ALPINE SNOWGUARDS A Division of Vermont Slate & Copper Services, Inc.

What is a snow guard?
A snow guard is a device that is designed to prevent snow and ice from avalanching off of a sloped roof.

Where should I use snow guards?
Many roofs have snow guards installed on all of the roof surfaces. There are a few areas that should be protected. Snow guards should be installed above entryways, walk ways, gathering areas, parking areas and drive through areas. Snow guards should also be installed above expensive landscaping and ground mounted mechanicals. Snow guards can prevent gutters from being damaged by sliding snow and ice. Also, snow guards prevent snow and ice from avalanching off of upper roofs and damaging lower roofs and from accumulating excessively in valleys and crickets. Snow guards can also be used to protect roof protrusions, such as plumbing vents, from being damaged by sliding snow. Sliding snow and ice can also cause these areas to eventually leak.

Will a snow guard keep all the snow and ice on the roof?
No. A snowguard will prevent the whole roof from dumping at once but some snow and ice will still come off of the roof in small amounts. No snow guard will keep 100% of the snow and ice on the roof.

Is the height of the snowguard an issue?
No. Snow and ice will shed when a film of water builds up between the snow and the roof surface. The water acts as a lubricant causing the roof surface to become frictionless. As long as the snow guard will prevent the snow and ice from shifting at the roof surface, the snowguard will prevent the avalanche.

Will it prevent or cause ice damning?
No. Snow guards will not cause or cure an ice damning problem. Ice damning is a ventilation problem.

Will heat cable do the same job as snow guards?
No. Heat cable melts snow and ice. This is usually done as a solution to an ice-damning problem. Snow guards should be used to protect heat cable from sliding snow and ice.

Should I use a pad style or a pipe style snowguard?
In general, residences get pad style and institutional buildings get pipe or pad style. If a roof is very steep, a pipe style snowguard may be more effective. Call us for more information.

How many snowguards do I need?
Look in the section titled "Calculating Layout" and definitely give us a call.