Some homes, yours included, may have several small pieces of metal that stick out of your roof. While these are more common in commercial properties and in certain roof types (i.e. Metal Roofs), residential homes can have them as well. What you may be looking at is something called a snow guard.
What does a Snow Guard Do?
Snow Guards, also known as Snow Stops or Snow Brackets are pieces of metal that are mounted into a roof. These pieces of metal provide additional support for the snow and ice that builds up on a roof. By providing this support, snow and ice is more likely to melt on your roof rather than crash down around your home, potentially causing damage to anything or anyone around it. Additional benefits of snow guards include protecting your gutters and downspouts from holding too much weight, and preventing too much snow buildup on a specific part of your roof.
Companies such as Rocky Mountain Snow Guards Inc produce a variety of snowguards and snow fences, each tailored for different roof types.
Snow guards are installed in groups, with a strategic placement to increase effectiveness.
If interested in snow guards, we recommend reaching out to a professional such as Noble Roofing. Installing these yourself can be dangerous and you can risk damage to your roof. These can also be installed at the same time you get your roof replaced.
What are Snow Fences?
Snow Fences, also known as Snow Bars, are similar to Snowguards but more extensive. They extend upwards and outwards creating a fence like appearance on your roof. This provides even more support and protection from roof avalanches, but it is more noticeable. Companies such as Metal Roof Guard sell a Roof SnowBar System.
Snow Guards and Fences Can Reduce Roof Avalanches
Snow Guards can add extra protection to your roof surroundings while blending in well with your roof. Snow Fences can take that protection to a whole new level. This is just one of many things that you can do to get your home winter ready.
Want to learn more about Snow Guards and Snow Bars? Reach out to Noble Roofing to answer any questions and request a quote.