Snow retention on metal roofing. Do-it-yourself rules for installing snow retainers on the roof with video. Functional purposes of snow retention systems

To properly install snow retainers on a metal roof, you must carefully read the instructions in this article. The importance of this lies in the fact that snow retainers provide containment not only of winter snow masses, but also spring-autumn ice formed on the roof when snow melts.

If installed incorrectly, the restraining elements may fail and slide down from the roof and fall to the ground. The quality of installation directly affects the safety of people and the integrity of objects below. In addition, properly selected and installed snow retainers provide not only safety, but also original appearance roofs of any building.

In this article

Snow guards

These are specially designed additional elements of the roof, which ensure the safe removal of snow and ice when they accumulate on the roof of metal tiles during the period of precipitation.

Metal siding roofing is one of the the best options protect the building from rain. Durable and painted metal sheets provide excellent protection against rain, snow and wind.

Installed snow guards on the roof provide:

additional rigidity of the roof;
easier cleaning of the roof after heavy rainfall;
the delay of accumulated precipitation from an unexpected fall down with a large mass;
protection of drainage systems from the accumulation of ice and snow during the period of thawing and freezing of water;
decorative function.

Types of snow retainers for metal tiles and installation features
To properly install all the elements, you need to decide what type of snow retainer you need.

By design features devices and installation distinguish 4 main types.

Tubular

Tubular. It consists of a metal pipe with a diameter of up to 1.5 centimeters. Which can be mounted in accordance with the following requirements:

to ensure the strength of all elements, fasteners are made in the place where the roof and wall are connected;
it is forbidden to install elements on the eaves, since with the accumulation of precipitation, it is possible even the collapse of the structure;
in the presence of skylights tubular elements are installed above them to protect the double-glazed window;
mounting of tubular elements can be performed both in one line and in a checkerboard pattern to provide a multi-stage delay;
with a roof length of more than 4 meters, it will be necessary to install snow retainers in several rows with a distance between them of 2 to 3 meters;
fastening of the first lower row is carried out at a distance of 0.5 meters from the edge of the roof;
the hardware is passed through the lowest point of the wave of the metal tile and be sure to use sealing rubber gaskets.

Lattice

Lattice. It is a fence of sufficient height to keep an adult on the roof. Installation is carried out taking into account the following conditions:

you will need reinforced fasteners to the rafters so that the snow retainer can withstand a weight of more than 100 kg;
it is desirable to install along the contour of your roof.

corner

Comprises metal corners thin sheet steel. It is the simplest and cheapest option for keeping rainfall from falling down. For installation, consider the following:

hardware up to 5 centimeters long for fasteners is passed through the highest point of the metal tile wave, provided that the integrity of the waterproofing is maintained;
gaskets must be used to maintain tightness at the attachment point;
pay attention to the presence of additional stiffeners so that the corner does not bend under load.

Log

In appearance, it resembles a tubular version, but with a diameter of more than 10 centimeters. Such an element is able to withstand a significant load. But it requires some features during installation:

fasteners for each segment of the snow retainer are made at a distance of 0.5 to 0.75 meters.

But also when installing any type, an additional snow retention element is installed:

rope tow. They are placed in order to provide a multi-stage delay of accumulated precipitation throughout the entire roof area.

The main thing to consider is the following:

regardless of shape and size, keep a distance of 0.75 to 1 meter;
sealing washers or gaskets are used in hardware.

Procedure for installing snow retainers

make drawings indicating all dimensions;
depending on the angle of inclination of the roof and the area, it is necessary to decide which type is needed;
choose a suitable color so that the element does not stand out against the background of the entire roof;
select hardware along the length and sealing gaskets with washers to match the color of all elements;
when installing the first row of the snow holder, at least 0.5 meters must remain to the edge of the roof;
each next row is fastened at a distance of 2 to 3 meters;
in each hardware, use a sealing element through a washer.
additionally installed in convenient location ladder to service the entire roof.

terms of Use

When, according to the above instructions, snow retainers were installed on a roof made of metal, it is necessary to conduct an annual routine inspection annually using a special ladder and observing safety precautions.

