Here in Traverse City, Michigan, late August has been beautiful and warm, with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures; it’s hard to picture the upcoming winter, which is sure to be a snowy wonderland. But, for those of us who have been through it before, we are very aware of the snow on the way. Northern Michigan is the snowiest region of our state, bringing with it unique challenges. One of the lesser-known hazards of the snowy season is what can happen on your roof. As snow and ice accumulate, they can slide off in heavy sheets, unexpectedly, putting people, pets, and anything below them in danger. This problem can cause significant damage to your property and pose safety concerns for anyone around when it happens.
This is where snow guards can shine. These small but extremely effective devices can help homeowners manage snow and ice on their roofs, keeping the home safer and reducing the risk of costly damage. But does every home need them? The short answer is no, not every home will benefit from snow guards. However, it all depends on a handful of factors, such as roof type, slope, and the amount of snow your region typically receives, among others.
This guide will explain what snow guards are, how they work, and the factors to consider when deciding if they are a good choice for your home. We will also answer some common questions homeowners have about snow guards and explain why working with a professional roofing contractor is the best way to guarantee they are installed correctly, safely, and work like they should. Let’s begin by learning what they are, their purpose, and some of the different types available.
What Are Snow Guards? What Is Their Purpose?
Snow guards are small devices that are installed on sloped roofs, just above the lower edge, used to manage snow and ice that can accumulate. The main purpose of snow guards is to prevent sudden slides of snow and ice sheets off the roof to protect people, property, and landscaping below. Snow guards can also play a critical role in protecting the gutter system and lower edge of the roof from heavy snow loads. By controlling the movement of snow, snow guards reduce the stress on the roof.
When looking at snow guards, you’ll notice that they come in various types. This is because of different roof types, climates, and snowfall conditions that vary widely from home to home and region to region. The following list provides the primary reasons for the different types of snow guards:
- Roof Material
- Snow Load and Regional Climate
- Roof Pitch and Design
- Functional Needs
- Aesthetics/Curb Appeal
The different types of snow guards you may encounter, along with how they work, may include:
- Pad-Style: These snow guards are individual pieces that are spaced apart to hold snow in place.
- Pipe-Style: Pipe-style snow guards are continuous tubes or bars that can retain larger loads of snow.
- Fence-Style: Fence-style guards are tall, continuous barriers that span the roof’s width. Resembling small fences or walls, these snow guards prevent any large slides until melting can occur.
Understanding the variety of snow guards and their purpose is the first step in realizing their importance in areas like Traverse, Michigan, that can get over 110 inches of snowfall each year. Now that you know what snow guards are and why they are important for protecting you and your property, let’s take a look at how these devices work.
How Do Snow Guards Work?
No matter the design, all snow guards serve the same purpose: to protect people and property from dangerous and damaging snow and ice that can slide off roofs. The three main functions of snow guards include holding snow in place (until it can melt naturally), distributing the weight of the snow evenly, and breaking up the snow and ice into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Snow guards are attached to the roof of homes, depending on the material type of the roof. Snow guards can be used on metal, shingle, tile, and slate roofs and may be attached using adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or clamp-on systems.
Regardless of the type of snow guard installed or the attachment method used, they play an important role in providing safety and protecting your roof during the snowy winter months. Next, let’s explore the factors that will help you decide whether having snow guards installed this fall is the right choice for your home.
Do You Need Snow Guards? 5 Factors to Consider
The following are five key factors that can be considered when determining if snow guards are right for your home.
- Climate and Snowfall: Homes located in areas that receive frequent and heavy snowfall benefit greatly from snow guards. Also consider whether or not your local weather entails frequent freeze and thaw cycles, which increase the need for snow guards.
- Material and Roof Pitch: Roofing material and pitch play a primary role when considering snow guards because they both influence how snow accumulates and slides off the roof. Slick material, such as metal or slate, allows snow to slide more easily compared to a more textured material like asphalt shingles. Steeper roofs aid in ice and snow movement, increasing the risk of sudden slides that can injure people or damage property.
- Location and Surroundings: Snow guards can be strategically placed for optimal protection. Consider high-traffic areas on the exterior of your home, such as walkways, entrances, decks, or driveways. By placing snow guards in areas like these, the risk of injury to pedestrians and damage to property and landscaping below is significantly reduced.
- Aesthetic Impact: Many homeowners take great pride in their homes, and rightfully so. Adding protective devices like snow guards doesn’t have to interfere with your home’s curb appeal. Snow guards are available in low-profile options or can be color-matched to your roof, specifically designed to blend with your home. Be aware of any HOA rules that may also impact the type of snow guard you have installed.
- Cost and Maintenance: While there is an initial cost of snow guards, along with the installation, the long-term savings of preventing damage to your roofline, gutter system, surrounding property, or landscape are invaluable. Also, the prevention of injury due to an unplanned snow and ice slide not only prevents bodily harm to the homeowner or someone else, but it also reduces the risk of liability to the homeowner due to an accident on the property.
In the end, deciding to install snow guards on your roof comes down to safety, protection, and your peace of mind. By considering factors like climate, roof type, and the surroundings of your home, you can decide if snow guards are a smart investment for you and your roof. Even after making careful considerations, some homeowners may still have unanswered questions about snow guards. Below, we will answer some of the most common questions homeowners have about snow guards.
Common Questions About Snow Guards
- Will snow guards damage my roof?
- Having a roofing contractor in Traverse City professionally install snow guards greatly reduces the risk of damage to your roof during the installation process. However, DIY and improper installation can lead to leaks, stress on materials, and complete failure.
- Do snow guards work on all roof styles?
- Yes, snow guards can be installed on any roof, but the question is, should they be? For asphalt roofs with a low pitch, snow guards are not necessary, and shingled roofs with a history of ice dams should avoid snow guards because they can aid in starting or making them worse.
- How many snow guards will I need?
- The number of snow guards needed to protect your home will depend on things like roof size, pitch, and average snow loads. Working with a local roofing contractor can help you determine the correct number and type of snow guards your roof will need.
- How long do snow guards last?
- Longevity of snow guards will depend on the durability of the material used and also the level of care and maintenance they receive. On average, well-maintained snow guards will last anywhere from 20 to 30 years.
- Can I install snow guards myself?
- The simple answer here is yes, snow guards can be installed by the homeowner, but it is not advised without experience. For snow guards to work properly, precise placement and secure attachment are required for them to work effectively and avoid roof damage.
Working With a Professional Roofing Contractor
Teaming up with a local professional provides homeowners with the peace of mind that their roof’s needs are addressed and installation has been done the right way. Local roofing contractors will be familiar with the local snow load and local building codes, ensuring the home has the protection it needs. Look for a roofing contractor with a good reputation, one who is licensed and insured, and who has local references and reviews. Picking the right roofing contractor is just as important as installing the right snow guard.
Fall Is In the Air, Time to Prepare
As we say goodbye to summer and get ready for the approaching winter, it’s time to think about adding snow guards to your roof and protecting your home, loved ones, and property from the dangers of heavy snow and ice. By understanding what snow guards are, how they function, and the key factors to consider, you can make the best decision for your roof. For those in areas with heavy snowfall, like here in Traverse City, consulting with a local professional roofing contractor is the best step to take to make sure you choose the right snow guards and they are installed correctly. Call a local professional and have your roof evaluated before their schedules are full and the snow is flying. With fall in the air, the time to prepare is now.
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