Which Snow Guards are Best for Your Roof?

Snow Guards

Snow Guards are individual devices attached to the roof in a pattern designed to add friction to hold ice and snow in place. They are generally 1.5” – 3” tall, and installed in one or more horizontal rows, just above the roof’s eave.  Additional rows may be necessary to stabilize the snow slab depending on the type of roof, pitch and roof snow load.

This style is also commonly referred to as snow pads, snow birds, snow stops, snow brakes, snow brackets and and a handful of other names.  Our products are manufactured out of copper, steel and aluminum, and  mechanically fastened using screws or nails.  We do not sell any plastic products.

We offer several variations:

We are the sole-source for the legendary half-round ST snow guard. These are available in several configurations to fit metal, tile, synthetic and asphalt shingle roof systems in copper and Kynar-Coated Aluminum.  Load tested to over 700 lbs, this design has been proven with over 15 years of real-world experience.

Looking for more strength or a different design? Check out our RockyGuard series.  Like the ST series, these are available in configurations that work well with metal, tile, slate, asphalt shingle and synthetic roofing materials. RockyGuards are exceptionally strong and have been tested under loads to withstand 2,100 pounds.  Available in powder coated galvanized steel and copper.  There is no stronger metal snow guard available on the market today.

The Corgard is specifically designed for 7/8″ and ¾” corrugated metal roof panels. Corgard’s fasten through the top of the corrugation rather than on the roof deck itself to reduce water ponding and  the possibility of leaks.  Available in raw steel to match rusty metal corrugated panels, powder coated galvanized steel and aluminum to meet all corrugated metal roof panel situations.

Fence-Style Snow Guards

Fence-Style Guards are very strong retention systems used in high snow load areas and on roofs where even small releases of snow could damage property or hurt people

These assemblies consist of 2 to 4 continuous metal tubes aligned vertically (like a split-rail fence) and attached to the roof surface, parallel to the eave.  Snow fence’s range from 4” to as much as 16” tall and are attached to the roof with clamping mechanisms or brackets bolted into the roof deck or roof structure. 

Often, a single fence style snow guard attached 12” from the eave edge will be sufficient.  Multiple rows of fence style snow guards may be required for higher snow loads or steeper roofs.

We offer several different snow fence systems:

Our Drift Series of snow fence brackets has over 25 years of successful history. Manufactured of aluminum, these brackets are the strongest in the industry.

In 2016, we introduced our Drift II Corrugated snow fence bracket for corrugated roofs. Unlike other brackets, ours attaches through the top of the corrugation rib reducing any possibility of leaks.

Check out our Single Ply 2-Pipe System for leak-proof snow retention on single-ply roofs and our No-Flash Series. Just like the name implies, our No-Flash Series does not require any flashing around the base of the snow fence bracket.

Bar-Style Snow Guards

Bar-Style Guards feature continuous stainless steel or aluminum bars mounted to the roof surface, parallel to the eave to keep snow from sliding off the roof.  This style is attached with clamping mechanisms or brackets which are bolted into the roof deck or structure. 

Typically, a single bar attached 12” from the eave edge will be sufficient.  With higher snow loads or steeper roofs, multiple rows will likely be necessary.

We are proud to be the largest distributor of S-5!® Colorgard in Colorado. We keep a complete inventory of all S-5!® standing seam clamps, ColorGard and related products at the best prices around. 

Unlike other S-5® distributors, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards will do the calculations and prepare a detailed snow retention plan on your roof diagram accompanied with a complete quote.  We are here to make your job easier.