Many probably noticed special devices on the roofs of houses in the form of crossbars installed around the entire perimeter of the roof. Not everyone knows that these devices perform a very important function and are called snow retainers. In this article we will talk about how to properly install snow retainers on the roof with your own hands.
First, let's figure out why you need a snow retainer on the roof. The main task of such devices is to prevent an avalanche-like fall from the roof of accumulated snow and ice. The principle of operation of snow retainers is quite simple and understandable: by holding the bulk of the snow on the roof surface, it is ensured that it melts evenly and leaves the roof. The melted water from the snow flows down the gutters without any damage to the roof structure, the surrounding area and people passing by.
Types of snow retainers for the roof
Snow retainers (or snow catchers) for the roof differ in shape, size, material, as well as structural reliability. When choosing the type of snow retainer, it is necessary to take into account how much snow it will have to hold back, and this, in turn, depends on the type of roof, its area and its angle of inclination.
Lattice snow guards
This is a vertical grating, rigidly fixed to the roof with brackets. The material for the manufacture of this design is rectangular frames made of pipes or corners. The structure can be extended by joining the sections along the short side.
It is recommended to mount lattice snow guards in several rows in order to provide reliable protection against snow sliding down. The dimensions of the lattice can be different: from 5-7 cm to 15-20 cm. They are installed on long slopes with a significant slope. The material of the roof does not matter - for all roofing materials they produce their own types of fasteners.
Corner or plate snow guards
This type of snow retainers is used on metal roofs made of metal tiles and corrugated board. The fact that they are made of the same material as the roof improves appearance, but such devices cannot hold a large amount of snow. The height of such structures is 4-6 cm. Usually they are installed on roofs with a slope angle of not more than 30 °. As a rule, such snow retainers are used in areas with little snowfall.
Hooks or yokes
Such snow retainers resemble hooks in shape. They are not able to hold a heavy snow cover, therefore, such devices can be more attributed to snow cutters than to snow retainers. They are often used for soft roofs. The yokes are mounted under a layer of flexible tiles and allow you to cut the snow stream into several parts when leaving, which are safe for suspended roof structures and passing people.
Installing snow retainers on the roof - a brief instruction
On the initial stage pick up required view snow retainer, which will suit you depending on the following components:
- slope angle;
- roofing material;
- snowfall in the region.
The installation of snow retainers on the roof is not always carried out around the entire perimeter of the building. You can place them over critical places, that is, places where people walk and where there is a potential danger from falling snow: over sidewalks, loggias, verandas, building entrances, over car parks, etc. Installing such devices around the entire perimeter will extend the service life drainage systems. 
Necessary tools for work:
- yardstick;
- marker;
- set of drills;
- drill, screwdriver;
- self-tapping screws with rubber gaskets (so-called roofing screws).
We will show how to properly install and fasten snow retainers using the example of tubular structures due to their greatest prevalence.
Installation begins with measuring the perimeter of the roof and basting best points stop locations. The gap from the end bracket to the end of the pipe should be no more than 300 mm. The distance between the brackets is no more than 1100 mm.
The snow guard is installed, as a rule, at a distance of 600 mm from the edge of the cornice and placed parallel to it. The next barrier, if its installation is justified, is located no closer than 2-3 meters in height from the neighboring one.
After marking, it is necessary to fix the support brackets with self-tapping screws to the truss system using a screwdriver in accordance with the marked places.
After fixing, the snow retainer pipes are inserted into the brackets and docked together to the required length. The joints are fastened with bolted connections. Such actions are performed on each side of the building. After installation is complete, check bolted connections again.
With the installed barriers, you will protect yourself and your loved ones from an accident and save on the repair of the drainage system. As practice shows, without snow retainers installed on the roof, it can fail several times per season.
At the end, we invite you to see interesting video with the installation of snow retainers from the first person.
In snowy winters pitched roofs are a hidden source of danger, because the collected solid precipitation can fall on passers-by at any moment. To avoid this, snow retainers are installed on the roof. The use of the device is essential if the finish is made of smooth corrugated board. Thanks to snow retainers, solid precipitation remains on the roof surface, and when it warms up, melt water flows down gutters. Let's find out what this device is, about its varieties and provide installation instructions.
Types of snow retainers for corrugated roofs
Snow barrier systems differ in shape, size, material, as well as the reliability of the design. For profiled sheet roofs, structures are used in which a structure made of pipes, gratings or corners acts as a snow stop. Let's consider each type in more detail.
lattice
This is the simplest, but it is enough efficient view snow retention devices. The universal design consists of brackets that are attached to the roof, and vertical gratings. Such barriers are capable of retaining even the smallest pieces of ice, due to which a large mass of snow can accumulate on the roof. Therefore, snow retainers of this type are installed only on roofs with a high bearing capacity.
All parts are made of galvanized steel and painted with moisture-resistant paint, so the gratings can be matched to the tone of the roof. As for the dimensions of the grille, they may vary depending on the model, and the snow retention capacity of the system directly depends on them. The smallest barriers have a height of about 5 cm, and the largest - 20 cm.
The principle of their work is slightly different from the lattice ones. In addition to detention a large number snow, tubular systems let it through a little, which reduces the load on the roof. Such snow retainers can be mounted on roofs of any type and with an angle of inclination up to 60 °.
This is interesting: on roofs with a slope of more than 60 °, these systems are not installed - it is believed that precipitation does not linger on them at all.
Like the previous view, tubular structures are made of galvanized steel, followed by a paint layer. As a result, the product is durable, not subject to corrosion. The color can be matched to any roof. Tubular snow barriers are equipped with two pipes with a diameter of 15 to 30 mm and a length of 1 to 3 m, as well as fasteners and brackets with plates for attaching to the roof. The number of supports depends on the length of the pipe.
This type is considered the least successful, since the corner snow guards completely prevent the passage of snow. Therefore, in regions with significant rainfall, these devices are not used. This is due to the fact that their height often does not exceed 6 cm. In addition, corner snow barriers are made from metal sheets comparable in thickness to a profiled sheet. Therefore, they do not have sufficient strength to hold large snow piles.
It is advisable to use such products only in regions with low snow cover and install on roofs with a slope of no more than 30 °. In this case, the latter will have to be cleaned from time to time from snow and accumulated dirt.
There is another type of snow retainers for corrugated roofs - these are point barriers. But these systems appeared relatively recently and it is too early to talk about their reliability. However, compared to corner ones, point devices have an advantage in terms of fasteners - their installation does not involve connecting with the crate, but with the roofing metal itself. They keep only part of the snow on the roof. However, this is enough to prevent an avalanche.
Installation Features
Installation of each type of snow retention systems on corrugated roofing may have some features. For example, the installation of corner products is the simplest and is done using self-tapping screws with a rubber washer. Fastening with a self-tapping screw is carried out in a wave of profiled flooring. For the installation of corner barriers, you can do without reinforcing the crate, however fastener should be firmly embedded in the wood. Otherwise, the design will be fragile. Fastenings of corner snow retainers must be placed through one wave.
