Selecting the right snow retention system is not a one-size-fits-all process. The decision depends on a variety of project-specific factors, including roof material, slope, local snow loads, and the specific areas that require protection.
Pad-style guards are individual units typically installed in a staggered, alternating pattern across the roof surface.
How They Work: They function as deterrents. By adding multiple individual points of friction to the roof, they help break up the snow blanket so it releases in small, manageable chunks rather than a single avalanche.
Best Applications: These are the premier choice for roofs with higher natural surface friction, such as composition shingles or natural slate.
Aesthetic Impact: Pad-style guards offer a lower visual profile. They are often preferred by homeowners who want to preserve the clean lines of their roof, as the guards can be color-matched to the roofing material.
Performance Insight: While pads are effective, they may not prevent all snow from sliding off lower-friction materials like synthetic slate or metal.
Pipe-style systems (also known as fence or bar systems) consist of brackets connected by continuous lineal pipes.
How They Work: These systems act as true barricades. They are engineered to hold the snow mass in place until it sheds gradually as meltwater or small amounts of ice.
Best Applications: Pipe-style systems are essential for low-friction surfaces like metal, membrane roofing, and solar panels. They are also the standard choice for high-traffic areas, such as entryways and garage doors, where safety is the top priority.
Structural Advantage: Because they provide a continuous barrier, pipe systems are often more effective at managing the pressure of heavy snowpacks on steep-slope roofs.
Safety Features: Optional Ice Flags can be added to pipe systems to provide additional retention, preventing smaller chunks of ice from sliding under the pipes.
| Feature | Pad-Style Snow Guards | Pipe-Style Snow Guards |
| Primary Function | Deterrent (adds friction) | Barricade (holds mass) |
| Most Common Materials | Shingles, Slate, Tile | Metal, Membrane, Solar |
| Shedding Style | Small chunks, slush | Meltwater, slow move |
When making your final choice, evaluate these four critical project variables:
Roof Pitch: As the slope increases, the force of gravity on the snowpack grows. Steep roofs (8:12 and higher) often require the barricade strength of a pipe system.
Rafter Length: Long rafter lengths create larger snow masses. Even if you use pads, multiple tiers may be needed higher up the roof to distribute the weight.
Regional Snow Load: In regions with high ground snow loads (psf), a robust pipe-style system provides the highest level of security.
Points of Egress: Regardless of the roof type, any area where people, pets, or vehicles gather should utilize the most secure retention available.
Whether you choose pipes or pads, the success of the system depends on the proper quantity and placement of the guards. Installing snow guards in isolated areas—like only above a door—is not recommended, as they can easily be overloaded.
Use our free Snow Guard Calculator to receive a site-specific layout and pricing based on your roof's unique data.