SnoBar & ColorBar Aluminum RoofClamp Installation Instructions

SnoBar & ColorBar RoofClamp System Overview

The SnoBar and ColorBar aluminum RoofClamp installation system is designed for standing seam metal roofs where a clamp-mounted snow rail is required. The system uses aluminum RoofClamps mounted directly to the standing seams, with RCB-3 brackets used to mount the SnoBar or ColorBar rail on the clamp.

The RCB-3 bracket can swivel up to 31 degrees for converging hips and valleys. Always verify panel compatibility and layout requirements before installation.

Required Tools

• Hammer for installing SnoBar plastic end caps
• Drill gun with 3/8" nut driver for Tek screws
• Torque wrench that reads inch-pounds
• 3/16" Allen bit for tightening set screws
• 9/16" socket for tightening RoofClamp top bolts
• Flex pivot bit for shorter seams
• Tape measure
• Hacksaw
• Deburring file
• Pencil

System Parts

Verify all quantities against the packing slip before beginning installation. Your system may include:

• Aluminum RoofClamps with cup-tip set screws, top bolts, and washers
• RCB-3 brackets for more severe angles
• SnoBar or ColorBar rails
• Self-drilling Tek screws
• Plastic end caps for SnoBar
• Splice connectors for ColorBar
• Optional IceStoppers, if ordered

Determine the Layout of Rows

Refer to the suggested snow rail layout guide. A basic starting point is one row placed 12" to 18" up from the eave, or over the load-bearing wall when an overhang is present. Additional rows should be spaced evenly up the slope.

For example, if the roof measures 26'-0" from eave to ridge and two rows are being installed, the first row would be placed approximately 12" up from the eave or over the bearing wall. The second row would be placed approximately 13'-6" from the eave edge, or 12'-6" from the first row.

Installation Instructions

Step 1: Assemble the RoofClamp and RCB-3 Bracket

Install three set screws into each RoofClamp with the cupped tips pointing inward toward the seam. Leave enough room between the screw tips for the clamp to slide over the standing seam.

Mount the RCB-3 bracket on top of the RoofClamp so the large hole in the bracket aligns with the threaded hole on top of the RoofClamp. The two smaller holes on the face of the RCB-3 bracket should face upslope.

Use the supplied top bolt and washer to attach the RCB-3 bracket to the RoofClamp with a 9/16" socket. Torque the top bolt to 90 inch-pounds.

Step 2: Mark the First Bar Section

Based on the recommended spacing layout, measure 12" to 18" up the seam from the eave. If the roof has an overhang, place the first row over the load-bearing wall.

Mark the farthest seam on the left, then mark the same distance from the eave on the seam just short of the length of the bar being installed. For a full 12' section of bar, the second mark should be just short of 12' from the first mark.

Make sure the two marked seams are not wider than the bar section being installed. Avoid placing clamps directly over panel clips whenever possible to prevent restricting thermal expansion.

Step 3: Install the First Two RoofClamp Assemblies

Set the first RoofClamp/RCB-3 assembly onto the farthest left seam at the first pencil mark. Hand tighten the set screws to the seam, making sure the clamp is centered and pressed down tight to the top of the seam.

The holes in the bar receiver section of the RoofClamp/RCB-3 assembly should face upslope when properly mounted. While applying downward pressure, torque the three RoofClamp set screws to 90 inch-pounds.

Repeat this process to install a second RoofClamp/RCB-3 assembly on the farthest right seam marked in Step 2.

Step 4: Use the Bar as a Straight Edge

Place a full section of SnoBar or ColorBar into the receiver of the RoofClamp/RCB-3 assemblies. Do not attach the bar to the assemblies yet.

Use this bar section as a straight edge to install the remaining RoofClamp/RCB-3 assemblies for that section. These clamps should be set in place with the RoofClamp set screws hand tightened.

Once all RoofClamp/RCB-3 assemblies in the bar section are installed, torque all set screws to 90 inch-pounds while applying downward pressure to the bar.

Step 5: Install SnoBar End Caps

If using the 1" square SnoBar, install the supplied plastic end caps at each end of the bar. Deburr any field-cut bars before installing end caps.

If using aluminum ColorBar, skip this step.

Step 6: Fasten the Bar to the RCB-3 Assemblies

Set the bar into the RoofClamp/RCB-3 assemblies. Do not allow the bar to extend more than 3" past the last RoofClamp/RCB-3 assembly at the end of the row.

Make sure the bar is seated tightly in the RoofClamp/RCB-3 assembly. Apply downward pressure to the bar while installing two Tek screws through the back of the RoofClamp/RCB-3 bracket assembly into the SnoBar or ColorBar.

Follow the same procedure for each clamp as you progress down the section of bar. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 for each full section of bar.

Step 7: Install Optional IceStoppers

When optional IceStoppers are installed, the short leg of the IceStopper should face upslope, with the Tek screw holes lined up with the upslope side of the bar.

If installing one IceStopper per panel, on panels up to 17" wide, center it between the clamps. Hold it tightly to the upslope side of the bar and install two Tek screws while applying downward pressure.

On panels 18" to 24", use two IceStoppers spaced equally between panel seams. On wider panels, when using ColorBar only, up to 42 inches, use 3 IceStoppers spaced evenly between panel seams.  If IceStoppers were not ordered with the original system and snow or ice slides under the bars, they can be added later.

Step 8: Connect SnoBar or ColorBar Sections

For SnoBar, butt joints should always be centered in the panel valley with no more than a 2" gap between butted ends. Some panels require the bars to be cut to obtain correct seam spacing.

For ColorBar, the supplied splice connectors create a continuous run of bar. ColorBar ends should be no more than 1/8" apart. ColorBar butt joint connections can be made anywhere along the row except inside the clamp, as long as the splice connectors are properly installed with one Tek screw.

Never extend the bar more than 3" past the seam at the end of a run.

Step 9: Install Additional Rows

Space additional rows of SnoBar or ColorBar evenly up the roof slope. Always measure from the eave edge according to the recommended spacing layout. Proper row spacing helps reduce snow and ice slides while distributing retained snow load across the roof structure.

For spacing assistance, call 800-766-5291.

Design Conditions for SnoBar & ColorBar RoofClamp Systems

1. All loads created by the SnoBar or ColorBar system are transferred to the roof panels. Proper panel attachment to the substrate or structure is required to prevent panels from sliding under snow load.
2. New and existing structures must be evaluated to confirm they can withstand retained snow loads. If an overhang is present at the eave, confirm that the overhang can support the accumulated snow load. Otherwise, the first row should be installed at the bearing wall.
3. Do not install SnoBar or ColorBar only in isolated areas such as above doorways, vents, or partial roof sections without special design review.
4. No snow retention system can retain 100% of snow and ice. The system is designed to help reduce the danger of sliding snow and ice.
5. The roof system should be a minimum of 24 gauge steel with a seam height of at least 1".
6. Do not use the SnoBar or ColorBar system on seams with separate seam covers or batten strips.
7. Clamp spacing varies depending on seam spacing from 12" on-center up to 42" on-center. Clamps should be placed at every seam so the load is distributed evenly to every roof panel.
8. The designer, architect, installer, or owner should understand local ground snow load, climatic conditions, roof slope, roof orientation, drifting potential, and roof design before installing the system.
9. System layout is calculated using panel length, ground snow load, roof slope, snow loading, and areas requiring protection from falling snow. More than one row may be required.
10. Extreme conditions such as drifting, ice buildup, or unusual snowfall may require snow and ice to be physically removed from the roof.