As for tubular and lattice systems, their snow-retaining elements are installed on the roof using support brackets. The latter are attached in the same way as corner products - on self-tapping screws. Both types are located around the entire perimeter of the building, along the slope. Arrange them in one or more rows.
Installation of any kind of such systems is not challenging task. This work can be done with your own hands, without the help of a builder. Let's go directly to the installation.
Preparing for installation
Before fixing snow retainers, you need to decide on the type of snow retainers and the number of rows. As mentioned earlier, the choice should be made based on the intensity of precipitation in your area. It is important to take into account the angle of the roof on which the barrier is planned to be installed, and the presence of a fence on the roof.
Important: you need to install the device higher roof railing. However, if this is not possible, the designs can be combined.
Now let's start marking. We measure the perimeter of the roof and mark the optimal locations for the stops. The distance from the last bracket to the edge of the pipe must not exceed 300 mm. The maximum distance between the brackets is 1,100 mm.
Usually the snow retainer is installed at a distance of 600 mm from the edge of the cornice overhang and parallel to it. If the installation of another barrier is required, then it can be placed no closer than 2-3 meters from the neighboring one.
To work, you will need the following tools:
- yardstick;
- marker;
- set of drills;
- drill;
- self-tapping screws with rubber gaskets (usually supplied with the system).
At the end preparatory work you can proceed to the installation of the system. As an example, consider the installation of tubular snow retainers, which are considered the most reliable, efficient and most popular.
Fastening instructions using the example of a tubular structure
The installation procedure for tubular snow retainers is as follows:
- In accordance with the markings, we fasten the support brackets to the screws using a perforator.
- We insert the pipes of the snow retainer into the holes of the bracket.
- To achieve the required length, the pipes are joined together. For this, a special one-sided crimp is provided. The joint is fixed with a bolted connection.
- Similar actions are performed on each side of the building, around the entire perimeter.
- At the end, you need to check the bolted connections again.
Photo example of step-by-step installation
The installation procedure for lattice-type snow retainers is completely similar to the above. And the installation of corner products differs only in the absence of points 2 and 3.
Despite the fact that the use of special devices significantly increases safety and reduces roof wear, do not forget about the need for regular roof cleaning. This will reduce the burden on building construction and extend their service life.
Mounting snow retainers on the roof of a profiled sheet, detailed instructions
In winter, you can often see how a pile of snow falls from the roof. What if it hits a person? To prevent such situations, a snow retainer was created.
Types and installation of snow retainers on corrugated board
Snowy winter is a common occurrence for many regions of our country. Ice and snow masses are a problem for yards and roads, but they can bring even more trouble to the roofing systems of buildings. After all, even a small layer of snow exerts tremendous pressure on the surface. That is why many owners of private houses prefer roofs made of smooth materials. For example, from metal tiles or corrugated board, since precipitation is removed from such a coating under its own weight without outside interference.
However, a new problem appears - heavy snow and ice growths can slide off the roof at the most inopportune moment, in particular, when a car or a person is near the house. This, in turn, causes not only material damage, but also becomes a threat to the lives of passers-by. To avoid this problem, you should install snow retainers for corrugated board. It is this element that can hold snow blocks on the roof, but at the same time it will not prevent the removal of melted water, which will easily leave the roof through the drainage system. Such designs differ in their configuration, price and installation option. To choose the right snow retention system for a particular corrugated roof, you should pay attention to factors such as the amount of snow cover in the region and the angle of inclination of the slopes for the corrugated board. Let us consider in detail the issues of choosing such products, their varieties and correct installation snow retainers for corrugated board
Varieties of snow retainers
The main purpose of the snow retention system is to prevent large snow masses from sliding off the roof. Similar products are mounted on roofs, with an angle of inclination up to 60 degrees. Roofs with a slope of more than 60 degrees, as a rule, do not require additional equipment to prevent sudden snow sliding, since with such a steepness of the roofs, any precipitation does not linger on the surface. Today it is customary to distinguish between two main types of structures for retaining snow.
- Snow barriers - that is, structures that prevent any amount of snow or ice from descending from the roof. They are able to hold rather voluminous snow layers on the roof surface. This property is useful when an additional source of thermal insulation is required in winter period and a large layer of snow perfectly copes with this task.
- Snow cutters are products that pass snow through themselves. Such systems cut snow masses into small fragments that can freely slide off the roof. At the same time, the portion size is insignificant, that is, the safety of both others and various property remains at the proper level, but the roofs do not experience unnecessary pressure.
Also, each type is divided into subspecies. In particular, the following barrier designs can be mentioned:
In turn, snow cutters have their own subspecies:
It is worth considering each subspecies separately in order to understand which particular variety you want to put on own house and how they are installed.
Tubular snow cutters
Tubular snow guards consist of several durable pipes fixed between special supports. Since the products are not solid, they easily pass a certain amount of snow masses through themselves. At the same time, a large snowdrift will not be able to slide off the roof as a whole, that is, the mass will be cut into smaller portions. Also, such snow retainers reduce the kinetic energy of the falling snow and minimize its destructive ability. The design has the following parameters:
- height - up to 15 cm;
- pipe diameter - 1.5-3 cm;
- pipe length - 1-3 m;
- number of pipes - 2;
- number of brackets - 2-4.
Products are made of galvanized steel, and to give decorative look covered with a layer of strong and durable paint on top. At the same time, it is easy to match the tone of the snow cutters to the shade of the corrugated roofing. Brackets are supplied with special screws, with the help of which installation is carried out. In order for the design to effectively perform its functions, the first pipe is installed at a distance of 2-3 cm from the roof surface, and the gap between the pipes is 8-10 cm. This allows you to create a durable product that can easily withstand even heavy loads. It is possible to install a snow retainer of this type on metal roofs, the slopes of which have a large slope, up to 60 degrees. 
Today, it is tubular snow retainers for corrugated board that are considered one of the most reliable types of products of this type. They are able to withstand high pressure of snow and ice masses, but on condition that a pipe with an oval profile is used. Other types of pipes are less efficient and often deform under stress. Tubular snow cutters can be used on roofing systems not only from corrugated board, but also on coatings made of metal, bituminous or natural tiles and other types of sheet and roll roofs. They are mounted in a continuous row along the entire slope. In places that require additional protection from snow, such as a roof over a parking lot or a walkway, a porch, etc., it is recommended to install snow blowers in two rows. The distance between the rows is 2-3 m. At the same time, the first row is fixed with an indent from the cornice overhang of 40-50 cm. The most famous models are produced under the Optima brand. Such tubular snow retainers are highly reliable, corrosion resistant and durable. When buying, you should make sure that the product is able to withstand the design load, and during installation it is important to ensure the required tightness. 
Lattice snow guards
This type of snow retention structure consists of lattice sections of various modifications and special mounting brackets. At the same time, the height of the product, the length of the section, the purpose and shape of the profile may differ. The installation of snow retainers on a corrugated roof resembles the installation of tubular models - a vertical grille is mounted on fixed brackets. If necessary, increase the length, you can join several sections together. All elements are made of galvanized steel, which gives them high strength and reliability. However, it should be borne in mind that under the influence of large snow masses, thin plates can be deformed, which will lead to a decrease in their effectiveness. Therefore, if the snow loads in a particular region are quite large, then you should choose the type of lattice snow cutters in which the lattice is welded to the longitudinal installed pipes and the brackets are thicker. This design is characterized by maximum reliability and durability. 
