Snow guards are effective at keeping snow on a roof so that it doesn’t slide off and harm people or property. And as a contractor, it’s your job to ensure a roofing assembly is as functional as possible, with accessories like snow guards included to make sure your customer is happy with the finished product.
But some homeowners may not know the details of snow guards — what they are, how they work, and which types might be best for their project. It could be your job to break down all the different types of snow guards and their technical aspects into an easy-to-digest way. And this is easier said than done.
In this article, we’ll cover the technical aspects of snow guards, so you’re better prepared to explain their advantages to customers. Specifically, we’ll be looking into how S5! — a leading provider of snow retention systems — engineers their products to make sure they’re as effective as possible.
Different Types of Snow Guards for Metal Roofs
Bar-Style Snow Guards
Metal bars span horizontally over the roof, effectively catching snow and holding it there, allowing it to melt slowly and keep it from falling. Bar-style snow guards can have multiple horizontal bars, depending on your project’s requirements — projects with heavier snow loads may require an extra bar to keep up with the snow.
Some bar-style snow retention systems can be attached to roofs via clamps that do not require penetrations. Also, some bar-style snow retention systems – such as the S-5! ColorGard ® – can match the same material and color as the roof, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the design.
Fence-Style Snow Guards
Fence-style snow guards typically have multiple vertical bars that rise vertically on a roof, resembling more of a “fence” look rather than a bar. These types of snow guards may be more noticeable than horizontal bars.
Pad-Style Snow Guards
Pad-style snow guards use multiple brakes — sometimes attached using adhesives — that are placed throughout a roof to stop sliding snow. This design can be attractive to those looking for minimal changes to aesthetics, but it may also not offer the same level of effectiveness as other snow retention systems since they don’t offer a full horizontal bar that keeps snow from sliding off the roof.
The Engineering Behind S-5! Snow Guards for Metal Roofing Systems
How Do Snow Guards Work?
Many snow retention systems offer easy installation for standing seam metal roofing systems. S-5!® snow guards are attached to the seams of panels via clamps, which avoids any penetrations to the roofing system that could lead to leaking or rust.
And the design of these snow guards is relatively simple — the bar holds snow in place at the eaves of the roof so that it melts and sheds gradually.
Like standing seam metal roofs, which offer engineered and non-engineered systems, snow guard systems are split into the same two categories — engineered and non-engineered systems. Like engineered metal roofs, engineered snow retention systems are tested to meet specific criteria and project-specific considerations, like roof slope, panel type, and local snowfall accumulations.
Engineered snow retention systems are backed by hard data and testing and have verified warranties highlighting their performance.
Non-engineered snow retention systems, on the other hand, may be based off loose figures or non-specific calculations, and are not supported with hard data from testing nor have specific installation instructions.
They’re rigorously tested, precisely engineered, and built to last. Here’s a breakdown of how S-5! ensures their snow guard systems perform safely and effectively, and how you can explain that to your customers.
1. Lab-Tested for Real Snow Loads
S-5! Snow guard clamps undergo thousands of independent lab tests at ISO 17025 accredited facilities. These tests simulate real-world snow forces:
- Pull-Up Tests (normal to the seam): Simulate snow lifting or peeling the clamp upward.
- Drag Tests (parallel to the seam): Simulate snow sliding down the roof.
Each clamp is tested on actual roof panels until failure, and S-5! uses those results to calculate safe, allowable load limits. At least three samples are tested per configuration, and S-5! recommends a safety factor of 2.0 for snow retention jobs.
2. Testing for Over 500 Roof Profiles
Every roof is unique – that’s why S-5! has their clamps tested on more than 500 panel profiles from all major roof manufacturers. S-5! tailors clamps to fit a wide variety of seams, including snap-lock and mechanical seam profiles.
If a new panel is introduced to the market, S-5! will even run custom load testing upon request.
3. Defense Against Penetrations and Leaks
S-5! clamps use a patented round-point setscrew that bites into the seam without piercing it. That means:
- No holes in the roof
- No damage to the paint system
- No voided material warranties
4. High-Quality Materials
S-5! clamps are built to match the lifespan of a standing seam metal roof, using:
- High-strength aluminum for the clamp bodies
- Stainless steel fasteners that won’t rust
- Brass options for copper roofs to prevent galvanic corrosion
They’ve even subjected components to over 2,000 hours of salt spray testing (ASTM B117) to confirm corrosion resistance.
