National Snow Guards Safety Month continues through March

During National Snow Guards Safety Month messages of safe installation practices and the need for snow guards are being shared nationwide.

Throughout the month of March, the roofing industry is placing extra attention on the value and safety associated with snow guards.

Expert safety support

Snow guards are sturdy pieces designed to be attached to a roof, usually in specific patterns, to help prevent snow from sliding down in a “snow blanket” as the snow melts. The snow guards can be made of plastic, metal, copper, aluminum or even rubber. They can be attached at the time a roof is installed or retrofitted years after the roof is in place.

The experts at Rocky Mountain Snow Guards create plans for placement of where snow guards should be installed on a roof. They take into consideration the areas with the most potential exposure where people least wish to see snow drop off in large masses, such as door entryways, driveways, walkways and decks. And they use scientific configurations related to the roof slope, roof snow load and other factors. Even the type of materials on the roof (such as asphalt, composite, metal or slate roofing) factor into the calculations.

“We work directly with roofing contractors, builders and homeowners to create a specific layout resulting in safe snow retention,” says Lars Walberg, president of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. “The free layout and quote service we provide takes individual roof specifications and returns the ideal layout for a snow retention system. The result is a configuration of specific products that allow the snow to melt slowly off the roof rather than being released in large, dangerous chunks.”

Help for the home

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety®, installing snow guards or snow cleats is one of the top ways to upgrade a home and make it “winter ready.” Some manufacturers, like DaVinci® Roofscapes, offer specific advice about adding snow guards to their slick composite slate and shake shingles to create a safer home environment. (See “Tips for Getting Your Roof Ready for Winter Weather.”)

Drexel Metals addresses the same issue of their slippery metal roofing surfaces needing snow guard support in their story, “Is Your Metal Roof Ready for Winter: 5 Tips to Prep for the Cold.” The story “Soldier Rows of Snow Guards Help with Snow Retention” on AskARoofer.com explains that when placed 12 inches apart horizontally in rows on a roof, snow guards act like a barrier to snow, keeping it safely on the roof.

Companies and organizations sharing information on National Snow Guards Safety Month so far in March include:

• National Women in Roofing
• RoofersCoffeeShop
• MetalCoffeeShop
• AskARoofer
• Rocky Mountain Snow Guards
• DaVinci Roofscapes
• Turner Morris Inc.
• Metal Roofing magazine
• Roofing magazine
• Extreme How-To magazine

A Snow Retention FAQ and full product offering summary are available from Rocky Mountain Snow Guard to provide homeowners with more detailed information about snow retention systems. For specific questions on snow guards, call 877-414-7606.

About Rocky Mountain Snow Guards

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. manufactures snow guards and fence-style snow retention systems designed to protect people and property. The company provides free shipping of products to the 48 contiguous United States and offers free layouts and quotes for product placement. Metal products are warrantied for 50 years. Proud Corporate Partner of Freedom Service Dogs and founder of National Snow Guards Safety Month. For details visit www.rockymountainsnowguards.com or call 1-877-414-7606.