What are roof snow guards for and how to install them. Snow holders on the roof: classification, application and installation features Installation of snow retention

Engineering systems 26.06.2020
Engineering systems

In winter, you can protect your country house from the accumulation and intense convergence of precipitation by installing snow holders on the roof made of corrugated board, metal tile or other coating. Their main goal is to optimize and evenly distribute the snow cover over the roof.

Regulatory requirements for the installation of rain blocking systems

Devices that prevent snow from falling on people, cars or sidewalks are installed in private houses or in summer cottages. The basic rule of GOST 25772-83 is that snow stoppers are installed in houses up to 10 m high. Construction SNiPs regulate the equipment of suburban real estate with snow blockers in the following cases:

  • applications for roofing materials with a smooth texture;
  • exceeding roofing angles by more than 6 degrees;
  • the need to ensure the safety of owners and passers-by;
  • the presence of a large roof on the building;
  • living in a region with cold and snowy winters;
  • frequent temperature fluctuations;
  • the absence of an anti-ice system on the roof.

Snow blockers evenly distribute the mass of precipitation on the surface, do not deform it. The melting of the snow cover is slowed down without creating an overload on the drainage lines.

Benefits of using snow barriers

Snow protectors for roofs ensure the safety of passers-by, buildings and other structures. The barrier installed on the roof performs the following functions:

  • prevention of uncontrolled descent of precipitation and ice formation;
  • ensuring the protection of the roof, building elements and the drainage system;
  • distribution of the weight load of the snow cover over the entire surface;
  • simplify roof maintenance.

The configuration of the fixtures is chosen in the same execution as the roof. Their design matches the overall architecture of the building. You can make designs in color with the flooring of the house or decorate with various elements.

Varieties and functions of snow-retaining structures

The snow holder is a kind of barrier that is designed to be installed on the roof. The product has several design types:

  • snow cutters for cutting the formation into parts and its partial transmission. Produced in the form of lattices, tubes, drag hooks;
  • full delay barriers. Thanks to logs, stoppers and slats, the snow mass stops and descends in the form of melt water.

For the device of such systems, you can use parapets, planks and logs. They can be done independently or purchased at specialized retail outlets.

Tubular systems

Tubular structures externally look like a system of brackets and metal crossbars 15 cm high. The pipe is produced with a diameter of 15-30 mm, and the bracket is made in the form of a plate with vertical holes. With the help of a horizontal shelf, the system is attached to the roof slope.
There is a certain rule for installing a fixture. Rather, there are several of them:

  • tubular snow catchers belong to the second category of snow cuts;
  • devices are mounted on houses where the roof is located at an angle of 60 degrees;
  • the optimal distance from the surface to the pipe is 2-3 cm and 8-10 cm between the crossbars;
  • systems are mounted on any type of roof - roll, sheet, tiled;
  • the products are laid in a continuous row at a distance of 50 cm from the eaves overhang, along the entire perimeter of the building, along the slope.

Tubular snow cutters are made of galvanized steel, they are reliable, increased strength and the ability to withstand severe loads. Galvanizing on all parts allows the structure to avoid corrosion, and in the future, breakdowns, which means that the mechanism will work for a long time.

Lattice barriers

A lattice-type snow holder is a universal type of construction with brackets. As a rule, the system belongs to the first category of barriers - it is designed to hold the cover on the surface until it completely melts. The galvanized mechanism does not lend itself to corrosion, is reliable, capable of withstanding heavy loads, and easily fits into the design of the building.
Designs come in different sizes:

  • large lattices. Reach a height of 15-20 cm, are able to resist snow accumulations and glaciers;
  • small - no more than 5 cm, cope with a small amount of precipitation.

Lattice rails can be installed along the eaves on any deck with a steep slope.

Plate or corner snow bollards

Corner plates are triangular shaped metal products with two edges and "skirts" for fixing to the base. The height of the device is from 4 to 6 cm. They are placed on the roof for blocking with small volumes of snow cover.
Installation of systems is carried out on metal or corrugated board. Snow pads are fixed on the surface in a checkerboard pattern along the ridge in several rows. The angle of inclination of the structure should not exceed 30 degrees.

Point retaining bars

Snow retention on the roof with the installation of single tows allows you to fix a small amount of snow cover. Hooks complement tubular and slatted snow pads. They are placed on a soft roof with a slight slope. Long plate triangles are installed together with the roof overlap.
Installation of snow blockers is carried out taking into account the roofing material.

Installation of snow-retaining structures

To install snow holders on the roof with your own hands, you must adhere to the recommendations of experts:

  1. Mount the fixtures together with the roof deck.
  2. It is not necessary to install snow feet around the entire perimeter, you can only secure places above parking lots, pedestrian paths, balconies, attics, etc.
  3. The distance from the eaves overhang to the barrier structure should be between 50 - 80 cm.
  4. The devices cannot be mounted on the cornice, they are fixed only to the base.

The above recommendations allow you to competently protect yourself, passers-by and buildings from the descent of an avalanche from the roof of houses.

Features of installing snow barriers on various types of roofing

Installation of snow guards on the roof has its own nuances for a specific roofing system.

Metal roof

Metal tiles are a common roofing material with a smooth surface. It is unstable to temperature fluctuations, which is why the snow layer quickly melts and quickly leaves the roof.
For this reason, it is necessary to install snow-blocking plate, lattice or tubular structures. The first option is used only on roofs with a slight slope and in regions with little snow. In other cases, the last two snow blockers are fixed on the roof.
Fastening a durable and laconic snow foot consists of the following manipulations:

  1. The location of the elements of the system is outlined.
  2. The snow retaining mechanism is fixed through the roof deck.
  3. The crate is reinforced with additional bars.
  4. A snow barrier kit is being assembled. The bolts are not tightened at this stage.
  5. The roofing material is laid and attached to the base. Holes are made in the deck to fix the retention elements.
  6. The finished bracket is fixed to the ramp with 8x60 mm bolts.
  7. All parts of the structure are connected and fixed well.