The sizes of lattice snow retainers can be different. At the same time, both the height differs, for example, large lattices have a height of 15-20 cm, and small ones - 5-7 cm, and the shape of the profile, that is, cells, rectangles, rhombuses, and so on. Important! Lattice snow cutters are distinguished by the type of roof, that is, you can purchase products that are designed for:
- ceramic tiles;
- metal profile;
- seam roof;
- soft roll roofing.
This means that when buying, you should pay attention to what types of coatings the products are intended for and follow the markings exactly. It will not be a problem to choose the color of the snow cutter, because the products are painted with powder dyes in a wide range of colors. The snow retainer is fastened to the profiled sheet along the eaves. To strengthen the structure, it may be necessary to install an additional beam to the crate under the corrugated board. Of course, if this was not done at the stage of installing the truss system, then you can simply add a few brackets for a stronger and more secure fixation. 
Rope snow guards
Such products are also called point snow cutters. They are small hooks or teeth located along the entire slope in a checkerboard pattern. Unfortunately, such products are not able to hold large snow masses. That is why it is recommended to install them only as additional products to lattice or tubular snow retainers. Also, they are most often mounted on roofs made of bituminous tiles. Since such a surface holds snow well on its own and only a small additional insurance is needed, which is provided by snow retainers of this type. Hooks should be mounted at a distance of 0.5-0.7 m from each other in a run. 
Lamellar snow guards
This is a barrier type of systems, which are also called corner snow retainers. They are mounted at low volumes of winter precipitation. Metal products are produced and have a tone corresponding to profiled sheet roofs. Externally, the product has the form of a plate bent in the form of a triangle, with two faces on each side. It is on such protrusions that installation is carried out to the base. The height of the barrier is small, up to 6 cm, and it is recommended to mount them only on roofs, the slopes of which have a slope of no more than 30 degrees. Snow retainers are installed on the roof from a profiled sheet in 2 or more rows in a checkerboard pattern. At the same time, it is desirable to maintain a distance between rows in the range of 0.5-1 m. In view of the fact that such a design is not able to withstand the pressure of large snow masses, they should be placed only on objects in areas with a minimum amount of precipitation, or used as additional element to other types of snow retainers. 
Log snow guard
Such a system consists of wooden log and brackets. Of course, with the advent of tubular snow cutters, such a snow retainer for corrugated board is used extremely rarely. Depending on the size of the logs, the amount of snow that can stay on the roof also changes, thanks to a similar design. During installation, it is necessary to fix the brackets directly on the crate or truss system, since the weight of the wood is quite high, as well as the pressure exerted by the product on the roof. Installation is carried out with an indent from the coating of 2-3 cm. This gap is necessary for the free flow of melt water, while the bulk of the snow is held on the roof until it completely melts. 
Installation of any type of snow retainers is recommended to be carried out using special fasteners, as well as hermetic linings. After all, if the integrity of the metal roof is violated, the probability of corrosive formations is high. When deciding how to install snow retainers on corrugated board, it is worth proceeding from the angle of inclination of the roof, as well as the amount of precipitation in the region. At the same time, the greater the slope of the slopes, the more rows of snow retainers should be installed. Snow cutters or snow retainers for corrugated board are an important safety element, both for the building itself and for the residents of the house in the winter. After all, metal roofs are not able to hold snow masses on their surface for a long time. As soon as a slight warming occurs, the likelihood of the collapse of snow and ice blocks increases. To completely avoid this or reduce the portion of falling snow, it is necessary to use special snow retainers. One of the best configurations to date has become tubular structures, which have a low cost, but great strength and durability, and you can even mount them on your own.
Installation of snow retainers on the roof of corrugated board: fastening, types
Varieties of snow retainers for corrugated roofs. Features of the installation of snow catchers of types: tubular, lattice, rope tow, corner, log.
Snow retainers on the roof from a profiled sheet: how to install?
Snow on the roof, especially metal, is not a reason for a beautiful shot. This is danger. When a large snow mass accumulates on the roof, it comes off. And it’s good if it’s not a person, but a car or a barn that gets in its way, and you get off with only damage to property. And if not? This situation can be easily prevented: it is enough to install snow retainers on the corrugated roof. Save on them is not worth it: the consequences can be disastrous.
Types of snow retainers
Snowplows for corrugated roofs come in 4 types:
The tubular snow retainer consists of 2-3 pipes, which are located one above the other and are connected using supports. Such a design does not retain snow in the usual sense of the word, but, as it were, “cuts” the snow mass. As a result, it descends to the ground in small and safe portions. Tubular snow guards are preferred for mounting on a metal roof. They not only ensure the safety of passage under the roof, but reduce snow load.
Unlike tubular ones, lattice snow guards are able to hold the entire mass of snow on the roof. They can even hold small pieces of ice. it a good option for the southern and central regions, but in the northern they can be used only if the roof is designed for a large load. In addition, the trellis should be cleaned at the end of autumn, as the trellis is easily clogged with leaves.
Corner - the cheapest, but unreliable snow retainers. They are a bent metal strip of small height. Such a snow retainer, installed on the roof, prevents the snow mass from coming off. It can only be mounted on roofs with a slope of less than 30ºС, since it is not strong enough to withstand a large mass of snow.
It is highly undesirable to install corner snow guards in areas with a large snow load. There are frequent cases when, under the influence of a snow mass, the fasteners could not withstand and the screws literally pulled out of the roofing. In this case, not only does compacted snow fall onto the sidewalk or road, but the roof itself is damaged.
Spot snow guards are designed for regions with a small snow load, as well as for regularly serviced roofs. In some cases, they are used as auxiliary snowplows. Rope snow guards on the roof made of profiled sheet, depending on the type, are attached either to the wave or directly to the crate through the metal sheet of the roof. They should be mounted in a checkerboard pattern.
Where to install?
Installing snow retainers on a corrugated roof around its entire perimeter does not make sense. It is necessary to mount them only in places where snow causes inconvenience or represents a danger:
- Above all exits from the house, including emergency exits, which are used in winter;
- Over paths and sidewalks;
- Above the roof windows, otherwise in winter you will not be able to ventilate the attic;
- Above roofing junctions and pipe outlets through the roof;
- Above the parking space in front of the garage;
- And in all other places where snowfall can cause damage.
You must understand that snow retainers on a corrugated roof will not relieve you of the need to clean snow on it. Especially if you have chosen those designs that prevent even its portioned gathering. A large snow cover on the roof is a test for the truss system, so it must be cleaned at least once a month. And also after every heavy snowfall.
In particular, regular snow cleaning is relevant for a smooth metal roof made of corrugated board. Since any metal has a high thermal conductivity, it quickly heats up on a sunny day. As a result, the snow immediately adjacent to the roofing melts, and a thin layer of water forms under the snow mass. Snow can simply slide along it, and no snow block will hold such a mass.
