Alexei Volkov
Snow guards are an essential safety feature for those living in areas with heavy snowfall. They are designed to prevent snow from avalanching off your roof and causing damage to your property or injury to people. If you're looking for a cost-effective solution, plastic snow guards are a great option. While they may be less durable than metal alternatives, they can effectively hold back snow and ice and prevent them from falling. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to install plastic snow guards, ensuring your home is protected during the winter months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevent snow from avalanching off the roof and causing damage to property or persons |
| Installation Time | Typically 2-3 hours, but depends on the steepness of the roof, accessibility, and complexity of the roof type |
| Installation Process | 1. Ensure the roof surface is free of snow, water, and frost; 2. Secure the base of the ladder and tie it off at the eave; 3. Follow roof safety procedures and use safety equipment; 4. Mark locations for snow guard placement; 5. Install within three feet of the eave, using a ladder or lift if safer; 6. For retrofit installation, tap in a screw prior to drilling; 7. Follow the manufacturer's suggested layout |
| Attachment Methods | Mechanically attached (clamping or screwing through roof materials); Penetrative mechanically attached (drilling holes and using sealants); Chemically attached ("stick-on" method) |
| Cost | Plastic snow guards: $3-$5 per piece; Metal snow guards: more expensive but more durable |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the roof surface
To prepare the roof surface for the installation of plastic snow guards, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure the roof is free from snow, water, and frost. Working on a snowy, frosty, or wet roof is unsafe, and snow retention systems should not be installed during or immediately after a snowstorm. Check the weather forecast and plan your installation accordingly. A wet roof is a slippery roof, increasing the risk of accidents.
Next, mark the locations for the snow guard placement. This step will help speed up the installation process, ensure a neat appearance, and keep you focused. Measure and mark the spots where the snow guards will be positioned to ensure even spacing. Remember that snow guards are typically required to be installed within three feet of the eave.
Before beginning the installation, decide whether you will work from a ladder or a lift. Depending on the property and roof design, you may find it safer and more accessible to work off a ladder or lift rather than directly on the roof. Regardless of your choice, always prioritize safety. Secure the base of the ladder and tie it off at the eave to ensure stability.
If you are installing a retrofit, place the snow guard before drilling. Position the snow guard, and then use a hammer or mallet to tap the screw into the strap to keep it stable during drilling. This step will vary depending on the type of snow guard you are installing, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific details.
Finally, gather the necessary tools and safety equipment. Snow guard installation may require drilling holes or using clamps and brackets to anchor the guards securely. Ensure you have the right equipment and a clear understanding of the installation process to avoid mistakes and damage to your roof.
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Use a ladder safely
Installing plastic snow guards is a task that may require the use of a ladder. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use a ladder safely:
First, it is important to choose the right ladder for the job. Ladders have different load ratings, so consider the weight of the person climbing, as well as the weight of any tools or equipment they will be carrying. Opt for a fiberglass ladder if there is any chance of working with wiring or near power lines, as metal and dirty or waterlogged wood can conduct electricity.
Next, prepare the area by ensuring the ground is level and firm. If the ground is uneven, you can make it level by digging out dirt and placing the ladder legs on a wide plank. The surface should be able to support the weight of the ladder and the climber. Make sure the area is free of obstructions and tripping hazards.
When setting up the ladder, follow the 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 feet of ladder height, the base should be 1 foot from the wall. Ensure the ladder is secure and stable, and not placed on icy or slippery surfaces. For extension ladders, make sure the rung locks are secure and the fly section (top portion) is in front of the base. For stepladders, fully extend the rail spreaders.
When climbing the ladder, use both hands to hold on and pay attention to where the sections of the ladder meet. Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times, and descend slowly, avoiding sudden movements. Do not carry anything that will make you exceed the load limit of the ladder, as this will make it unstable and increase the risk of falling.
By following these safety precautions, you can help ensure a safe experience when using a ladder to install plastic snow guards or perform any other task.
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Mark snow guard placement
Marking the placement of your snow guards is an important step in the installation process. Snow guards are designed to prevent sheets of snow and ice from sliding off your roof and causing damage to your property and surrounding persons. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider where your snow guards will be placed.
