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Buyers Guide for Snow Guards

TL;DR: Snow Guard Buyer's Guide
  • Purpose: Prevent dangerous rooftop snow slides by selecting the right snow guards for your roof type.
  • Step-by-Step Guidance:
    • Identify your roof type (metal, shingle, etc.)
    • Measure roof pitch and determine snow load
    • Select a compatible snow guard style (pad, bar, or clamp-on)
    • Calculate spacing requirements using the snow guard spacing guidelines
  • Product Selection: Compare models by roof compatibility, material, and mounting method.
  • Installation Tips: Follow manufacturer instructions and avoid mixing snow guard systems.
  • Get Help: Request a quote for snow guards or request a quote for snow bars, or contact SnoBlox-Snojax for personalized recommendations.
Kodiak SnowCatcher Snow Guards On Metal Roof With Snow and Blue Cloudy Sky

Simplified and Strategic Snow Guard Buying Guide

Are you getting your home ready for the winter season and worried about snow and ice sliding off your metal roof? You should be! In climates that receive any amount of winter precipitation, snow guards are a crucial addition to your metal roofing system. A properly installed snow retention system prevents snow and ice from suddenly sliding off and potentially causing damage to property or injuring people and pets.

Purchasing a snow retention system for the first time can be overwhelming. Choosing the right snow guards is not always as straightforward as it may seem. The market today offers a wide variety of snow guard options. When selecting snow guards for your roof, it's important to consider several factors, including your snow load, roof slope, and roof type. This buyer's guide will help you make an informed decision when purchasing snow guards for your roof.

Step 1:

Know Your Roof Type:

When it comes to roofing, the options are endless! From stylish shingles to durable metal, there's a perfect fit for every type of building. SnoBlox-Snojax offers snow retention solutions for almost every kind of roof. Most of our snow guards primarily work on sloped metal roofing. There are two different types of metal roofing: Standing Seam (Floating) Panels and Exposed Fastener (Screw-Down) Panels. If you are unsure of the difference between the two types of panels, please see our recent blog post. The information below shows the roof types and which snow guards work with the various types of roofs.

Roof Types

R-Panel

Exposed Fastener PBR, Ag, R-Panel

Standing Seam

Concealed Fastener, Snap-lock Seam

Bulb Seam

Bulb Snap Seam Panel

Shingle Roof

Metal, Asphalt, Slate

TPO/EPDM

Single-Ply Membrane Thermoplastic

Snow Guard Compatibility by Roof Type

Snow Guard Compatibility by Roof Type

Exposed Fastener R-Panel and PBR

Recommended: SnoBar, ColorBar, SnoCleat, Pad Style Screw Down

Notes: Penetrates roof panel (Not for standing seam panels.)

Standing Seam Metal Roof

Recommended: SnoBar, ColorBar, SnoCleat, Pad Style Glue Down

Notes: No panel penetrations (Glue down snow guards or clamp to the panel seam.)

Bulb & T-Seam Standing Seam Panels

Recommended: SnoBar RCB-3, ColorBar RCB-3, SnoCleat RCT

Notes: No panel penetrations. The swivel bracket is great for hips and valleys!

Wavy 2.67 Corrugated Panel

Recommended: SnoCleat 2.67, SnoBar 2.67, ColorBar 2.67

Notes: Penetrates the roof panel and mounts on top of the corrugations.

Shingle or Slate Roof

Recommended: Shingle Bracket, Slateguard

Notes: SlateGuard slides under the roof shingles and hooks to the nails.

Membrane / TPO Roofing

Recommended: Membrane Mount for SnoBar and ColorBar

Notes: Screw down to the solid substrate and flash over.

Step 2:

Understand Your Roof Snow Load & Climate

If you're in the mountains of Colorado, you're dealing with serious snow. The amount and type of snow your region receives will influence the design and quantity of snow guards required. This number represents your average ground snow load data collected over the span of 50 to 70 years, depending on your region. Countries using the imperial system describe it as pounds per square foot (PSF). Countries that use the metric system measure this value in kilopascals (kPa). When calculating a site's design roof snow load, the ground snow load, also known as PG, is taken into account. Various weather stations throughout the United States gathered historical data to derive this figure. Your building plans usually include snow load calculations, or you can contact your local building inspector for assistance. The ASCE 7 (chapter 7 - Fig 7.2.1, ASCE 7-16) or the ATC website will typically also include information on this number.

  • Light Snow (0–20 psf): Screw-Down, Glue-Down, or Clamp-On Snow Guards
  • Moderate Snow (20–45 psf): Screw-Down, Glue-Down, or Clamp-On Snow Guards
  • Heavy Snow (45+ psf): SnoBar or ColorBar Systems Only.

Step 3:

Obtain the measurements of your building and determine the pitch of the roof.

