Is Your Metal Roof Ready for Heavy Snow?
Winnipeg is no stranger to snow. With winters that deliver an average snowfall of over 110 cm (43 inches), ensuring your home can handle the icy buildup is essential. If you have a metal roof, you may already appreciate its durability and efficiency, but heavy snow accumulation can present unique challenges. Snow retention is crucial for metal roofs, particularly in snowy regions like Manitoba, as it helps manage the weight and movement of snow safely. Snow guards might just be the unsung heroes your roof needs. This blog will explore everything you need to know about metal roof snow guards, do snow guards on metal roofs work, and whether or not they’re worth the investment for Winnipeg homeowners.
What Are Metal Roof Snow Guards?
Snow guards are small, strategically placed devices installed on metal roof systems to manage snow and ice. Instead of allowing snow to slide off your roof in large, dangerous sheets, snow guards break up the accumulation and hold it in place. This allows the snow to melt gradually or fall off in smaller, safer pieces. Snow guards serve one critical function: keeping your roof surface(and those around it) safe during snowy months.
Types of Snow Guards
- Bar-style snow guards: These are long, horizontal bars that span across the roof to hold back larger amounts of snow and ice. They’re ideal for larger roofs or areas with high snow loads.
- Pad-style snow guards: Pad-style snow guards are individual devices, often made of metal or polycarbonate, attached to specific points on the roof to hold snow in place. They’re suitable for residential roof panels or areas with moderate snow.
- Rocky Mountain Snow Guards: Specifically designed for rugged roof surface conditions, these guards work well with various metal roof types, offering durability and strong performance in heavy snow regions.
- Hybrid systems: These combine the features of bar-style and pad-style snow guards for customized snow retention systems, offering both broad coverage and targeted reinforcement.
Why Are Snow Guards Important for Winnipeg Roofs?
Snow Load in Winnipeg
Winnipeg’s winters are famous for their heavy snowfalls and fluctuating temperatures, creating conditions ripe for snow accumulation and refreezing. Statistics show that roofs in Winnipeg may endure hundreds of pounds of snow weight during peak winter months.
Metal roofs, while excellent for shedding snow, can sometimes work too well, causing massive chunks of snow and ice to slide off suddenly. This phenomenon, often called a “roof avalanche,” can damage gutters, landscaping, vehicles, and—most importantly—pose a serious risk to people.
Risks of Sliding Snow and Ice
When snow and ice slide off a metal roof in one large sheet, the results can be hazardous:
- Safety Hazards: Sliding snow can fall onto walkways, driveways, or doorways, endangering anyone nearby. This is a serious concern for families, visitors, or customers in commercial spaces.
- Damage to Vehicles and Property: Heavy snow or ice falling onto parked cars or outdoor equipment can lead to costly repairs.
- Structural Damage: Sliding snow often pulls at gutters, downspouts, and other roof components, potentially damaging them or ripping them away entirely.
- Liability Concerns: For homeowners or businesses, the risk of injury from falling snow avalanches can result in legal liability if someone gets hurt on your property.
Preventive Benefits
Installing snow guards offers several proactive benefits that go beyond just safety:
- Improved Safety: By preventing sudden slides, snow guards protect people from unexpected injuries caused by falling snow and ice.
- Protection of Landscaping: Snow guards help prevent snow from crushing shrubs, flower beds, or other landscaping elements situated close to the building.
- Preservation of Roof Components: Snow guards reduce the strain on gutters and roof edges, helping these components last longer and minimizing the need for frequent repairs.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your roof is equipped to handle Winnipeg’s snow safely allows you to enjoy winter without constant worry about accidents or damage.
By mitigating these risks, snow guards are an essential safety and preservation tool for homes and businesses in snowy climates like Winnipeg.
How Do Snow Guards Work?
Snow guards work by creating friction between the metal roof and the accumulated snow and ice. Instead of letting heavy snow slide off in one large, dangerous sheet, they hold the snow in place and allow it to either melt gradually or fall off in smaller, safer amounts.
Effectiveness: Minimizing Risks
Snow guards are incredibly effective at reducing the risks associated with snow and ice buildup on metal roofs:
- Prevent Roof Avalanches: By holding back snow and ice, snow guards eliminate the danger of sudden, large-scale slides that can cause injuries or property damage.
- Protect Gutters and Roof Edges: Snow guards evenly distribute the snow load, preventing damage to gutters, downspouts, and roof components often caused by the weight or sliding of snow.
- Enhance Safety: They provide a layer of safety for people, vehicles, and landscaping near the roof, particularly in high-traffic areas such as entryways and driveways.
Scientific Insight: Thermal Patterns on Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are particularly prone to snow movement because of their smooth surface and their interaction with temperature fluctuations:
- Heat Conduction: Metal roofs are excellent conductors of heat. During sunny winter days, even freezing temperatures can cause the roof to warm up enough to melt the bottom layer of snow. This creates a slick layer of water that allows the snowpack to slide more easily.