On the outer part of the roof, the integrity of all structural elements is examined. In the presence of deformation and cracks, it is necessary to repair or replace the damaged area.

So inside roofs are checked for tightness of connections.

Key Findings

Don't try to save money necessary materials. If you try to buy items at a lower cost, it is possible that the quality of the designs will be low. And in this case, the snow retainers may not withstand the load. And this can already be dangerous.

In case of self-doubt, do not try to do the installation yourself. If necessary, seek the services of professionals.

Many people who install a roof in their home are aware of the fact that the roof, in addition to being beautiful, functional and durable, must also be safe. In this material, we will talk in detail about roof safety systems and their significance. In addition, we will talk about how to install snow retainers for metal tiles and what types of them are, the installation of which snow retaining systems requires some specific knowledge and step-by-step instructions.

A feature of the Russian climate in winter time is the formation of snow caps, icicles, blocks of ice on the roofs of buildings, which can fall sharply. This can not only cause trouble, but also pose a threat to human lives.

That is why in the process of repairing an old roof or when building a new one, in no case should one neglect the installation of snow retainers.

For example, in European countries they will never take the house into operation if tubular snow retainers are not installed on it.

In the event that the owner of the house decided to save some of his own Money and has not installed a snow retention system, insurance companies will most likely refuse to insure such a structure.

List of items that will be needed in order to install:

self-tapping screws;
drill;
snow retaining tubes;
tubular snow guard.

All about wood and woodworking - 1poderevu.ru.
About why it is so important to install a snow retention system

Today, Russian construction markets offer a fairly large number of different roofing And additional elements security, including snow retainers. It is quite difficult for the owner of the house without experience to understand such systems and make right choice.

There is an opinion that the installation of snow retention systems for metal tiles can spoil the appearance of the roof. However, it is worth knowing that modern manufacturers so successful that:

They are engaged in the production of models of tubular snow retainers for metal tiles without welds.

The snow retainers and their components are identical in color to the roof covering, and therefore they are almost invisible. Therefore, they will not spoil the appearance of the roof and the house as a whole.

Why is it necessary to perform for your home?

IN winter period time on the roof will accumulate a sufficiently large amount of snow. Taking into account the climatic features of Russia (thaws that are abruptly replaced by severe frosts), dangerous situation, in which the entire snow cap will abruptly come down.

Excessive formation of ice blocks and icicles (for the same reason), which can not only damage drainage system(for example), or a car that stands near the house, but also endanger the lives of some people.

Therefore, in the process of laying metal tiles, it is quite important to install snow retainers.

The main functions of such systems:

Prevention of snow avalanches from the roof.

Creation of conditions for independent snow removal.

Fall protection roofing material at repair work, technical malfunctions or strong gusty winds.

Types of snow retainers: corner, lattice, tubular.

Today, the following types of snow retention systems can be found on the Russian construction market without much difficulty:

Grids to keep snow out.

Snow tubes.

A log holding snow.

Snow retention corner.

Snow guard.

In such a variety, it is quite difficult not to make a mistake and make the right choice in order to install a reliable snow retainer for metal tiles.

It makes sense to consider the main disadvantages and advantages of each type of snow retainers.

Snow-retaining tubes for metal tiles

This type of snow retainer is the most popular for seam roofs, but can also be used on other roof coverings.

On the market you can find tubes in two versions:

A hollow tube that has a diameter of 1 inch.

Steel tube with a diameter of 10 or 15 mm.

It is important to know that a fairly large number of experts recommend the installation of such systems for seam roofs.

On roofing for metal tiles, tubes can also perform their functions if they are installed correctly.

Some tips for installing snow retention pipes on metal tiles:

The installation must be carried out with the pipes parallel to the eaves, from the edge of the roof at a distance of 400-500 mm (approximately between 3 and 4 tiles).

