Discontinuous snow retention systems are in short what most would call “snow guards.” These are individual guards that are places in a staggered pattern along the eave of the metal roof. There are standing seam snow guards that are a single unit (meaning that no additional parts are needed), and there are standing seam snow guards that require additional clamps in order to be attached. Snow guards work in conjunction with each other to form a snow retention system.
Important in choosing the right snow guards for standing seam panels is ensuring the quality of the guards, and that the method of attachment does not damage the panels so as to void the metal roof warranty. Set screws used for attaching snow guards to standing seam profiles should be rounded point set screws, not cup point set screws. Cup point set screws will break the protective coating on metal panels, leaving the area open to the elements and liable to corrosion. Round point set screws will only dimple the panels where the guards are installed, leaving the coating intact and not voiding the metal panel warranty from the manufacturer.