Why Your Snow Retention Layout Matters Just as Much as the Product
Walk into any roofing supply store and you’ll find snow guards in every shape, size, and price range. Many of them look similar. Many make big claims. But here’s the truth most suppliers won’t tell you: the product alone doesn’t determine whether a snow‑retention system works.
The layout does.
Where the snow guards are placed, how many are used, how they’re spaced, and how many rows are installed across the roof all determine whether the system will actually hold the snowpack safely. A snow guard or snow fence installed improperly or in the wrong location offers almost no protection. Too few guards on a steep metal roof can create uneven load retention, concentrating the load and increasing the risk of a roof avalanche, roof damage, and property damage.
The layout is everything.
Why a Proper Layout Makes or Breaks the System
A well‑designed layout ensures:
- Even distribution of snow load
- Proper spacing to prevent overloading, sliding, or shifting
- Correct product quantity to meet project conditions
- Placement that ensures adequate strength and performance
Without these factors, even the best snow guards or snow fences on the market can fail.
Our recommended Process: Engineering First, Ordering Second
At Ice Control Engineering, Inc., we believe every snow retention project should be engineered. We design each system using:
- Roof plans or roof report
- Roof Type
- Roof slope and geometry
- Project location, elevation, and snow‑load requirements
- Preferred snow‑guard style, material, and color
From there, we specify the exact product, placement, spacing, and row count. The roofing contractor receives a clear, ready‑to‑install plan- no guesswork, no assumptions.
Why We Don’t Leave Layout Decisions to Roofers or Property Owners
Some suppliers simply sell snow guards and leave the layout up to whoever is installing them. That approach puts the responsibility on people who may not have access to product load testing data or industry experience to design a safe and effective snow retention system.
We take the opposite approach.
We offer:
- Multiple snow guard options
- Single‑ and multi‑bar snow‑fence systems
- Custom snow guards or fences to suit project requirements
- Great customer service
And in every case, the goal is the same: give the roof exactly what it needs- nothing more, nothing less.
A Track Record That Speaks for Itself
Since 2008, Ice Control Engineering, Inc. has completed custom layouts for residential, commercial, and industrial projects across Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and into Canada. Not a single system installed according to our engineered layout has ever failed.
That record matters- to us, and to every customer who trusts their roof to our work.
Get a Snow Retention System Designed the Right Way
If you’re planning a project and want a free snow‑retention system designed specifically for your roof, call 801‑854‑5167 or visit IceControlEngineering.com TODAY!