If there is an attic, it makes sense to install such tubes above its windows.

Installation on the roof can be done in two ways (at the request of the owner country house or cottages): butt to each other or in a checkerboard pattern.

It is worth noting that on very long roof slopes (more than 5.5 m), several rows of snow retainers should be installed. At the same time, their installation step should be at least 2.5-3.5 m.

Mounting on the overhang of the eaves is not allowed.

The fastening of the tube on the metal tile should be at the place where the bearing wall approaches the roof or higher to the ridge.

Tubular snow guards for roofing

Initially, they were called snow-retaining logs. For the first time, such systems were used in Bavaria and the Alps quite a number of years ago. To date, such structures are used everywhere.

The design feature of this system is the installation of the pipe on special supports. Previously, they were made of wood, but today they are made from a pair. metal pipes that mimic a log.

Most often, their diameter is 140 mm. Such pipes require the installation of simple supports, which are made of ordinary sheet steel.

The main advantages of such systems are the following:

lighter weight;

It is quite easy to choose the color of the roofing material.

Tips for installing tubular snow guards:

Installation on the roof of metal tiles should be carried out parallel to the eaves at a distance of 0.5-0.8 m.

Fastening must be done on both sides of each of the waves.

It is important to know what will need to be placed under the crest of the wave at the attachment points wooden bars.

Some individual manufacturers of metal tiles provide its sheets with special protrusions. Consequently, in the process of laying the roofing material, it will not be necessary to put additional bars into the crate in order to fix the tubular snow retainer.

The required number of elements for snow retention should be determined based on calculations of the snow load on the roof.

Corner snow guards for the roof

This type of system is the simplest and least costly in finance. Manufacturers use thin-sheet steel, on which a polymer coating is applied.

Therefore, it will not be difficult to choose a system in the color of the roofing material.

The fastening of such snow retainers must be carried out strictly along the upper wave of the sheet of roofing material.

It is possible to prevent the sudden convergence of snow layers and ice with the help of a snow retention system. If the roof is made of metal tiles, the installation of such a design is mandatory. This is due to the high slip coefficient of snow on metal, as well as the tendency of sheets to freeze. If you choose the right special devices, the roof will never collapse under a multi-ton layer of ice, and the discharge will be carried out gradually, without creating an avalanche effect.

Types of snow retainers

Thanks to them, the roof becomes convenient for self-cleaning (each element can withstand the weight of a person). The system helps to evenly distribute snow masses already during precipitation and prevent their uncontrolled descent. Snow catchers can protect roof tiles or tools from falling down.

Functionality is divided into two groups:

Partially blocking. They do not completely retain the snow, but let it through in small portions. Installation is advisable in areas of the central strip of Russia, where the roof after a snowfall is under heavy load. To ensure a gradual pass, it is better to choose plate, lattice or tubular type snow retainers.
Snow barriers. Installed in areas with milder climates. If a metal roof accumulates a small snow cover, it makes sense to completely block it.
Point. Modern devices, called snow stoppers, snow cutters or yokes, distribute snow along the slopes, reduce the load on the truss system.

The roof made of metal tiles has a wavy profile, so it is possible to install far from every type of snow retainer on it.

1. Snow barrier tubes. They are made of steel or aluminum with a diameter of 20-35 mm with polymer coating, the kit also includes fasteners in the form of brackets. It is advisable to place the tubes in one line along the eaves. The instruction allows their use even if the roof has been in operation for a long time.

2. Corner (lamellar) snow barriers. They are long metal strips, most often curved in the shape of a triangle. Usually they are bought complete with tiles, they are painted in the same color. Installation is carried out using self-tapping screws. The price of the devices is low, and the performance is quite high if the slope is not more than 15 °.

3. Spot snow stoppers. They are made by stamping, so that the finished products repeat the wave shape of the tiles and fit better to the roof. Another option is polycarbonate teeth, which have recently appeared on the market.