- Uneven Melting: Snow on a metal roof often melts unevenly, with warmer spots near the roof ridge and colder spots near the eaves. This uneven melting further contributes to the instability of snow and increases the likelihood of sliding.
- Refreezing: At night, the melted snow can refreeze, creating layers of ice that are even more hazardous when they eventually slide off.
Types of Metal Roofs That Work Best With Snow Guards
- Standing Seam Metal Roofs: Standing seam roofs are ideal for snow guards due to their smooth, vertical seams. Snow guards can easily clamp onto the seams without penetrating the roof material, preserving its waterproofing.
- Corrugated Metal Roofs: While corrugated roofs don’t have seams for clamp-on snow guards, adhesive-mounted or screw-down options can be just as effective.
- Compatibility Considerations: When selecting snow guards, it’s crucial to consider your roof’s material, slope, and design. Working with a professional installer ensures you choose the right type for your specific roof.
Installation of Snow Guards
DIY vs. Professional Installation
While some homeowners may be tempted to install snow guards themselves, DIY installation comes with risks. Without the right tools or knowledge, you might compromise your roof’s integrity or install the guards incorrectly, rendering them ineffective.
Benefits of Professional Installation in Winnipeg
Hiring a professional ensures proper placement and attachment, accounting for your roof’s pitch, snow load, and material. Winnipeg professionals also understand local weather patterns and can recommend the best solutions tailored to your home.
Do Snow Guards Actually Work?
Yes, snow guards are effective in managing snow and ice on metal roofs, especially in snowy regions like Winnipeg. They hold snow in place, allowing it to melt gradually or fall in smaller, controlled amounts, reducing risks to people, property, and roof structures.
Effectiveness of snow guards
- Prevent roof avalanches by breaking up snow and ice movement.
- Protect gutters and roof edges from damage caused by sliding snow.
- Enhance safety, reducing injury and property damage risks from falling ice.
Common Misconceptions
- “Not needed on steep roofs”: Steeper roofs are more prone to snow slides, making snow guards essential.
- “Ineffective in heavy snow”: Designed for heavy snowfall, snow guards evenly distribute snow loads.
- “Damage the roof”: Professionally installed guards are secure and roof-friendly.
- “Just for looks”: While visually appealing, snow guards are primarily functional.
Alternatives to Snow Guards
While snow guards are highly effective, Winnipeg homeowners have other options for managing snow and ice on metal roofs, each with pros and cons.
Snow Rakes and Manual Removal
Snow rakes are budget-friendly tools that allow homeowners to pull snow off roofs from the ground. They offer:
- Benefits: Immediate control, low cost, and easy storage.
- Drawbacks: Labor-intensive, safety risks on icy ground, time-consuming for large roofs, and less effective on smooth metal surfaces.
Snow rakes are helpful for small snow events but aren’t practical for managing Winnipeg’s heavy snow seasons over the long term.
Roof Heating Systems
Heat cables or panels melt snow and ice before it can accumulate, providing an advanced solution for snow management.
- Benefits: Effective for high-risk areas like roof edges and valleys, preventing ice dams and slides.
- Drawbacks: High installation and operating costs, maintenance needs, and increased energy consumption.
Comparing Costs
Snow guards are a more cost-effective and low-maintenance option compared to roof heating systems, which require ongoing expenses. For most homeowners, combining snow guards with occasional manual removal offers the best balance of safety and affordability.
Ultimately, your choice between snow guards, manual removal, or heating systems will depend on your roof’s design, your budget, and how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in winter maintenance. For most homeowners, a combination of snow guards and occasional manual removal strikes the perfect balance of safety, convenience, and affordability.
Maintenance and Longevity
Yearly Inspections
Snow guards and snow retention systems require little maintenance, but annual inspections are essential. Fall is an ideal time to check for loose or damaged snow guards, ensuring they’re ready to handle winter’s snow load.
Preventive Care
Keeping your gutters and snow retention systems clear, and monitoring your roof’s overall condition, will further enhance the effectiveness and lifespan of your snow guards.
Metal roof snow guard systems (or snow retention systems) are a practical, affordable solution for managing heavy snow loads in Winnipeg’s harsh winters. They prevent roof avalanches, protect property, and enhance safety for everyone around your home. Whether you choose DIY or professional installation, investing in snow guards is a smart move for Winnipeg homeowners.
At Above All Roofing & Exteriors, we can guide through choosing the best snow guards for your roof. Contact us today for a free consultation and info about installation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How do I know if my roof needs snow guards?
Look for signs like frequent snow slides, damage to gutters/eavestroughs or landscaping, and safety risks to people or property below. - Do snow guards damage roofs or cause ice dams?
When installed correctly, snow guards won’t damage your roof or cause ice dams. Professional installation is recommended to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. - Do snow guards work on all roof types?
Snow guards are most effective on metal roofs but can be adapted for other materials with the right design and installation.