The roof pitch plays a vital role in snow guard installation! Steeper roofs tend to experience more severe avalanches, so it's essential to consider their unique snow retention needs for safety and effectiveness. Begin by accurately measuring the distance from the ridge to the eave. This measurement is called the run. Roofers measure roof pitch in degrees, as a ratio (e.g., 4:12), or as a percentage (e.g., 33%). These measurements indicate how steep or shallow the slope is. Roof pitch is a simple calculation of rise over run. For example, you would express a 4" rise and a 12" run as 4:12. If you need more help, please see our roof pitch resource page.

Rise over Run Roof Pitch Chart

Step 4:

Determine the Recommended Snow Guard Spacing Requirements

The style of snow guard, roof pitch, length of roof, distance between the eave and ridge, snow load, and other variables all play a role in determining how many snow guards you need. Proper installation is critical to the effectiveness of snow guards. Whether you are installing your snow retention system by yourself or hiring a professional, make sure that you are taking a moment to visit our snow guard spacing tool or read over our spacing guidelines for your desired system. A proper layout will extend the full length of the roof section that you are looking to protect. It will often require multiple rows going up the slope to evenly distribute the weight of the snow and ice over the entire roof surface, not just at the bottom. Snow guards should not be subject to impact. Their purpose is not to act as a roadblock for sliding snow and ice. Snow guards effectively secure snow and ice on glossy metal roofs, allowing it to melt gradually and drain safely into your gutters. If you are looking for help with your layout, we have quote request forms for both our individual snow guards and rail systems.

Number of Snow Guards Recommended For Adhesive Mounting Up to 45 PSF Ground Snow Load
Panel Width & Pitch 1/12 - 2/12 3/12 - 4/12 5/12 - 6/12 7/12 - 12/12
12" to 16" Valley 1 Every Panel Flat - 15 Feet Going Up The Roof 1 Every Panel Flat - 10 Feet Going Up The Roof 1 Every Panel Flat - 8 Feet Going Up The Roof 1 Every Panel Flat- 5 Feet Going Up The Roof
17" to 24" Valley 2 Every Panel Flat - 15 Feet Going Up The Roof 2 Every Panel Flat - 10 Feet Going Up The Roof 2 Every Panel Flat - 8 Feet Going Up The Roof 2 Every Panel Flat - 5 Feet Going Up The Roof
Number of Snow Guards Recommended For Screw Mounting Up to 45 PSF Ground Snow Load
Panel Flat & Roof Pitch 1/12 - 2/12 3/12 - 4/12 5/12 - 6/12 7/12 - 8/12 9/12 - 12/12
9" to 12" 1 Every Flat - 25 ft. Going Up The Roof 1 Every Flat - 20 ft. Going Up The Roof 1 Every Flat - 10 ft. Going Up The Roof 1 Every Flat - 6 ft. Going Up The Roof 1 Every Flat - 5 ft. Going Up The Roof

Request A Snow Rails Price Quote

Submit a SnoBar and ColorBar Snow Rail Quote Request if your area has a ground snow load over 45 pounds per square foot so that we can provide accurate spacing guidance.

What are the different types of snow guards for metal roofs?

These are small or large individual metal or polycarbonate snow guards that are mounted in the flat of the panel and feature a face that sits perpendicular to the roof slope and points up the hill towards the peak. This style of snow guard offers three options for installation. Installers can install both screw-down and clamp-on snow guards throughout the year. We advise installers to apply adhesive attachments during the spring, summer, or early fall. Never install snow guards using screws on a standing seam metal roof. Pad-style snow guards should be installed in staggered formations to ensure better weight distribution.

These are individual metal snow guards featuring screw-down brackets or non-penetrating clamps that are attached to the roof and hold snow and ice in place. These guards feature small sections of the ColorBar system that act as the face of the guard. Bracket Style Snow Guards, like Pad style snow guards, are mounted in staggered formations for greater weight distribution.

Also referred to as roof snow fences, these are horizontally mounted bars made of galvanized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel. They are installed on the roof to create a physical barrier against snow and ice. Our snow retention systems fit various popular roofing styles. Bar Style Snow Rails mount in continuous straight-row formations. Interesting fact: The SnoHorse, also known as the SnoBar, was the first standing seam clamp-on snow rail.

Compare Snow Guards

Snow
Guard
Features
Ecojax Deuce Ace Snojax I Snojax II IceJax I IceJax II Snow
Catcher
Snow
Breaker
Sno
Cleat
Peel
&
Stick
SnowBreaker
Peel
Stick
&
Screw
Ecojax Snow Guards
Waffled
Base:
Ecojax Snow Guards SnoBlox Deuce SnoBlox Ace
Screw
Down
Ecojax Snow Guards SnoBlox Deuce SnoBlox Ace Snojax I Snojax II Icejax I Icejax II Stainless Steel SnowCatcher SnowBreaker SnoCleat
Glue
Down
Ecojax Snow Guards SnoBlox Deuce SnoBlox Ace   Snojax II Icejax I Icejax II   SnowBreaker  
Metal               Stainless Steel SnowCatcher   SnoCleat
Plastic Ecojax Snow Guards SnoBlox Deuce SnoBlox Ace Snojax I Snojax II Icejax I Icejax II   SnowBreaker  
Seam
Mount
                  SnoCleat
Fits 9-in
R-Panel
Ecojax Snow Guards SnoBlox Deuce   Snojax I   Icejax I   Stainless Steel SnowCatcher SnowBreaker SnoCleat
Fits 12-in
R-Panel
Ecojax Snow Guards SnoBlox Deuce SnoBlox Ace Snojax I Snojax II Icejax I Icejax II Stainless Steel SnowCatcher SnowBreaker SnoCleat
Colors   SnoBlox Deuce           Stainless Steel SnowCatcher   SnoCleat

