As a Utah homeowner, you know that winter here can bring some seriously heavy snowfall. And if you have a metal roof, you may wonder if you need to install snow guards. In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about snow guards, from how they work to whether or not you need them for your home. Read on to learn more!
What are Snow Guards?
Snow guards are devices installed on metal roofs to prevent large sheets of snow and ice from sliding off the roof and directly onto the ground below. Snow falling in large amounts can be a life-threatening danger. They typically come in the form of plates, bars, or clips, and they’re installed along the length of the roof.
While metal roofs are designed to shed snow and ice, the weight of a large sheet can overload the roof and cause it to collapse. Snow guards help to prevent this by providing a barrier that catches the snow and holds it in place.
Snow guards also help to protect gutters and downspouts from being overloaded with snow and ice, which can cause them to break or become dislodged. As a result, snow guards play an important role in protecting metal roofs and the structures below them.
How Do Snow Guards Work?
If you live in a part of Utah that gets quite a bit of snow, you’ve probably seen houses with big sheets of metal or plastic attached to their roofs. Those are called snow guards, and they’re there to prevent something called a roof avalanche. Roof avalanches happen when the snow and ice on top of a roof get so heavy that they break loose all at once and come sliding down. They can cause a lot of damage and can be dangerous if anyone is walking around underneath the roof.
Snow guards work by creating friction between the surface of the roof and the snow or ice sitting on top of it. This friction prevents sheets of snow and ice from forming and sliding off the roof all at once. Snow guards can be made of different materials, but they’re usually made of metal or plastic. They’re usually attached to the roof with screws or nails and installed along the roof’s edge, where avalanches are most likely to occur.
If you’re considering installing snow guards on your roof, you must consult with a professional first. They’ll be able to tell you how many snow guards you’ll need to install, and they’ll be able to help you choose the right type of material for your particular roof. In most cases, installing snow guards is a pretty simple process, but it’s always best to let a professional handle it just to be safe.
Do I Need Snow Guards?
Whether or not you need snow guards for your home depends on a few factors. One is the pitch, or angle, of your roof. If your roof has a low pitch—less than 4 inches per foot—you’ll likely need snow guards to prevent damage to your gutters, windows, and doors during a heavy snowfall. Other factors that will affect whether or not you need snow guards include the type of roofing materials you have and the size of your home.
The pitch of your roof and the type of roofing materials you have will also affect the type of snow guards you need to install.
If you have a tile roof, you’ll need to use a different type of snow guard than someone with a metal roof. And if your roof has a high pitch—more than 8 inches per foot—you may not need any snow guards.
Ultimately, if you’re unsure whether or not you need snow guards for your home, it’s best to seek out a professional who can assess your situation.
Keeping Snow Off Your Metal Roof This Winter
For those of you with metal roofs in Utah, you know that during the winter months, snow can cause some serious problems. The heavy weight of the snow can collapse your roof, and the constant freeze and thaw cycles can cause the metal to crack. So, what actions can you do to keep it from happening?
Clearing Snow from Your Gutters
Clearing snow from your gutters is one of the most important winter home maintenance tasks. This will help you to prevent ice dams from forming, which can cause water to back up and seep under your shingles.
The very best way to clear snow from your gutters is to use a snow rake and start at the peak of your roof and work your way down. Snowfall can vary greatly in depth, so be sure to clear a wide path to accommodate the snow you expect.
For example, if you have a roof pitch of 6/12, you should clear a path that is at least 12 inches wide. Once you have cleared the snow, be sure to check the gutters for any remaining ice or snow. If there is still ice or snow present, melt it completely before it has a chance to refreeze.
Finally, be certain to check the forecast before a heavy snowfall. This will allow you to plan ahead and make sure you have enough time to clear your gutters before the snow accumulates.
Ice and Water Shield
One of the most efficient ways to keep your home safe from ice dams is to apply an ice and water shield to vulnerable areas. An ice and water shield is a self-adhesive membrane that helps to prevent water and ice from penetrating your roof. It is typically applied in areas with a high risk of ice dam formation, such as valleys and eaves. When applying ice and water shield, overlap each piece by at least six inches. This will help create a continuous barrier that keeps water and ice out.
Install Metal Roofing Panels
Now, it’s time to put your metal roofing panels up. This time, start at the bottom and work your way up, overlapping each panel by 2 to 4 inches. Make sure that each panel is tightly and securely fastened with screws or bolts.
