Snow holders for a soft roof: select the perfect solution to the “snow problem”

Winter’s beauty of snow can also present difficulties, particularly for roofs. A buildup of snow can cause problems with weight and even be dangerous if it slides off unexpectedly. This is the application for snow holders, sometimes referred to as snow guards or snow stops. The purpose of these devices is to stop snow from falling off a roof all at once, protecting the roof and people below.

By generating friction and keeping the snow in place, snow holders enable it to melt or release gradually in smaller amounts as opposed to in large, potentially dangerous chunks. They are especially important for roofs made of softer materials, such as asphalt shingles, which are more likely to be damaged by snow slides and heavy snow loads.

There are a number of things to take into account when selecting snow holders. The kind of roof material is important because certain holders are made especially to work with particular types of roofing materials, ensuring efficient installation. In order to distribute the snow load evenly and maximize safety, the location and number of snow holders required depend on the pitch and design of the roof.

Snow holders come in a variety of forms, from straightforward pad-style holders to more ornate fences or bars. Depending on the roof’s design and aesthetic preferences, each type offers a different set of benefits. A secure attachment without sacrificing the integrity of the roof can be ensured by a variety of installation techniques, from mechanical fastening for some materials to adhesive options for others.

For a soft roof, selecting the appropriate snow holders is essential to efficiently controlling snow accumulation. These devices shield your roof from possible damage in addition to preventing potentially dangerous snow slides. You can choose the ideal solution that best suits the requirements of your roof by being aware of the various types and how they are installed. This post explains different types of snow holders, their advantages, and installation considerations, enabling homeowners to make wise choices and protect their roofs in the winter.

Why soft roof snow retention?

Soft roofs are advantageous because they have a small slope—no more than 15 degrees, per SNiP—and a texture that makes it difficult for snow to slide over them. But take note that as soon as snow accumulates enough mass, it slides off any kind of roof with any surface! For this reason, snow retention systems have become increasingly popular in the Russian construction industry in recent years. This is understandable.

Indeed, contrary to popular belief, it is actually preferable to use the system of heating the soft roof in the southern regions of Russia. However, this approach consumes a lot of electricity! In any case, snow holders are a universal solution to the snow problem. There’s more benefit to this method as well: during frigid Russian frosts, the snowy hat acts as some sort of thermal shield for the roof.

Observe what occurs in the absence of snow holders:

It should be noted that snowy winters are even more hazardous in relatively warm climates, and that even with ideal roof insulation, some heat will still escape from residential buildings, causing a heavy snowy hat to be necessary. Snow that is constantly being stimulated or that has already frozen solidifies into a block of ice, which becomes even more hazardous when it falls from a height.

However, the cautious and deliberate removal of heavy and wet snow from the roof causes the snow mass to grow dramatically, which ultimately results in damage to the rafters, roofing components, and drainage system. Furthermore, regardless of how thick the insulation was installed, snow still falls from the roof when it warms up due to elevated temperatures inside the structure. Indeed, and it all serves as a soft roof!

What snow retainers are suitable for a soft roof?

Contemporary snow holders are unique components that shield the house’s roof from snow and ice. You might be using inexpensive plate or lattice holders if the winter months bring little to no precipitation in your area. However, if you regularly experience a lot of snow, you will need to install more costly and large tubular-red-nuclear holders.

Based on how they work, all snow retainers can be categorized into two main types: snowflies, which are snow retainers that do not pass through the snow masses themselves, and those that do.

Logs and their imitation – for stylistic completion

The use of alpine snow retention systems is most common in Sweden, Switzerland, and Italy, particularly in those nations where the roofs are constructed of stone or old wood.

In this instance, the log performs the function of a snow retainer in addition to acting as a significant architectural element that highlights the current eco-style. Furthermore, flexible tiles simply mimic any natural material, and they frequently lack these stylistic components:

The idea of using logs to retain snow is not new at all. It’s almost like a classic, this. The most common design is straightforward: hooks are used to lay logs. Furthermore, metal tubes that mimic a tree’s surface are still frequently seen. They have a diameter of roughly 140 mm.

"Tooth" for flexible tiles – to preserve the supply

Strong snow retainers are made especially for roofs that impede the accumulation of snow on their surface. Generally speaking, we are discussing widely used flexible tiles. Because of their unique design, these snow holders for the soft roof are also referred to as "teeth."

Be aware that there are currently differing views on whether or not it makes sense to install these kinds of teeth on a soft roof. Yes, modern soft bitumen roofs allow a considerable amount of snow to accumulate on the roof due to their low thermal conductivity and typical protective sprinkler system. However, the truth is that bitumen tile roughness itself does not completely prevent avalanche-like snow convergence, even though it does postpone it to some extent. Furthermore, a steep convergence from its massive snowfall poses the same risks to other roofs.

