The Ideal Time to Install Snow Guards

As winter approaches, the beauty of a snow-covered landscape is often accompanied by the potential hazards of shedding snow and ice from rooftops. To safeguard both your property and the people around it, installing  snow guards becomes essential, especially on slippery, smooth, metal roofing panels. Determining the best time to install these snow guards is critical for optimal performance. In this blog, we will explore the ideal time of year to install SnoBlox-Snojax snow guards to ensure the safety and longevity of your roofing system.

Do I need snow guards?

Before delving into the ideal installation time, let's briefly discuss the significance of snow guards. These simple yet effective devices are installed on roofs to prevent the sudden release of snow and ice, commonly known as a rooftop snow avalanche. The weight of shedding snow and ice can lead to significant damage, not only to your roofing structure but also to people and property below. Expensive gutters, downspouts, landscaping, decorative lighting, costly HVAC units, decks, railings, and awnings are just a few examples of property that is at risk. Injury and even death in worst-case scenarios can also be a risk, putting the building owner at risk for liability.

SnoBlox-Snojax snow guards are renowned for their durability and efficiency. Made from high-quality American-made materials, these guards provide a secure grip on the snow, preventing it from sliding off in large, dangerous chunks. To make the most of these benefits, it's crucial to choose the right time for installation.

When should snow guards be installed?

The optimal time to install snow guards is during the warmer months, preferably late spring to early fall. When everyone is thinking of beach trips and the pool, smart homeowners are thinking about snow guards. There are several reasons for this timing:

Preparation for Winter Weather

Installing snow guards ahead of winter ensures that your property is prepared for the challenges of winter snowfall. It's a proactive approach that minimizes the risk of property damage caused by sudden snow slides.

Adhesive Bonding

Many SnoBlox-Snojax polycarbonate snow guards like the  Deuce, Ace, IceJax 1, and SnowBreaker can use adhesive for attachment. Warmer temperatures enhance the bonding process, ensuring a secure and long-lasting connection between the snow guard and the roofing material. This adhesive strength is crucial for withstanding the weight of snow and ice over an extended period. Our preferred adhesive,  SureBond SB-190 requires approximately 28 days at 50 degrees (Fahrenheit) or above to reach a full cure. This glue is the industry standard for the installation of plastic snow guards on metal roofing. Adhesive application is required for pad-style snow guards on standing seam roofs, as mechanical penetration of the roof with screws is never recommended and may void your roof’s warranty.

Avoiding Winter Hazards

Working on a roof during the winter presents safety challenges for installers. Cold temperatures, icy surfaces, and the potential for snowfall make the task more hazardous. Installing snow guards in advance helps avoid these winter-related risks and ensures a safer working environment for the installation team. Always make sure that you or your hired professionals are wearing proper fall protection equipment.

Preventing Damage Before It Occurs

Installing snow guards before the first snowfall is a proactive measure that prevents damage rather than reacting to it. By taking preventive action, you protect your roof, gutters, landscaping, and anyone passing below from potential harm.

For those of you who have not installed your snow guards already this year, don’t worry all hope is not lost. You have options! Screw-down roofs with exposed fasteners like PBR, R-Panel, and 2.67 wavy corrugated styles can have individual pad-style  snow guards installed. Examples of this would be our SnowCatchers, Snojax 1, or SnoCleat PBR, to name a few. You also have the option of using a screw-down snow rail system like the  SnoBar or ColorBar. These heavy-duty systems utilize screw-down brackets. In cold weather conditions, when  glue-down installation is not possible, customers with standing seam roofs should NEVER use screw-down snow guards, but can instead opt for individual snow guards or snow rail systems that clamp onto the standing seams without penetrating them. Examples of this are the  SnoCleat RC, SnoCleat RCT, and of course, the SnoBar and ColorBar systems that have several clamping options and configurations available. These systems do not require specific temperature requirements, offering more flexibility to installers.

In conclusion, the best time of year to install SnoBlox-Snojax  snow guards is during the warmer months. As we enter the beginning days of winter, it may be a good idea to set yourself a reminder on your calendar while the thought is fresh in your mind. This proactive approach not only prepares your property for the winter weather but also ensures the optimal performance and longevity of the snow guards. By avoiding the challenges of winter installation, you create a safer environment for the installation team and minimize the risk of damage caused by rooftop avalanches. Keep your property safe and beautiful year-round by taking the necessary steps to install snow guards at the right time.