Spacing for SnowBreaker Snow Guards
SnowBreaker Snow Guards 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 down-hill 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 a 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. SnowBreaker snow guards are not designed to hold snow and ice, they help break it up to prevent the snow and ice from coming off at once. Because of the pointed shape of the SnowBreaker, sometimes they can successfully be used in isolated areas if your snow load is less than 20 PSF. Please see the Spacing Chart for Isolated Areas for the spacing guidelines. This spacing guideline page is good for up to 45PSF, if your ground snow load exceeds 45PSF please fill out our Quote Request Form for the heavy duty SnoBar/ColorBar systems.
Please Pick Your Roof Pitch Below
| 1/12 - 2/12 Pitch | 3/12 - 4/12 Pitch | 5/12 - 6-12 Pitch | 7-12 - 12-12 Pitch |
1/2 - 2/12 Roof Pitch
Panel: Valley width less than 16 inches.
Pitch: 1/12/12 to 2/12 pitch.
Use: 1 SnowBreaker per valley every 20 feet going up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If using adhesive start at 1 foot from the bottom edge (if screwing down start where the end wall meets the bottom edge) and place a SnowBreaker in the center of each valley, in a straight line, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof approximately 20 feet and repeat the straight line of guards in the center of every valley. Do not exceed 20 feet vertically between rows of guards. For Example: if your roof sheets are 40 feet long, your roof would require a row at 1 foot from the bottom and at 20 feet up from the bottom. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. 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. If your panel valleys are greater than 16" use chart below.
1/2 - 2/12 Roof Pitch
Panel: Valley width between 16 inches and 24 inches.
Pitch: 1/12/12 to 2/12 pitch.
Use: 2 SnowBreakers per valley every 20 feet going up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If using adhesive start at 1 foot from the bottom edge (if screwing down start where the end wall meets the bottom edge) and place 2 SnowBreakers equally spaced apart in the valley, in a straight line, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof approximately 20 feet and repeat the straight line of 2 guards, equally spaced apart in every valley. Do not exceed 20 feet vertically between rows of guards. For Example: if your roof sheets are 40 feet long, your roof would require a row at 1 foot from the bottom and at 20 feet up from the bottom. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. 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.
3/12 - 4/12 Roof Pitch
Panel: Valley width less than 16 inches.
Pitch: 3/12 up to 4/12 pitch.
Use: 1 per valley every 15 feet going up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If using adhesive start at 1 foot from the bottom edge (if screwing down start where the end wall meets the bottom edge) and place a SnowBreaker in the center of each valley, in a straight line, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof approximately 15 feet and repeat the straight line of guards in the center of every 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 row at 1 foot from the bottom and at 15 feet up from the bottom. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. 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. If your panel valleys are greater than 16" use chart below.
3/12 - 4/12 Roof Pitch
Panel: Valley width between 16 inches and 24 inches.
Pitch: 3/12 up to 4/12 pitch.
Use: 2 snow guards per valley every 15 feet going up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If using adhesive start at 1 foot from the bottom edge (if screwing down start where the end wall meets the bottom edge) and place 2 SnowBreakers equally spaced apart in the valley, in a straight line, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof approximately 15 feet and repeat the straight line of 2 guards, equally spaced apart in every 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 row at 1 foot from the bottom and at 15 feet up from the bottom. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. 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.
5/12 - 6/12 Roof Pitch
Panel: Valley width less than 16 inches.
Pitch: 5/12 up to 6/12 pitch .
Use: 1 snow guard per valley every 8 feet going up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If using adhesive start at 1 foot from the bottom edge (if screwing down start where the end wall meets the bottom edge) and place a SnowBreaker in the center of each valley, in a straight line, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof approximately 8 feet and repeat the straight line of guards in the center of every 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 row at 1 foot from the bottom and at 8 feet up from the bottom. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. 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. If your panel valleys are greater than 16" use chart below.