Snow guards should be mounted above the load-bearing wall. For the installation of the system above the roof windows, it is necessary to reinforce the lathing. There are products with special projections on the brackets, which increase the strength and reliability of the fastening.

Corrugated roof

The professional sheet, although it has a wave, is distinguished by a smooth texture - the snow falls off the roof surface quickly. Ignoring the thickness of the sheet and markings provokes the convergence of large layers of snow, which can damage the integrity of other buildings and pose risks to human health. To ensure snow retention on a roof made of corrugated board marked as H, it is necessary to install special elements.
How to properly secure profiled flooring? Apply galvanized tubular systems, painted to match the roof. Installation of snow holders on a roof made of profiled sheet has several nuances:

  1. The elements are fixed through the roof.
  2. The roof lathing is reinforced.
  3. The mounting holes are sealed with gaskets.
  4. The brackets are fixed at the bottom of the wave.

Corner and plate elements do not require reinforcement of the roof structure. They are fixed directly on the roof of the corrugated board, on the wave itself through one.

Seam roof

For standing seam roofing - metal sheets, connected by snapping, are characterized by tightness, aesthetic appearance, long service life. The main advantages of using roofing systems are:

  • lack of additional work on the arrangement of the lathing;
  • even distribution of snow cover throughout the flooring;
  • the possibility of arranging snow-blocking systems on the roof.

It is also better to use lattice or tubular barriers here. How to install snow guards on a folded roof? The specificity of installation work lies in the correct fixation of the bracket of a peculiar shape to the fold without breaking the tightness. Fastening takes place using clamps as follows:

  1. A special retainer is put on the fold.
  2. 2-3 holes are made in the coating.
  3. Bolts are inserted into the niches and nuts are tightened.
  4. The fixation of snow protection systems is carried out strictly to each fold, observing the same pitch between the supports.

For seam covering, you can use not only galvanized materials, but also copper. The latter can be purchased individually, but there are pipe sections, the upper and lower brackets are not cheap.

Soft roof decking

When planning how to make a snow-holding mechanism on a soft roof and choose its type, several nuances must be taken into account:

  • the angle for a roof with a soft roof should not be more than 15 degrees. This bias does not provoke an uncontrolled avalanche;
  • there is no point in setting up powerful barriers;
  • stone chips as a dressing ensures the retention of the snow cover on the surface, does not allow the layers to slip;
  • moisture-resistant plywood-crate when performing snow-retention mechanisms can not be strengthened;
  • installation of barriers on a soft roof is carried out at the stage of roofing.

Most often, tow bars are used as snow feet. They are fixed on self-tapping screws to the crate of the soft flooring. The fastener has one drawback - the upper location of the fastener, which can lead to loss of tightness of the coating.

Popular homemade snow guards options

A self-made mechanism, adapted for a specific structure, allows you to prevent the snow layer from coming off the roof and to protect those around you. A self-made snow foot is made of several materials - it is enough to choose and apply them correctly.

Wooden beams as an anti-snow system

Wooden logs are set on hooks attached to the roof rafters or lathing. The larger the diameter of the snow pad, the more rainfall it can hold.

Snow holder - grater

The structure consists of teeth located along the roof surface. By creating obstacles and adding roughness, it prevents the formation from slipping. It is made of various materials - wood, steel, profiled sheet.
The presented options will be the best solution for operation in the domestic climate. And to create a designer roof, snow blockers are decorated with animal figures or fancy monograms.
When equipping and arranging snow guards for roofs, consider their compatibility with roofing materials. Give preference to quality products or do them yourself, because your safety depends on the presence of the anti-snow system.

It's not a secret for anyone that snow accumulated in large quantities on the roofs carries a great danger to others, since, falling from a great height, it can cripple a person, or even take his life. The only device that allows you to keep snow masses in full is a tubular snow holder - what it is and how to install it, we will tell you in this article.

When is it advisable to install snow guards

All kinds of loads and impacts on the roof are described in detail in SNiP. Here you can find information broken down by regions of our country by the level of snow cover and its pressure on the roof.

It should be noted that even more load on the roof is exerted by wet loose snow - 10-100 kilograms for each cubic meter of snow. Before the beginning of spring, this figure can reach 280 kg. Snow density increases dramatically in wet spring conditions, when the rafter system has to resist as much as 700 kilograms for every cubic meter of snow.


What makes the snow masses so heavy? The reason lies in the physical process - the fermentation of snow - this is when frozen balls of water vapor appear inside the snowdrifts. Dry snow corresponds to a two-phase stage of fermentation, and wet snow corresponds to a three-phase stage, since ice particles have already formed inside the wet snow.

Therefore, if your house was built according to a well-designed project, in which the roof is able to withstand the loads that meet the standards of your place of residence, then the snow from the roof does not need to be removed, but simply a universal tubular snow holder is installed. Thus, you will be protected from a possible unexpected snowfall avalanche. If your roof was erected without taking into account the climatic features of your region, then severe winters can cause big trouble.

There are times when installing a two-pipe snow guard is the only right solution. In conditions of heavy snowfall, in particular, when wet snow accumulates on the roof, a simple corner snow holder can simply bend over, failing to cope with the task. Tubular snow holders are recommended by experts because they divide snowfall into at least two parts, ensuring that people can safely descend them. In this case, the fastening of the snow holders must be performed only along the perimeter of the roof and over the roof windows.


