If you live in British Columbia, particularly in areas like Vancouver, Kelowna, or Whistler, you’re no stranger to heavy winter snowfall. While the sight of freshly fallen snow on your steel roof might look beautiful, it can pose significant risks. Whether you’re managing a residential home or a commercial property, snow accumulation on a steel roof can lead to dangerous snow slides, potential damage to your property, or even injuries. One solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the installation of snow guards. But are they right for your roof? What types of snow guards are available? What are the costs involved? In this article, we'll break down the pros and cons of snow fences on steel roofs in British Columbia, helping you make an informed decision.
Snow Guards in Merritt
Snow guards are devices designed to keep snow and ice on your roof until it melts, rather than allowing it to slide off suddenly. They act like a barricade, preventing large amounts of snow from falling in a single avalanche-like motion. There are several types of snow guards available, each suited for different types of steel roofing systems. Some are designed to be mounted on the flat surface of the roof panel, while others are attached to the seams or ribs.
1. Surface Mount Snow Guards
These are installed on the flat surface of the metal roof panel. They are small, individual brackets that are designed to be screwed or glued to the roof in a series to prevent snow from sliding off in avalanche style.
Surface mount snow guards on an exposed fastener steel roof
2. Rib Mount Snow Guards
Rib Mount Snow Guards are generally made from a heavier gauge sheet metal, colour matched to the roofing panels. They run horizontally along the edge of the roof and are screwed to the highs of the ribs.
Two rows of rib mount snow guards on a church in Chilliwack
3. Clamping Style Snow Fence
This type of guard is a more robust solution, often used on commercial buildings or in high-snow areas like Whistler. These systems have clamps that are installed on the ribs of the panels and bars that run horizontally along the roof surface. Because of the clamping system, the installation of this type of snow guard does not penetrate the metal roof. Depending on the location and expected snowload, clamping style snow fence can have multiple layers of bars, and may even have additional rows installed partway up the roof.
Double Pipe Snow Guard on a mountain home
Single Pipe Snow Guard in Abbotsford
1. Safety First
Snow and ice slides off steel roofs at high speeds, and can cause serious damage to cars, landscaping, and, most importantly, people. In populated areas like The Lower Mainland or Kelowna, where buildings are often close together, the risk of snow falling onto walkways, driveways, or public spaces is a real concern. Snow guards prevent this by holding the snow in place, reducing the risk of injury or property damage.
2. Protecting Your Roof and Gutters
While snow can be dangerous when it falls off the roof, it can also be very damaging to gutters. Heavy snowloads forcing their way into gutters can potentially rip the gutters and sometimes even the fascia boards right off of the building. A well designed snow retention system can keep the weight of heavy snow off of the gutters, keeping the building free from damage.
3. Improved Aesthetics and Less Mess
In areas like Whistler or Revelstoke, where snow is a regular winter visitor, snow guards can keep the snow neatly on your roof. This means less snow at the base of your house, saving you from having to shovel and reducing the mess. They also preserve the visual appeal of your roof by preventing uneven snow buildup, which could detract from the overall aesthetic.
4. Increased Roof Lifespan
Steel roofs are highly durable, but rapidly sliding ice and snow does have the potential to cause damage to the roof itself. The impact of snow slides can cause scratches, dents, and other damage to the roof’s finish, especially if a large dump of snow falls from a higher roof and crashes onto another roof below. Snow guards protect your steel roof, potentially extending its lifespan by preventing such damage.
1. Upfront Cost
Snow guards aren’t cheap. Depending on the type and size of the roof, they can be a significant investment. Rib Mount Snow Guards typically cost in the neighbourhood of $15 per lineal foot, while a Clamping System can cost over $30 per lineal foot. For a larger roof, this can add up quickly.
2. Installation Complexity
While snow guards can be installed on most steel roofs, the installation process isn’t always straightforward. Roof pitch and access can add to labour costs. If you choose a Clamping System, you may face additional delays, as these are typically special orders and may take some time to arrive.
3. Maintenance
Surface-mounted snow guards are more prone to wear and tear than rib mount systems, particularly in areas with high snow loads. Fasteners may loosen over time, and the guards themselves may become damaged. Regular maintenance is required to ensure the guards are still functioning properly, especially if you opt for less durable materials.
4. Aesthetic Impact
Although surface-mounted snow guards are functional, they may not always complement the sleek look of a standing seam steel roof. They can disrupt the visual uniformity of your roof, which may be a concern if curb appeal is important to you. Clamping Systems, while more expensive, offer a more seamless aesthetic.
Snow guard installation can sometimes be challenging on higher and steeper roofs.
Snow guard prices can vary widely, but here’s a general breakdown:
In British Columbia, the price can fluctuate based on location and roof style. Steeper pitched roofs and difficult to access roofs may have higher installation costs due to increased labour and the potential need for access equipment like scaffolding or manlifts. Areas of the province with higher snowload potential may require multiple rows of snowguards to prevent overloading of the system.
Why Standing Seam Roofs Are Ideal for Snow Guards
If you’re installing a new steel roof or upgrading an existing one, a standing seam roof is an excellent option for snow guards. Here’s why:
Snow guards are a highly effective solution for homeowners and businesses in British Columbia who are looking to manage the risks of snow and ice buildup on their steel roofs. While they come with an upfront cost and may require ongoing maintenance, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks—especially when it comes to safety, roof protection, and longevity.
If you’re in areas with heavy snowfalls like Whistler, Revelstoke, or Kelowna, snow guards could be a wise investment to ensure your roof and property remain safe and well-maintained through the harsh winter months. And, if you’re considering a new steel roof, standing seam panels paired with snow guards might be the best option for a long-lasting, safe, and aesthetically pleasing roof.
Investing in snow guards may just save you money and hassle in the long run—and that’s something everyone can appreciate.
