SnoStop
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a snow and ice retention system?
An effective system will prevent accumulated snow and ice from falling off the roof and minimize the associated risk of injury, death, and damage to property.
How does the SNOSTOP system help?
SNOSTOP holds the snow and ice in place while it gradually diminishes through the natural processes of melting and sublimation.
Can the liability implications of falling snow and ice offset my bottom line?
Yes it may. In a recent incident in Chicago, a man was killed by 100 pounds of ice falling from a roof. His family sued. The court awarded the family $4.5 million in damages. See our warranty for information on how to minimize your potential liability.
How real is threat of falling snow and ice? How real is the danger?
There is evidence that extreme weather conditions and rapid cycles of freezing and thawing are becoming more prevalent. Rapid temperature fluctuations cause snow and ice on a sloped roof to release with considerable force.
The 1998 ice storms in Central Canada and the Northeastern States required the declaration of a state of emergency in many areas. After motor vehicles accidents, the number one cause of storm-related injuries and deaths was ice and snow falling off roofs and other structures.
What are my snow and ice protection alternatives?
- Protective Arches
It is possible to build and install protective arches or canopies over the approach to high-risk areas such as doorways and walkways located beneath exposed eaves. But this alternative is not always feasible depending on roof and building design, and can become a prohibitively expensive way to achieve the level of protection needed.
- Barricades
Doors can be locked (assuming that no fire codes are compromised) and barricades can be erected to close off the high-risk areas for the snow and ice season. But this alternative can be a nuisance for those who use the building as well as for building management and maintenance staff. And barricades and closures provide no guaranty of personal safety against falling snow and ice, and no protection whatsoever against property damage.
- "Pad" Systems
Several pad-type snow retention systems are available. While these pad-type systems may prove adequate in small-scale, low-risk applications, the effectiveness is reduced and the cost can rise dramatically in larger scale and higher-risk situations. Many rows of pads can become necessary to cover large roof surface areas, and typical low profile pads are unlikely to protect against snow shearing on sloped roofs.
In addition, the mechanical fastening methods typically used with pad-type systems can increase the risk of roof leaks and interfere with thermal migration. Adhesive fastening methods are generally only a short term solution.
- Ordinary "Bracket-and-Rail" Systems
Ordinary bracket-and-rail systems tend to come in one or two bracket sizes to hold commodity piping, and one-only holding-down arrangement.
For standing seam metal roofs, a bracket block or plate is clamped or screwed to the seam to avoid penetration and provide for rigid mounting.
Some clamping arrangements are arbitrary as to torque needed deform the seam material. Variances in material strength and applied torque might increase the risk of failure for untested systems.
- The SNOSTOP System
SNOSTOP is the best snow and ice retention system available today. SNOSTOP is an engineered system, over-designed and lab tested to deliver protection that exceeds industry standards.
Unlike makeshift solutions like barriers and canopies, SNOSTOP is a permanent installation that complements the aesthetics of the roof and building. Unlike pad-type systems, SNOSTOP is engineered to deliver maximum protection against shearing in a single low-profile installation.
Unlike ordinary bracket-and-rail systems, SNOSTOP is totally modular and configurable system that can be perfectly matched to the roofing material, the roof shapes and extrusions, and even the roof color.
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