Spacing For Screw Down Snow Rail Snow Guards on Exposed Fastener Metal Roofs
Screw Down SnoBar and ColorBar Spacing Guidelines
In parts of the world that receive winter precipitation, snow and ice on glossy coated metal roofing can create an extremely dangerous avalanche condition. A properly installed snow guard system can mitigate this condition. Our approach to proper placement involves an overall spacing throughout the entire roof area to keep snow and ice from shifting initially. Once frozen precipitation loses its grip on a metal roof and begins a downhill slide, everything in its path will be destroyed. A single row of guards placed along the eave or gutter edge of the roof is not always enough protection against this dangerous condition. An evenly distributed snow load will preserve the long-term integrity of the actual structure, metal roof, and snow retention system. Isolating snow guards on partial roof sections such as just over doorways or roof vents is not recommended. Select your pitch below to get a general spacing guideline. All upper roof areas must have snow retention installed before installing snow guards on a lower roof. This page should only be used only as a quick reference guide for estimating snow guard quantities and placement on roofs with up to 45 PSF ground snow load. Always consult with an architect or engineer for recommended snow guard placement for your project. This spacing guideline does not account for snow shadows, drifting, or unseasonable conditions. If your ground snow load exceeds 45PSF please fill out our Quote Request Form for the heavy duty SnoBar/ColorBar systems.
Please Click on Your Roof Pitch Below
| 1/12 Roof Pitch | 2/12 - 3/12 Pitch | 4/12 - 6/12 Pitch | 6/12 - 7/12 Pitch | 8/12 - 10/12 Pitch | 11/12 - 12/12 Pitch |
1/12 Roof Pitch
9" Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 18 inches
12 " Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 12 inches
Pitch: 1/12
Spacing: Snow rails are installed every 25 feet going up the roof.
Isolated Roof Areas: Never use SnoBar/ColorBar in isolated roof areas such as just over doorways etc.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If your metal roof panels are mounted on top of purlins or firing strips, the snow rails must be screwed into the purlin or firing strip underneath. If your metal panels are placed on decking, we would recommend screwing into all the mounting holes on the mounting bracket after confirming that your decking is adequate to secure the snow retention system. Place your first bar over the Eave Strut or over the end wall on a supported overhang and run bars across the entire roof. Move up the roof every 25 feet and repeat with a bar that runs across the entire roof. Do not exceed 25 feet vertically between rows of bars. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distances between bars. Please ensure that your purlins and/or decking material are in good serviceable condition and can withstand the snow loads that will be transferred to it by installing a snow retention system. All upper roof areas must have snow retention installed before installing snow guards on a lower roof. Never isolate areas of snow guards such as just over doorways or vent pipes.
2/12 - 3/12 Roof Pitch
9" Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 18 inches
12 " Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 12 inches
Pitch: 2/12 to 3/12
Spacing: Snow rails are installed every 15 feet going up the roof.
Isolated Roof Areas: Never use SnoBar/ColorBar in isolated roof areas such as just over doorways etc.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If your metal roof panels are mounted on top of purlins or firing strips, the snow rails must be screwed into the purlin or firing strip underneath. If your metal panels are placed on decking, we would recommend screwing into all the mounting holes on the mounting bracket after confirming that your decking is adequate to secure the snow retention system. Place your first bar over the Eave Strut or over the end wall on a supported overhang and run bars across the entire roof. Move up the roof every 15 feet and repeat with a bar that runs across the entire roof. Do not exceed 15 feet vertically between rows of bars. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distances between bars. Please ensure that your purlins and/or decking material are in good serviceable condition and can withstand the snow loads that will be transferred to it by installing a snow retention system. All upper roof areas must have snow retention installed before installing snow guards on a lower roof. Never isolate areas of snow guards such as just over doorways or vent pipes.
4/12 - 5/12 Roof Pitch
9" Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 18 inches
12 " Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 12 inches
Pitch: 4/12 to 6/12
Spacing: Snow rails are installed every 10 feet going up the roof.
Isolated Roof Areas: Never use SnoBar/ColorBar in isolated roof areas such as just over doorways etc.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If your metal roof panels are mounted on top of purlins or firing strips, the snow rails must be screwed into the purlin or firing strip underneath. If your metal panels are placed on decking, we would recommend screwing into all the mounting holes on the mounting bracket after confirming that your decking is adequate to secure the snow retention system. Place your first bar over the Eave Strut or over the end wall on a supported overhang and run bars across the entire roof. Move up the roof every 10 feet and repeat with a bar that runs across the entire roof. Do not exceed 10 feet vertically between rows of bars. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distances between bars. Please ensure that your purlins and/or decking material are in good serviceable condition and can withstand the snow loads that will be transferred to it by installing a snow retention system. All upper roof areas must have snow retention installed before installing snow guards on a lower roof. Never isolate areas of snow guards such as just over doorways or vent pipes.
6/12 - 7/12 Roof Pitch
9" Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 18 inches
12 " Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 12 inches
Pitch: 6/12 to 7/12
Spacing: Snow rails are installed every 7.5 feet going up the roof. .
