Gough SnoGuards™ for Snow Retention

Note: When installing Gough SnoGuards, consult your architect or engineer to assure that you are not exceeding your building’s “dead-load” limits within the snow belt, especially in mountainous areas with heavy snow loads.

Installation Details:

RAFTER LENGTHS UP TO 17 FEET *
Traditionally, for over 80 years, in residential applications, SnoGuards have been installed 30" to 36" on center in each row with 3 staggered rows beginning above the outside wall at the eave, i.e. approximately one per linear foot of gutter line. Slate and tile roofs may need two additional rows of snow guards for this length rafter. For standing seam roofing, there should not be less than two per panel.

RAFTER LENGTHS OVER 16 FEET :
The number of rows is increased with rafter lengths over 16 feet and with roof pitches greater than 6:12. Call or write for details. (On the Matheson Supreme Court Building’s copper standing seam dome in Salt Lake City, the roofer installed 7 of our snow guards per panel.)

OTHER FACTORS:
Increased snow load in some areas, drifting, vibration, proximity to other buildings, etc., may require additional SnoGuards per square farther up the roof. Click on “Contact Us & Estimating” in the left column for Estimate Form.

Soldering Copper:

Want to “sweat” solder our snow guards on a copper roof? (Using a torch is not recommended.) Above is a video clip of soldering an interlocking, flat-seamed, copper deck. The same principle can be applied to soldering our Gough SnoGuards to a copper roof. Wire brushing may not be necessary on a new copper roof. Also, do not move the soldering iron faster than you can perceive the solder is flowing fully between the lapped copper. (It takes time for heat to transfer.) And, remember to keep the layers of copper tight against each other. (Call if you have any questions.)

(This video clip is by Joe Jenkins, an associate in Pennsylvania.)