In appearance, tubular snow holders are very similar to cornices, as they have two rows of steel pipes attached to the rafters or crate. In reality, however, such a design makes it possible to keep a significant mass of snowfall.

Simply put, tubular snow catchers are designed to separate large volumes of snowfall into smaller ones. This greatly reduces the kinetic energy of the falling snow and its destructive power. As a result, several problems can be solved at once: and the snow comes off the roof under the influence of weight, and in the event of a fall, it is no longer so dangerous for others.

Tubular snow guard design

Especially necessary is the installation of snow retention of the roof where it has a slippery surface. This applies to corrugated board, metal tiles and folded roofing material. Installing tubular brackets in this case would be an ideal solution, because they do not collect large amounts of snow on the roof, but only cut them into smaller pieces, which is the most correct solution.

Tubular snow holders consist of two tubes, fastened with special brackets in the same direction with the edge of the roof. They are made, as a rule, of galvanized steel, coated with paint, but you can find both aluminum and copper products.


The following materials are used as raw materials for them:

  • For galvanized products, hollow pipes with a cross section of 3-4 cm are taken, they are installed on supports in two rows.
  • Snow protectors made of aluminum and copper are made of flat-oval pipes with a cross section of 40 × 20 mm or 45 × 25 mm. Special universal supports are designed for them, suitable for all types of roofs. They are mounted in several rows.

Determining the right device

The entire list of characteristics of snow guards is determined by the type of used profile pipes, brackets, as well as the thickness of the steel. Best of all, if they are made of galvanized steel, exposed with polymer material. Such products will resist corrosion in the best possible way, and their service life will also increase. In terms of strength, the oval profile pipe is considered the strongest.

Currently, on the market you can find many options for snow guards, which are characterized by fairly low prices, however, their quality and shelf life do not stand up to criticism.


In order to choose the right quality snow guard, you should focus on the following parameters:

  1. Thickness and grade of sheet steel... These indicators have a direct impact on the strength, as well as the level of permissible loads on the snow holders. Different manufacturers use a variety of steel grades with different thicknesses.
  2. Zinc coating quality, layer thickness and application method... It is noteworthy that hot zinc coating is more durable, since it is performed on finished products. Cold galvanizing assumes that the coating is applied to the sheet steel from which the snow guards are subsequently made. The disadvantage of this approach is the reduction in the thickness of the galvanized coating or its complete absence as a result of the production of products. Such weak points corrode faster.
  3. Coloring quality of products... What kind of paint is used, and how it was applied, will depend not only on presentability, but also on the service life of the snow holder. Since these products are constantly in contact with moisture, it is very important that the zinc coating is reliably protected. Otherwise, any flaws will quickly rust.
  4. Configuration... When purchasing a snow guard, make sure that its design matches similar products from other manufacturers. The decrease in the number of the main components of the device indicates only the desire to reduce the cost of production, but in no way to improve its quality.
  5. Step between supporting elements... Sometimes you can find such products in which the 3 m long snow guard bracket is equipped with only four supporting elements. In this case, the step between them will be 80-90 cm. Such a set is acceptable only for short slopes. It is noteworthy that in European countries the maximum distance between the supports is 70 cm.


Based on customer reviews, the best quality products are provided by foreign firms Borge and Orima. Of the Russian manufacturers, the "Rus" brand is quite well-known. However, judging by the reviews, the thickness of the pipes and brackets, as well as the quality of the product, leave room for doubt.

Installation and fastening technique

Perhaps the most reliable is the tubular design of snow retention devices. They are used when arranging roofs with a smooth surface, a large slope and a significant area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe slopes.

However, for the best results, it is important to do the installation correctly. Here are detailed instructions for installing a tubular snow guard.


Planning for placement and number of devices

The first stage in the installation of snow retainers is to draw up a diagram and calculate the expected loads on the structure. This step will avoid problems during the installation process. Ideally, if during the work there is no surplus or lack of fasteners.

Preliminary calculations of snow loads on the supporting elements will allow you to determine exactly how many of them need to be installed on a given roof area.

Calculation of the spacing between the supports and the distance between the elements

According to the standards, the optimal distance between the brackets for the snow holders is calculated based on the planned snow load in a particular region. This approach is due to the need to redistribute the load from the snow retainers to the load-bearing walls of the building. If we neglect this condition, then in the event of an excessive amount of snow accumulating on the overhangs, it is able to operate according to the principle of a lever, thus breaking the roof structure.

The contour of tubular snow holders installed along the perimeter of the roof must be continuous. In cases where the length of the slope exceeds 5.5 m, it is allowed to install 2-3 rows of snow retention devices. In this case, the distance between the snow guards must be at least 2 m, however, the circuit must not be interrupted.


Devices for keeping snow on metal roofs should be installed flush with the load-bearing walls, so that the snow mass will only press on the roof section above the eaves. At the same time, 60-100 cm should remain from the overhang of the eaves to the load-bearing wall. It is mandatory to install snow guards above the attic windows. In these places, a continuous crate is required for the installation of pipe snow guards.

Fasteners and adapters for snow guards allow you to adjust the number of rows and pipes. Please note that the main load from the snow always falls on the fasteners. Therefore, the roof covering used must be robust enough to withstand the same load. As a result, the step between the fasteners can be increased to 120 cm.When the slope length is more than 5.4 m, the fasteners must be mounted in 90 cm increments.If the slope length is within 1.26-5.4 m, then the fasteners can set at a distance of 60 cm.

