fosters customer confidence by delivering transparent product information, clear and easy-to-follow installation instructions, and personalized support. Helpful resources, including the Snow Guard Buyer's Guide and a detailed installation manual, provide customers with the necessary tools to make informed decisions. Additionally, our knowledgeable team is available by phone or email to provide customized recommendations and offer assistance with orders. With a strong focus on customer service, SnoBlox-Snojax ensures that customers can confidently choose, install, and maintain their snow guard systems while benefiting from expert guidance, clear communication, and high-quality products.

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.