Technology for mounting snow retainers

1. Tubes.

The installation of the elements is carried out parallel to the cornice, stepping back from the edge by 40-50 cm - approximately between the 3rd and 4th row of the metal tile. To reduce the snow load on the frame, fastening is carried out along the line of the bearing wall. Assembly systems are arranged end-to-end or in a checkerboard pattern: in the second case, the roof will be better unloaded from snow.

If the roof has long slopes (from 5.5 m), the tubes are placed in 2-3 rows without affecting the cornice overhang. The top fastener line should run along the ridge. Installation is also necessary above skylights.

Installation of pipes is carried out in stages:

Holes are marked and drilled, taking into account that the fastening should be on both sides of each profile wave.
The system is assembled without fully tightening the bolts.
The support brackets are screwed to the crate using self-tapping screws (size 8x60), they are passed through the metal tile. The interval between the screws is chosen depending on the length and angle of inclination of the ramp. To facilitate the task, even when laying the roof on the crate, wooden blocks are placed under the crests of corrugated sheets.
Connect adjacent sets to each other, tighten the bolts until they stop.

The fastening of the gratings is carried out according to the same principle, it is important to choose the right supports for them. It is best to purchase universal brackets.

2. Corners and plates.

The assembly unit includes a plate (flat or in the shape of a triangle), a supporting element (corner 50x50 mm), wood screws (50-60 pcs), a gasket. The roof can be laid in advance.

The supporting part of the corner snow retainer is installed with its flat side on the roof parallel to the ridge. Fastening is carried out along the crest of the wave of the metal tile, and then, after one row, the corner is screwed to the bottom of the wave.
The support of the plate snow catcher is mounted along the slope, then fixed with self-tapping screws.

Unlike small-diameter pipes, they are larger and imitate the logs that used to be used to roof a house in the Alpine mountains, famous for heavy snowfalls. One or two pipes are placed along the eaves (parallel to each other), installing them on powerful brackets. The design resembles ordinary window cornices for curtains and curtains. The number of pipes and supports is calculated depending on the load and taking into account the strength of the snow retainer itself. To make the system more powerful, the interval between the brackets is reduced.

4. From point elements.

Snowstoppers must be selected according to the shape of the tile profile. The following scheme is applied: for each square meter- at least 5-8 snow cutters. It works even more efficiently when combined with gratings.

Nuances, possible errors

Before installing snow retainers on metal tiles, carefully study the manufacturer's instructions, and also take into account a number of general recommendations.

If the slope of the slopes is more than 15 o, the greatest loads act on the elements of the system, to which tubular devices are best adapted. Therefore, the angle of inclination should be measured in advance or calculated by calculation.
In order not to need reinforcement of the crate, it is worth purchasing the Monterrey metal tile, equipped with special protrusions.
Wood screws should be included in the set of snow retainers. Fasteners are supplemented with elastic gaskets that ensure the tightness of the joints.
The number of rows of catchers is determined according to a special table. According to her data, the snow region, the slope of the roof, the interval between the supports are selected.

In order to avoid miscalculations during installation, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the consequences of basic technological errors.

Breakage of brackets during heavy snowfalls. This often happens if the roof with long slopes was equipped with only one row of snow guards. The second option - short self-tapping screws did not reach the crate.
Leaks. Usually, self-tapping screws are screwed into a wave of tiles, placing rubber gaskets under them, the service life of which is no more than 5-10 years. To prevent leaks at the end of this period, it is better to treat the joints with sealant or use pipes for snow retention by installing them along the eaves.
Fixing failure. The snow barrier should protrude beyond its support by 15-20 cm.
Fencing break. The reason is the unstable connection of the gratings to each other.
Damage to snow barriers, supports and roofs. This happens if the roof has a large area, but there are few snowcatchers on it or they are incorrectly arranged. Usually, the maximum load acts on the extreme supports: if they are not securely fastened, they are damaged and can pull adjacent elements along with them.