If the slope of the roof slopes is 30º and the expected snow load is from 180 kg per 1 m 2, two-tube snow guards will be required.

Installation of brackets on the roof

If the roof is covered with materials such as ondulin, metal tile or profiled sheet, then the brackets for tubular snow holders must be mounted in the crate. Before installing snow guards on a corrugated roof, you need to think carefully about everything. In the case of using bituminous shingles, fastening is made to the chipboard. But for ceramic tiles, the brackets must be attached to the support beams.

It will be preferable to expand the roof lathing with bars in the areas where the snow retainers are installed. They are installed through the roofing material using self-tapping screws with rubber gaskets.

Varieties of brackets

The structure of brackets for tubular snow holders can be simple, simplified and perfect. In the case of a simplified type of construction, the base of the bracket must be slightly curved so that it can be fixed to the waves of the metal tile. The spring effect is created by the gaskets.

First, the side supports of the bracket are fastened. In this case, the edge of the snow guard should not protrude more than 10 cm. Then the devices are fitted with brackets installed on them.


It is not necessary to fix the intermediate supports in advance, since there is a possibility that their location will not coincide with the holes in the roofing material. In addition, the bracket must be fixed to the crate, otherwise, wet snow can pull it out, damaging the roofing.

Ways to solve some of the complications

Most often, when installing snow guards on the roof, craftsmen are faced with the fact that the length of the bracket does not coincide with the step of the runs. The distance between the fasteners of 3, 3½ and 4 m is considered standard. If the rafter legs are not provided, then 50-80 cm must be retreated from the eaves.

The few disadvantages of the tubular-type system include the fact that their height is lower than that of the gratings. In addition, additional waterproofing is required at the junctions of the snow retention device with the roofing material. To avoid crumbling of small ice fragments, in combination with tubular snow holders, you can attach a special bar.

From this article, you can find out what snow holders on the roof are: the purpose and existing types of products, their characteristics and rules of use. The text contains a detailed description of corner, tubular, lattice, as well as point snow catchers and the basic rules for their installation on metal, soft, folded and other types of roofing.

Avalanche snow from the roof is a common problem in regions where winters are accompanied by a large amount of precipitation. To solve it, special devices are used - snow holders. These structures keep rainfall on the roof, which, in the process of thawing, gradually flows down the gutters.

There are several types of snow guards. These products are selected taking into account several factors:

  • type of roof;
  • angle of inclination of the roof;
  • the thickness of the snow cover typical for the region.

Consumers can buy roof snow guards along with the roofing material while the house is still under construction, or they can be purchased as accessories for a finished building. These devices may have different names depending on the functions they perform.

Snow-blocking rails ensure complete containment of rainfall on the roof. They are also called snow barriers. In this case, even partial melting of snow layers is impossible. The accumulated precipitation will melt and leave the roof in a natural way.

Snow cutters serve a different purpose. They are designed to cut the snow layer into several small pieces. Thanks to this, the energy of the avalanche falling will be minimal and safe.

Snow holders differ not only in the material of manufacture, but also in shape, size, and the degree of reliability.

Consumers can buy snow guards of the following types:

  1. Lattice.
  2. Corner.
  3. Tubular.
  4. Spot.

In addition, you can make your own roof protective structures. For this, wood is most often used.

Useful advice! When choosing snow catchers, it is imperative to pay attention to how much snow the structure is designed to hold. Otherwise, it will not be able to fully fulfill its function and ensure safety.

Universal tubular snow holders 3 m: price and design features

Tubular products are made from brackets and a pair of pipes, the diameter of which is 1.5-3 cm. The height of such a structure is 15 cm. The bracket looks like a vertical plate in which holes are made for installing pipes. There is a shelf in the lower part of it. It is used to fix the snow guard on the roof. Metal screws with a hex head (0.8x6 cm) are used as fasteners.

The appearance of the bracket may vary. It depends on the type of roofing where it will be installed. It is desirable that there is a distance of about 2-3 cm between the roof surface and the first pipe, and 8-10 cm between the pipes.

Tubular structures cut the snow layer into several pieces. They are reliable and can handle a lot of pressure. This category of products can be considered universal, since tubular snow cutters are suitable for almost any type of roof:

  • sheet;
  • soft;
  • tiled.

Installation of structures is carried out along the slope along the entire perimeter of the building. In this case, the products are arranged not randomly, but in a row. If the snow load in winter is high, you can install two rows of protective structures at a distance of 2-3 m from each other. Moreover, the lower one is fixed with an indent of 0.4-0.5 m from the eaves overhang. The shade of the snow holders can be matched to the tone of the roof, therefore, after installation, these structures are not striking.

For the manufacture of tubular snow holders, galvanized steel is most often used. From above, it is covered with paint, which is matched to the color of the roof. Thanks to this, the product not only fits into the general appearance of the building, but also turns out to be durable. Moreover, the paint provides protection against corrosion.

Average prices for tubular snow guards:

Note! Tubular railings are suitable for roofs with a steep slope (up to 60 °), where there is often snow movement due to high pressure. If the slope of the roof exceeds this indicator, there is no need to install snow guards, since precipitation on the surface does not linger, but immediately crumbles.

Features of lattice roof snow holders: price and characteristics

Lattice snow holders in a universal design have the form of brackets on which the lattice is fixed in a vertical position. All parts of the product are made of galvanized steel, opened with a paint composition, which allows you to choose a structure for any roof color.

The size of the grates may vary. The largest options have a height of about 15-20 cm. The size of small gratings does not exceed 5-7 cm. The level of strength depends on the size of this part, and the ability of the structure to hold a certain amount of snow. Large steel grates can withstand the weight and pressure of large amounts of ice-laden precipitation. As a rule, snow retention on the roof is provided at all times. Precipitation leaves it only in the form of melt water.

