Winter is just around the corner and in locations that see heavy snow; metal roofing has always been the choice of homeowners for years. Its smooth coated surface sheds snow faster than other kinds of roofing materials, inhibiting snow buildup and protecting the structural integrity of the roof.
If you are designing in areas with heavy snow accumulation, then you’ll also probably want to think about the use of snow guards and snow rails to control the shedding of snow from the roof.
There are plenty of different kinds of snow guards and rails out there designed for use with standing seam metal roofing products. The most effective seems to be the systems that are mechanically attached with brass or aluminum clamps using round-point setscrews that will not “pin” or “fix” the metal roof panels to the building.
Snow guards can even enhance the aesthetic appearance of the building, offering colors and finishes matching standing seam metal roofing panels and coated to last as long as the roof itself.
If you are considering a snow retention system on your metal roof then get one designed and engineered on a site-specific basis. They’re made for your roof and they will also carry a performance guarantee.
Mechanically attached snow guards are about six times stronger than adhesively-mounted devices that can degrade with time and exposure. In addition mechanically attached guards require less time and labor expenses than soldered snow guards.
And just when you thought snow guards were just for snow, we’ve found some enterprising architects who have found some interesting uses for these kinds of guards and rails not even remotely associated with snow! Continue reading →