Snow Guards for Metal Roofs

Installing Snow Guards

Introduction:

If your home, barn or other out building has a metal roof you are aware how the snow builds up during a heavy storm and then see it come crashing down like a mini avalanche as soon as the roof warms a few degrees. Snow and ice can build up to form an ice dam on the roof's overhang which will obstruct the flow in your gutter. If there is inadequate sun for a few days the ice dams can cause the melting snow to back up under the roofing material and cause leaks inside the home.

These mini avalanches can cause injury to people and property damage. You can eliminate these hazards by installing snow guards to the roof. This is not much of a problem on regular shingled roofs because the snow stays in place because of the friction between the snow and shingles.

Metal roofing snow guards are nothing more than mini snow dams which are attached to the roof to prevent huge amounts of snow and ice from building up and sliding down at one time. The snow guards hold the snow on the roof which enables it to melt and slide down more slowly or even evaporate completely on the roof.

Homes with metal roofs can benefit from installing snow guards. They prevent snow avalanches from happening which protects property under the roof such as shrubs, vehicles and patio furniture from damage. It isn’t necessary to install the snow guard around the entire roof although it is a good idea to. Snow guards should be installed above home entries, garages, patio and anywhere where people may walk during the winter.

Installing metal roof snow guards is an easy DIY project. Snow guards are usually installed either by either gluing or screwing them to the roof surface approximately two feet from the roof edge. Snow guards are available in both plastic (polycarbonate) and metal. Most are glued in place although some manufactures recommend screwing them to the roof.

In areas where there is very heavy snow roof snow, fences are often installed on the roof to prevent large amounts of snow and ice from crashing down at one time. Snow fences are especially useful on very high pitch roofs.

Snow guards can be purchase for approximately $2.00 each and in nearly any color to match your roof. Clear snow guards, plastic or aluminum, are available that are not easily detectable on the roof are also available.

Snow guards for metal roofs are a near necessity if you are concerned about safety and the protection of your property from mini avalanches during the winter months. Most home improvement supply centers stock a variety of metal snow guards.

See more DIY projects and Ideas

For more DIY information Check out these Resources