Lattice type products are mounted on long roof slopes with a steep slope. The presence of such a design ensures that blocks of snow do not fall on the head of passers-by. The efficiency of the grate depends on its height. There are no restrictions on the roof material, since all types of fasteners are provided for this type of protective structures.

On sale you can find snow guards where the grille is welded to the longitudinal pipes. This configuration improves product reliability. Installation of lattice structures is carried out on a slope along the eaves. If the snow loads in the region are large enough, other types of protective fences, for example, lamellar snow pads, can be installed as an add-on. The same applies to those cases when the length of the slope exceeds 5.5 m.

The average price of lattice structures for natural tiles (ceramic or cement-sand) is 4250 rubles / piece. The purchase of products intended for standing seam roofing will cost about 3200 rubles / piece.

Note! Under the pressure of large amounts of snow, the gratings can bend. In this respect, tubular structures are more reliable. The strength of lattice snow guards depends on the shape of the guides or brackets, as well as their quality. You should not buy products where these parts are the same thickness as the grille.

Lamellar or corner snow holders for metal tiles

If an insignificant amount of precipitation accumulates on the roof, you can limit yourself to buying corner snow holders. Most often, they are used on roofs made of corrugated board or metal tiles, since these products are made from the same material and in the same color.

Corner metal structures have a bent triangular shape with two edges, equipped with shelves for fasteners. The height of this type of snow guards is 4-6 cm. Corner fences are designed for roofs with a slight slope (no more than 30º), since the structures are not able to withstand high pressure.

Products are attached directly to the roofing material, and the upper wave of the coating is no exception, where the fences are also fixed. Installation of snow guards on a metal roof is carried out along the ridge. This is done in a checkerboard pattern. The products are mixed in several rows (at least 2) with a step of 0.5-1 m.

Angle-type snow holders are not very durable. They will not be able to keep a large amount of snow from coming off. Therefore, these products are used only in those regions where there is little rainfall in winter. In addition, you will need to regularly clean the roof. The cost of such snow holders is 290 rubles / piece. (2 m).

Specificity of yokes - point snow holders for the roof

Point snow guards are called yokes or hooks. They are not designed to hold a large amount of snow, therefore they are used as an addition to tubular and trellis structures. Installation on a soft-roofed roof with a slight slope is allowed.

Related article:

Description of the most common roofing materials of various types and types. Application and installation features.

A soft roof promotes the accumulation of snow, since it has a rough surface in the form of granular dusting. Sediments adhere well to roofing felt and bituminous shingles.

Note! If the roof slopes slightly, snow is unlikely to come off. Nevertheless, in order to secure it, it is advisable to install staggered yokes with a step of 0.5-0.7 m.

Point snow guards are in the form of triangles with a long plate. It is used to fix the product on the lathing. The installation of these soft roof snow guards is carried out so that the plate is located directly under the roofing material. The bitumen shingles laid on top will hide all the fixing points. As a result, the possibility of roof leaks is eliminated. The average price of point stupors is 50-60 rubles / piece.

Snow holders on the roof: installation technology and features of its implementation

Such objects include:

  • parking area for cars;
  • balconies;
  • walking paths;
  • roof windows.

The installation area is selected taking into account the fact that an avalanche covers a certain area when descending from a roof with a slope of 35 °. As a rule, precipitation falls at a distance of 0.5-1.5 m from the overhang.

Snow holders are installed with an offset of 0.5-0.8 m from the eaves. It is not allowed to place the protective structure directly on the overhang. An exception is the option when the cornice is formed by the roof truss system.

Important! Installing snow pads on or near the eaves will cause collapse.

The cost of products depends on their type, dimensional parameters, material of manufacture, and also the manufacturer. The most popular brands are Borge, Grand Line, Orima.

Average prices of Borge snow guards for different types of roofs:

How to properly install snow guards on metal tiles

Metal tiles are the most popular roofing material. Its configuration is conducive to the fact that layers of snow are constantly falling off the roof. A smooth surface is not capable of retaining precipitation. At the same time, the roofing material is sensitive to temperature changes. The metal tile helps to melt the snow, due to which the entire layer, together with the ice, begins to slide down. Therefore, the installation of snow holders is mandatory.

The following structures are installed on metal roofs:

  • corner;
  • lattice;
  • tubular.

Corner pieces are suitable for winters with little snow. In other cases, it is better to give preference to lattice and tubular structures. They are robust and easy to install.

How to install snow guards on metal tiles:

  1. Marking in the installation area.
  2. Reinforcement of the lathing structure with an additional bar.
  3. Assembling the safety guard kit (without tightening the bolts).
  4. Installation of roofing material.
  5. Forming holes for fasteners in the bottom wave adjacent to the lathing structure.
  6. Sealing holes with rubber pads.
  7. Fixing the bracket to the slope using bolts (0.8x6 cm), taking into account its length and slope. The greater the slope, the tighter the brackets are installed. The optimal step is 0.5 m.
  8. Installation of pipes in brackets. If lattice snow holders are being installed, then adjacent structures should be connected to each other.

The fastening of protective products is carried out above the load-bearing wall. In the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200blocating the attic window, the crate is necessarily reinforced. Some snow guards offer additional benefits. For example, for Monterrey metal roofing there are snow guards with special brackets. They have special projections that allow you not to reinforce the lathing structure.

Important! Installation of lattice and tubular snow guards is carried out through the roofing material.