Compare Snow Bars

SnoBar/ColorBar
Snow Rails
SnoBar
Clamp
On
ColorBar
Clamp
On
2 Bar
SnoBar
SSR
2 Bar
ColorBar
SSR
SnoBar
Screw
Down
ColorBar
Screw
Down
Clamp-On
SnoBar Snow RailsAluminum ColorBar Snow Rails2 Bar SnoBar Snow Rails2 Bar ColorBar Snow Rails
Screw
Down
Screw-Down SnoBar Snow Rails ColorBar Screw-Down Snow Rails
Powder
Coat
SnoBar Snow Rails Aluminum ColorBar Snow Rails 2 Bar SnoBar Snow Rails 2 Bar ColorBar Snow Rails Screw-Down SnoBar Snow Rails ColorBar Screw-Down Snow Rails
Optional
IceStopper
SnoBar Snow Rails Aluminum ColorBar Snow Rails 2 Bar SnoBar Snow Rails 2 Bar ColorBar Snow Rails  

Compare Specialty Snow Bars

Specialty
SnoBar/ColorBar
Snow Rails
T/Bulb Seam
SnoBar
Clamp
On
T/Bulb Seam
ColorBar
Clamp
On
SnoBar
2.67
ColorBar
2.67
Clamp-On
SnoBar RCB-3 Snow RailsColorBar RCB-3 Snow Rails
Screw
Down
SnoBar RCB-3 Snow Rails SnoBar RCB-3 Snow Rails
Powder
Coat
SnoBar RCB-3 Snow Rails ColorBar RCB-3 Snow Rails SnoBar RCB-3 Snow Rails SnoBar RCB-3 Snow Rails
Optional
IceStopper
SnoBar RCB-3 Snow Rails ColorBar RCB-3 Snow Rails

Other Factors to Consider When Purchasing Snow Guards

The type of snow guard that you need depends greatly on your roofing material, slope, and geographical location. The most common type of roof that requires snow retention is glossy coated metal roofing. It is also common to use snow guards on steep shingle roofs, slate roofs, and TPO/membrane roofs.

The amount and type of snow that your region receives will impact both the design and quantity of snow guards needed for your building. The measurement of the weight of snow on your roof is called the snow load. In countries that use the imperial system, the snow load measurement is in pounds per square foot (PSF). In contrast, in metric system countries, snow loads are measured in kilopascals (kPa). When calculating the design roof snow load for a site, the ground snow load (also known as PG) is an important factor. Snow loads come from historical data collected from weather stations across the United States. You can typically find this number on your building plans or by contacting your local building inspector.

Snow guards come in various colors and styles. Choose one that complements your roof's appearance. Most polycarbonate guards are clear in appearance, casting little shadow and blending in with your roof. Metal guards and rail systems are available in mill or custom powder-coated finishes. When in doubt, take a drive around your neighborhood and check out what others in your area have installed for inspiration.

Some snow guards are easier to install than others. If you lack experience with roof work, hire a professional for the installation. If you decide to hire a professional, any licensed and insured general roofing contractor should be able to install these guards for you. Our products come with simple-to-follow instructions that are also available online before you place your order.

Invest in high-quality snow guards made from sustainable and durable materials to ensure longevity. Not all plastics and metals are the same. We pride ourselves on using only materials that are manufactured here in the USA. It is also important to make sure that you are purchasing from reputable companies that specialize in snow guards. It is becoming increasingly common for injection molders to copy products without providing any knowledge or support to their customers.

Prices vary based on style and quality. Obtain multiple quotes and compare prices. Make sure to compare apples to apples when making your final decision. It is also important to compare the warranty information provided by different manufacturers. A product that a company is willing to stand behind may be worth more to you than saving a few cents per snow guard or per foot of snow rail system.

Roofer using the RidgePro Roof Anchor while installing Kodiak SnowCatcher snow guards

Get A Snow Guard Quote

Please fill out the snow guard quote request for your project.

Shedding Snow & Ice Avalanche Explodes Deck Railing! Another Example of Why You Need Snow Guards!

Snow Guard Buyer's Guide Conclusion

Snow guards are a valuable addition to your roof, protecting snow and ice-related issues. Before making a purchase, carefully assess your roofing needs, consult with professionals, and choose the right style and quantity of snow guards. With proper installation, you can enjoy a safer and more secure winter season.