Gear snow retainers are the essential extra protection for such a coating against the snow mass’s tendency to slide away, which adores the opportunity to take this priceless sprinkle with him. Additionally, gear snow retainers are constructed using a polyester coating on a steel galvanized base:

Snow holders-tricks-for the effect of "graters"

On soft roofs, so-called hooks—a particular kind that only raises roofing friction rather than obstructing snow masses—are frequently utilized.

These are tiny metal plates with an upward-bent nose. They take the shape of a grater on the roof, collecting a thick layer of snow on top of themselves. As they get closer to the cornice, the pressure from the snow mass decreases significantly.

Polycarbonate snow holders – for inconspicuous installation

Zones of snow mass deterrence are created around individual point centers by polycarbonate snow retainers. These snow holders are excellent for installing on any wavy roofing coating surface because they are resistant to a wide range of temperatures and UV rays. Furthermore, they are invisible against the most exquisite roof in the background!

Polycarbonate is an extremely resilient material that exhibits perfect resistance to temperature fluctuations, is impervious to UV radiation, and never corrodes. Its minimum service life is 25 years, and years of global use have already verified its quality.

A unique, high-strength, elastic, one-component glue is used to install these snow retainers; it also serves as a sealant. This type of glue is simple to use on pliable tiles, impervious to pollution, and resilient enough to withstand harsh weather conditions without breaking or becoming brittle—even during extremely cold temperatures.

Separately, we observe the complexities of the polycarbonate snow retainer fastening technology on a soft roof. Mounting them can be done in two ways:

1. Glue it on corporate glue, and each such element will withstand up to 550 kilograms of pressure.
2. Install using roofing self -tapping screws with special gaskets that are clamped between the roof and the snow retainer. The permissible load of these is up to 1100 kilograms.

Regardless, these snow retainers come with universal holes for self-tapping screws, allowing you to customize the method of attachment. Additionally, you must install 45 polycarbonate snow retainers for every meter of roof in rows, forming a checkerboard pattern.

Tubular snow holders: reliability and durability

We advise you to install sturdy tubular snow retainers because your area experiences fairly heavy snowfalls. More information about them, based on this example:

Installation of such snow retainers on a soft roof is no more difficult than it would be for a tile or metal profile, as you have already deduced from the illustration.

Corner snow retainers – for load distribution

A snow detainee is an additional kind of snow retainer. This steel bent profile, which resembles a triangle, is composed of galvanized steel with a thickness ranging from 0.45 to 1.0 mm. It can be coated with polymer or left uncoated. This type of element is only utilized on profiled roofing coatings and has a standard length of two meters. Specifically: on sandwich panels, slate, corrugated board, ondulin, and metal tile.

The purpose of the snow retainer-Plane is to keep the snow mass on the building’s soft roof until the ice and snow melt and the water stops flowing into the drainage system. Installing the strips parallel to the roof’s edge above the bearing wall occurs above the cornice overhang.

The most straightforward and affordable kind of snow retention is glane, but it’s also the most brittle. Thin metal is easily crushed under pressure and cannot withstand heavy snow loads. Consequently, this species is only appropriate for roofs with a slope of 30 degrees and a maximum slope length of 6 meters. You must install tubular snow retainers, or at least a few rows of such planks, if the current parameters are above.

Selecting appropriate snow holders for your soft roof is essential to guaranteeing its longevity and safety throughout the winter months. These devices shield your roof from potential damage from heavy weight by preventing snow buildup.

When choosing snow holders, take your climate and roof type into consideration. Soft roofs, like those composed of synthetic materials or asphalt shingles, require delicate yet reliable solutions that won’t erode their integrity. Seek for holders made to equally distribute weight and lessen the possibility of ice dams developing.

An additional important consideration is installation. Select snow hats that are compatible with the design of your roof and are simple to install. When installed correctly, they guarantee optimal performance without compromising the integrity of the roof material.

Finally, give dependability and safety top priority. Select holders that are weatherproof and composed of sturdy materials. Maintaining them on a regular basis will help guarantee that they keep functioning at their best over time. This includes inspecting the holders and cleaning any debris.

You can prolong the life of your soft roof and invest in its protection by choosing the ideal snow holders. To enjoy a safer and more secure roof throughout the winter, take your time, do your homework, and make informed decisions.

Video on the topic

Snow holders for the roof General recommendations for choosing and installing

Flexible tiles, soft roof, answers to questions

Which snow retainer is better to choose