How is the installation of snow guards on a roof made of corrugated board

Decking has almost the same characteristics as metal tiles. Its surface is smooth and sensitive to temperature changes. The need to install snow guards in this case is due not only to safety considerations. Snow, which melts during the day, freezes in the evening and, sliding off, scratches the corrugated board. As a result, the protective galvanized coating is damaged, which leads to the development of corrosion.

On the roof made of corrugated board, you can install lamellar, lattice and tubular structures. The latter are used most often, since they are made of galvanized steel and can be painted in any tone of the roofing material.

The installation technology practically does not differ from the procedure for installing snow holders on a metal roof:

  1. The structure is fixed through the roofing material.
  2. The lathing is reinforced.
  3. The holes for the fasteners are sealed with weatherproof rubber gaskets.

Fasteners should be placed at the bottom of the pavement wave, where the corrugated board is adjacent to the crate. Otherwise, the sheet is deformed. If it is planned to install protective structures on the finished roof, in order to strengthen the lathing, it will have to be partially disassembled. Lamellar or corner products are installed in the upper wave of the profiled sheet. They do not need additional reinforcement of the lathing. In this case, the clamps are placed through one wave.

How to install snow guards on a seam roof

On a seam roof, only lattice and tubular snow holders are used as protective structures. The mounting system of the latter differs only in the way of fastening the bracket, which has a specific shape. In this case, the part is fixed directly on the rebate, due to which the roof covering retains its tightness.

Installation of snow guards is carried out by means of clamps:

  1. A clip is put on the fold.
  2. A couple of holes are made (sometimes 3).
  3. The structure is fixed to the roof using bolted connections.

The advantage of this technology is that there is no need to reinforce the battens. Installation work is carried out on top of the laid roofing material. As a result, the structure is strong and reliable, since the pressure of the snow layer will be distributed along the fold.

Useful advice! The step size with which the supports are installed depends on the slope of the roof. To get a reliable result, it is advisable to fix them on each fold.

For the manufacture of protective structures for seam roofing, not only galvanized steel is used, but also copper. In the latter case, the products are not sold as a set, but in the form of piece goods. The consumer can purchase the upper and lower bracket, as well as a piece of pipe. The cost of copper snow guards is quite high, but they fit better with the design of the standing seam roof, which is also not a cheap pleasure.

Features of installing snow guards on a roof with a soft coating

Soft roofs require special handling. The maximum permissible slope angle for such a roof is 15 °. In this case, the likelihood of an avalanche convergence of snow is excluded. For this reason, tubular snow catcher designs are very rarely used on soft-roofed roofs.

Stone chips on the surface of the pavement impede the movement of snow and retains precipitation on the roof. On a soft roof, a continuous sheathing is usually used. It is made of sheet plywood with moisture resistant properties, so it does not need reinforcement. Snow protectors are installed at the stage of roofing material installation. Most often, point snow holders are used, in rare cases - tubular.

The installation technology of tubular structures is the same as in the case of installation on metal tiles or corrugated board. Although this system has a drawback, since the fasteners are located on top, thereby breaking the tightness of the coating.

Mounting technology for stoppers and triangular clips:

  1. Products are placed in 2-3 rows in a checkerboard pattern. Installation step - 0.5-0.7 m.
  2. The yoke is fixed to the batten structure so that the next sheet of soft covering can overlap the fastening plate. In this case, the triangular part of the yoke remains outside (over the roof).
  3. The snow holder is fixed with self-tapping screws.

If the roof has been installed previously, point snow guards can be installed from above. In this case, the use of weather-resistant rubber gaskets is mandatory.

Do-it-yourself technology for creating snow holders on the roof

The installation of snow-retaining structures on the roof is accompanied by a number of advantages. These simple devices have many beneficial advantages.

Snow catchers perform the following functions:

  • protection of roofing materials and drainage system from damage;
  • effective elimination of heavy snow caps, which can cause deformation changes and roof deflection;
  • preventing the appearance of water smudges on the ceilings of rooms located on the upper floors of the building;
  • protection of decorative elements and plantings under windows;
  • protection of cars parked near the building from snow melting;
  • protection of external plaster, which can deteriorate with melt water if there is a sharp warming.

Useful advice! Even if there are snow catchers on the roof, it is advisable to clean the roof on a regular basis (once every 1-2 weeks). To eliminate the need for this event, a heating cable can be laid under the roof. Thanks to him, the snow will quickly melt and flow down the drain without lingering on the roof.

Recommendations for the manufacture of corner snow catchers on the roof

In order to save money, you can independently make corner-type protective fences and install on the roof. This option is considered the easiest to perform.

This will require the following tools and materials:

  • scissors for metal or a hacksaw;
  • sheet stainless steel with polymer spraying;
  • listogib;
  • ruler and marker for marking;
  • drill.

To begin with, a drawing with dimensions is selected. On its basis, a template for a corner snow holder is created. After that, using a ruler and a marker, the markings are transferred to the sheet steel. This should be done so that as little waste as possible remains after cutting.

In accordance with the marking, metal is cut with a hacksaw or scissors. You should not use a grinder for these purposes, even if the master has good experience in handling it. As a result of cutting with this tool, the protective coating on the metal is damaged, which prevents the occurrence of corrosion.

At the next stage, the workpiece must be fixed on the desktop. Using a listogib, bend the product along the marking lines. The result should be a corner with two shelves for fasteners, the height of which is 15-20 cm. Self-tapping screws will be used to fix the snow holder. Holes should be made for them in the mounting shelves.

Corner structures are mounted in a checkerboard pattern. If the length of the slope is less than 4 m, it is enough to install the snow guards in two rows. If this figure is 6 m or more, at least three to four tiers of barriers will be required.

