Model #225 - aluminum pipe-style
now guard shown on a slate roof
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What
Are Snow Guards?
Snow guards are rooftop devices that allow snow
and ice to drop off in small amounts or melt completely before falling to the ground.
Alpine SnowGuards prevent damage caused by avalanching snow and ice while enhancing the
beauty of any roofing system. Historically used with slate roofs, snow guards are a
practical, cost-effective addition to any sloped roof in cold-weather areas.Where Should They Be Used?
Alpine SnowGuards are often installed on all sloped roof
surfaces to protect against snow and ice damage below. It is especially important to
install them above.
- Entryways, walkways and gathering spots
- Parking lots and drive-through areas
- Expensive landscaping
- Ground-mounted mechanicals
- Lower roofs, valleys and crickets
- Gutters and roof protrusions, such as plumbing vents
Why Use Alpine SnowGuards?
- Simplified installation, whether new construction or
retrofit.
- Pad and pipe styles available for every type of roof
- Innovative, flexible designs allow for custom pieces as
necessary.
- Available in painted steel, copper, lead-coated copper,
plain or painted aluminum, Galvalum, or zinc.
- Will not yellow or break down like plastic pieces.
- Extensively tested in the field
- Recommended layouts and other technical support provided
free of charge by our roofing experts.
- Backed by the exceptional reliability and customer service
of Vermont Slate and Copper Services.
"Pad" Style vs. "Pipe" Style?
In general, pad styles are typically used in
residential applications, while pipe styles are more common in commercial / institutional
applications and when especially steep roofs are involved. Both styles perform equally
well when properly installed.
Some Common Questions
Do Alpine SnowGuards keep all the snow and ice on the
roof?
No snow guard can keep 100 percent of the snow and ice on a roof. Snow guards are
designed to prevent an entire load of snow from dumping at once. Small amounts of snow and
ice will melt and slide off.
Wouldn't head cable accomplish the same thing?
Heat cable melts snow and ice, usually in an effort to resolve an ice-damming problem.
Snow guards can protect heat cable from damage caused by sliding snow and ice.
Do snow guards prevent or cause ice damming?
Snow guards cannot cause or cure an ice-damming problem. Ice damming is caused by
improper ventilation.
Is the height of the snow guard important?
Snow and ice shed when a film of water builds up between the snow and the roof
surface. The water acts as a lubricant, reducing the friction of the roof surface and
allowing snow and ice to slide down. As long as the snow guard prevents snow and ice from
shifting at the roof surface, it will prevent an avalanche.
How many snow guards are needed?
That depends on several factors, including roof slope, rafter length, building
orientation and snow load. Give us a call and we'll walk you through the calculations.
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