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.