Be sure to seal the edges of each panel with silicone caulk to prevent water and ice from penetrating. For added protection, you can also apply an ice and water shield over the panels before installing them.
Mineral-Surfaced Roll Roofing
Mineral-surfaced roll roofing is a type of roofing material that is made from asphalt and fiberglass. It is a popular choice for homes in cold climates, as it is resistant to ice and water. Mineral-surfaced roll roofing can be installed over most existing roofing materials, including metal, shingle, and tile.
Apply a coat of mineral-surfaced roll roofing over the entire roof surface. This will help reflect heat and prevent snow from sticking to the metal panels.
Snow Guards
Last but not least, you’ll need to have snow guards installed. Snow guards are great devices that are installed on a roof to prevent snow and ice from sliding off. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you can choose the ones that best fit your needs.
Most snow guards are metal or plastic and attached to the metal roof with screws or nails. However, some types of snow guards can be installed without penetrating the roofing material, which is ideal for those with a tile roof.
The number of snow guards you’ll need will depend on the size and slope of your roof. For example, a low-sloped roof will require more snow guards than a steep-sloped roof. If you’re unsure how many snow guards you need, it’s best to consult a professional.
You should also take into account the type of roofing material you have when deciding whether or not to install snow guards. Snow guards are not necessary on all types of roofs. For instance, they are typically not needed on slate or tile roofs.
How and Where to Place Snow Guards on Your Metal Roof
Living in Utah, we know a thing or two about snow. And if you have a metal roof, you probably know a thing or two about the importance of placing snow guards correctly. But with all the different types of metal roofs and snow guard products, it can be confusing to know where to start.
Why You Need Snow Guards
The main purpose of snow guards is to prevent large sheets of ice and snow from sliding off your roof and onto the ground below. This is important for two reasons. First, errant sheets of ice and snow can damage your gutters, windows, cars, and other property. Second, if someone happens to be walking beneath your roof when an avalanche occurs, they could be seriously injured. Snow falling in large amounts from a roof can be incredibly dangerous.
In short, protecting your property and ensuring public safety are the two main reasons why you need to install snow guards on your metal roof.
Types of Snow Guards
There are three main types of snow guards: surface-mounted, standing seam clip-on, and through-fastened. The type of roof you have will dictate which type of snow guard is right for you.
Surface-mounted snow guards are the most versatile type because they can be installed on any type of roof. They’re also fairly easy to install. All you need is a drill and some screws. That said, because they’re not physically attached to your roof, they’re not as strong as the other two types and may require more frequent maintenance over time.
Standing seam clip-on snow guards attach directly to the seams on your metal roof. They’re more aesthetically pleasing than surface-mounted options because they blend in with your roofline; most people won’t even notice they’re there until it starts to snow! Clip-on guards are also very strong and require little maintenance once installed. The only downside is that they can only be used on standing seam roofs; if you have any other type of metal roof (batten seam, corrugated panel, etc.), clip-on guards won’t work for you.
Through-fastened snow guards are similar to surface-mounted guards in terms of versatility; they can be installed on any type of roof. The main difference is that through-fastened guards are attached to your roof with nails or screws, which makes them much stronger than surface-mounted guards. However, remember that through-fastened guards are more difficult to install than surface-mounted or clip-on guards.
How Many Snow Guards Do I Need?
The number of snow guards you’ll need will vary depending on the size and slope of your roof. For example, a low-sloped roof will require more snow guards than a steep-sloped roof. If you’re unsure how many snow guards you need, it’s best to consult a professional.
When deciding where to place your snow guards, it’s important to take into account the type of roofing material you have. Snow guards are not necessary on all types of roofs. For instance, they are typically not needed on slate or tile roofs.
Bottom Line
If you have a metal roof and live in an area that sees frequent snowfall, it’s important to install snow guards correctly. There are three main types of snow guards, each of which is best suited for a certain type of roof. Consult a professional to determine how many snow guards you need and where to place them.
It’s a good idea to have your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor before winter weather hits. They can check for any weak spots or potential problems that could be exacerbated by heavy snow and ice. These precautions can help prevent serious damage to your roof and home.
If you’re unsure how to install snow guards or which type is right for your roof, consult a professional. They will be able to help you select the best snow guards for your needs and ensure that they’re installed correctly.