Installation methods
There are two ways to install snow retainers on the roof:
- Fasten the supports directly to the crate and lay a sheet of corrugated board on top;
- Fasten the supports to the crate through the sheet using self-tapping screws.
The choice of mounting method depends on what kind of fastening is provided for by the design of a particular snow retainer: clamping or hanging.
The type of fastening usually does not depend on the design of the snow retainer, with the exception of the corner ones - their installation is always carried out according to the second scheme. They are fixed with self-tapping screws on both sides: the side closest to the ridge is fixed in each wave, and the one closer to the overhang - through one.
Those snow retainers that should be installed on suspension supports are mounted together with the laying of corrugated board. If the roof is already ready, it will no longer be possible to fix them. Hanging mounts are hooked onto the batten beam in such a way that the mounting hook is outside after laying the roofing sheets at a distance of 500 mm from the edge of the overhang. Moreover, most models do not need additional fixation with self-tapping screws. After that, the snow retainers themselves are mounted on the protruding mounts.
Both under the suspension and under the clamping supports there are special linings that protect the corrugated board from damage. They always come with snow guards. In addition to linings mounting kit always includes a decorative overlay, which must be installed after installation is completed.
If possible, try to choose those snow guards that are suspended. Yes, they are harder to install. But this is offset by greater reliability and the absence of additional damage to the metal sheet.
Installation rules
Regardless of the type of fasteners, when installing snow retainers, there are 5 universal rules to be followed. They are:
- For fixing structures, only special self-tapping screws with rubber gasket, which will protect the attachment points from corrosion;
- To install snow retainers, only the fasteners and accessories that come with them are used;
- With a slope length of more than 5.5 meters, snow retainers are attached in several rows every 3-3.5 meters.
- If installation in several rows is necessary, before installing snow retainers, it is necessary to consider a plan for their placement;
- During installation work on the roof, one should not forget about the simplest safety rules: use safety ropes and shoes with non-rigid soles;
- During installation, care must be taken not to damage the corrugated board coating, since any scratch will sooner or later cause corrosion.
In general, installing snow retainers is no more difficult than installing corrugated roofing. And it is quite easy to deal with it if you follow the recommendations outlined in the article and listen to common sense.
Installation of snow retainers on the roof of corrugated board
In order to avoid uncontrolled and dangerous snowfall on a metal roof, snow retainers are required. Do not install them yourself
Snow retainers on the roof from a profiled sheet - functions, types, installation
On the territory of Russia, pitched roofs are more popular, on which snow does not linger. However, the problem of steep slopes is the spontaneous descent of snow masses, which threatens the health and even the life of people passing by. More than others, roofs made of materials with a smooth surface, in particular profiled sheets, suffer from this. To prevent snow from slipping, special devices are used, in everyday life called snow retainers. This article will tell you what snow retention measures are applied to a corrugated roof and how do-it-yourself devices are installed to prevent snow from falling.
Russia is famous for its frosty and snowy winters, and in some regions the cold season lasts 8-9 months. Snow accumulating on the slopes increases the load on the truss frame and the foundation of the house, so most buildings are built with a steep roof, the slope of which is at least 35 degrees. And if a profiled sheet is used as a roofing material with a smooth, slippery surface, then the snow immediately slides off on its own. Warm air rising from the heated rooms heats the roof, due to which an ice crust forms on it.
Do-it-yourself snow guards save homeowners from the following problems:
- They retain snow masses on the roof of corrugated board or profiled sheet until they melt under the influence of the sun. In this case, melt water enters the drain, and then into the storm sewer, without washing out the blind area of the foundation or the approach paths.
- Snow guards cut the snow cap located on the roof from the profiled sheet into thin layers, the fall of which will not harm the casual passersby.
- The installation of snow retainers protects the roof drain from corrugated board from deformation, preventing snow masses from slipping there.
Important! The ice crust, which forms on the roof from the profiled sheet due to the thawing of the lower layer of snow, scratches the roof surface when descending from the slope. These scratches in the future, when water penetrates, will become foci of corrosion, leading to premature destruction of the material. This problem is solved by installing snow retainers with your own hands.
Principles of snow retention
Typically, roof snow retainers are matched to the roof covering by color and material. Manufacturers producing corrugated board and profiled sheet usually complete their products with snow-retaining elements, which, according to the principle of operation, are divided into two types:
- Snow barriers. These devices are installed on the roof to stop the avalanche of snow masses. They hold back the snow until Sun rays won't melt it. The disadvantage of this design is that the snow cap greatly increases the load on the roof truss frame and the foundation of the house. To avoid deformation of the roofing when using snow barriers, you will have to manually clean the slope from snow in a timely manner.
If the roof has a corrugated board coating, devices must be installed on it to prevent spontaneous snowfall. Since their absence creates a danger to the health of the inhabitants of the house and harms the roofing, reducing the life of the material.
Installing snow guards is the process of creating a physical barrier made of durable material that can stop and hold the snow mass on the slope. The type and number of elements for snow retention depends on the amount of precipitation, the slope of the slopes and the type of roofing. For roofs from a professional sheet, the following models are used:
- Trellised. They are a lattice 15-20 cm high, mounted on brackets along the roof slope. Do-it-yourself installation of devices of this type is recommended only if the truss frame has sufficient bearing capacity, as they hold snowdrifts of a large mass and large ice floes on the roof surface.
Note! Usually, builders recommend installing snow-retaining elements along the entire roof slope with their own hands, but this undertaking is associated with serious financial costs. To reduce costs, they install snow retainers only over especially important areas: driveways, parking lots, porch, green spaces. If the slope length exceeds 5 m, then installation in two rows is recommended.
When mounting snow-retaining devices on a roof from a profiled sheet with your own hands, you should pay attention to this task. Fasteners violate the integrity of the roofing, so they use roofing screws with a press head and rubber seal. Installation technology sees as follows:
- The first step is to determine the installation location. The first row of snow retainers is installed along the cornice overhang, above bearing wall at home. At that level, a lace is pulled along the slope.
Important! All snow retention devices are tested huge load, so they must be made from quality metal. Each bracket is fixed with at least three roofing screws. If the installation is done carelessly, the snow cap will tear out the snow retainers with a large mass, deforming the roofing.
Experienced roofers recommend the installation of tubular snow guards, which are suitable even for very steep roofs with an inclination angle of more than 60 degrees. good efficiency demonstrate hybrid devices, which are a grid welded to tubular snow retention elements. To save money, you can make them yourself.
Do-it-yourself installation of snow retainers on the roof of corrugated board
What snow retainers on the roof from the profiled sheet to choose? Overview of popular snow retention devices used on corrugated board, their features and installation
Construction of houses
In regions with snowy winters, there is a common problem - an avalanche of snow from the roof of a house, which can not only cause material damage, but also take the lives of passers-by. You can avoid this problem by installing snow retainers on the roof. These structures allow you to keep the main layer of snow on the roof surface. Only when it melts, the water from the snow can flow freely through the gutters. The type of snow retainers is selected depending on several important factors: slope angle, roofing material and the amount of snow cover in the region. Let us consider in more detail what types of snow retainers are and what are the features of their installation on different roofs.
