Ice and Snow Guards

Ice and Snow Guards

Snow guards are rooftop systems that allow snow and ice to fall off in controlled amounts or allow snow and ice to evaporate completely. Using snow guards prevents the sudden fall of snow and ice from a roof, known as a “roof avalanche”. A roof avalanche can cause harm to people, pets, cars, landscaping, gutters, plumbing vents, lower roof areas, skylights and anything else that might be in the immediate distance below your roof. Snow guards have been used for hundreds of years and have historically been used on slate, tile and metal roofs. The first snow guards were tree limbs that were connected to the eaves on a roof, with rocks placed atop the limbs, to hold the snow back.

Why use Snow and Ice Guards

Metal roofs have many benefits, among them are; longevity and strong durability against damage by hail and wind. They are also non-flammable—a significantly important feature in areas where wildfires are a threat. Metal roofs can greatly decrease the likelihood of a home catching fire.

There is one con with the metal roofing systems. They are known to snow build-up that can randomly break loose in a massive slide that covers anything below the roofline—including patio furniture, air conditioner compressors, and other valuable items.

Metal roofs have a smooth surface that does not provide any barrier to keep snow from sliding off. In addition, metal roofs absorb warmth from the sun, warming the surface in a way that lubricates the sheets of snow and causes them to fall off easier and faster. The danger can be not only property damage but also physical injury if an individual happens to be standing close to the edge of the roof when a huge mass of snow slides off. A large amount of snow can bury anything in its way, and can even smother people or pets.

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Snow and Ice Guards Systems

In order to provide you with the best ice and snow guard solutions we install brands we have used for years, including our own in-house snow and ice guard.

SKYPRODUCTS

Skyproducts has multiple different styles and designs, which offer a solution for all situations. Do you want a low-cost option? The SnoFence is a great choice. Need a heavy-duty guard? The X-Gard 2.0 might be perfect for you. The diversification of designs and features makes Skyproducts a great pick for controlled snow evacuation.

VIC WEST & IDEAL

The 1 bar, 2 bar and 3 bar snow guards are made for many varieties of roofing types, including steel, asphalt shingle, wood shake, and synthetic slate. They are available in a natural finish or in a wide range of colours. They are made in two styles: tube-type and individual, more unobtrusive, which can also be used residentially. These snow guards are created of durable G90 galvanized steel and are easy to install, with a sleek design to complement any roofing. They can be installed simply and keep people, property, and landscaping safe from the potential dangers of random snow slides and ice off of roofs, in addition to helping reduce snow build-up inside gutters.

SNO-GEM

The Sno Gem snow guards are created of UV-stabilized polycarbonate with a special prismatic design to effectively suspend the snow until it warms under sunlight. Developed by very knowledgabe professionals in architectural sheet metal, these guards continue to have a clean look free from rust or stains and retain toughness in extreme weather conditions. They can be combined with all standard metal roof colours and come in a wide array of custom colours, with a long-lasting colour finish.

Photo of a 3 Bar Snow & Ice Guard on a roof

Photo of a 2 Bar Snow & Ice Guard on a roof

McKAY’s SHOP FORMED ICE GUARDS

The “McKay Shop Formed Ice Guards” are custom-made in our sheet metal shop from 2 layers of 26 Gauge metal. They come in various colours and can be installed on ribbed steel residential and some commercial steel roofs. They are sold by the linear foot and are made to stop snow and ice from sliding, protecting people, property, doorway entrances and landscaping.