Category: Snowguard Systems

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Metal Roofing Snowguard Systems

Snow Guards For Metal Roofs: Everything You Need to Know

When you are replacing your roof, choosing a metal roof comes with a lot of benefits. They are very long lasting, easier to care for than other roof types, and can be amazed to mimic the looks of pretty much any other roof.

They are also very good at letting rain and snow slide off the roof surface, which enables them to resist moisture and water damage over longer periods of time. With a metal roof though, you will often need snow guards if you live in an area that is prone to snow. Here is everything you need to know about snow guards for metal roofs, and why you will want to have them installed.

What Is A Snow Guard?

Firstly, what is a snow guard exactly? These are devices that are often installed on metal roofs, that are designed to sudden heavy snow shift from the roof into your gutters and onto the ground below it. There are several different styles of snow guards for metal roofs available, which will be covered below.

Why Install Snow Guards For Metal Roofs?

For a first time homeowner, they may wonder whether they would need snow guards. Surely, if your metal roof is able to shed snow quickly, is that not a good thing for your roof?

It is true that removing snow from your roof is important, as it will remove that weight from it as well as avoid the potential issue of snow melting and getting into your roof itself. However, metal roofs are very efficient at shedding snow. In fact, they can often be too efficient and that is where the issue lies.

Metal roofs can often be the catalyst for a roof avalanche, where all of the snow on the roof is shared in one go. When this happens, it can cause damage to the guttering on your roof, as well as anything that is on the ground directly below it. Plus, of course, it poses a risk to anyone who is underneath the roof at the time. Because of this, snow guards are an essential safety device for your roof.

As well as this, you will see that snow guards are good at avoiding issues such as ice dams. These happen when snow builds up on a roof and then starts to melt, making its way to the gutters. If your roof doesn’t have great insulation, it is going to be a lot colder at the edge of the roof, so the snow will then refreeze. At that point, it creates a dam that stops further water from escaping the roof, and that leads to leaks. 

So then, snow guards are an essential parts of metal roof installation. Without them, you could be risking damage or safety issues.

Who Needs Snow Guards?

Are you going to need snow guards on your metal roof in particular? If you are considering having a metal roof installed, and you live in an area that is prone to snow, then it is something that you should be having installed at the same time.

If you are not sure whether you would need them, you can talk to your roofer about the issue. They should be able to advise you whether they are going to be needed on your roof.

Types Of Snow Guards Available

There are several different types of snow guards available, so you will be able to pick one that suits your needs. These include the following:

Pad style snow guards: These are probably the most common snow guards you will see on a lot of metal roofs in your area. That is probably because they are one of the most affordable options out there, while still giving you full protection. The pads on your roof cause friction, which will stop snow from sliding off the roof all in one go.

Bar style snow guards: These snow guards are also popular because they can be installed without the need for any special tools. That makes them much easier and quicker to get installed, especially if you are expecting snowy weather in the near future. If you are expecting bad weather soon, and you do not already have snow guards on your metal roof, then these are going to be a good option.

Fence style snow guards: As the name implies, fence styles snow guards create a fence around the edge of your roof, which helps stop snow from coming off the roof all at once. Many people have these installed because they are attractive, as well as provide an essential function for your roof.

Which Snow Guards Are Right For Your Roof?

So if you are considering having snow guards installed on your metal roof, you can see you have lots of choices. How can you be sure you are picking the right ones for you? There are some factors you need to consider when you make that decision, including the following:

Appearance: Different snow guards have different appearances, and you will most likely have a preference over which one you like the look of. If curb appeal and the general appearance of your roof are a concern, you will want to keep this in mind.

Compatibility: As there are different styles of metal roofs out there, these will affect what snow guards can be installed on them. For example, if you have a corrugated metal roof, that will work with some snow guards but not others. Again, it’s a good idea to talk to your roofer about which ones would work with your roof.

Cost: As with all roofing concerns, you will need to take cost into account. If money is a concern, you could always go with pad style snow guards, but if you have more budget to spare, you could go with another option.