Types of snow retainers for the roof
Snow guards on the roof can be bought together with roofing material during the construction of the house, or can be purchased separately when the house is already built. In different stores, such devices can be called differently: snow blocking fences, snow guards, snow stops, snow cutters, snow barriers, snow feet, and of course, snow guards. Such a variety of names is due to the fact that these simple devices can perform different functions.
The first category is snow barriers or snow blocking fences- completely keep the snow on the roof surface. Snow should melt naturally on the roof. The descent of its layers, even partially from the roof, is unacceptable.
The second category is snow cutters- designed to cut a common layer of snow into small pieces. Thus, its energy during the fall is much lower than it would be if the entire layer of snow descended in an avalanche. This is enough to ensure safety.
Roof snow retainers differ not only in shape and size, but also in material and design reliability. First of all, when choosing one or another type of snow retainers, it is necessary to focus on how much snow it should hold back.
Tubular snow guards
The tubular snow retainer for the roof is a construction of brackets into which two pipes with a diameter of 15 - 30 mm are inserted. The total height of the structure is about 15 cm. The bracket looks like a vertical plate with holes for pipes. At the bottom of the bracket there is a horizontal shelf for fastening to the roof slope. Screws for metal 8x60 mm with a hex head are screwed into it. Sometimes the type of bracket may differ depending on what type of roofing material the snow retainer will be used for. The method of installation may also differ.
The structural strength of the tubular snow retainer depends on the distance between the lower pipe and the roof surface. The optimal distance is 2 - 3 cm from the roof to the first pipe and 8 - 10 cm between the pipes.
Important! Tubular snow guards can be installed on roofs with very steep slopes up to 60°. Indeed, in such cases, the snow pressure is very high and its movement occurs very often. On roofs with a slope of more than 60 °, snow retainers are not installed at all, since it is believed that snow does not linger on them and crumbles immediately.
Tubular snow cutters belong to the category of snow retainers, which is designed to cut the snow layer into several parts. These structures are considered the most reliable, able to withstand the powerful pressure of a snow layer and can be used on roofs of any type - from sheet, rolled soft materials, as well as from natural tiles. They are installed around the entire perimeter of the building, along the entire slope. Moreover, the installation of tubular snow cutters is carried out in a continuous row, and not in a run. Sometimes, when the snow load is very high, two rows of snow retainers are placed at a distance of 2–3 m from each other.
The fixing of the lower row of tubular snow retainers is carried out above the bearing wall, i.e. at a distance of 40 - 50 cm from the cornice overhang. After installation, they are practically invisible against the background of the roof, because the color of the snow retainers can be matched to the color of the roof. Typically, tubular structures are made of galvanized steel, and are coated on top with a layer of paint to match the color of the roofing material. As a result, the product is durable, non-corrosive.
Lattice snow guards
Lattice snow retainers on the roof have a variety of sizes. Universal type of construction: brackets to which the vertical grille is attached. All parts are made of galvanized steel, painted on top, so that the gratings can also be matched to the tone of the roof. But the size of the lattice can be different. The largest ones are 15-20 cm high, but there are also small ones, where the height of the lattice is not more than 5-7 cm. Naturally, depending on the size, lattice snow retainers can hold a different amount of snow.
A large steel grating is able to resist a large amount of snow masses with ice floes. As a rule, the entire layer of snow is held on the roof, including the smallest pieces of ice, and only melted water flows down.
Lattice snow guards are installed on long slopes with a rather large slope to ensure that blocks of snow do not fall. The effectiveness of these actions depends on the height of the lattice. Also, the material of the roof does not matter either, almost all materials have their own types of fasteners.
Important! Please note that tubular snow guards are more solid construction. If the volume of snow is too large, the lattice plates may buckle, bend outward under the pressure of the block. What does not happen with pipes due to the strength of the structure. The strength of trellis snow guards is also affected by the shape and reliability of the brackets or guides. You should not buy flimsy products, the same thickness as the grate itself.
There are also designs of lattice snow retainers in which the lattice is welded to the longitudinal pipes. In this case, the product is extremely reliable.
The installation of lattice snow retainers is carried out in a row along the slope eaves. If the length of the slope is more than 5.5 m and at the same time there is a large snow load in the region, then in addition to the lattice ones, other types of snow stops are installed, for example, lamellar ones.
Corner or plate snow guards
With small amounts of snow, corner snow retainers are installed on the roof. Basically, they are mounted on roofs made of metal tiles or corrugated board, since the snow retainers themselves are made of the same material and have the same color.
As can be seen in the photo showing the corner snow retainers on the roof, they are metal products bent into a triangular structure with two edges and shelves for attaching to the base. The height of such snow retainers is from 4 to 6 cm. They are usually installed on roofs where the slope angle does not exceed 30 °, since they simply cannot withstand a lot of pressure.
Corner snow retainers are fastened directly to the roofing material, including the upper wave of corrugated materials.
Install similar snowplows along the ridge in a checkerboard pattern in several rows, from 2. Distance between rows from 50 cm to 1 m.
Corner snow retainers are not very durable, they are not able to keep a large layer of snow from convergence, therefore they are used in regions where there is not much precipitation. Also, the roof must be regularly cleaned of snow.
Yokes - point snow retainers
Rope snow guards, or, as they are also called, hooks, are not ways to hold back any significant amount of snow, therefore they are used as an addition to lattice and tubular snow guards, as well as on a soft roof with a slight slope.
On a soft roof, snow usually lingers on its own, this is facilitated by the rough surface of the material, sprinkled with granules. For example, on shingles or roofing material snow accumulates and is held without problems. And if the slope of the roof is small, then snow is unlikely to come off. However, for safety net, point tow snow retainers are installed, in a checkerboard pattern at a distance of 50 - 70 cm from each other.
A feature of the yokes is that they can only be installed at the stage of roof installation. They are triangles with a long plate for fastening to the crate. The plate should be located under the roofing material, and is attached to the crate, bituminous tiles are laid on top and hide the attachment points. Thus, the roof is protected from leaks.
Wooden log as a snow retainer
Wooden logs are rarely used to hold snow. They can be found on an equally rare wooden roof- shingles or shingle roofing. Logs are installed on special hooks, which are fixed to the crate or rafters of the roof structure. The larger the diameter of the log, the greater the volume of snow that such a snowplow can hold.
The log itself is located at a small height above the roof surface - 2 - 3 cm. Therefore, melting snow can flow freely to the drains. The rest of the snow is held until complete melting.
Installation of snow guards on the roof
It is best to mount snow retainers together with roofing material. Sometimes it is recommended to install snow guards not around the entire perimeter of the roof, but only over important objects: walking paths, car parking, skylights and balconies. Installation sites are selected on the basis that when an avalanche descends from a roof with a slope of 35 °, the snow fall zone is 0.4 - 1.5 m from the roof overhang.
The distance from the snow guard to the eaves should be from 50 cm to 80 cm. Mount the snow guards directly on eaves overhang it is forbidden. The only exception is the case when the cornice is formed rafter legs roofs.
Important! If you install snow-retaining structures on or near the eaves, the cornice will inevitably collapse along with the snow-retainers and an avalanche. Lightweight construction the overhang is simply not able to withstand such pressure.
