Snow Guards in North Bethesda and Gaithersburg, MD

What are snow guards?

Snow guards are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Their main purpose is to stop snow or ice from sliding off the roof all at once, which could endanger landscaping, vehicles, or people below. By keeping the snow in place, snow guards allow it to melt gradually, either from the warmth of the sun or another heat source. If you live in the Bethesda-Gaithersburg, MD, area, please call (240)-202-2242 to learn more!

Snow Guards: Protecting Your Home in the Bethesda-Gaithersburg, MD, Areas

Snow guards are most often used on homes or businesses with very steep roofs or roofs made from materials like slate, wood, or metal. In contrast, asphalt roofs usually offer enough traction to stop snow from sliding off. When wet snow accumulates, it can bond into a lump that freezes overnight, forming a hazardous block of ice. Even with good attic insulation, thawing beneath the roof can make the surface slick, allowing the heavy ice block to slide off. Snow guards are specifically designed to keep snow in place under these circumstances.

In particularly harsh weather, snow and ice may not melt as they should and instead continue to build up on the roof. In colder climates where snow guards are common, a heating source is sometimes added to help melt the snow. However, using heat tape is generally not recommended for many roof types, as it can void warranties and pose fire risks. Fortunately, there are other safe and effective ways to melt snow and ice on roofs.

Choosing the type of snow guard that will be installed depends on the type of roof that is on the residential or business building

Lexan snow guards offer a discreet appearance while delivering an excellent solution for preserving roof integrity and preventing corrosion. These guards are affixed to metal roofs with a specially formulated bonding agent that withstands various weather conditions.
Aluminum is a favorable material when working with cedar shakes or stone tiles, particularly for gutter installations. Its low tendency to corrode and environmentally friendly properties make it an excellent choice for these applications.
Metal roofs are available in several types of metals, such as aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, and galvalume steel. It is recommended to use the same type of metal for both the roof and the snow guard to avoid corrosion issues that can arise from mixing different metallic alloys. When different metals are used together, their varying chemical compositions can lead to differences in alkalinity, which promotes corrosion. Although applying an insulating layer between the materials can help reduce this risk, rainwater can still create a conductive or corrosive bridge, leading to long-term problems.

The Brothers that just do Gutters offer snow guard installations along with a multitude of other services to help control the winter season’s adverse snow conditions. Some of the best products still require a support of many different solutions to achieve the ultimate solution. Speak to a solutionist today to find out if snow guards are right for you.