Installation cost

Given the responsibility, danger and technical complexity of the procedure, it is often entrusted to roofing specialists. The total amount of payment for their services depends on the size and complexity of the configuration, the height of the house, the type and dimensions of the snow retainers.

In most regions of our country, snow falls in winter, often its height reaches significant values. In the spring, the snow melts, the process can be gradual or avalanche-like. The speed of snow melting depends on several factors.

. The larger it is, the higher the likelihood of an avalanche of snow.
Physical characteristics of roofing materials. The lower the coefficient of friction, the greater the likelihood of an avalanche. For example, on rooftops asbestos-cement slate or shingles it is much larger than metal roofs, an avalanche on them is less likely. The comparison is made under equal other conditions.
Speed of spring snowmelt. The danger increases if there is a thaw during the day and the snow freezes at night. Smooth ice forms from below, during the day it melts a little, the coefficient of friction decreases critically, and an avalanche comes down.

Why is such a phenomenon dangerous? An avalanche of snow can have two very unpleasant consequences.

Critical mechanical failures of the spillway system. If it is plastic, then gutters and brackets may fail, you will need complete replacement expensive system. If it is metal, then the elements are deformed, to restore performance, you only need to align them.
Injuries to people. Such injuries happen not only in cities, there are frequent cases of snow falling from the roof on the head of the owners of country cottages.

In order to exclude the occurrence of unpleasant situations, it should be installed on snow retainers.

Prices for snow guards

Snow guard

Currently, there are several types of snow retainers on the construction market.

Each of them has its own characteristics, each should be installed taking into account them.

Type of snow retainer	Brief description of technical and operational characteristics
	It is a bent metal sheet with holes for fastening. It is fixed with self-tapping screws to the upper crests of the waves of metal tiles. Some models are equipped with an additional stiffening bar, which is inserted into the snow retainer during installation. Manufacturers recommend installing such devices in regions with little snow. And they do it right, since this snow retainer cannot cope with heavy loads. He is pulled out from the roof, and on it remain through holes, which then have to be closed with great difficulty. One thing is not clear in this recommendation - if there is little snow on the roof, then why then snow retainers? Experienced roofers categorically do not advise installing such devices, except for the extra loss of time and money, there is no effect. There are only unnecessary holes on the roof.
	Stronger engineering design, the stops are attached to the crate. They can be of various heights and lengths. The pipes are composite, which allows consumers to independently adjust the parameters. The relatively large gap between the pipes allows the snow to be crushed and come off the roof in portions.
	Very durable snow retainer, designed for great efforts. Snow is retained by gratings, which does not allow it to go dry. Only after a significant increase in temperature does the snow begin to melt rapidly and enter the drain system in the form of water. The disadvantage of lattice snow retainers is that a large amount of snow accumulates on the roof and it lingers for a long period of time. This creates additional loads on the truss system, which can cause deformation of the load-bearing elements.

General tips for installing tubular snow guards

Before starting work, you should carefully study the manufacturer's instructions, prepare tools and equipment.
The structures are installed on an already finished roof - be sure to follow the safety rules. Don't risk your health.
The location of the structures and their number should take into account the angle of inclination and the dimensions of the slope. It must be borne in mind that in some cases the number of rows of snow retainers can reach six.
Separately consider the location and ventilation pipes, roof windows and doors. The bottom row is mounted not lower than the third ridge on the metal tile.
If the snow retainer is located in the valley area, then there is a high probability of accumulating a large amount of snow. Experienced roofers in such places reinforce the factory mounting of snow retainers.

Tips are easy to follow, do not try to simplify the installation technology at your own discretion. This always negatively affects the durability and reliability of snow retainers.

Prices for snow guards on a seam roof

Snow guard for rebated roof

Step-by-step instruction

When choosing a device, pay attention to its quality. Brackets must be made of sheet steel with a thickness of at least one millimeter, the surfaces are coated with stable polymer dyes. To increase the rigidity on the side planes there are special ribs.