The price of snow retainers on the roof depends on the type of product, material of manufacture, size and popularity of the manufacturer's brand. And it can vary in the range from 1.5 to 230 USD.
Snow guards for metal roofs
Metal tile is by far the most common roofing material. But its design itself suggests that snow will fall on it very often. The smooth surface of the material practically does not retain snow. And the sensitivity of the material to temperature changes contributes to the fact that during the day the snow melts and slides down the surface of the metal tile, carrying the entire layer of snow and ice.
Given all this, snow guards for metal tiles are simply an urgent need.
For roofs covered with metal tiles, you can use such types of snow retainers:
The latter are used only on slopes with a small slope and in regions with little snowy winters. In other cases, tubular and lattice structures are used, as the most durable and easy to install.
Fastening of tubular and lattice snow guards produced directly through the roofing material:
- We plan where the snow retainer will be located.
- We strengthen the crate with an additional bar.
- We assemble the snow retainer kit, but do not tighten the bolts.
- We fix the roofing material, and from above we drill holes for fastening. The holes should be located in the lower wave, which is adjacent to the crate.
- We fix the assembled bracket to the slope with 8x60 mm bolts. The holes are sealed with rubber pads. The step between the brackets depends on the slope of the roof and the length of the slope. The greater the slope, the more often the brackets should be located. For example, a step of 50 cm will be more than enough for the most durable construction.
- We insert pipes into the brackets. Or if lattice snow retainers are mounted, then we connect adjacent sets to each other.
We remind you that it is necessary to mount snow retainers above the bearing wall. To install a snow retainer above the roof window, it is necessary to strengthen the crate.
If the slope is longer than 5.5 m, two rows of snow retainers should be installed.
Depending on the type of metal tile, the design of the bracket supports is different. For example, for installation on the Monterrey metal tile, snow retainers are used, the brackets of which are equipped with a special ledge. This makes it possible not to strengthen the crate.
Snow guards for corrugated roofs
The surface of the corrugated board is as smooth and sensitive to temperature changes as that of a metal tile. Therefore, snow retainers are simply necessary to keep snow on the roof. In addition, the melted snow freezes in the evening, when the next day, again the melted snow begins to move along the roof, the ice scratches the corrugated board. As a result, over time, the galvanized coating is peeled off, scratches appear in which rust develops.
Just like in the case of metal tiles, tubular, lattice and lamellar snow retainers can be used for corrugated board. Most often, tubular snow retainers made of galvanized steel, painted to match the corrugated board, are used.
Installation of snow retainers on a corrugated roof practically no different from mounting on a metal tile:
- Fastening is made through the material.
- The crate needs to be reinforced.
- And the holes for the fasteners should be sealed with special gaskets made of weather-resistant rubber.
- The fastening should be located at the bottom of the corrugated board wave, which is adjacent to the crate, otherwise the sheet will bend and warp.
If you plan to install snow retainers on an already finished roof, you will have to disassemble part of it in order to strengthen the crate. Or you need to take care of strengthening the structure in advance.
To install corner or lamellar snow retainers, reinforcement of the crate is not required, since they are fixed directly into the sheet of corrugated board or metal tiles in the upper wave. The bolt must cut into the wood of the crate, otherwise the structure will turn out to be fragile. Corner snowplow mounts should be located through one wave.
Snow guards for seam roofs
On folded roofs, only tubular and lattice snow retainers are used. The main difference between the installation of tubular snow retainers on a seam roof is that the brackets have a peculiar shape and are attached directly to the seam. Thus, the tightness of the coating is not violated.
As seen in the photo, fastening to folds made with clamps:
- We dress the clip on the fold.
- We drill 2 - 3 holes.
- We insert bolts with nuts and tighten.
- The step between the supports depends on the slope of the roof. The most reliable option is fastening to each fold.
An indisputable advantage of fastening snow retainers to a seam roof is that there is no need to reinforce the crate. All work is carried out from above, on the finished roofing material. As a result, the design turns out to be quite reliable, since the main snow pressure is distributed along the rebate.
Please note that not all snow retainers for seam roofs are made of galvanized steel. There are copper models. They are not sold as a set, but individually: a pipe section, lower and upper brackets. Prices for copper snow retainers are higher than for ordinary ones, but even a copper seam roof is not a cheap pleasure.
Snow guards for soft roofs
Soft roofing has its own characteristics, which leave an imprint on the choice of the type of snow retainers and the nuances of installation:
- The angle of the roof slope with a soft roof should not exceed 15 °. With such a slope, an avalanche-like snowfall is unlikely. Therefore, powerful tubular snow retainers are practically not used.
- Sprinkling of stone chips on the surface of soft roofing materials holds the snow and prevents it from sliding off.
- Due to the fact that for the installation of a soft roof is used solid view crates in the form of sheets of moisture-resistant plywood, there is no need to reinforce the crate.
- However, all work on the installation of snow retainers on soft roof must be made at the stage of laying the roofing material.
For a soft roof, yokes are most often used, less often - tubular snow retainers.
Installation of tubular snow retainers on a soft roof is practically the same as installation on corrugated board or metal tiles. The disadvantage of fastening such a design is that the fasteners are on top, i.e. seal may be compromised.
Triangular yokes or stoppers are attached using this technology:
- It is necessary to arrange them in a checkerboard pattern in 2 - 3 rows with a step of 50 - 70 cm.
- The yoke is attached to the crate so that the next sheet of soft tiles hides the mounting plate, and the yoke triangle itself remains on top.
- Fastening is made on self-tapping screws.
If the roof has already been installed, the yokes can also be fixed from above, in which case weather-resistant rubber gaskets are used.
In conclusion, I would like to say that in the conditions of our snowy winters, the use of snow retainers on roofs is mandatory. However, it is still necessary to clean the roof once a week or two, depending on the amount of rainfall. You can get rid of the need to clean the roof and trap snow by installing a heating cable under the roof. Thus, the snow will immediately melt and flow down the drain. The formation of icicles and snow avalanches is excluded.
Snow retainers on the roof, types and features of installation, Construction portal
Construction of houses In regions with snowy winters, there is a common problem - an avalanche of snow from the roof of a house, which can not only cause material damage, but
Wide use metal roofs due to their excellent operating parameters and relatively low cost. At the same time, they are installed plastic systems water drainage, and the building takes on a completed look in a modern style.
But few people know that metal roofing has one common and rather unpleasant drawback - a low coefficient of friction. As a result, in spring, snow masses descend like an avalanche and damage plastic elements drainage systems. In addition, this situation can cause serious injury to pedestrians. To protect people and structures, snow retainers should be installed.
Prices for snow guards
Snow guard
To understand the principles of installation various types snow retainers, you need to familiarize yourself with their device, technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages in more detail. These parameters provide big influence to choose the right algorithm for installation on roofs.
