Snow clips are a means by which to stop snow and ice from doing damage to your property and members of your family, as they are attached to your roof. They work by forcing snow to fall in smaller drops rather than in a massive sheet, and thus stop it form harming people or cars/possessions. They are generally most effective on slate roofing, and snow clips are a cost effective way to protect your home if you have a sloping roof.

The best places to install snow clips (so that they will causes minimal damage or wear and tear) are generally places that people or objects will be walking or in the way of. This includes, but is not limited to, entryways, walkways, parking lots and drive-through areas; expensive landscaping; above machinery; lower roofs and gutters. Basically any area that you want to protect from the ravages of snow and ice!

These products are best installed with the first row of snow clips above the outer wall or outer-most roof support. It is not generally recommend installing them above the overhand for two reasons. The construction of the overhang may not be designed to support a snow load. Also, they need to be installed above roof areas on buildings that have an ice-damming problem. The unheated overhang is where ice accumulates and holding snow and ice on this part of the roof will only add to the ice-damming problem. Consult with an architect or engineer if you choose to place any guards on an overhang.

All snow clips should be checked as part of a yearly roof inspection by an experienced roofing and snow inspector. Any defects in materials and workmanship should be reported to the manufacturer immediately. Different types of guards should be checked for different things. For example, pad-style clips that are adhesive mounted should be checked to make sure that each one is intact. Also, inspect sealant around the perimeter. Remove and reapply any areas that are no longer watertight and you should also check for slippage or pealing of the tape.

For the pipe-style ones that attach to the roof deck you must again look for anything that is broken or loose. If possible, look at all the fasteners in the roof deck to ensure they are secure. Also, check that everything is water proof, as leaks can lead to damp in your roof, which would could turn into a monumental problems after years of being uncorrected. If you do notice any damage or bent areas, get in touch with the manufacturer and get a replacement.

Snow clips are an effective means by which to protect your home and family from snow damage, so find out more about them from a friend or online!

Want to find out more about Snow Clip, then visit Esme Spence’s site on how to choose the best snow clips for your needs.