Conclusion

Now you know all the basics are snow guards for your metal roof. As snowy weather approaches, it’s a good idea to have them installed now to protect your home and anyone around it.

If you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Middleburg, Winchester, or Leesburg, Piedmont Roofing will be happy to help you with your roofing needs.

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Snowguard Systems

All You Need to Know About Metal Roof Snow Guards

 

Now that winter is coming up, you’ll want to think about how potential snow will affect your roof. When you’re well prepared, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but if you’re not, it can cause real damage. That’s especially true if you’ve recently had a metal roof installed.

They have a lot of benefits, but they do face some unique issues when it comes to snow. Here’s what you need to know about metal roof snow guards, and how you can avoid any potential issues this winter.

Why Snow Is a Problem for Your Metal Roof

Firstly, why should you be concerned about snow this winter? With a metal roof, even a smaller amount is going to cause issues if you aren’t prepared. If you’ve has asphalt shingle roofs in the past, you’ll have seen that the snow that falls sticks to your roof before it melts off in the sun.

That allows it to turn to water before it gets to the gutters, and lets it run away harmlessly. Of course, you do need the roof to be well insulated, and the gutters to be in good condition to avoid ice dams from forming. This isn’t the case when it comes to a metal roof.

Unlike an asphalt shingle roof, a metal roof doesn’t provide any traction to fallen snow. As such, it’s very slippery and snow is prone to sliding off even in sheets in some cases. You’d think not having the weight of the snow on your roof would be good, but it will cause problems if it slides off this way.

When there’s no resistance, it can actually cause damage to the fascias on your roof, as well as your gutters. You don’t want to have to deal with unexpected repair bills this winter, so you’ll need to find a way to stop this from happening.

What Are Metal Roof Snow Guards, and How Can They Help?

That’s where snow guards come in. These have been designed especially for metal roofs in colder weather and will stop these problems in their tracks. A snow guard is a device that’s installed onto the roof surface, and its purpose is to hold snow on the roof until it melts.

When that happens, the water will then run away easily without causing any problems at all. There are two different types of snow guards, and you’ve most likely seen them before on metal roofs in your neighborhood not even knowing what they were for.

Snow Birds

These snow guards have a small, seashell-type shape, and stand around 2 to 3 inches tall. They are installed in an alternating pattern on top of the roof, near the edge. This helps break up any snowfall on it, letting it melt off instead of coming off in chunks.

Where exactly the snow birds are installed will depend on your roof and its exact type. For example, a standing seam seal roof will have snow birds installed on top of the rib of each seam. On other metal roofs, the snow bird will come with a rubber foot.

This is fastened through the roof with screws, with the rubber making a watertight seal. You can also see snow birds on other roofing materials, such as slate. In this instance, the guards will be installed with a long flange that sits below the row of slate tiles above it.

Snow Rails

Snow rails, as the name implies, are long rails installed across your roof. These are designed for areas where there is heavier snowfall, as they’ll be able to hold more snow before it starts to melt away. You’ll also see a lot of commercial buildings using them, as they have larger metal roofs and so will hold a lot more snow overall.

Do You Need Metal Roof Snow Guards?

Now you know about snow guards, you’ll need to know if you need them for your roof. Is that something that you need to consider? If you have a metal roof and live in a climate that gets regular snowfall, then you will want to look into getting snow guards installed.

As mentioned above, they will stop snow from sliding off your roof and causing damage. If the snow starts coming off in chunks, it can damage the gutters and fascias. That will lead to repair costs, as well as potential water damage in your home.

If you’ve just had the roof installed, you don’t want to deal with additional costs. Of course, if anyone is walking under your roof line and snow comes off that way, it can cause injury too. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, then you may not need those snow guards.

The surface of the shingle has more grip than a metal roof, so the snow is typically held there until it melts. If you have a roof with a steep pitch though, that snow may well fall off before it melts. Talk to your roofer about whether you’ll need one. On roofs with a steeper pitch than 6/12, you may need those snow guards.

