Snow guards provide business- and home-owners a cost-effective way of protecting their clients and families from falling ice and snow. Once installed on a roof or awning, a snow guard blocks snow from suddenly sliding down the surface and crashing into the ground, preventing damage to the vehicles, people and structures below. This is especially helpful during periods of thawing and refreezing, when snow may harden into dangerously heavy sheets of ice.

Due to the enormous variety of both roofing materials and snow consistencies, snow guards come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Some may break snow sheets into small pieces, while others may stop the snow entirely, leaving it to melt and run off through the gutters. When choosing a snow guard for your business, remember the following facts:

1. Snow guards are made for use with specific roofing materials.

2. Snow guards come in different shapes designed to manage their loads in unique ways.

3. Many manufacturers offer snow guards at wholesale prices, saving you money on especially large purchases.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Match the snow guards to the material on your roof

Slate, shingle, tile and metal roofs all require different methods of securing snow guards in place. For wooden roofs, a simple screw should hold the guard steady, but metal and glass roofs will require special hardware and adhesives. Because of this, snow guards come with different fixtures for accommodating these materials, and matching them to your roof is essential.

I recommend: Old World Distributors stocks a very large selection of guards for standing seam, slate, tile, shingle and copper roofs. If you're working with standing seams on metal roofs, look at the line up guards from S-5!, recognized for their extreme grip and long-lasting durability.

Choose snow guards appropriate for your building structure and snowfall amount

Snow guards generally block snow using either a single pad or a series of bars. Pad guards are usually across the roof in pattern that optimizes their ability to disintegrate large sheets of snow. Bar guards, on the other hand, are typically above the gutter near the roof's edge, allowing them to block the snow with a single barrier.

I recommend: For a good selection of snow guards in different shapes, check out Alpine Snow Guards. The Alpine website is also a good source for general snow guards’ information. Snow Brakes also sells a variety of guards for both commercial and residential use, including guards with elegantly shaped pads for use on high-end projects.

Find snow guards at wholesale prices to save money on large orders

Although snow guards are relatively inexpensive, they can become expensive when purchased in bulk. However, it's often the case that distributors who stock snow guards list standard prices that are higher than their wholesale prices. Placing your order with a snow guards provider that offers wholesale or discount pricing is the best way to manage costs on a large-scale project.

I recommend: SnoBlox sells their industry-leading snow guards at extremely reasonable wholesale prices. In addition to offering guards in many colors, Zaleski also offers them with a similar variety of fixtures, and all at discount prices for large orders.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask your distributor for advice on placing your snow guards. Most companies are very knowledgeable about the effectiveness of different designs and can help you solve your snow-blocking problems.