Should you install snow guards for your existing roof? If snow accumulation is a problem in your area, it’s never too late to add them. Snow guards can help stop the “movement” of a snow avalanche from coming off your roof all at one time. They help break up the melting snow so it comes off in smaller amounts.
Snow guards don’t have to be intrusive on your roof. Companies such as Rocky Mountain Snow Guards offer a variety of options that look good and work effectively. The company works with customers to determine snow load and retention, how many snow guards to specify and at which locations. Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, which manufacturers the snow guards used on many DaVinci Roofscapes roofing projects, offers the following tips for retrofitting the SnowTrapper ST 11 snow guards.
Step #1 – Contact the snow guard manufacturer to work with them to gain a recommended layout and pattern for the specific roofing project you’re working on. This will be based on several factors including the pitch of the roof, the geographic location and specific areas of the property that the homeowner wishes to protect from snow avalanches.
Step #2 – Follow the layout pattern closely when retrofitting the snow guards.
Step #3 – Installation methods may vary based on roofing material. When installing the snow guards in a DaVinci shake or slate roof, there should be at least 6 inches of spacing between the snow guard pad face itself and the butt of the course above.
Step #4 – Mark the location of each snow guard and then apply an appropriate sealant, like one part urethane sealant or thermoplastic sealant.
Step #5 – Slide the snow guard up and under the course above and press it into place over the sealant.
Step #6 – Attach the snow guard with two fasteners into the strap in an offset pattern approximately 1-1/2 inches above the pad face, spaced 1 inch apart. Rocky Mountain Snow Guards recommends the Woodbinder Eclipse 10 x 2.5 for this step.
Consider using snow guards located over key walkways, entry areas of the home, and landscaping elements to prevent a snow mass from “avalanching down” where it can damage property or pose a danger to people.
Learn more about snow guards at www.rockymountainsnowguards.com and check out DaVinci synthetic roof tiles at www.davinciroofscapes.com.
