What is snow retention?

Snow retention systems are used to hold back snow loads on a roof surface and allow it to melt in a controlled fashion. This avoids the issue of having snow avalanche off the roof in large sheets creating a hazard for anything below. Retention systems can be individual snow guards strategically placed on the roofs surface, or can be a rail/bar system commonly seen in high snow load areas.

Why Use Snow Retention?

• Snow guards can help avoid costly insurance claims to damaged property or even people.

• Properly installed guards will help prevent ice damming on the roof edge which ultimately keeps your roof functioning properly without leaks.

Tips on Selecting a Snow Guard?

Often times, a homeowner is set out on the task of selecting a snow guard for their roof.  While personally, I believe this is lazy on the roofers part and rather an attempt to excuse themselves from needing any snow guard knowledge, it is reality. If you are selecting a snow guard for your home, the first question you need to ask yourself is, what type of roof do I have?

Know your roof type!

• Metal?
  • Standing Seam?
    • Mechanical Lock 1″ / 1.5″? Snap Lock? T-Seam?
• Slate?
• Asphalt Shingle?

Quantity of Guards: Insufficient quantity of snow guards is the number 1 reason for failure. Factors that impact snow guard qty include:

• How much snow you get (psf ground snow load)
• Rafter length
• Number of Seams
• Size of snow guard

Select your preferred style and material

The more you know about your roof, the better. Feel free to take a close up picture and give us a ring to have us help identify. It is necessary to measure the seam width as well.

Annual Snow Fall – Video Map

Below is a neat video illustrating the mean snowfalls for the USA. Use this link to search your zip code for your annual psf ground snow load