Table. Types of designs of snow retainers
| Type of snow retainer | Performance characteristics and mounting features |
|---|---|
| Have different shape and dimensions, cut one thick layer of snow into several thin ones. This reduces the load on the gutter of the drain system and minimizes the risk of injury to passers-by. Tubular snow guards are fixed to the crate, which guarantees their high strength. In addition, they do not delay, but cut the snow, which further reduces the effort on the fasteners and increases the reliability and durability of the devices. |
| All elements are made of galvanized steel, some have a decorative coating. Height 5–20 cm. The fastening method is no different from tubular ones. The disadvantage is that the gratings hold the entire snow cake, and it can have a very large mass. Such critical loads have a negative impact on the durability and safety of the structure. | |
| These devices are recommended to be installed only with insignificant snow cover parameters. The fact is that they are fixed not to the crate, but to the waves of metal sheets. Such a fastening is very fragile and breaks out under relatively small loads, leaving holes from under the hardware on the roof. As a result, leaks and the need to perform unscheduled repair work. If you follow the recommendations of manufacturers and mount corner plate snow guards only in regions with little snow cover, then a logical question arises - why snow guards where there is no snow? Why waste time and money just to drill extra holes in your roof? |
In addition to these, there are also quite original point (rope) and wooden devices. But they are used so rarely that it is not necessary to describe them. Such snow retainers are completely ineffective, installation on the roof has only negative consequences.
Important. Snow guards are recommended to be installed only on metal roofs. Mount them on a flexible bituminous tile, asbestos-cement slate, natural tiles are impractical, since these coatings have a high coefficient of friction, snow never avalanches off them.
Prices for snow guards on a seam roof
Snow guard for rebated roof
Each type of snow retainer has its own mounting technology, but general recommendations have been developed for all cases. What exactly?
- As mentioned above, it is advisable to install such structures only on roofs made of profiled sheets, metal tiles or seam roofs.
- Snow guards prevent damage to plastic drainage systems. If a metal system of galvanized sheet steel is mounted on your house, hooks are made of a strip of carbon tool steel with a thickness of not about 2 mm, then no snow of this design is terrible.
- It is strongly not recommended to mount corner lamellar snow retainers, you do not need to pay attention to manufacturers' advertising. Practice has proven not only their inefficiency, but also harmfulness. The risks of damage to the integrity of the roof exceed 90%, and where structures remain intact for several years, there is no snow. Lamellar snow retainers are fixed only to metal sheets roofs, this mounting option is the most unfortunate of all possible.
- On the metal tile there is a slope of individual segments. In this regard, the laths of the crate have a strictly regulated step of 35 cm, at this distance there are even horizontal profile lines. Only this condition provides correct position sheets, the load does not bend the profile, but is transferred directly to truss system. This means that the distance between the fixation points should also be 35 cm, if this is not the case, then even at the stage of manufacturing the crate, it will be necessary to provide individual places fixing tubular or lattice snow retainers and installing additional rails.
- Bearing brackets for snow guards must comply with technical parameters roofing materials. They are the same for profiled sheets, others for a seam roof, and metal tiles third. If you have any doubts, it is highly recommended to consult with a sales consultant. He must know the differences and performance characteristics all types of mounting devices.
non-compliance simple tips will cause big problems with a roof. You must always remember that snow retainers are not installed for beauty or completeness of the roof, but to perform strictly defined tasks.
Installation of tubular snow retainers
Each break in the metal tile should lie on the laths of the crate, the distance between them is 35 cm, but there may be other options. Brackets of snow retainers are fixed only to them. It is necessary to carefully study the manufacturer's instructions and only then proceed to.
Important. When buying devices, pay attention to the mounting brackets. The distance between the fixation points must fully correspond to the distance between the breaks. The lower end of the bracket should be curved, the length of the leg should correspond to the height of the tiles. This section of the bracket works in compression, if it is even, then the metal tile is deformed during operation.
Step 1. Count the number of snow retainers and hardware. The structures are fixed with special self-tapping screws, the diameter of the thread is slightly larger than that of the hardware for fixing metal tiles. The length is selected taking into account the thickness of the battens. General rule- it is desirable that the end of the self-tapping screw does not protrude beyond the bottom surface of the rail.
Step 2 Decide on a specific mounting location for devices. Architects recommend installing them in a plane bearing walls, but not everything is so simple. It is necessary to take into account the overhang of the roof, in some cases its length does not allow fixing snow retainers. There are times when on difficult pitched roofs the location is selected taking into account the zones of maximum snow depth, the presence of skylights and doors. If it is difficult to make a final decision on your own, then it is better to consult with experienced roofers. They have been observing the behavior and functionality of snow guards located in various places for many years and know the places for their optimal fixation.
Installation can be done directly from the roof, stairs or scaffolding. If the elements are located near the edges of the slopes, then you need to work from the stairs, if far away, then you need to climb the roof.
Important! Never disregard safety regulations. You can not rely only on experience and luck, especially if the work is carried out at a height.
Step 3 Place the brackets on the roof, check their position. Fasten the elements to the roof with a cordless screwdriver. Each requires two self-tapping screws, both should be screwed in as close as possible to the breaks in the tiles. Fixing is done in several stages.
- Attach the bracket to the roof and mark where to drill the holes. This can be done with a felt-tip pen or immediately with a drill for metal.
- Remove the bracket and carefully drill holes, note that holes should only be made in the metal tile, the laths of the crate should remain intact. While drilling, gently press down on the tool.
- Insert a self-tapping screw into the bracket hole, put a rubber sealing gasket on it from below. It is made of modified material, not afraid of negative impact ultraviolet rays. Special rubber does not crack for a long time, does not have the effect of fatigue from internal stresses and retains elasticity at low temperatures. Such physical characteristics allow to guarantee a long period of reliable sealing of the places of fastening of snow retainers.
- Screw the fasteners firmly.
Pay attention to pads. Some types of brackets do not have bent legs; the height of the tile elements is leveled due to linings. The front is shorter than the back, do not confuse them when installing snow retainers.
The number of elements and the distance between them is selected individually in each case. This takes into account the length and angle of inclination of the slopes and climate zone building location.
Step 4 Insert the tubes into the special holes in the brackets, their diameter makes it easy to enter the prepared places, but not to stagger.
Practical advice. If the length of the eaves of the house exceeds three meters, then it is necessary to mount another set of snow retainers. The tubes of both devices are firmly fixed to each other; for this, the manufacturer has provided a detachable double socket connection. To exclude the possibility of spontaneous exit from the connection, it must be fixed with a bolt and nut, pipes have for this purpose through holes. It is not necessary to tighten the nut strongly, it is enough to tighten the nut by hand.
If everything is done correctly, then the design will reliably cope with its tasks for a long period of time.
Installation of corner lamellar snow retainers
Prices for popular models of screwdrivers
Screwdrivers
We have already mentioned that this is the worst option for protecting the roof from snow avalanches. But if there is a desire to use such structures, then it is recommended to take into account practical advice, they minimize possible negative consequences.
Step 1. The snow retainer strips are laid out on the roof and markings are made, after which the edge of the product is fixed. Self-tapping screws need to be screwed only into the crest of the wave. For convenience, you can make holes first in the roof, and then in the plate. The length of the self-tapping screws must be such that the fixation is carried out to the lath of the crate. This means that the first attachment point is always located on the bend of the tile.