Manufacturing technology of lattice snow holders on the roof of a private house

Lattice structures are more difficult to manufacture than corner structures. This will require skills in handling a grinder and a welding machine.

List of required tools and materials:

  • metal corner;
  • stainless steel to create a lattice;
  • Bulgarian;
  • metal pipes of a suitable diameter;
  • welding machine;
  • suspended supports;
  • building level.

First, a drawing is drawn up. He must take into account the parameters of the roof and all related factors. For the manufacture of the grille frame, a corner should be used, and pipes should be used as an amplifier. Steel is prepared, markings are applied over the material. After that, with the help of a grinder, all the details are cut out.

Place the corners so that you get a rectangle. After that, you can fix the upper part of the frame by welding. In this case, it is very important to ensure that there are no distortions. If there are no defects, you can weld the corner parts of the frame. Then the pipes are fixed. They should be positioned vertically in relation to the corners and welded. Having made the required number of structures, you can proceed to their installation. You must first install the suspension supports on the roof.

Supports for self-made structures, as well as for factory-made snow holders, can be purchased at a hardware store. By using these simple devices, many of the problems associated with snow avalanches from the roof can be avoided.

In most of the Russian regions, a significant amount of precipitation falls in the form of snow in winter. Avalanche snow drifts from the roof surface can not only cause material damage - it poses a threat to the health of passers-by. Installing snow guards on the roof will help to avoid such problems.

Types and design features

Snow holders are designed to keep snow in order to prevent it from avalanche and thereby exclude the possibility of an accident with those who live in the house or pass by it.

The design of the snow retainer on the roof allows trapping snow, but at the same time it allows moisture to pass through, which is formed during the melting process, without any problems. These devices are installed on the pitched roofs of buildings in the process of laying the roofing.


Depending on the design of the roof snow holders, they are of several types:

  1. Snow barriers... This name was given to blocking fences. Due to their presence, snow lies on the slopes until the moment of natural melting. These products eliminate the likelihood of a collapse of the snow mass. These include a corner snow guard and a yoke.
  2. Snow cutters... They do not hold snowdrifts on the slope, but divide them into separate parts, in which the falling speed and the degree of mechanical impact are much lower. These devices will not protect a person from the collapse of the snow cap from the roof, but this process will become much safer. Snow cutters include tubular and trellis products.


Before installing snow guards, it is necessary to determine which type of device will be the best solution, which will require the following information:

  • the amount of average annual precipitation in the region;
  • the size of the slopes and their steepness.

The installation of snow retention is carried out along the overhang of the roof slope, but if it is necessary to save money, the devices are mounted in places where the fall of the snow mass is the greatest danger.

What are snow retention measures for?

Building designers generally prefer steep ramps when choosing roof configurations because they handle rainfall more efficiently. But in winter, when the water freezes, the advantage of such roofs turns into a problem.

Snow retention measures are necessary for a number of reasons, as they:

  1. Provide safety... As a result of an uncontrolled fall of a snowdrift at a significant speed, a person can be seriously injured or even lost his life. To prevent this, devices are placed on the slopes that slow down or completely block the fall of the mass of snow, and can also divide it into smaller parts. But at the same time, you need to know how to properly install the snow guards on the roof and then they will function as efficiently as possible.
  2. Protects roofing... Snow under certain conditions turns into an ice crust. Sliding off the roof can scratch the material and remove the protective coating from it. In the place where scratches have appeared, corrosive processes begin, leading to damage to the roof. Often a similar problem is relevant for metal tiles, corrugated board and rebate.

How to install tubular snow guards correctly

This device consists of a system of brackets connected by two rows of tubes with a diameter of 10 to 30 millimeters. The roof mount bracket consists of a metal plate with an attachment shelf and pipe holes. According to the instructions explaining how to install the tubular snow guard, it must be mounted above the load-bearing wall of the building along the slopes.


To give strength, the lower pipe is fixed above the surface of the ramp at a height not exceeding 3 centimeters. There should be a distance of 8 - 10 centimeters between the tubes. If the steepness of the slopes exceeds 60 degrees, the rules for installing snow guards provide for their placement in two rows with an interval of 2 to 3 meters.

Consumers are offered devices made of galvanized steel, on which a coating is applied that is in harmony with the most popular colors of roofing.

Lattice

They look like a lattice. Correct installation of snow guards of this type provides for their attachment to the slope using brackets. Lattice devices are made of the highest quality alloy steel, therefore they are resistant to corrosion processes.

The height of the grate is 10–20 centimeters. The efficiency of the snow retention process depends on the value of this parameter.


The lattice type design has gained popularity due to its several advantages:

  1. Versatility... Brackets provide the ability to mount snow guards on any roofing material.
  2. Reliability. The grates are able to withstand massive snow layers even when the slopes have a significant area and a large slope.
  3. Easy to install... Following the instructions on how to properly install the lattice-type snow guards on the roof, you need to fix the brackets on the surface of the slopes using a screwdriver. In this case, self-tapping screws with hexagonal caps are used, which are equipped with a rubber seal. After that, the grill is inserted into the fasteners.
  4. Variety of colors... You can buy devices in different colors, thanks to the presence of paintwork. If you choose the right shade, the snow holders will not be visible against the background of the roofing.

Roof Mounting Angle Type Snow Guards - How to Mount

If the roof is made with a slight slope and its structural device does not allow the snow mass to slide down, in regions with low precipitation, snow guards of the corner structure are installed. They look like corners with fixing shelves up to 10 centimeters high and 20-30 centimeters long.

