How do roof snow guards work?

With winter just around the corner, the issue of managing snowfall and heavy snow build-up on the roofs of residential and commercial buildings is back in the spotlight.

For the safety of yourself, passers-by and your customers, roof snow guards are extremely useful during the harsh Quebec winter.

To help you get ready before the first snowflakes fall, Duro-Toit’s expert roofers explain how a roof snow guard works.

What is a roof snow guard?

When snow piles up on the roof, a snow guard provides additional layer of protection for your home. The main purpose of these snow stops, another name for snow guards, is to control massive snowfalls and prevent potential accumulations.

They can be installed after calculating your roof pitch in order to avoid any accidents. Snow guards can be installed on shingled roofs, metal roofs, corrugated iron, synthetic tiles and other coverings.

Types of snow roof guards

When choosing and installing your roofing materials, it is also important to think about winter and snowfall. Depending on the type of roof covering, you will have to calculate the snow load that the roof can support and then install the corresponding snow guard. This calculation will depend on the weather conditions and regulations of the province you reside in.

There are different types of snow guards that each manage build-up of snow differently. These snow guards can be bar-style or pad-style. Bar-style snow guards are mainly used for residential and commercial buildings. Pad-style snow stops are only used for residential applications, providing a more discrete look.

Often made of galvanized steel or wood, these types of snow and ice guards can be combined to provide additional protection to your roof. In other words, a bar-style snow guard can be combined with a pad-style snow guard for additional support and increased safety for passers-by and your own personal safety.

Why install a snow guard for metal roofs?

Like asphalt shingle roofs, corrugated metal roofs (or steel roofs, depending on regulations) require additional consideration when it comes to snow build-up.

The nature of this covering makes it easier for ice to accumulate in its corrugations and form an ice dam that can become a safety hazard.

Installing a snow guard makes it easier to remove snow and ice from a commercial roof to ensure workplace safety and from a residential roof for the safety of residents.

However, snow guards come with many different benefits, including:

– Additional protection for material goods
– Prevention of snow accumulation and ice damming on roof gutters
– Protection of adjacent roofs
– Reduced risk of accidents caused by uncontrolled snowfall
– A long life span with no need for outside intervention
– Attractive addition to the roof covering with a wide choice of colors and designs to personalize your building

Keep in mind that it is important to choose the right snow guard based on the roofing regulations in your province. This is because the amount of snow can vary depending on your geographical location. The requirements will not be the same in Quebec and Ontario, for example.

How roof snow guards work

The way snow guards work is fairly simple. When snow falls, the stops will block and hold piles of snow, as long as they are properly installed by a roofing professional.

Strategically placed around the roof, they will also distribute the weight of the snow evenly to prevent avalanches. This containment will then create a layer of snow and ice in the stops until the snow is removed.

Duro-Toit can install your roof snow guards

While the installation of snow guards is relatively simple, only experienced roofers can guarantee a safe and long-lasting installation.

As expert roofers in residential and commercial asphalt shingle roofing, Duro-Toit are also skilled in flat roof snow removal, pitched roof snow removal and commercial roof snow removal.

Located in the Montreal area, we understand the weather conditions and can advise you on the installation of your snow guards. Request a quote from the experts at Duro-Toit and count on our expertise.