Seven Tips for Safely Installing Snow Guards

Since 2010, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards has designed and sold tens of thousands of snow retention systems. With their combined expertise, leaders at the company recommend these practices for the safe installation of snow guards:

Tip #1 - Make sure the roof surface is snow-, water- and frost-free. Wet roofs are slippery roofs. This also means snow retention systems should not be installed during or immediately following a snowstorm.  It's not safe to work on snowy, frosty or wet roofs.

Tip #2 - Always, always make sure the base of the ladder is secure and tie it off at the eave. Never set a ladder so there's just a foot or so above the eave edge. It should be positioned high enough above the eave to allow space to get on and off it as safely as possible.

Tip #3 - Follow all standard roof safety procedures. Don't take shortcuts. Be sure to use tie-offs and other safety equipment.

Tip #4 - Mark the locations for the snow guard placement on the roof before beginning installation. This can speed up the installation, keep you focused and eliminate a sloppy placement appearance.

Tip #5 - Oftentimes snow guards are required to be installed within three feet of the eave. Depending on the property, it may be safer to work off a ladder or lift versus being on the roof for the installation.

Tip #6 - For retrofit installation, put the snow guard in place, then tap the Woodbinder® screw into the strap on a Yeti or SnowTrapper (or any other snow guard with a strap that isn't pre-drilled) with a hammer or mallet prior to drilling. This keeps the Woodbinder screw stable during the actual drilling.

Tip #7 - Always follow the snow guard manufacturer's suggested layout.  Many people, including contractors, assume they know the best pattern for snow guards. However, often what they know is different than the tested and proven layouts that the manufacturers recommend.

Use these links for quick access to additional snow guard information and installation videos.