In the description of manufacturers, which deals with how to properly attach snow barriers to corrugated boarding, metal tiles, sheet metal, it is said that angular products can be mounted on roofs with a slope of no more than 20 degrees.


The procedure for installing the corners for trapping snow differs from the process for attaching other types of snow guards on the roof. They need to be placed in several rows in a staggered sequence along the roof slopes. A distance of 50-100 centimeters is observed between the rows - this value depends on the width of the slope.

The advantage of this type of snow barriers is that they can be made independently from metal sheets and thus save 50% of the cost of devices manufactured at industrial enterprises. There is nothing difficult in how to correctly install the angled snow guards. They are attached to the roofing material using a screwdriver.

Installation of point snow holders - yokes

These devices - yokes are in the shape of a triangle with a long strip, designed to fix them on the slopes of the roofs. They are in demand for installation on slopes covered with soft materials with a rough surface, which are produced on the basis of bitumen mastic. Hence, their ability to hold snow masses is negligible. The tow bars are not intended to prevent snow from melting, their function is to reduce the speed and force of the fall.

There are features in how to properly install this type of snow guards:

  1. Usually, tow bars are mounted complete with snow holders of a different design - lattice and tubular barriers.
  2. The towbars are placed in staggered rows along the eaves of the roofs, observing a gap of 50-60 centimeters between adjacent devices and a distance of 50-100 centimeters between the rows.
  3. Installation is carried out simultaneously with the flooring of the roof covering. Before fixing the snow holders on the roof, mark on the crate how the rows will be located. The fixing stick of the devices is fixed on the boards with self-tapping screws and then covered with sheets of bituminous tiles.


You can buy such tows in building supermarkets or make them yourself from metal sheets. Manufactured products are cleaner and more attractive, but homemade gadgets are just as effective.

The process of how to mount snow guards on the roof is not as complicated as it might seem at first. Even beginners in the construction business can master the technology for performing such work.

In areas with snowy winters, the installation of snow holders is a mandatory step in the construction of a roof. A large mass of snow that has come down in an unnecessary place can damage the roofing material, the very structure of the roof, wires, air conditioners and ventilation systems, and even cause injury to people.

Types of snow holders

By type of construction there are:

  • tubular,
  • lattice,
  • lamellar
  • hooks.

Tubular snow holders are metal pipes threaded in 2-3 rows into special holders installed on the roof. The retained volume of snow depends on the thickness of the pipes, the distance between them and the roof, between the fixtures. The advantage of this design is the ability to increase the length and increase the permissible load by more frequent arrangement of fasteners and pipes.

Lattice snow guards are like a ladder mounted on an edge across the roof. They are made of a metal profile or angle and are just as easy to lengthen and strengthen as tubular. Lattice and tubular types are the most versatile and reliable, they can be installed on roofs, both from natural tiles and from sheet materials.

The plate version is able to keep less snow, but is least noticeable on the roof. They are usually made of the same material as the roof itself, and they are more suitable for flat roofs made of metal profiles, metal tiles, etc.

The hooks also trap a small amount of snow and are usually installed on roofs covered with soft materials: ondulin, bitumen shingles.

Lamellar snow guards and hooks are cheaper and easier to attach, so it is quite possible to use them in regions with little or short winters. The roof on which they are installed must have a slope of no more than 30 degrees. One of the varieties of the lamellar snow retainer is the corner ones, which in the cross section represent a triangle.

It is necessary to decide which type will be used even before starting work on, since it is better to fix them at the same time as the roofing material. An exception can be made for tubular and lattice structures, but for them it will also be necessary to provide for reinforcement of the lathing. They can be mounted on a roof made of any material. Their number and frequency of location depend on the amount of snow that falls on average over the winter.

Fixing rules

When planning the installation of roof snow guards, there are a number of rules to take into account.

  • The lathing in the places of the proposed installation should be strengthened, and the elements should be fastened only to it.
  • The bottom element must be located at least 40-50 cm from the edge of the roof.
  • Snow holders are located across the roof, parallel to its lower edge.
  • They can be arranged in a line (preferably for tubular and lattice) or staggered (lamellar and hooks).
  • If the roof area is large, then several rows are placed with a distance of 35-40 cm between them.

On roofs with a large slope, about 60 degrees, it is possible to avoid installing snow guards, since the snow melts off of them on its own. However, such a roof is negatively affected by strong winds, and more materials are used for its construction.

Preparatory stage

Even during the construction of the lathing in the places where it is supposed to fix the snow holders, it must be reinforced with a board with a thickness of at least 25 mm. Subsequently, it is to her that the fasteners will be mounted. All installation work, like other roofing activities, must be carried out with insurance, observing safety precautions.

Installation of snow guards

The scope of delivery usually includes the pipes themselves, a grating or profile of a snow guard, a support element, a decorative strip. First, the places of the future installation are marked on the roof, and a lining element is attached to the roof. For corner snow holders, the decorative overlay rests with its side facing upwards on the lining, for lamellar ones it is applied from below in the direction of the roof. The lamellar is screwed onto each ridge, the corner one is screwed onto each ridge from the top and through one from the bottom.

If there is a dormer window on the roof, a snow holder must be installed on top of it.

For fastening, it is important to use galvanized self-tapping screws, preferably with a rubber cap to prevent rusty streaks on the roof. The holes for the fasteners are sealed with rubber gaskets and waterproofed with a sealant.

Important! Installing snow guards does not eliminate the need to clean the roof from snow. Thanks to these structures, snow accumulates on the roof and increases the load on it. As a result of the large weight of snow accumulated on the roof, the snow holders themselves can break and the roofing material can sink.

Recommended to read

To the top