Important. There should be three mounting holes on each side of the bracket. This number is due to the fact that metal tile may have a different step of the crate, and the hardware is always screwed to the rails.

The set must include reinforced self-tapping screws with a length of at least 50 mm and a diameter of at least 5 mm; for installation in one plane of the roof, three rubber gaskets are attached to each bracket.

The snow guard is recommended to be installed only above bearing wall, and not on the overhang of the slope. Why such a strict requirement? The fact is that snow retainers can accumulate a large amount of snow, if this weight is placed on the overhang, then a tipping force appears, which can cause a violation of the integrity truss system. If the structure is above the facade wall, then the vertical forces are transmitted through rafter legs directly on the wall, there is no rotary lever.

Step 1. Check the quantity and completeness of the snow retainer elements, prepare the tools. You will need a pencil or felt-tip pen, a screwdriver and a drill.

Practical advice. To increase the tightness of the fit of the rubber linings of the brackets, professional roofers recommend additionally smearing the fit points with a special sealant. Manufacturers do not consider this a mandatory operation; there is no such advice in the instructions. But practice has proven that additional sealing in these places greatly increases the tightness of the connection.

Step 2 Attach a long ladder to the building and climb to the roof.

There is no need to climb onto the roof, one row of snow retainers can be mounted directly from the stairs without any problems. Just be careful not to lean too far to the sides. Remember that the balance is broken when the center of gravity goes beyond the projection of the base of the stairs.

In order to facilitate the work, it is recommended to store all parts of the snow retainer and self-tapping screws in an ordinary bag. If there is no screwdriver, then you need to prepare two electric drills. On one screw the nozzle under the head of the self-tapping screw, and on the other a drill of the appropriate diameter. It should be approximately 1–2 mm smaller than the diameter of the self-tapping screw, otherwise the fixation strength of the bracket will be insufficient.

Practical advice. The depth of the drilled hole is selected taking into account the thickness and width of the batten lath.

If you have slats 50 × 50 mm, then it is recommended to drill a hole for a self-tapping screw only half the thickness. This technology guarantees maximum bond strength. If the rail is thin, then the hole is drilled to the full thickness. The fact is that there are big risks of cracking thin lumber while screwing in a large-diameter self-tapping screw.

Step 3 Mark the installation location of the snow retainer bracket, how to do this, we described above.

Attach an element to the metal tile and make two marks with a pencil or marker.

Marking in place (the center of the hole is punched)

Step 4 Drill a hole in the metal tile and rail with a drill.

If you have little experience with the tool, we recommend that you punch the center of the hole before drilling. The fact is that drilling a hole on a sloping slippery roof while standing on the stairs is very inconvenient and dangerous. Why?

The drill may slip and severely scratch the surface of the coating. Moreover, damage is not only upper layer polymer paint, but also zinc anti-corrosion protection. As a result - rapid oxidation of the metal, leaks and the need for unscheduled roof repairs.
When attempting to hold a slipping drill, a worker may lose balance on the ladder. The result is a fall with all the very unpleasant consequences.

Prices for popular models of screwdrivers

Screwdrivers

Step 5 Screw on the bracket. Before that, insert a self-tapping screw into its hole and wind the gasket.

Practical advice. Such an operation can be done on the ground for all brackets, leaving only one free and using it as a template for marking holes. It is better to put both self-tapping screws in place at once, screw one rubber gasket on the first, and two on the second. Due to this, work is significantly accelerated. In addition, during the tightening of the rubber bands, they sometimes accidentally fall out, you have to go down to the ground to search, and this is a waste of time.

Screw the top screw into place. We have already mentioned that in order to increase the tightness of the joint, it is desirable to lubricate the joint with sealant.

Do not tighten the self-tapping screw completely, the bracket should stagger.

Step 6 Screw on the bottom screw, there should be two gaskets under it.

