Adhesive Snow Guards Info
Adhesive-mounted snow guards are installed using a strong adhesive that bonds the snow guard to the roofing material. SnoBlox-Snojax pioneered the use of SureBond SB-190 to attach plastic snow guards. This adhesive creates a secure attachment, up to 2000 pounds tensile strength, without the need for drilling or screwing into the roof.
Polycarbonate snow guards can usually be bonded on just about any factory painted metal roofing panel that is in good sound condition. It will only be as good as the surface to which it is attached. To ensure compatibility and proper installation, it's often best to consult with an experienced roofing professional or reputable snow guard manufacturer. They can provide spacing guidence guidance based on your specific roofing system, location, and needs.
The roof surface where the snow guards will be installed must be dry and cleaned with high quality alcohol wipes to ensure proper adhesion. We only recommend using SureBond SB-190 liquid adhesive. The outside temperature must be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 28 days. If the temperature dips below 50 degrees, the cure time will be extended. The application becomes waterproof about 45 minutes after installation.
Refer to the adhesive mounted snow guard placement guideline. Proper installation and spacing is crucial for adhesive-mounted snow guards to work effectively. The surface must be clean, dry, and free from debris before applying the adhesive. SB-190 adhesive is applied to the snow guards are then they are firmly pressed onto the roof with a squeeze out around the perimeter. The outside conditions should be optimal for the proper curing to take place according to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions.
The spacing and placement of adhesive-mounted snow guards are determined based on factors such as roof pitch, snow load, and local climate conditions. Properly spaced snow guards help distribute the snow load evenly across the entire roof. It is important to follow the manufacturers' spacing guidelines for a successful installation.
Adhesive-mounted snow guards should only be made from UV stabilized virgin-grade polycarbonate. They can come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. The choice of shape, size and color depends on factors such as aesthetics, durability, type and shape of the metal roof panel used on a specific roofing project.
Adhesive-mounted snow guards generally require minimal or no maintenance. Recurring inspections should be conducted to ensure they remain securely attached and free from debris. If an adhesive mounted snow guard dislodges, simply clean and reapply in the same glue spot.
Some benefits of adhesive-mounted snow guards include their ease of installation and potential long-term sustainability that can match the metal roof. They do not require roof penetration, which helps maintain the roof's integrity by avoiding potential leaks associated with screw holes in a steel roof.
Adhesive Mounted Snow Guards Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Snow guard layouts are typically based on the ground snow load for a town, city, or county. A snow load is based on multiple years of normal winter precipitation. If a specific geographic location receives unusually high snow and ice levels, however, even the best layout can fail. The beauty of a glue down system is that if this happens, the guards will release from the roof without causing damage to the guards, roof panels, or structure. The guards can simply be re-attached when the weather warms up.
Our clear snow guards are made in the USA from 100% virgin polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is strong, lightweight, and thirty times more durable than acrylic. Our polycarbonate's UV-stabilization keeps it from deteriorating and making the guards fragile. It is the same material as used on the astronaut’s face masks.
Depending on your level of skill, installing adhesive-mounted, pad-style snow guards can be quick and easy. Many of our clients are do-it-yourself homeowners. Installation guidelines are available on our website and are also sent with your order. The riskiest part of installing snow guards is working safely on a slippery sloped metal roof. Please make sure that you are utilizing appropriate fall protection, such as the RidgePro, before starting an installation and climbing onto your roof. Any licensed general or roofing contractor will be able to install these guards for you if you choose to hire a professional.
Not all plastic snow guards are created equal. We only utilize virgin, UV-stabilized polycarbonate made in the USA. Our polycarbonate snow guards may lose some of their clarity with time, but they rarely amber.
Correctly installed snow guards with a properly designed layout should require little to no maintenance. We recommend a yearly inspection, typically in the spring, to determine if any have become dislodged from the roof. In the event of a release, the guard and roof can simply be cleaned with soap and water and re-applied to the same spot with SureBond SB-190. Newly applied SureBond will bond to the existing adhesive remaining on the roof.
The purpose of a properly designed layout is to distribute the weight of the snow and ice over the entire roof surface without isolating it into a small section.
The only adhesive that we recommend our customers use for installing our clear, polycarbonate snow guards is SureBond SB-190. This glue is the industry standard and our only choice after years of comparison testing against many other adhesives.