Isolated Roof Areas: Never use SnoBar/ColorBar in isolated roof areas such as just over doorways etc.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If your metal roof panels are mounted on top of purlins or firing strips, the snow rails must be screwed into the purlin or firing strip underneath. If your metal panels are placed on decking, we would recommend screwing into all the mounting holes on the mounting bracket after confirming that your decking is adequate to secure the snow retention system. Place your first bar over the Eave Strut or over the end wall on a supported overhang and run bars across the entire roof. Move up the roof every 7.5 feet and repeat with a bar that runs across the entire roof. Do not exceed 7.5 feet vertically between rows of bars. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distances between bars. Please ensure that your purlins and/or decking material are in good serviceable condition and can withstand the snow loads that will be transferred to it by installing a snow retention system. All upper roof areas must have snow retention installed before installing snow guards on a lower roof. Never isolate areas of snow guards such as just over doorways or vent pipes.
8/12 - 10/12 Roof Pitch
9" Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 18 inches
12 " Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 12 inches
Pitch: 8/12 to 10/12
Spacing: Snow rails are installed every 6 feet going up the roof.
Isolated Roof Areas: Never use SnoBar/ColorBar in isolated roof areas such as just over doorways etc.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If your metal roof panels are mounted on top of purlins or firing strips, the snow rails must be screwed into the purlin or firing strip underneath. If your metal panels are placed on decking, we would recommend screwing into all the mounting holes on the mounting bracket after confirming that your decking is adequate to secure the snow retention system. Place your first bar over the Eave Strut or over the end wall on a supported overhang and run bars across the entire roof. Move up the roof every 6 feet and repeat with a bar that runs across the entire roof. Do not exceed 6 feet vertically between rows of bars. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distances between bars. Please ensure that your purlins and/or decking material are in good serviceable condition and can withstand the snow loads that will be transferred to it by installing a snow retention system. All upper roof areas must have snow retention installed before installing snow guards on a lower roof. Never isolate areas of snow guards such as just over doorways or vent pipes.
11/12 - 12/12 Roof Pitch
9" Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 18 inches
12 " Panel: Valleys: Needs a mounting bracket every 12 inches
Pitch: 11/12 to 12/12.
Spacing: Snow rails are installed every 5 feet going up the roof.
Isolated Roof Areas: Never use SnoBar/ColorBar in isolated roof areas such as just over doorways etc.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If your metal roof panels are mounted on top of purlins or firing strips, the snow rails must be screwed into the purlin or firing strip underneath. If your metal panels are placed on decking, we would recommend screwing into all the mounting holes on the mounting bracket after confirming that your decking is adequate to secure the snow retention system. Place your first bar over the Eave Strut or over the end wall on a supported overhang and run bars across the entire roof. Move up the roof every 5 feet and repeat with a bar that runs across the entire roof. Do not exceed 5 feet vertically between rows of bars. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distances between bars. Please ensure that your purlins and/or decking material are in good serviceable condition and can withstand the snow loads that will be transferred to it by installing a snow retention system. All upper roof areas must have snow retention installed before installing snow guards on a lower roof. Never isolate areas of snow guards such as just over doorways or vent pipes.
Disclaimer
This page may be used only for the purpose of developing plans, specifications, and/or approval drawings for construction projects utilizing only IceBlox, Inc. manufactured or distributed products and components. It is to be used only as a quick reference for estimating snow guard quantities and placement on roofs with less than 45 PSF ground snow load.
IceBlox Inc., d.b.a SnoBlox-Snojax, referred to hereafter as IceBlox, Inc., or any subsidiary brands or companies, is not responsible for estimates or purchases resulting from the erroneous or improper use of this page or snowguardspacingtool.com.
The user shall determine the suitability of the product for its intended use and assumes all risks of its use or handling. In regards to spacing guidelines, quotations, and or layouts, Iceblox, Inc. will not be held liable for incorrect material quantities not recommended on snowguardspacingtool.com and/or SnoBlox-Snojax.com
SnoBar ColorBar Pricing
Price List for 12 foot SnoBar and ColorBar
Screw Down Snow Rail Spacing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The SnoBar system consists of a hollow, 1" x 1" square tube constructed of Gator Shield-coated galvanized steel. The ColorBar system uses an extruded 6061-T6 aluminum bar that has a channel in the front face that accepts an optional color strip. Both systems can be ordered either online in mill finish or over the phone in a powder coated finish. The ColorBar can also span panels wider than 24" due to its superior strength.
Roof leaks shouldn't occur if a snow rail system is installed correctly. Make sure that you use screws with neoprene washers and pair them with our foam gaskets. Occasionally our customers will choose to outline the perimeter of the colorbracket bases with a bead of neutral curing, cold weather silicone. This step, however, is not a requirement.
The ColorBrackets come with 6 pre-drilled holes, that should be installed facing up the slope. A typical installation pattern uses 3 of those holes in an alternating "s" pattern. Additional screws can be added to the remaining holes for increased holding strength. This is especially helpful when attachment to purlins is not possible and the only structural support is your wood decking. Snow rails must never be attached just to the metal roof panels.
You can get mill finish, 6-foot SnoBar and ColorBar kits right away on our website. When bigger linear footage amounts are required or a custom powder coated finish is desired, we also provide 12-foot bars that are shipped via LTL in wooden crates. Our professionals are prepared to give our clients an estimate for these systems. The normal turnaround time for price quotes is 24 to 48 hours.
The fasteners for the Screw Down rail system are all self-tapping. Self-tapping tek screws are used to secure the bar to the back of the colorbrackets. On the ColorBar system, these same tek screws are also used to install the splice connectors between the bars to create a continuous run. The ColorBrackets are installed with either the 1.5" Master Drillers (for use with metal purlins) or the 2" Master Grippers (for use with wood purlins).
