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 down-hill slide, everything in its path will be destroyed. A row of snow guards placed along the eave or gutter edge of the roof is not always enough protection against this dangerous condition. A snow load that is spread evenly up the slope will preserve the long-term integrity of the actual structure, the metal roof and the snow retention system. Select your pitch below to get a general spacing guideline. This page should only be used only as a quick reference guide for estimating quantities of snow guards and general placement guidelines on roofs with less than 45 PSF ground snow load.
| 1/2 - 2/12 Pitch | 3/12 - 4/12 Pitch | 5/12 - 6-12 Pitch | 7-12 - 12-12 Pitch |
Pitch: 1/2/12 to 2/12 pitch.
Use: 1 snow guard per panel valley every 15 feet of roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
Starting at 1 and 2 foot from the bottom edge, place a snow guard in each panel valley using a staggered pattern across the entire roof area. Go up the roof 15 feet and repeat the staggered pattern in each panel valley. Do not exceed 15 feet vertically between rows of guards. For Example: if your roof sheets are 30 feet long, your roof would require a stagger pattern at 1 and 2 foot from the eave and a second staggered pattern at 14 and 15 feet from the eave line. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. Please see drawing above for general placement guidelines.
Pitch: 3/12 up to 4/12 pitch.
Use: 1 snow guard per panel valley every 10 feet of roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
Starting at 1 and 2 foot from the bottom edge, place a snow guard in each panel valley using a staggered pattern across the entire roof area. Go up the roof 10 feet and repeat the staggered pattern of guards in each panel valley. Do not exceed 10 feet vertically between rows of guards. For Example: if your roof sheets are 20 feet long, your roof would require a staggered pattern at 1 and 2 foot from the eave and a second staggered pattern at 9 and 10 feet up from the eave. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. Please see drawing above for general placement guidelines.
Pitch: 5/12 up to 6/12 pitch .
Use: 1 snow guard per panel valley every 8 feet of roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
Starting at 1 and 2 foot from the bottom edge, place a snow guard in each panel valley using a staggered pattern across the entire roof area. Go up the roof 8 feet and repeat the staggered pattern of guards in each panel valley. Do not exceed 8 feet vertically between rows of guards. For Example: if your roof sheets are 16 feet long, your roof would require a staggered pattern at 1 and 2 foot from the eave and a second staggered pattern at 7 and 8 feet up from the eave. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. Please see drawing above for general placement guidelines.
Pitch: 7/12 up to 12/12 pitch .
Use: 1 snow guard per panel valley every 5 feet of roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
Starting at 1 and 2 foot from the bottom edge, place a snow guard in each panel valley using a staggered pattern across the entire roof area. Go up the roof 5 feet and repeat the staggered pattern of guards in each panel valley. Do not exceed 5 feet vertically between rows of guards. For Example: if your roof sheets are 10 feet long, your roof would require a staggered pattern at 1 and 2 foot from the eave and a second staggered pattern at 4 and 5 feet up from the eave. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. Please see drawing above for general placement guidelines
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. For a customized layout specific to your roof criteria, please visit call us at 800-766-5291
- 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.
- 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.