SnoBar, ColorBar & WindBar Stainless Clamp Installation Instructions

SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems are designed to help reduce the sudden release of snow and ice from metal roofs, while WindBar uses the same standing seam clamp attachment method for wind noise suppression. Correct installation depends on roof panel attachment, clamp placement, set screw torque, bar layout, and the number of rows required for the roof conditions.

Required Tools for SnoBar, ColorBar and WindBar Installation

• Rubber mallet for SnoBar end caps
• Drill gun with 3/8" nut driver bit for Tek screws
• Torque wrench that reads inch-pounds
• 3/16" Allen bit for set screws
• Flex pivot bit for shorter seams
• Tape measure
• Hacksaw
• Deburring file
• Pencil

System Parts

• SnoBar clamps with cup-tipped set screws
• Optional roof clamps with screws, top bolts, and washers
• SnoBar, ColorBar or WindBar rail sections
• Self-drilling Tek screws
• End caps for SnoBar installations
• Splice connectors for ColorBar installations
• Optional IceStoppers, if ordered for the project

SnoBar, ColorBar and WindBar Installation Steps

1. Prepare the Stainless Steel Standing Seam Clamps

Insert two set screws into each SnoBar clamp before getting on the roof. The cupped tips should point inward toward the panel seam. Leave enough clearance for the clamp to slide over the standing seam.

2. Mark the First Bar Section

Based on the project 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 first seam, then mark the seam near the opposite end of the bar section.

Do not place clamps over clips whenever possible, because this can restrict thermal movement of the roof panels.

3. Install the First Two Clamps

Set the first SnoBar clamp on the far-left seam at the pencil mark. Hand-tighten the set screws while keeping the clamp centered and fully seated on the seam. The holes in the bar receiver section should face upslope.

Apply downward pressure to the clamp and torque both set screws to 90 inch-pounds. Repeat this process on the far-right seam for the same bar section.

4. Use the Bar as a Straightedge

Place a full section of bar into the installed clamps without attaching it yet. Use this bar as a straightedge to position the remaining clamps for that section. Hand-tighten the remaining clamps first, then torque all set screws to 90 inch-pounds while applying downward pressure.

5. Install End Caps for SnoBar

If installing 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 installing aluminum ColorBar, skip this step.

6. Attach the Bar to the Clamps

Seat the SnoBar, ColorBar or WindBar tightly into the clamps. Starting at the far-left clamp, apply downward pressure and install two Tek screws through the back of each clamp into the bar using a 3/8" driver bit.

The bar should never extend more than 3" past the last clamp at either end of a continuous row.

7. Install Optional IceStoppers

If IceStoppers are included, position the short leg of the IceStopper facing upslope. Align the IceStopper with the upslope side of the bar, hold it tightly against the bar, and install two Tek screws while applying downward pressure. Some IceStoppers may not have pre-drilled holes; if needed, mark and pre-drill the IceStopper before fastening it to the bar.

For one IceStopper per panel, center it between clamps. On panels 18" or wider, use two or three IceStoppers spaced evenly between panel seams.

8. Join SnoBar or ColorBar Sections

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

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

9. Install Additional Rows

Space additional rows evenly up the slope according to the supplied layout. Measuring from the eave helps provide balanced loading across the roof structure and better protection against snow and ice slides.

Design Considerations for Metal Roof Snow Rails and Roof Noise Suppression

All loads created by the SnoBar, ColorBar or WindBar system transfer into the roof panels. Proper panel attachment to the substrate or structure is necessary to help prevent roof panels from sliding under retained snow load or shifting under system loads. WindBar uses the same stainless steel standing seam clamp attachment method, but it is used for roof noise suppression rather than snow retention.

New and existing structures must be evaluated to confirm they can withstand retained snow loads. This is especially important when the roof has an eave overhang, drifting conditions, high ground snow load, or areas where falling snow could create a hazard.

SnoBar, ColorBar or WindBar systems are not recommended for isolated placement only above doorways, vents, or partial roof areas without special design review. Snow retention should be evaluated as a roof-wide system, not just a small localized barrier.

Roof and Seam Requirements

Roof systems should generally be a minimum of 24-gauge steel with a seam height of at least 1". Do not use the SnoBar, ColorBar or WindBar system on seams with separate seam covers or batten strips.

Snow Retention Performance Notice

No snow retention system can retain 100% of snow and ice under every condition. SnoBar and ColorBar systems are designed to mitigate the dangers of sliding snow and ice, but extreme snowfall, ice buildup, drifting, and unusual weather conditions may require physical snow and ice removal from the roof.