After a prolonged period of severe snowfall, who's content to be able to see the sun shining and melting the last remnants of cold winter weather? Although it's an enjoyable appearance, melting snow could cause more trouble than you think. Roof snow guards are an excellent investment. They hold snow from sliding off the roof so that when it starts melting, it does not slide down at the same time that could result in destruction to the roof and gutters, lights as well as any other objects which happen to be within the path of the snow avalanche.

Read on to learn the basics about these guards and if they're the best option to protect your house. There are details on different types of ice and snow guards for roofs made of metal and also whether the installation is something you can tackle yourself.

Do You Need Snow Guards?

The question of whether installing snow guards is sensible is contingent on the location you live in and the kind of roof that you own. If you reside in a region that has significant snowfall, they're an excellent idea regardless of the kind of roof you've got, due to the fact that the weight of snow will likely cause issues once it starts to melt.

On the other hand, if you are in an area that has lighter or less frequent snowfalls, the decision of whether snow guards are a good idea is contingent on the kind of roof that you own. If you have a metal roof, the use of snow guards is beneficial due to the smooth surface that allows snow to easily fall down as the weather begins to turn warm. If you have a roof as shingles, there is a possibility of needing snow guards based on the slope. The steeper your roof, the higher chance there will be an avalanche in the aftermath of an event. Guardrails and snowplows can stop this.

How Snow Guards Work?

In a snowstorm, as snow accumulates in the roof area, it could get compacted by ice and then remain in place for a time. But, as temperatures increase, the snow and ice can melt and could cause huge amounts of snow to fall off your roof in a single motion which could cause damage. When you put up snow guards, they help keep the snow and ice in place to ensure that it doesn't just suddenly fall down as the temperature rises. This lets it fall down in pieces that won't cause any damage or completely melt, permitting the water to flow through your gutters.

Snow Guard Installation: DIY or Professional?

The decision of whether or not homeowners are required to install snow guards themselves is dependent on the kind they pick and also how steep your roof is. While pad-style snow guards are more straightforward to install than other kinds in certain circumstances but if you're not cautious, they could cause gaps in your roofing which could lead to leaks. Bar and fence-style snow guards can be difficult to put in, particularly when you have a sloped roof. It might be best to hire a professional for the task.

If you'd like a discussion about your roofing plan with an expert, we can assist.