Homeowners in colder climates frequently have to deal with snow accumulating on their roofs as winter draws near. Snow-covered roofs add to the allure of winter, but serious concerns are also associated with them. The weight of the snow can cause the roof to unexpectedly slip off, which could harm people or property and damage the roof. This is the situation where snow guards are useful.
In locations with heavy snowfall, snow guards are vital safety components, especially for houses with smooth or steep roofs.
What are Snow Guards?
Snow guards are put on roofs to prevent large sheets of snow from falling off. They are made to hold or break up the snow so that it can melt gradually and fall off in smaller volumes, lowering the danger of harm or injury. Snow guards are made of different materials and forms, but they all have the same fundamental function: to improve safety by limiting the amount of snow that falls off a roof.
Among the most common kinds of snow guards are:
- Bar style: These broad, horizontal bars cross the roof to stop heavy snow from sliding down. They work well to keep the snow in place and distribute its weight evenly.
- Pad design: The pad design snow guards are tiny, standalone units fastened straight to the roof. They function as “stoppers,” generating friction that reduces the speed of the snow.
- Fence-style snow guards: These look like little fences affixed to the roof and function similarly to bar-style snow guards in blocking snow and ice.
How Do Snow Guards Work?
When temperatures rise, or there is sufficient pressure, snow accumulating on a roof—especially on smoother materials like metal—can readily slide off in a huge sheet. Known as a snow avalanche, this moving snow can be hazardous. It can hurt landscaping, clog gutters, or worse, hurt people or animals underneath.
Snow guards act as a barrier to keep the snow from sliding off all at once, keeping it in place. They either catch all of the snow or split it into smaller pieces to glide off the roof without being hurt. Snow weight is distributed more equally across the roof, particularly bar-style snow protectors.
Snow guards allow the snow to melt gradually and drip off in little, manageable amounts, making your home and the people around it safer from a single, massive avalanche.
Does Your Home Require Snow Guards?
The temperature in your area, the kind of roof you have, and the layout of your house all influence whether or not you require snow guards. The following important factors will help you in deciding whether snow guards are required for your house:
Temperature and Amount of Snowfall
The most evident factor is the amount of snowfall your area usually receives. In areas with a lot of snowfall, purchasing snow protectors can be a wise decision. Although snowstorms are rare yet produce a lot of snow, snow guards can stop the risks brought on by heavy, quickly sliding snow.
Conversely, if you live in an area with little to no snowfall or few storms, snow guards might not be necessary.
Pitch and Type of Roof
The necessity of snow guards depends largely on the kind and slope of your roof. Snow guards are crucial in the following situations:
- Metal roofs: Because of their flat surface, snow and ice tend to slide off them more readily. Snow guards are a must if you live in a region with a lot of snow and have a metal roof.
- Steep roofs: Because snow naturally tends to drift downward as it accumulates, homes with steeply pitched roofs are more vulnerable to snow slides.
- Materials for slippery roofs: Snow guards are especially useful for slate, tile, and even certain asphalt shingle roofs, as these materials allow snow to slide off more readily than it does off more rugged surfaces.
A roof with a rougher texture or one that is flatter will have less chance of having a snow pile slip off unexpectedly. Snow guards might not be as important in certain situations.
Gutters and Overhangs on Roofs
Snow guards can help prevent damage to substantial overhangs or gutters on your roof. Large pieces of sliding snow can rip gutters off their mountings, bending and malfunctioning them. By keeping the snow in place, snow guards lower the possibility of this kind of harm.
Safety Issues
Snow guards are especially advised if there is a lot of traffic near your house, such as in the areas close to driveways, pathways, or entrances. If snow or ice falls from a roof, anyone walking or standing below may be in danger. Even if no one is hurt, sliding snow can harm nearby properties, including cars and gardens.
By significantly lowering these dangers, installing snow guards can give you peace of mind and ensure that your house is safer during the winter.
Snow Guard Benefits and Drawbacks
Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of snow guards so that you can make an informed choice.
Advantages of Snow Guards
- Enhanced Safety: The main advantage of snow guards is enhanced safety. They prevent large amounts of snow or ice from unexpectedly falling over the roof and possibly hurting people or breaking things.
- Protection for Roof Components and Gutters: Snow guards shield roof components from potential harm by keeping heavy snow or ice buildup from accumulating around skylights, vents, and gutters.
- Economical: Snow guards are a reasonably priced solution compared to fixing damaged gutters, landscaping, or even medical bills from accidents.
- Preventing Water Damage: Snow barriers keep snow and ice from collecting in one place.
Drawbacks of Having Snow Guards:
- Initial Cost: Despite their relative affordability, snow guards have an upfront cost associated with their purchase and installation. The price may change depending on the kind, material, and quantity of snow guards required.
- Impact on Aesthetics: Snow guards may not be to everyone’s taste, especially if they don’t match the roof’s color or material. Numerous manufacturers, however, offer snow shields in a variety of colors and styles to better complement the roof’s appearance.
- Maintenance and Monitoring: Snow guards need to be maintained when they are installed. Homeowners are responsible for making sure the guards stay safe and clear of debris.