1
Snow Accumulates
Snow and ice collect on the roof surface during winter weather. Smooth, coated metal roofing can become particularly prone to sudden snow release.
Roof Spikes, Snow Guards and Snow Stops
Although people may search for products such as roof spikes, the roofing industry commonly refers to these devices as snow guards, snow stops or snow-retention systems.
These rooftop devices are used primarily on sloped roofs in areas where winter precipitation can accumulate. Smooth metal roofing can allow accumulated snow and ice to release suddenly. When a large mass begins sliding, it can create a hazard at the roof edge.
A properly selected and installed snow-retention system helps manage this movement. Instead of relying on a small number of devices to catch an already-moving mass of snow, an effective system is designed to help keep the snow load distributed across the roof.
Simple definition:
A roof spike or snow guard is a rooftop snow-retention device designed
to help reduce uncontrolled movement of accumulated snow and ice.
How Do Roof Snow Guards Work?
Snow retention is most effective when snow and ice are controlled before they gain momentum. The objective is not to create an indestructible barrier at the bottom of the roof. It is to distribute the forces generated by accumulated snow across an appropriately designed system.
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Guards Resist Movement
Properly positioned snow guards or snow-retention rails help resist downhill movement before the accumulated snow develops significant momentum.
3
Snow Releases Gradually
The retained snow can melt naturally or leave the roof in smaller amounts rather than releasing suddenly as one large sheet.
Why Is Snow Retention Used?
A sudden roof snow slide can affect people and property below the eave. Areas of concern commonly include entrances, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, landscaping and mechanical equipment.
Sliding snow and ice may also affect gutters, windows, exterior walls, roof penetrations, HVAC equipment and lower roof sections.
Uncontrolled snow and ice can damage building components and property below the roof edge.
- Helps reduce the risk of uncontrolled roof snow slides.
- Helps protect pedestrian areas below roof edges.
- Helps protect vehicles, landscaping and exterior equipment.
- Helps reduce concentrated impact on gutters and lower roofs.
- Provides a systematic way to manage snow on slippery metal roofing.
The Roof Type Determines the Attachment Method
Not every snow guard can be installed on every roof. Before choosing a product, identify the roofing system and exact panel profile.
Standing Seam Metal Roofs
Standing seam roofs use concealed fasteners and are designed to accommodate panel movement. Snow-retention options can include compatible seam clamps or approved adhesive-mounted guards, depending on the panel profile.
Screw-through snow-retention attachments should not be installed through concealed-fastener standing seam panels.
Exposed-Fastener Metal Roofs
Screw-down or exposed-fastener panels may support mechanically attached snow guards and rail systems when the system is suitable for the panel and the fasteners engage adequate structural support.
Approved adhesive-mounted products may also be available for compatible panel surfaces.
Important:
Never assume a snow guard fits a roof solely because both are made
for metal roofing. Panel geometry, seam design, rib spacing, surface
condition and attachment requirements must be considered.
Proper Snow Guard Layout Matters
One of the most important principles of roof snow retention is load distribution. A few snow guards placed only near the bottom of a roof can be exposed to far greater forces than a properly distributed layout.
Similarly, concentrating snow guards only above a doorway, vent, walkway or other isolated area may leave the rest of the roof uncontrolled.
Depending on the snow-retention system, a proper layout may require multiple rows or patterns extending across the roof and additional rows farther up the slope.
Factors that affect snow-guard spacing include:
- Roof pitch or slope
- Length of the roof from eave toward ridge
- Horizontal roof width
- Metal roof panel type
- Panel, seam or rib spacing
- Snow-retention product and attachment method
- Expected snow loading
Do not guess at spacing.
Use the spacing recommendations supplied for the specific
snow-retention system and roof configuration.
Common Snow-Retention Mistakes
Using Too Few Guards
An undersized layout can concentrate loads on a small number of attachment points instead of distributing the snow load.
Protecting Only One Area
Installing guards only over a doorway, chimney or vent does not address snow movement across the remainder of the roof.
Using the Wrong Attachment
Attachment methods must match the roof type. In particular, concealed-fastener standing seam panels should not be penetrated with screw-down snow guards.
Are Snow Guards and Snow Rails the Same Thing?
They serve the same general purpose but use different configurations. Individual snow guards are discrete devices positioned in a designed pattern on the roof. Snow rails or snow bars create continuous horizontal snow-retention assemblies.
The appropriate approach depends on the roof, snow conditions, panel configuration and project requirements. Some roofs can use individual pad-style snow guards, while others may be better suited to a continuous rail system.
RoofSpike.com does not provide project-specific product selection or engineering recommendations. For detailed system information, panel compatibility and installation resources, consult SnoBlox-Snojax.
Learn more about the development of roof snow retention:
For additional educational background on the history of snow guards,
snow-retention systems and the different methods used to manage snow
on roofs, visit
The History of Snow Retention.
About This Resource
RoofSpike.com is an educational resource owned and operated by IceBlox, Inc., the company behind SnoBlox-Snojax.
The information presented here draws on extensive experience with snow guards, snow rails, metal roofing systems and roof snow-retention applications.
Detailed Snow Guard Resources
This website provides a general introduction to roof spikes and snow retention. For detailed product information, compatibility data, spacing guidance and installation instructions, use the technical resources provided by SnoBlox-Snojax.
Snow Guards for Metal Roofs
Explore snow guards, snow stops and snow-retention systems.
Snow Guard Spacing
Review spacing guidance based on roof and system type.
Roof Panel Compatibility
Identify snow-retention options for specific metal roof panels.
Installation Instructions
Review approved adhesive, mechanical and other installation methods.
What Works & What Does Not
Learn why system selection, layout and load distribution matter.
Technical Resources
Access guides, specifications, testing information and support.
Roof Spike & Snow Guard FAQ
What are roof spikes?
Roof spikes is an informal term sometimes used for rooftop snow-retention devices. These devices are more commonly called snow guards, snow stops or snow-retention systems.
Are roof spikes the same as snow guards?
In many searches, yes. Someone looking for roof spikes for snow is generally describing a device intended to help control snow and ice movement on a roof. Snow guard and snow stop are the more common industry terms.
Do snow guards stop all snow from leaving the roof?
No. Snow retention is intended to control snow movement so snow can melt or release more gradually instead of suddenly sliding from the roof in a large mass.
Can I put snow guards only above a doorway?
Snow guards generally should not be concentrated only over an isolated doorway or other small area. Proper layouts distribute snow-retention devices according to the overall roof configuration.
Can screw-down snow guards be used on standing seam roofing?
Screw-through snow-retention attachments should not be installed through concealed-fastener standing seam panels. Compatible non-penetrating clamp systems or approved adhesive-mounted products are normally used where appropriate.
How do I determine which snow guard fits my roof?
Start by identifying the roof manufacturer, panel profile, roof type, panel dimensions and attachment requirements. Then verify compatibility with the snow-retention manufacturer before choosing a system.
Need a Snow-Retention System for Your Roof?
RoofSpike.com provides general educational information. For product selection, roof-panel compatibility, spacing recommendations, installation instructions and snow-retention products, visit SnoBlox-Snojax.
Visit SnoBlox-Snojax.com