Installing Your Metal Roof Snow Guards

Decided that your roof will need snow guards? If so, then you’ll need to look at having them installed. While there are guides online that show you how to do it, you’ll want to hire an expert roofer to handle the job for you.

Like any roofing job, installing snow guards is potentially dangerous and you want someone with the right expertise and equipment to handle it. You’ll also want an expert to handle it, as an incorrectly installed snow guard can lead to leaks in your roof over time. 

Final Takeaway

Snow guards are an essential part of your roof if you have had a metal roof installed. Before the snow comes this winter, talk to your local roofer about getting them installed to protect your roof and avoid any unnecessary repair bills. You’ll soon see how important they are when the colder weather comes in earnest.

There are plenty of benefits to installing metal roof snow guards. If you’re having a metal roof installed, talk to your roofer about getting metal roof snow guards installed. They’ll be able to recommend the best for your home, considering your location, climate, and aesthetic needs.

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Snowguard Systems

What You Need to Know About Roof Snow Removal

When snow blankets our neighborhoods, it’s a beautiful sight. Our homes tend to look especially beautiful when the rooftop is covered in a fresh, smooth blanket of pure white snow. However, despite the beautiful look, snow and roof snow removal can cause major headaches for homeowners.

This is especially the case if your home is old, or if you know your rooftop isn’t as strong as it should be. Snow may look beautiful from the street, but if a homeowner isn’t careful, it can cause serious, expensive damage on the inside. Heavy snow on rooftops can cause gutters to fall off a home, water leaks inside the home, and even roof collapses in extreme cases.

That’s why roof snow removal is an important part of winter home maintenance. Keeping your roof clear of large amounts of snow will give you peace of mind. It will also help you avoid major repair projects after snow storms dump inches and inches of snow upon your roof.

 

Why Snow Removal is Important

Roof snow removal is of the utmost importance because it’s a precaution against severe damage to your home. One of the biggest risks when it comes to rooftop snow are “ice dams.” Ice dams form when ridges of ice form along the bottom edge of a roof. These can often form impressive-looking icicles, but they’re more trouble than one might realize.

An ice dam prevents moisture and snow from properly draining off the rooftop surface. Ice and snow becomes stuck on the roof and doesn’t drain off, which can result in damage and leaks inside the home.

Another consideration when evaluating whether you need to remove snow is the fact that consistently applied, additional weight upon an already weak roof puts the home at risk for a cave-in.

 

When Should You Remove Snow?

Many homeowners may wonder when they should start thinking about roof snow removal – right after a major storm, or after a few inches have accumulated? The answer really depends on a few factors that should be carefully considered:

  • Consider the condition of your roof already. If you know that it is weak in certain areas and needs to be replaced, then make clearing it off a greater priority.
  • Consider how much snow is actually on your roof. If it’s a dusting or just a few inches, obviously there is very little to be concerned about. Many experts recommend clearing a rooftop once the snow builds up to six inches in height. Any more snow can put undue stress on a rooftop and cause big problems.
  • Think about the type of snow that’s on your roof. A homeowner may not realize that certain types of snow are heavier than others. Light and dry snow will not be as detrimental. However, wet snow is by nature heavier and will cause more problems. It’s easy to tell what type of snow you’re dealing with just by picking up a handful from the ground.
  • Take the weather into account. If the weather is going to warm up very soon, clearing your roof is not as pressing a problem. The snow will probably begin to melt soon, easing your problems. However, if you have reason to anticipate more storms, its best to clear it off to prevent further build up.

 

Safety First

Most of the time, homeowners will be able to clear snow off their roofs on their own. But for the sake of safety, it is key to make sure you are physically capable of doing so. And, you may want to consider professional assistance if you live in an area that frequently receive excessive amounts of snow each winter. Do this for the sake of your own safety and for the well-being of your roof.

