About SnoShield Snow Guards

Attachment Methods

This page offers a quick summary of the different types of attachment methods. Hopefully this helps you get a better idea of which style of snow guard you might need.

The Panel Guard - Adhesively Attached
Adhesives work great if you want to completely avoid any potential damage and warranty violations that may occur by penetrating the roof. This method also allows for the natural expansion and contraction of floating roof systems. Adhesives attach the snow guards to the roof with enough force to very effectively hold snow and ice on the roof, but they also have a built-in safety feature by breaking away in case of very severe snow load conditions.

The drawbacks to this method are that it usually requires the climate to be above a certain temperature for a specified number of days to ensure that the adhesive cures correctly (for Surebond 190, which we recommend, it requires 28 days at 50 degrees Farenheit or above to cure properly).You must also be sure to employ proper installation techniques and to use an adhesive that it is strong enough to hold the snow guard on the roof under heavy snow loads.

The Panel Guard - Mechanically Attached
Mechanically attached (screwed down) snow guards are great to use if you want to make certain that the snow guard will stay in place during extreme conditions. This style of snow stop can also be applied in any temperature.

When using this method, however, you have to be very careful to seal all holes thoroughly with the proper sealant to prevent any leaks and roof damage. Attention must be given to the roofing manufacturer’s warranty as well to ensure that this attachment method does not void the warranty.

The Rib Gaurd - Attached to the Rib
Snow guards that attach to the ribs of standing seam panels are a good way to ensure attachment without damaging the roof and having to worry about leaks and warranty violations. These snow guards are placed over the ribs and set screws are used to clamp the snow guard to the rib without penetrating the panel. This method of attachment can usually hold a larger snow load than adhesively attached snow guards. This method is also cleaner as it does not require any glues or sealants. Clamp-on snow guards also allow for the natural thermal movement of roofs, and they can be attached in any type of weather.

The downsides to this method are that some roof and panel designs are not structurally suitable for the clamp-on style. Some roof styles and climate conditions also require a snow guard that can be placed in the middle of the panel instead of on the rib. This style does not break away like the adhesively attached snow guard during extreme snow loads, therefore, careful placement of these snow guards must be employed to ensure that damage to the panel does not occur.

Whichever type and style of snow guard you choose, we have a product for you - clear or colored, polycarbonate or metal, and every type of attachment method.