Firstly, you need to ascertain the pitch of your roof. To do this, you will need access to your attic space, an 18-inch level, and a tape measure. Measure 12 inches along the level and place a pencil mark or a strip of masking tape at this point. Then, hold the level horizontally at the lowest point of the roof rafter. At the 12-inch mark, use the tape measure to find the vertical distance from the level to the rafter. This will give you the pitch. For example, if the distance is 9 inches for every 12 inches, your pitch is 9:12.
Once you have the pitch, you can start to plan the placement of your snow guards. If you have a relatively low pitch, around 3:12 or 4:12, you should plan a row of snow guards for every 10 feet up the roof's depth. For 5:12 or 6:12, plan a row every 8 feet. For pitches between 7:12 and 12:12, you should not go further than 5 feet for each guard.
After determining the spacing, you can start to mark out the specific areas on your roof where you will be attaching the snow guards. This is simpler for single rail types. For single spikes, you should mark their positions every 24 inches horizontally. It is recommended to work from the top peak of the roof down to the bottom edge when marking and installing the guards.
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$76.98 $109.99
Choose a mounting method
When installing plastic snow guards, there are several mounting methods to choose from. Snow guards are designed to prevent snow from avalanching off your roof and causing damage or injury. Here are the three main mounting methods to consider:
- Mechanically attached: This method involves clamping the snow guards directly to the seams of the roof. It utilizes a seam-clamping attachment, such as S-5-U, S-5-V, and S-5-N clamps, which are commonly used for metal roofs. This option avoids drilling holes, reducing the risk of leaks and voiding your roof warranty. The force of the snow is transferred to the clamps and then into the roof panels.
- Penetrative mechanically attached: This method involves screwing through the roof materials to attach the snow guards. It requires drilling holes or other penetrations to anchor the snow guard brackets securely. Proper waterproofing is crucial to prevent leaks. This method is suitable for roofs attached with screws that penetrate the roof's surface.
- Chemically attached: Also known as the "stick-on" method, this approach uses adhesives to attach individual snow guards to the roof. It does not require drilling holes, but it may not be as secure as the other methods.
When choosing a mounting method, consider the type of roof you have, the severity of your snow problem, your budget, and the level of durability you need. Plastic snow guards are less expensive than metal ones but may not last as long, especially in harsh winter conditions. If you have a steep roof, low accessibility, or a complex roof type, the installation time and labour costs may increase.
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Install brackets and clamps
Before installing brackets and clamps for a plastic snow guard system, it is important to ensure that you are working with a clean roof surface, free from snow, water, and frost. Working on a slippery roof can be unsafe. It is also important to follow standard roof safety procedures, including the use of safety equipment and tie-offs.
Now, let's get into the installation process for the brackets and clamps. First, mark the locations for the snow guard placement on the roof. This step will help you work more efficiently and accurately during the installation. It is important to note that snow guards are typically required to be installed within three feet of the eave. Depending on the property and your comfort level, you may find it safer to work off a ladder or lift for the installation, rather than standing directly on the roof.
If you are using a retrofit installation, place the snow guard in position and then use a hammer or mallet to tap a screw into the strap. This will stabilize the screw during the drilling process. For plastic snow guards, you can opt for a mechanically-attached clamping system. This method involves using clamps that attach directly to the roof seam with polished, round-point setscrews. These setscrews are designed to dimple the seam material without penetrating the metal, which helps avoid drilling holes that could lead to leaks.
Brackets and clamps for snow guards are essential to ensure the system holds back snow and ice effectively. The installation process can vary depending on the specific product and roof type, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
Snow guards are designed to prevent snow from avalanching off your roof and causing damage to your property or injury to people.
Plastic snow guards are a more affordable option than metal snow guards. If you are on a tight budget, plastic snow guards are a good choice.
You can install plastic snow guards using a "stick-on" method with individual guards. Ensure your roof is free from snow, water and frost before you start, and always follow safety procedures. Mark the locations for the snow guard placement to speed up the installation process.
Yes, there are different types of snow guards available, including fence-style, bar-style, tubular, and bracket-type snow guards. The type you choose will depend on the style of your home and your budget.
Snow guards are required above all entrances to your house, including the garage, on multi-level roofs, and on slopes. It is also advisable to install them above roof windows, pipes, and other elements of your roofing infrastructure.
