Snow Guards to Eliminate Sliding Snow

[azogr]

Up to what roof slope can sliding snow be eliminated via snow guards? In my circumstance I am dealing with a higher roof slope of 3:12. If I add guards can I eliminate the sliding snow? The existing roof can handle the extra load. I am asking this because ASCE states that non-slippery roofs need to consider sliding snow over 2:12 but does not specifically mention obstructed roofs, which is what I would consider a roof with snow guards. I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[dik]

If a metal roof, I usually use 1:12, else, 2:12 as a criteria. I didn't know it was stipulated in some codes.

Dik

 

[Rabbit12]

Make sure you look at the connection of the guards. In high snow areas I've seen some substantial guards ripped off by what is almost glacial action of the snow mass.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

2nd the connection issue. Some sliding snow is no where near as bad as an entire roof load of snow landing on a lower roof all at once if the connection fails.

That said, I'm sure you can find a viable solution and it sounds like a practical approach to the sliding snow issue.

Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries

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