Specs
Snow Guard Resources
Snow Guards for metal roofing is our main business. This is a comprehensive resource for architects to access product specification sheets, cut sheets, and other useful information for our products. If you have any questions on the information below, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-766-5291.
Snow Retention: The Theory
Snow and ice can dangerously avalanche off of glossy-coated metal roofing. These hazards can be prevented with the installation of snow guards.
Once frozen, precipitation loses its grip on a metal roof and begins a downhill slide. A row of guards placed along the eave or gutter edge of the roof is not always enough protection against these dangers. Our approach to snow guard placement involves placing snow guards throughout the entire area of the roof to keep snow and ice from initially shifting. If you hold snow and ice in place with an effective snow guard layout, you are able to evenly distribute the load on the roof and snow guards; virtually eliminating the threat of an avalanche. An evenly distributed snow load will preserve the long-term integrity of the structure and snow guard pattern.
Spacing of Snow Guards
To learn about placement of snow guards for your project or you can use our quick spacing guideline page for snow guard placement to estimate the number of snow guards necessary for your project.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commentary on Snow Loads
This document is used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as Technical Instructions for snow loads. Our SnoJax II is found on page 26, however, contrary to the image, we suggest that multiple rows of staggered snow guards be installed throughout the roof to effectively hold snow in place. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commentary on Snow Loads (pdf)
Submittal Documents
Snow Guard Spec Sheets
- SnoBlox Deuce Spec
- SnoBlox Ace Spec
- SnoJax I Spec
- SnoJax II Spec
- IceJax I Spec
- IceJax II Spec
- SnowCatcher Spec
- SnowBreaker Spec
- SnoCleat RC-RCT Spec
- SnoCleat PBR Spec
- SnoCleat 2.67 Spec
- VentSaver HD Spec
- SS VentSaver Plate
- SureBond SB-190
- SnoBar Spec
- ColorBar Spec
- WindBar Spec
- RoofClamp Spec
- EcoBlox Spec
- LeafBlox Spec
- SlateGuard Spec
- NovaFlex Spec
- RidgePro Spec
Snow Guard Cut Sheets
- SnoBlox Deuce Cut Sheet
- SnoBlox Ace Cut Sheet
- SnoJax I Cut Sheet
- SnoJax II Cut Sheet
- IceJax I Cut Sheet
- IceJax II Cut Sheet
- SnowCatcher Cut Sheet
- SnowBreaker Cut Sheet
- SnoCleat RC-RCT Cut Sheet
- SnoCleat PBR Cut Sheet
- SnoCleat 2.67 Cut Sheet
- VentSaver HD Cut Sheet
- SS VentSaver Cut Sheet
- SureBond SB-190 Cut Sheet
- SnoBar Cut Sheet
- ColorBar Cut Sheet
- WindBar Cut Sheet
- Roof Clamp Cut Sheet
- EcoBlox Cutsheet
- LeafBlox Cut Sheet
- SlateGuard Cut Sheet
- NovaFlex Sealant Cut Sheet
- Ridge Pro Cut Sheet
Addition Resources
- Installation Instructions: Snow Guards, VentSavers, Roof Clamp, LeafBlox and SlateGuard
- RoofClamp and SnoBar Clamp: Compatibility Guide
- 8 Page Catalog Brochure: Complete Catalog
- Product Pricing: Master Price Sheet
- Questions? Please use this form.
Project Specs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our test results show that snow guards made of metal and polycarbonate perform similarly. Please go to the resources page to review these findings. For our customers, looks frequently matter more than strength when making this decision. For our customers with standing seam metal roofs, only polycarbonate snow guards can be installed with adhesive.
The heavy-duty VentSaver HD has an 18" long fin with a 14" to 16" tall profile, compared to the VentSaver EZ's 12" long fin with a 9" to 12" tall profile.
Most popular standing seam panels, available today, can be equipped with the RoofClamp RC and RCT. For the majority of roofing applications, the less expensive choice is the RoofClamp RC. When your project has a Bulb Seam or T-Seam panel, however, the RCT should be used. The RCT can also be used on any panel that the RC fits. Check our panel compatibility chart for further details about these clamps.
The structural ColorBar snow rail system features an extruded 6061-T6 aluminum bar that can accept a color strip. The ColorBar features superior strength that is capable of spanning panels wider than 24". The SnoBar system features a 1" x 1" square, hollow tube of Gator Shield coated galvanized steel. Both systems can be purchased online in mill finish or special ordered in a powder coated finish by phone.
NO! The adhesive, Surebond SB-190, is used to adhere polycarbonate snow guards to metal roof panels without penetrating them. When using mechanical fasteners, it is never advised to use Surebond SB-190 as a sealer beneath the polycarbonate snow guards. Novaflex MR150 is a silicone caulking used to seal snow guards when they are installed with screws. It is NOT advised to use Novaflex as an adhesive to secure snow guards to your roof.