Check the position, if everything is normal, then tighten the screws with a hand wrench until the rubber is compressed by about one millimeter.

If the gasket does not allow the brackets to be correctly installed in the intended places, then it can be cut a little on one side. Continue to install brackets along the entire length of the roof slope.

Next, you need to mount the pipes. The pitch of the brackets is set taking into account the amount of snow. Data from tables can be taken into account building codes and rules or long-term observations of old-timers. If there is a section on the slope where a critical amount of snow can accumulate, then the distance decreases, and vice versa.

Installing pipes on snow retainer brackets

Depending on the product models, the pipes can be round and shaped, connected only by couplings or additionally fixed with bolted connections. In our case, the pipe has an oval section, the junction is additionally fixed with a bolted connection. The set of one snow retainer includes a pipe three meters long, four brackets and hardware in the appropriate amount.

Step 1. Insert the pipes into the extreme brackets, pass them through all the holes. If the markup and installation of the elements is done correctly, then no problems will arise.

If the pipes do not enter the holes, then you will have to look for a way out of an unpleasant situation. To do this, slightly loosen the fastening of all brackets, insert the pipe and then tighten the hardware. Please note that you need to loosen not one, but all the brackets, due to this the assembly process will be much easier. In the future, after tightening the screws, the pipe will be firmly fixed in the holes; there is no need to use additional bolting.

Step 2 Connect the ends of the pipes with a coupling and fix it with bolts and nuts.

Install all remaining pipes in the same way. Insert them very carefully, do not damage the outer protective surfaces. On most roofs of residential buildings, one row of snow retainers is sufficient; if in doubt, a second row can be mounted. The distance between them is about four meters, but the final values \u200b\u200bdepend on the climatic region where the building is located.

Video - Installation of a snow retainer

If you are just thinking about building a roof at home and choosing a snow retention system for roofing, be sure to check it out. Here you will find installation instructions and step by step instructions with photos, as well as a bonus - an analysis of possible errors and recommendations for their prevention.

A metal roof should be practical, durable, beautifully crafted and, of course, safe. In order to fulfill the latter requirement, suitable snow retainers must be installed on the roof, which are special structures responsible for the safe melting of snow. They are also necessary so that the roof does not deform under a mass of icy snow.

The weight of snow masses can be much greater than the weight of the roof itself, so precipitation loads are a serious problem that should be addressed even when making foundation calculations.

The safety of the roof directly depends on the snow mass that falls on it. It is difficult to predict how it will be distributed over the roof. It all depends on the slope of the roof, wind direction, etc. When, first of all, the load of snow masses should be taken into account.

Roof snow load calculation

To make this calculation, you need a special formula:

Q = G * s, where

Q - snow load
G - weight of snow on flat roof, which is determined from the table
S - correction factor depending on the angle of the roof:

> 25° - 1
If 25-60° - 0.7
More than 60 ° - the snow load is not taken into account, since snow with such an inclination will not be able to linger on the roof.

How to determine G? This information is found in tables and maps of snow cover zones on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Maximum length slope when installing 1 row of snow retainers

Functions of snow retention systems

Prevention of unexpected descent of ice and snow deposits from the roof
Easier roof snow removal
Roof protection against strong wind when tiles can come off
Protection of drains from clogging with snow, which, when turned into ice, can break the pipe
Prevention of facade deformation by rolling snow and falling icicles

The main types of snow retention systems

Tubular systems

Usually at the heart of such snow holders lies a pipe installed along the roof. On the metal tile, the tubes are fixed where the connection of the roof and the bearing wall passes.

It is impossible to attach to such structures, as the entire system may collapse.

If the roof slope is sufficiently long, then the installation of tubular snow retainers on the metal tile should be carried out in several rows. On the roof, the tubes are mounted either in a checkerboard pattern or end-to-end.

If there is an attic in the house, the tubular system must also be installed above its window openings. A sufficient distance from the edge of the roof is 40-50 cm, i.e. approximately where 3-4 tiles go.