Step 3 Finally, fix the bar in the middle. There are 6 screws for each plate.
Do not install plate elements in a continuous row, make gaps between them. This will reduce the load on the snow retainers and reduce the risk of separation.
Due to the fact that the holes are made in the ridges, leakage will be very small, special seals no need to install. A few drops of water caught during a heavy downpour will dry without any problems, there will be no harm.
If the angle of inclination of the slope does not exceed 15 °, then snow retainers are not needed, the snow melts slowly even without them, there are no avalanches. And main advice- do not buy corner plate snow retainers, use more reliable and functional types. Moreover, there are many options for sale with different colors and design solutions. It is not difficult to choose the most successful one for yourself.
Video - Installation of snow retainers on the roof
When installing snow retainers, it is very important not to damage the roofing in order to avoid leaks. But what if this did happen? You can read about how to seal the roof, and which sealant is better.
The climate of most of Russia is famous for its frosty, snowy winters, so our people have developed a special attitude towards the cold. Therefore, snow is an indispensable participant in children's games and winter fun. However, the snow may not be so harmless, especially when it flies from the roof onto your head. Unorganized, avalanche-like snow masses from roof slopes often cause injuries, injuries, damage to cars parked nearby and blockages on driveways. A comprehensive solution to these problems is the installation of snow retainers.
Roofs made of metal tiles especially require the installation of snow retention elements, since the smooth surface of the slopes makes it easier for the snow cap to slide off. Ice crust formed when the bottom surface of the profiled sheet is heated warm air leaves deep scratches on it. In damaged places, where the protective galvanic layer is broken, corrosion centers appear. To prevent premature failure and roof leaks, snow retainers are used that work according to the following principles:
Important! The selection of devices for snow retention is carried out taking into account three criteria: the amount of precipitation in winter time, slope angle and roofing. When choosing snow retainers for metal tiles, pay attention to models that work on the principle of a snow cutter. Due to the fact that snow is independently removed from the roof in a safe way, you can not be afraid to leave it without cleaning even in heavy snowfalls.
Types of snow retainers
Snow guards for metal tiles are available in the form of snow-blocking and snow-permeable structures. They are made from durable, high-quality metal, since each element is subjected to significant loads. The most popular are the following types snow retention elements:
Important! The cost of one or a lattice structure 3 m long is 1000-1500 rubles, which may adversely affect family budget homeowner. In order to save the elements for protection against falling snow, they are installed only above the places where the descent causes the greatest inconvenience: over the porch, paths, parking.
Mounting
The installation of snow retention elements is planned during the design of the roof, as they increase the snow load on the truss frame and foundation. In advance, you need to decide on the design and principle of operation of the devices, since some of them require special conditions. The installation itself is quite simple and is done by hand in the following order:
Note! Usually one row of tubular devices is sufficient to contain snow masses on the roof. But if the amount of precipitation in the winter in the area where construction is being carried out is above average, and the length of the slope exceeds 5 m, then professional roofers recommend installing an additional row that reduces the rate of snow melting.
Video instruction
One of the most dangerous manifestations of the spring thaw is, as you know, the unpredictable fall of melting snow from the roofs of buildings, often resulting in injury to bystanders (sometimes fatal).
For owners of private houses, it is not difficult to completely remove such a threat, or at least reduce it to a minimum - it is enough to manually remove the snow mass in time, which has not yet completely dried up on the roof surface. In addition, you can simply install snow guards , allowing to keep snow from unpredictable falling and "pit" it from the roof surface in small portions.
Snow that has accumulated in excess can destroy (push through) the roofing, and if it comes off too sharply, tear it off or damage the protective layer on the material.
In addition, an unexpected snow mass can break wires, as well as damage or disable air conditioners. To properly install the snow retainer on the roof, we recommend that you read this article.
Types of snow retainers
There are the following types of snow retainers:
- corner;
- tubular;
- lattice structure;
- lamellar;
- grid.
Classic snow guards can be made in several versions:
- in the form of brackets fixed on the roof sheathing with double-row metal pipes. The possibilities of snow retention in such a design can be adjusted by changing the distances between the pipes, as well as between the lower pipe and the roof. By adjusting the mounting pitch of the brackets, it is possible to change the system parameters according to the allowable load.
- in a lattice version, which involves the installation of rigidly fixed brackets with lattice sections fixed to them;
- in the form of lamellar or corner snow retention elements, which are usually mounted on flat roofs made of metal materials (metal tiles, galvanized steel, etc.). Such systems are not designed for increased loads and, as a rule, are ineffective.
Mounting
Self-installation of plate (corner) snow retention systems on the roof is possible, but subject to certain conditions. So, to install snow retainers on metal tiles, for example, it is necessary that the roof slope angle be no more than 30 °.
Installation of such snow retention elements is carried out in the following order:
- first of all, support brackets (plates with a corner) made of durable metal, on top of which a decorative overlay made of roofing material is attached.
- in the case of installation of corner-type snow retainers, the latter are mounted in two rows along the height of the slope, alternating through one element;
- in this case, the lamellar elements are attached to each wave of the metal tile, while the corner elements are fixed in each wave along the upper row and through the wave - along the lower row.
When using tubular and lattice snow retainers, their installation is possible both during the construction of the roof and during its operational operation (according to finished roof). In this case, the type of coating used is not significant, since it is possible to fix the brackets on such a surface without much difficulty.
They are installed vertically on the plane of the roof and are fixed on its surface in the most convenient way for you. In the case of fastening the brackets along the joists of the crate, depending on the planned dimensions of the structure, their length can be from 300 to 1000 mm.
Note! On the slopes of a large area, snow retainers can be mounted in several rows (with a solid fence or in a checkerboard pattern).
As for the slope restrictions, this indicator is not standardized for these fence samples. In this case, roofs with a slope angle approaching 60 ° are not taken into account, since in this case the snow on the roof does not hold by itself. An interesting conclusion follows from this that it is possible to completely get rid of problems with snow retention if a roof with a large angle of inclination of the slope (with allowable wind loads) is laid in advance in the project.
The validity of such a conclusion follows from the fact that it is much more convenient to clear the roof of snow when completely flat surface slope without snow catchers placed on it. In the presence of the latter, on the contrary, the removal of snow from the slopes should be carried out as often as possible, which is necessary to remove excess weight from the roof structure.
We note in passing that even in the absence of snow retainers in the northern regions of our country, by the end of winter, a layer of snow on roofs with an area of \u200b\u200babout 80-100 m² can reach an average weight of 8 to 16 tons.
There is another circumstance that should not be forgotten when installing snow retainers with your own hands. It's for rooftop use. auxiliary equipment, without which snow removal can turn into an unsafe event. The composition of such protective devices should include fences (with a building height of more than 6 meters), which are mounted around the perimeter of the roof, as well as roof ladders or stairs of a special design that allow you to move freely even on a heavily snowy surface. The perforated surface of these ladders does not retain snow and provides good grip with any type of footwear.
When carrying out such work, no one relieves you of the obligation to comply with safety regulations. Any high-altitude work should be carried out only with a safety mounting belt and shoes that prevent slipping on an icy surface.
