Not all roofs shed snow the same way. One of the most important factors in determining the right snow retention system is roof pitch, yet it is often overlooked until a problem occurs.

Low-pitched roofs tend to hold snow longer. While this may reduce the risk of sudden snow slides, prolonged snow coverage can create its own challenges. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate granular loss on asphalt shingles. As snow and ice expand, contract, and slowly move across the roof surface, they can wear away protective granules, increasing long-term roof deterioration and reducing the roof's ability to withstand weathering and UV exposure.

Steep-pitched roofs present a different challenge. Instead of holding snow, they shed it quickly. While that may seem beneficial, rapid snow release can be extremely dangerous. When large volumes of snow slide from a steep roof all at once, the force can tear gutters from the building, damage lower roof sections, crush landscaping, destroy ground-mounted HVAC equipment, damage vehicles parked below, and seriously injure anyone in its path.

The steeper the roof, the more critical a properly engineered snow retention system becomes.

At Ice Control Engineering, Inc., roof pitch is one of the first factors we consider when designing a custom snow retention layout. Roof pitch influences:

• The number of rows of snow guards or snow fence systems required
• The placement of those rows on the roof
• The load capacity the system must be designed to withstand

In many cases, roofs with extreme pitches or those located in high-snowfall regions benefit most from a multi-bar snow fence system. Moderately pitched roofs in areas with lighter snow loads may only require individual snow guards. Some projects are best served by a combination of both approaches.

Every custom layout we provide is based on actual roof measurements and local snow load data, not rough estimates. Best of all, this design service is provided at no cost. That attention to detail is what separates a snow retention system that performs reliably year after year from one that looks adequate on paper but fails when winter conditions arrive.

Since 2008, Ice Control Engineering, Inc. has completed custom snow retention layouts for residential and commercial projects throughout Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Canada, and beyond. To date, every system installed according to our specific recommendations has performed without failure.

If you are planning a new construction project or considering snow retention for an existing building, contact Ice Control Engineering, Inc. at 801-854-5167 or visit icecontrolengineering.com to request your free custom layout.