Lattice snow guards

Such designs are considered the most effective, which explains their popularity. They can be of two types - ordinary and "royal". There are no special differences between them. The division is made according to the supports, as well as according to the complexity of manufacturing the lattice.

To make a choice, you can choose universal models that fit both delays.

Due to the fact that the gratings are quite high, they demonstrate their safety both in winter and in summer, when it is necessary to carry out roofing work. From a possible fall, both materials and tools, as well as workers, will be saved.

Corner snow guards

They act as a thin sheet of steel, which is coated polymeric material preventing corrosion. Due to their simple design, they are the most inexpensive option for protecting against snow rolling off the roof.

Corner systems can be found in absolutely any color, which makes it easy to match them to the tiles.

Fastening corner snow retainers to metal tiles is carried out using self-tapping screws and ordinary corners. Protective systems are attached to the upper wave of the sheet.

Snow retaining yoke

The yokes are not a separate snow-retaining structure, as these are additional elements.

You can use yokes with any of the above snow retainers.

In the process of installing snow retainers on metal tiles, the yokes must be evenly attached to all roof slopes, given that their efficiency is low and they can only hold the lower layer of snow.

It makes no sense to use yokes as the only system for retaining snow deposits.

Snow-retaining logs

This is the oldest system for retaining ice and snow. The first logs on the roof began to be used on Bavarian and Alpine houses, but even today this design does not lose its relevance.

The advantage of log snow retainers is their reliability, since a large pipe not only holds snow well over its entire area, but also withstands significant loads.

Modern log snow retainers are made not of wood, but of metal pipes with a diameter of 140 mm. The supporting structure for such systems is usually made of steel sheets.

When to Install Snow Guards

The most optimal time for installing snow retention systems is the arrangement or repair of the roof.

It is best to choose suitable retaining structures together with the type of roof. In this case, the choice should be based on factors such as climatic features of the area and features of the roof.

If the roof is soft, then point snow retainers or snow stoppers are most often installed. This system is a narrow steel strip, bent at the end into a triangle. To make a snow stopper, you need galvanized steel or powder-coated metal.

Installation should be done when the roof material is being laid, attaching the snow stoppers to the base and covering the fixing point with another roofing sheet.

If such snow retainers are already mounted on a finished roof, then you should use rubber seals to avoid future leaks.

If the winters are long and snowy, then the snow retention system should be as effective as possible. When snow is a rarity or it always has time to melt before the next precipitation, then you can pick up cheap, but at the same time effective corner structures or, as they are also called, barriers
During heavy snowfalls, the best option there will be mesh and tubular snow retainers that will solve the problem not only with snow and icicles, but will also be convenient when dumping snow and ice deposits from the roof
It is important to remember that it is necessary to clean not only the roof from adhering ice and snow, but snow retention devices, because a lot of ice accumulates on them, which prevents normal snowmelt

Before installing snow retainers on the roof of the metal tile, install other elements. Required to be completed. Because it is a significant element of the roof, which provides its ventilation.

Installation of roof windows in metal tiles must be carried out before installing the ridge. Improper installation or poor waterproofing of such windows will negate all efforts to build a roof. Take on the installation of skylights better themes who already have experience construction works, and only if you follow the instructions and rules.

In the West, no house will be taken into operation if snow-retaining devices are not installed on its roof. In our country, they also began to monitor safety and many reasonable owners, in the process of building their house, install similar systems so that in the future, when it becomes clear that they are simply necessary, they do not have to redo the roof.

We can say that snow retention systems for roofing are a very practical and necessary element. They protect people and cars from falling icicles and snowballs, while maintaining the entire aesthetics of the roof.

Video about installing snow retainers on metal tiles

Video instruction on snow guards for metal tiles, how to make the right choice and how to install them on the roof.
Comparison of tubular snow guards from different manufacturers

Installation of tubular-type snow retainers on metal tiles