It’s essential to consider other safety precautions as well. Homeowners need to be extremely careful using a ladder in potentially slippery conditions. In fact, you may want to avoid this option entirely unless you’re sure it can be done safely. Ladder surfaces, the ground, and your shoes can become slippery which is a recipe for disaster.

 

Several Approaches to Roof Snow Removal

There are several ways to approach roof snow removal. Regardless of the method you use, you’ll want to also take care to remove snow and ice from gutters in order to keep them from forming ice dams. This will also keep them from becoming too heavy and falling off the house.

A first option are heat cables. These are hot, electrically heated cables that are placed on the roof. The placement of these helps to prevent ice and snow build up. This is an expensive option that really only works in areas that receive ice or snow dustings. The heat from the cables is usually not enough to prevent major snow build up. This is especially true in areas that receive a lot of snow storms consistently throughout the winter.

Another option is a snow rake. This is an easy procedure that you can do yourself. However, this process can be difficult if your roof is steep, high, or has many overhangs. A roof rake is not a typical lawn rake–rather, it is typically metal and is shaped in such a way that pulls snow directly off your roof rather than through plastic teeth like a lawn rake would have. You’ll only be able to use this option if your roof doesn’t have a steep incline.

Snow guards are another option that make roof snow removal possible. These guards protect your gutters and spouting by spreading out the snow evenly on your roof. This makes it easier to remove snow and ice from your roof. The spread out snow melts and drips away evenly, reducing the number of potential leaks and cave ins.

An interesting option to consider is also calcium chloride tablets. These can be purchased online or at most hardware stores, and they are probably the least physically-straining option. Calcium chloride can melt snow and ice without damaging your rooftop (as driveway salt would); and all you have to do is, following the manufacturer’s directions of course, toss a few up on your rooftop and wait for them to melt the ice and snow on the roof. You’ll probably still have to clear a bit off around the gutters, but these tablets can take a lot of the struggle out of the process.

 

Conclusion

Roof snow removal can be a major challenge facing homeowners in the winter. Luckily, there are several ways to approach the problem, from heating cables, to roof rakes, to calcium chloride tablets. Taking into consideration the type and amount of snow and the condition of your roof will enable you to make an educated decision about clearing your roof of snow during the winter months.

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Blog Snowguard Systems

Reduce the Need for Emergency Repairs by Preparing Your Roof for Winter

With winter rapidly approaching, you may have started adding more items to your seasonal “to-do” list. Although finishing up the yard, putting up the lights, and switching the tires on the family car are all big parts of preparing for winter, it is crucial that you remember the importance of preparing your roof for winter as well. It is common for companies that provide roofing in Winchester to receive emergency calls from the damage that the winter snow and freezing temperatures can inflict on homes, and as you might imagine, emergency repairs can mean unexpected expenses. By making just a couple of improvements or doing some routine checks, you can expect to stay warm and dry when winter rolls around.

Preparing Your Rain Gutters

One of the biggest problems that you may face is damage to your rain gutters. As snow on the roof melts and refreezes throughout the cold season, more and more weight is applied to the gutters. In some cases, this strain can prove to be too much. The fixtures then may bend, be pushed off-balance, or even be pulled right off of your roof. Contractors providing Winchester roofing can install a system specially designed to assist in preparing your roof for winter. This systems helps to prevent frozen water from causing this type of damage to your gutters. They can help you avoid the need to replace destroyed rain gutters.

Avoiding Roof Leaks

Another problem that you might face is leaking from a roof that has experienced too much wear. Contacting a roofing company to verify that your existing metal or shingled roof is in good repair can help you prevent potential water damage. This is important because water damage is compromising to your shelter during the winter months. If it turns out that repair or replacement is necessary, take advantage of a free estimate of the costs.

Giving your home or business the attention that it needs before winter hits can make a big difference. Remember to have your roof checked for damage or wear by a reputable company, and learn more about how a system designed to keep ice and snow pack from destroying your rain gutters could help you avoid unnecessary emergency repairs once the snow begins to fall. By preparing your roof for winter, you can avoid unnecessary emergency repairs.

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