Snow Guard Placement & Layout

Placement at the Eave

1. The construction of the overhang may not be designed to support a snow load.
2. Snow guards need to be installed above roof areas on buildings that have an ice-damming problem. The unheated overhang is where ice accumulates and holding snow and ice on this part of the roof will only add to the ice damming problem. Consult with an architect or engineer if you choose to place snow guards on an overhang.

Pad-Style Snow Guard Placement

Snow guards are generally placed first three rows 24 inches on center with the middle row staggered 12 inches starting at the outer wall or outer-most roof support. The remaining snow guards are evenly spaced to the top 10 feet of the rafter. The top 10 feet of rafter does not require snow guards except in extreme snow load areas. Use our online Layout Request Form to request a layout specifying how many snow guards are required.

Installing Snow Guards Just Above Doors

Alpine SnowGuards® does not recommend installing snow guards over just door ways or on just portions of an eave. Snow builds up behind an obstruction at approximately a 45-degree angle out from the obstruction. This additional weight on the snow guard (or other obstructions such as vent pipes or light posts) will often overload the system unless the additional accumulation of snow is taken into account during the layout. In general, the additional weight on the snow guard or obstruction is double the normal load. Even more weight must be taken into consideration if the section is near a valley, in a drifting condition or subject to ice buildup.

We recommend that you consult with an architect or engineer if you wish to install snow guards over just a doorway or portions of an eave.

Layouts are available for free; use our online Layout Request Form or download and print our PDF Layout Request Form to mail or fax to us.

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