Original Standing Seam Stand-Alone Snow Guard for Metal Roofs
Polar Blox™ Original Standing Seam (OSS) Stand-Alone Snow Guards are durable, UV-protected polycarbonate snow retention devices designed specifically for standing seam metal roofing systems.
Suitable for new construction and retrofit applications, these snow guards help prevent snow and ice from sliding off metal roofs and damaging gutters or property below.
OSS Snow Guards attach directly to standing seams using SST mechanical fasteners without penetrating the roofing panels, helping prevent leaks associated with roof penetrations. They can be installed in any weather conditions.
Each guard includes mounting screws and can be installed individually without connecting Ice Bars (rods).
Important: On roof panels measuring 12" or wider, snow and ice may slide between individual guards. Consider our connected Original Standing Seam Snow Retention System with Ice Bars for additional snow retention.
Volume Discounts — Starting at Just 10 Pieces!
| Quantity | Discount Per Guard | Price Per Guard |
|---|---|---|
| 10–24 | $2.00 OFF | $12.99 |
| 25–49 | $3.00 OFF | $11.99 |
| 50–99 | $4.00 OFF | $10.99 |
| 100+ | $5.00 OFF | $9.99 |
Volume discounts are automatically applied in your cart.
Discounts apply to snow guards only. Ice Bars are sold separately.
Roof Compatibility
Polar Blox™ Original Standing Seam Snow Guards are designed for standing seam metal roofing systems.
They accommodate:
- Standing seams up to 1/2" wide.
- Standing seams up to 1 9/16" tall.
- Taller seams, although the guard will sit higher above the roof surface.
The guards are compatible with metal and composite roofing materials when installed on compatible standing seams.
How Many Stand-Alone Snow Guards Do You Need?
Original Standing Seam Stand-Alone Snow Guards are installed individually without connecting rods.
For a typical installation, order one guard for each standing seam where a guard will be installed.
The total number of guards required depends on the number of standing seams and the number of snow guard rows needed.
Important: On wider roof panels measuring 12" or more, snow and ice may slide between individual guards. A connected Ice Bar system may provide additional snow retention.
Calculating Rows Needed
Use the following formula to estimate snow load and determine the number of rows needed.
Formula:
Roof Run (distance from eave to ridge) × Ground Snow Load × CTC (center-to-center panel spacing) in feet.
Example:
For a roof with:
- 20' run (eave to ridge)
- 30 lb/ft² ground snow load
- 12" CTC panel spacing (1 foot)
Calculation:
20 × 30 × 1 = 600 pounds of estimated load per guard
Snow Guard Load Rating:
The Original Standing Seam Snow Guard has a stated rating of 1,300 pounds per guard when correctly installed.
For preliminary planning, the following chart incorporates a 10% safety margin, reducing the working load allowance to 1,170 pounds per guard per row.
Recommended Number of Snow Guard Rows and Placement
| Calculated Load Per Guard | Recommended Rows | Row Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,170 pounds | 1 Row | Position over the load-bearing wall near the eave. |
| Over 1,170–2,340 pounds | 2 Rows | First row over the load-bearing wall. Second row halfway between the first row and the eave. |
| Over 2,340–3,510 pounds | 3 Rows | First row over the load-bearing wall. Additional rows spaced according to roof conditions and an approved layout. |
| Above 3,510 pounds | Additional rows required | Determine row quantity and placement based on the roof's specific loading requirements. |
Snow Guard Load Rating: 1,300 pounds per guard, using a preliminary working-load allowance of 1,170 pounds after a 10% reduction.
Important: This chart is preliminary planning guidance, not a verified manufacturer installation schedule. Row quantities and placement must be confirmed for the specific roof and snow loads before installation.
Need Help Determining How Many Snow Guards You Need?
Contact Polar Blox by phone or email for assistance determining the appropriate number of snow guards and rows for your roof.
Roof geometry, snow conditions, standing seam spacing, and other factors must be considered to ensure proper performance.
Important: These calculations are general planning guidelines, not an engineered installation design. The stated 1,300-pound rating and the suitability of the proposed row arrangement must be verified for the specific roof, attachment, and loading conditions. The installer is responsible for confirming the appropriate layout.
Advantages
- Durable Polycarbonate Construction: Full-size polycarbonate snow guards designed for long-lasting performance.
- New Construction or Retrofit Installation: Suitable for new and existing standing seam metal roofs.
- Non-Penetrating Attachment: SST mechanical fasteners attach directly to the standing seam without penetrating the roofing panels.
- All-Weather Installation: Mechanical attachment allows installation in a variety of weather conditions.
- Standing Seam Compatibility: Fits standing seams up to 1/2" wide and 1 9/16" tall. Can accommodate taller seams, although the guard will sit higher.
- Stand-Alone Design: Each guard installs individually without connecting Ice Bars or rods.
- Reinforced Construction: Features two interior reinforcing ribs and a center support.
- UV Protection: Polycarbonate construction includes UV protection.
- Economical Snow Retention: Provides an economical snow retention solution.
- Material Compatibility: Compatible with metals and composites when installed on suitable standing seams.
- Low-Visibility Appearance: Clear snow guards are virtually invisible on the roof.
- Free Installation Guidance: Recommended installation layouts and schematics are available at no charge.
- Optional Colors: Colored OSS snow guards are available by contacting us via phone or email. Additional charges and longer lead times apply.
Availability and Lead Time
Typically In Stock
Larger orders of 1,000 or more guards may require 1–2 weeks to ship.
Dimensions
- Base: 5" × 3"
- Face: 5" × 3"
Need a Complete Snow Retention System?
For additional snow retention, especially on wider standing seam roof panels, consider our complete Original Standing Seam Snow Retention System with compatible Ice Bars (rods).