Snow Guard
A device installed on a roof surface to prevent large sheets of snow and ice from sliding off the roof in an uncontrolled manner. Snow guards are most common on metal and slate roofs.
What Are Snow Guards
Snow guards are devices mounted on a roof surface to prevent accumulated snow and ice from sliding off in large, dangerous sheets. They are most commonly installed on metal roofs, slate roofs, and other smooth-surface roofing materials in cold climates.
Types of Snow Guards
There are two main categories. Pad-style snow guards are individual units placed in a staggered pattern across the roof. Bar-style (or rail-style) snow guards are continuous horizontal rails that hold snow across the entire roof width. The choice depends on the roof material, slope, and expected snow load.
Insurance and Snow Guard Damage
Snow guards can be damaged by ice impact, hail, or the force of sliding snow itself. When a snow guard system fails, the resulting snow release can damage gutters, lower roofs, siding, and anything at ground level. Both the snow guard repair and the consequential damage may be part of the claim scope.
Frequently asked questions
Snow guards hold accumulated snow in place on the roof so it melts gradually rather than releasing in large, dangerous sheets. They protect people, vehicles, landscaping, gutters, and lower roof sections from avalanching snow.
Snow guards are primarily needed on smooth-surface roofs in areas with significant snowfall. Metal roofs and slate roofs are the most common applications because their surfaces allow snow to slide easily.
No credit card required