5. Engineering Backed by Tools and Calculators
S-5! offers an online Snow Guard Calculator that helps you design systems based on:
- Roof slope and dimensions
- Snow loads in your region
- Panel type and clamp model
The tool uses real test data to generate clamp spacing and row recommendations. You can also get a P.E.-stamped report for code compliance.
6. Designed for Code Compliance and Safety
S-5!’s engineering goes far beyond what’s required:
- Internal FEA modeling and destructive prototype testing
- Custom test rigs for pull testing
- ISO 9001-certified manufacturing
They also provide stamped engineering letters and load charts so you can meet local building codes and spec requirements.
How to Choose the Right Snow Guard System
Factor in Project-Specific Requirements
As mentioned, finding an engineered snow retention systems that is geared to the unique specifics of your metal roofing project — snow loads, roof slope, panel type, and materials — is essential to ensure that the retention system will perform as it should. Using a tool like a snow load calculator can help you determine what product is right for you.
Consider Your Design
One reason metal roofs have become so popular — particularly standing seam metal roofs — is because of their sleek, modern appearance. Some homeowners could be worried that adding snow guards to their project could take away from the vision they’re trying to achieve.
However, in some cases, snow guards may be vital to ensuring that a home or building is safe. And now, companies like S-5! offer snow guards that match the materials and exact color of a roof, which allows it to blend seamlessly into the design.
Consult a Metal Roofing Professional
When it comes to adding snow retention systems to your metal roof, it’s best to consult a metal roofing professional who understands how snow guards fit into the overall design and engineering of a metal roof. Be sure to talk with your contractor or metal roofing supplier before you install a snow retention system.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Snow Retention System for Your Customer
So how do you know which snow retention system is right for your metal roofing project, and what aspects of your project should you factor in?
Here are some engineering considerations when choosing a snow guard system for a standing seam metal roof:
- Snow loads and regional climate: If you live in a region that receives heavy snowfall, you may want to look for a robust snow retention system that uses multiple horizontal bars. Likewise, local building codes may dictate requirements based on climate data.
- Roof slope: Flatter roofs will naturally hold snow better than steeper pitches, which may require strategically placed snow guards to be effective.
- Panel type: Snow guard manufacturers may have different types of snow guards for standing seam and exposed fastener metal roofs. Also, panels that are textured may be able to hold snow better, while smooth panels could have more sliding snow.
- Materials: It’s important to find compatible materials for your snow guards. Using dissimilar metals could lead to corrosion and harm the structural integrity of the roofing system. Snow guards can be made from steel, aluminum, or even copper or polycarbonate.
- Attachment methods and structural integrity: It’s essential to follow installation guidelines and best practices so that you’re not voiding any warranties or harming your roof’s performance. Clamp systems that do not penetrate the roof are great options, as they’re easy to install and avoid damaging the roof.
- Designs: Home and building owners, or architects working on a design for a project may have a specific vision in mind, and snow guards can act as potential barriers from achieving that vision. Still, you can find aesthetically pleasing snow guards in various colors that can give shape to the design of the project.
Some snow guard manufacturers may offer tools to make the process of finding the right engineered system easier. S-5! ®, for example, a leading provider of snow retention systems, offers a snow retention calculator which guides you to the right product based on specifics of your project, including details about your roof and snow loads.
Looking for More Information on Snow Retention Systems for Metal Roofs?
Engineered snow retention systems can help defend against damage to people or property, all while maintaining the functionality of a metal roof. It’s important to understand the engineering behind snow guards and what factors should be considered when choosing one so that you can have the best product for your metal roof.
Visit the Metal Roofing Learning Center for more content on snow retention systems, or check out the links below:
Metal Roofing and Snow Retention: Snow Guards, Snow Fence, Snow Rail – Sheffield Metals
How to Install Snow Guards on a Metal Roof – Sheffield Metals
How to Choose the Right Snow Retention System for Your Roof – Sheffield Metals
Sheffield Metals also offers metal coils and sheets and a variety of metal roofing accessories, including S-5! attachments. Browse our selection of accessories online or contact us today to get a quote.
