Spacing For SnoCleat RC/RCT on Standing Seam Metal Roofs
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
| 1/2 - 2/12 Pitch | 3/12 - 4/12 Pitch | 5/12 - 6-12 Pitch | 7-12 - 12-12 Pitch |
1/2 - 2/12 Roof Pitch
Pitch: 1/2/12 to 2/12 pitch.
Use: 1 snow guard per seam every 15 feet up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
Starting at 1 and 2 feet from the bottom edge, place a snow guard on each panel seam in a staggered pattern, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof 15 feet and repeat the staggered pattern on each panel seam. 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 feet 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's maximum placement guidelines. Please see the drawing above for general placement guidelines. All upper roof areas must have snow retention installed before installing snow guards on a lower roof. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer's maximum placement guidelines. Never isolate areas of snow guards such as just over doorways or vent pipes.
3/12 - 4/12 Roof Pitch
Pitch: 3/12 up to 4/12 pitch.
Use: 1 snow guard per seam every 10 feet up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
Starting at 1 and 2 feet from the bottom edge, place a snow guard on each panel seam in a staggered pattern, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof 10 feet and repeat the staggered pattern of guards on each panel seam. 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 feet 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's maximum placement guidelines. Please see the drawing above for general placement guidelines. All upper roof areas must have snow retention installed before installing snow guards on a lower roof. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer's maximum placement guidelines. Never isolate areas of snow guards such as just over doorways or vent pipes.
5/12 - 6/12 Roof Pitch
Pitch: 5/12 up to 6/12 pitch .
Use: 1 snow guard per seam every 8 feet up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
Starting at 1 and 2 feet from the bottom edge, place a snow guard on each panel seam in a staggered pattern, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof 8 feet and repeat the staggered pattern of guards on each panel seam. 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 feet 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's maximum placement guidelines. Please see the drawing above for general placement guidelines. All upper roof areas must have snow retention installed before installing snow guards on a lower roof. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer's maximum placement guidelines. Never isolate areas of snow guards such as just over doorways or vent pipes.
Pitch: 7/12 up to 12/12 pitch .
Use: 1 snow guard per seam every 5 feet up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
Starting at 1 and 2 feet from the bottom edge, place a snow guard on each panel seam in a staggered pattern, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof 5 feet and repeat the staggered pattern of guards on each panel seam. 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 feet 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's maximum placement guidelines. Please see the drawing above for general placement guidelines. All upper roof areas must have snow retention installed before installing snow guards on a lower roof. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer's maximum placement guidelines. 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
SnoCleat RC/RCT Spacing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The SnoCleat RC and RCT snow guards can accommodate a wide range of today's most popular standing seam panels. The SnoCleat RCT is the correct choice when your project features a Bulb Seam or T-Seam panel. For more information on panel fitment for these guards, check our panel compatibility chart.
The SnoCleat RC and RCT snow guards are both equipped with cupped tip stainless steel set screws, which create a posi-lock attachment to secure the snow guards in place. This proven set screw design offers superior strength without panel penetration. Our cupped tip set screws only require 90 in-lbs of torque (not foot-pounds) compared to the competition, which requires up to 150 in-lbs of torque.
Snow retention is the sole purpose of the SnoCleat PBR. No snow guard or rail system is adequate for use as a step or a tie-off point for fall protection. We advise looking into the RidgePro if you need a quick and reliable fall protection option.
This snow guard's face will accommodate a 2" wide by 4" long piece of flat stock metal roofing that the user provides. Additionally, powder coating for the SnoCleat RCT is available for an additional cost. Call us at 1-800-766-5291 for information on pricing and availability.
The SnoCleat RC and RCT are the only seam-mounted snow guards to offer an exclusive 3" swivel bracket that allows for a 31-degree angle adjustment in hips and converging valleys. In the event of an abnormally high level of winter precipitation, the swivel bracket allows the face of the guard to pivot without damaging the seams of the roof panel. Individual standing seam-mounted snow guards have no release factor, so panel damage could happen during a sudden snow slide. This issue is common and a significant worry with other seam-mounted snow guards. Using our unique swivel bracket's torque setting at its lowest setting may help to alleviate this issue.
In rare cases, when the roof pitch and ground snow load for your project are both low, a single row may be sufficient for your project. In most cases, however, multiple rows going up the slope that span the entire roof length will be required for proper weight distribution. An adequate snow guard layout will hold snow and ice in place, allowing it to melt and drain into the gutters. The myth of a snow guard system acting as a hockey goalie for sliding snow and ice is patently false. Depending on moisture content, snow can weigh from 1 pound per cubic foot to over 21 pounds per cubic foot. The addition of motion velocity will drastically increase the force on your snow guards, so reducing movement is vital.
