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What are snow guards?
Snow guards are devices that attach to a roof’s structure to prevent potentially dangerous and uncontrollable avalanching of snow from your roof’s surface. The Brothers that just do Gutters offer snow guard installations along with a multitude of other services to help control the winter season’s adverse snow conditions.
Snow guards come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. The function of a snow guard is to prevent snow or ice from cascading off of the roof and onto your landscaping, cars, or people below. They hold the snow on the roof so it gradually melts off from the radiant sun or other heat source. Typically, these guards are utilized on homes or businesses with extremely steep roofs or roofs constructed of slate, wood or metal. Asphalt roofs will typically provide enough grip to prevent the snow from sliding off the roof.
Why do you need snow guards?
In wet snow conditions, the snow may bond together and freeze overnight, creating a dangerous block of frozen ice. Even in situations of proper attic insulation, thawing beneath the roof will cause the entire roof surface to become slick enough causing the weight of the ice block to cause it to slide off the roof. The snow guard is designed to hold the snow on the roof in these conditions.
In extreme weather conditions, the snow and ice will not properly melt off the roof, but continue to build up on top of the roof. In many colder climates where snow guards are used to keep snow on the roof, a heating source (like heat tape) will also be applied to the roof to aid in melting the snow. However, using heat tape on many roof surfaces is not recommended due to roof warranties and fire hazards. Guards are an alternative methods to properly melt the snow and ice.
Looking for other gutter services? We also offer gutter cleaning, installation, repair, and gutter guards.
Benefits of installing snow guards
Installing snow guards on buildings with metal roofing is particularly useful because these materials have little friction to prevent the snow from sliding off. They can help prevent an “avalanche” of accumulated snow from sliding off the roof which can damage gutters, landscaping, and even cause injury.
Speak to a solutionist at The Brothers that just do Gutters today to find out if snow guards are right for you! Contact us online today!