5/12 - 6/12 Roof Pitch
Panel: Valley width between 16 inches and 24 inches.
Pitch: 5/12 up to 6/12 pitch.
Use: 2 snow guards per valley for every 8 feet going up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If using adhesive start at 1 foot from the bottom edge (if screwing down start where the end wall meets the bottom edge) and place 2 SnowBreakers equally spaced apart in the valley, in a straight line, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof approximately 8 feet and repeat the straight line of 2 guards, equally spaced apart in every 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 row at 1 foot from the bottom and at 8 feet up from the bottom. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. 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.
7/12 - 12/12 Roof Pitch
Panel: Valley width less than 16 inches.
Pitch: 7/12 up to 12/12 pitch .
Use: 1 snow guard per valley every 5 feet going up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If using adhesive start at 1 foot from the bottom edge (if screwing down start where the end wall meets the bottom edge) and place a SnowBreaker in the center of each valley, in a straight line, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof approximately 20 feet and repeat the straight line of guards in the center of every valley. Do not exceed 6 feet vertically between rows of guards. For Example: if your roof sheets are 10 feet long, your roof would require a row at 1 foot from the bottom and at 5 feet up from the bottom. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. 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. If your panel valleys are greater than 16" use chart below.
7/12 - 12/12 Roof Pitch
Panel: Valley width between 16 inches and 24 inches.
Pitch: 7/12 up to 12/12 pitch.
Use: 2 snow guards per valley for every 5 feet going up the roof.
Snow load: Up to 45 PSF ground snow load.
If using adhesive start at 1 foot from the bottom edge (if screwing down start where the end wall meets the bottom edge) and place 2 SnowBreakers equally spaced apart in the valley, in a straight line, across the entire roof area. Go up the roof approximately 5 feet and repeat the straight line of 2 guards, equally spaced apart in every 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 row at 1 foot from the bottom and at 5 feet up from the bottom. When possible, always attempt to divide the roof areas into equal sections, with equal distance between rows, without exceeding the manufacturer maximum placement guidelines. 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
SnowBreaker Spacing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The SnowBreakers, when installed with the pointed side facing up slope break up the snow and ice and help mitigate damages caused by snow slides. The SnowBreakers revolutionary shape also allows it to be installed in the opposite facing direction for use as a snow guard. This chart is not to be used for spacing recommendations with the SnowBreaker pointed downward. Please use either the glue down or screw down spacing charts when installing SnowBreaker in this way.
Except for Snojax 1, all of our clear polycarbonate snow guards can be installed using adhesive. Snojax 1, the first original clear guard in the world, should not be used with standing seam panels since it can only be attached with mechanical fasteners. However, fasteners can be used to install all of our guards on screw-down panels.
We only advise using Surebond SB-190 adhesive when gluing down our snow guards. The industry standard for use with polycarbonate snow guards is this adhesive. Surebond SB-190 creates a chemical fusion bond with our guards producing a strong, durable attachment between the snow guard and the metal roof panel.
The 3M mounting option for our SnowBreaker snow guard is primarily meant for use in situations where a non-penetrating solution is required, but the temperatures are too low to accommodate adhesive cure times. The Surebond SB-190 adhesive requires approximately 28 days at 50 degrees (Fahrenheit) or above to achieve a full cure. SnowBreakers that are mounted with the 3M should be removed and reapplied with adhesive once the temperatures rise again.
For polycarbonate snow guards, the Surebond SB-190 glue needs approximately 28 days at 50 degrees Fahrenheit to fully cure. Temporary temperatures below that will prevent the curing process from progressing and may increase the amount of time required for a complete cure. Rain (after 45 minutes) and lower temperatures won't harm the adhesive during curing.
About 10 of our larger polycarbonate snow guards and 20–25 of our smaller models can be attached with the Surebond SB–190 adhesive. When using the SnowBreaker 3M, a tube is provided for every 50 units for use in sealing the perimeter edges. Please be aware that depending on the user's application, this may change.
