How the snow guard system attaches to the roof is crucial in the selection process. There are plastic/ metal individual pad-style snow guards that have to be glued to the roof panel in which the glue will have a certain holding strength that is less than a mechanically attached option. Snow guards: Are they necessary on a Metal Roof? A question that we get asked a lot, is if it is really necessary to install snow guards on a metal roof. The short answer is that it depends where you live. Lets unpack some of the information regarding snow guards. What is the purpose.
Metal roofs are available in a wide variety of colors and styles that can enhance the appearance of the structure, regardless of architectural style. Although typically more expensive than asphalt shingles, metal roofing systems can have a life that is at least twice as long as traditional shingles. Metal roofs offer additional protection from wildfires and can withstand wind speeds of up to 140 miles per hour. Gutters can be installed with virtually all metal roofing systems, allowing you to install gutter guards. Before choosing gutter guards, however, there are several things you should consider.
Size and Placement of GuttersMetal roofs tend to shed water faster than roofs covered in asphalt shingles or other materials that are more porous. Many styles of metal roofs, such as those designed to replicate the appearance of shake or slate roofs, are thick enough to elevate the roof's surface. These two factors can overload the gutters or make the runoff 'overshoot' the gutters in a heavy downpour. Using 5- to 6-inch gutters and mounting them as high as possible without compromising the slope required for proper drainage can help.
If you are already experiencing problems with runoff, adding gutter guards could exacerbate the issues. You will want to make sure that the guards you select will not impede the flow of water through the gutters. Types of Gutter GuardsMost gutter guards are made from plastic, aluminum or copper. The two most common styles are covers and screens. Screens typically require less effort to install and are more economical, but they are seldom as durable as covers.
Screens are installed over the top of the gutters to keep large leaves and other debris out, but small debris, such as pine needles, may find its way through the screen. Gutter covers are installed on top of gutters; they will be visible, so appearance must be considered when selecting them. Gutter covers block more water than screens as they have a larger surface area, which means that during a heavy rain, less runoff will reach the gutters to be channeled properly. Factors Specific to Your SiteThe type of debris to which your gutter guards will be subjected should also be considered when selecting a style. For example, micro-mesh screens do a good job of keeping large leaves out of your gutters. If your site contains a number of trees that shed abundantly in the fall, however, they might collect on top of the screen and reduce the amount of water that reaches the gutter.
If snow or ice accumulates on your roof, you might want to install snow guards to prevent damage to your gutter guards from sliding snow or ice chunks. If your roof has a dramatic slope, consult a roofing professional; in general, the steeper the pitch, the faster the roof will shed water, so you could have additional issues to consider when installing gutter guards. Whether you plan to harvest your rainwater could also affect your selection of gutter guards. Alternatives to Standard Gutter GuardsIf your particular situation does not lend itself to a traditional gutter cover or screen, you might consider one of the alternatives. A number of different manufacturers produce gutter filters that fit inside the gutter rather than over it.
The most common are sponge and brush types. These typically are flexible, relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Although they do not significantly impede the flow of water through the gutters, there is a risk of debris clogging the gutters even though the filters keep out a great deal of larger debris.