With the winter season comes heavy snowfall and this snow when accumulated on the rooftops sometimes solidifies into heavy ice. Ice sheets have a propensity to be very slippery and can fall on the ground below resulting in a tragedy. But you can prevent such disasters by installing guards on your rooftop. Guards and fences generate friction on the surface and create a barricade to stop the snow accumulated in the winter from falling below and causing harm. It is very important to put these guards on the roofs of the areas with pedestrian passage, landscaping projects or any other area where an avalanche can cause major damage to inhabitants or property.

Choosing the Right Snow Guards for Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are the most common type of rooftops in cold areas. Which snow guard to fix on your rooftop is a decision made on the basis of the surface it will be installed on. The guards are made of either plastic, copper, aluminum or poly carbonate. However, metal snow guards are the most suited for metal roofs and can be installed on both new and existing roofs. In addition, metal snow guards are available in various metal powder-coated colors so that in addition to providing functional utility, they can also increase the aesthetic appeal of the roof.

Tips for Installing Snow Guards for Metal Roofs

•    Do not use nails for fixing guards on metal roofs.

•    If the roof has a more inclined slope, it is advised that you install more guards to prevent an avalanche.

•    Compare various types of metal guards to decide which guard suits you rooftop the best.

•    The rise of the slope also determines the pattern of installing the guards; higher the rise, more rows of guards are to be installed.

•    Fasten snow guards with 50 year silicone caulking.

•    Always use neoprene washer head screws.

•    Do not over tighten the screws.

•    The guards should be fastened on the lowest section of the roof as that is the area where the snow actually moves.

•    The guards are fastened to the rafters under the roof and not to the actual metal roof.

•    The first row of guards should be at least 6 inches from the roof's edge.

•    There should be a gap of 12 inches between the following rows of snow guards.

•    Install the metal guards which can handle the load of expected snowfall.

•    The metal guards should be of very good to quality so that they can withstand the weather.

Keep these tips in mind while choosing the snow guards for your metal roof and protect your house from unfortunate snow disasters.