Finding the Right Snow Retention System
Finding the right snow retention system is largely dependent on the type of metal panels being used. The two major panel types are standing seam and exposed fastener.
Standing Seam Snow Retention Systems
Standing seam metal roofs are among the most popular for retail, hospitals and clinics, as well as private homes. There are a few options for standing seam snow retention, all of which fit into the two major categories of snow retention systems which are discontinuous and continuous systems.
Discontinuous Snow Retention for Standing
Seam Panels
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.
Continuous Snow Retention for Standing
Seam Panels
Continuous snow retention systems are also called rail or fence systems. These are typically aluminum rails attached to the purlin above the eave of the metal roof, and are continuous for the length of the roof. The rails for these systems are attached using specialized clamps. There are a large variety of clamps made to fit the differing standing seam profiles which are often specific to the panel manufacturer. Clamp manufacturers like S-5! have online tools for searching for the right clamp to fit any given metal panel profile in their system. Finding the right clamp is important. Not only does the clamp need to be the right fit, but since different clamp profiles can vary in cost, having the right clamp for the right profile can save on a metal roofing project.
Exposed Fastener Snow Retention Systems
For exposed fastener panels, the options for snow retention systems are similar to that of standing seam, except that the attachment method for exposed fastener systems requires penetrating the metal panels with the appropriate metal roofing screws.
Exposed Fastener Snow Guards
When it comes to exposed fastener snow guards, the main point is to ensure that the guard has a sealant at the attachment point, such as an EDPM rubber washer, to ensure that holes made in the panels by fasteners are properly sealed. Protecting the panels from the elements, as well as ensuring that the area is completely weather-proofed is of the utmost importance. Exposed fastener snow guards, like standing seam snow guards, will also be arranged in a staggered pattern along the eave of the metal roof. Use a snow guard calculator such as the one found at snowguards.biz to calculate the number and placement for snow guards.
Exposed Fastener Rail Systems
Much like exposed fastener snow guards, the options for rail systems on exposed fastener roofs are also similar aside from the attachment method. Instead of clamps for attaching the rails, there are a variety of bracketing options available for fastening the rail systems to the metal roof.