Snow Arc Guards™
Snow Arc Guards™
How Many Snow Guards Do I Need?
How Many Snow Guards Do I Need?
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How Many Snow Guards Do I Need?
How Many Snow Guards Do I Need?
The number of snow guards you need depends on the roof. A simple one-size spacing rule can be risky because snow load, roof shape, roof width, panel length, pitch, bracket model, and snow depth all affect the layout.
For Stile Spanish Tile metal roofing systems, Snow Arc Guard™ layouts are created with the Snow Arc Guard™ Calculator App. The calculator uses customer-entered roof inputs and the selected bracket model to generate an installation reference for bracket quantity, row location, and bracket center spacing.
Do not guess bracket quantity or spacing. Use the generated layout or request a custom Sands Works layout.
Why Bracket Quantity Depends on More Than Roof Width
Why Bracket Quantity Depends on More Than Roof Width
Roof width matters, but it is only one part of the layout. A roof section that is 30 feet wide may need a different bracket pattern depending on how far the panel runs down the slope of the roof, how steep the roof is, and how much snow depth is required for your layout(s).
Measure Each Roof Section Separately
Measure Each Roof Section Separately
If a roof has multiple separate roof sections, measure each section separately and enter each section as its own roof section.
For each section, confirm:
• Roof width from left edge to right edge.
• Panel length measured down the roof slope.
• Pitch as rise/run or degrees, depending on the input available.
• Roof shape (draw a rough sketch of your roof to help remember, nothing fancy needed here).
• Snow depth (if you're unsure, the Snow Arc Guard™ Roof Layout Calculator can estimate this for your ZIP code).
• Bracket model (all models are compatible with Stile Spanish Tile roofing. Your choice is primarily based on appearance, with the 015 SAG Oval offering a higher load rating.)
Always measure the individual roof section—not the overall building—unless they are the same. For example, entering the length of the gutter at 20 ft when the actual roof's width is 25 ft can produce an under-designed layout and may void warranty coverage.
The calculator uses these inputs to determine bracket quantity and placement for the roof section entered.
Bracket Centers, Not Bracket Edges
Bracket Centers, Not Bracket Edges
Generated layouts reference bracket centers. That means the installer should mark the center location first, then align the bracket center to that mark during installation. Always layout all brackets or mark their location to ensure layout matches real roof. If you have questions about your layout, contact us before installation so we can help verify the measurements/layouts.
Always measure and mark bracket centers. Measuring to the bracket edge can shift the installation location and affect layout accuracy and warranty eligibility.
Different Models Have Different Ratings and Mounting Locations
Different Models Have Different Ratings and Mounting Locations
Snow Arc Guard™ models have different product shapes and mounting locations.
Published load ratings are Snow Arc Guard™ bracket ratings based on Sands Works documented test conditions. They are not a warranty of the roof system, adhesive bond, installed assembly, roof panels, customer measurements, installation workmanship, or snow and ice behavior.
Why Accurate Roof Measurements Matter
Why Accurate Roof Measurements Matter
Imagine two Stile roof sections of identical width (eve length).
If one roof section has a shorter panel length (eve to ridge measurement), and/or a lower snow depth requirement, then the two roof sections will hold different amount of snow, which means the amount of brackets required cannot be the same.
Another thing that is commonly overlooked is Roof Pitch. If two identical roof sections (same length, same width, and same shape) have different roof pitches, then the amount of force the snow exerts will change. Even if the snow is the same volume, it can produce vastly different forces. This is a critical measurement that must never be short-changed when inputing your measurements to the Snow Arc Guard™ Roof Layout Calculator.
With all that said, just remember that different roof pitches will require different bracket spacing and quantities, so it is important to never undersize the true roof pitch when generating layouts from the Snow Arc Guard™ Roof Layout Calculator.
Partial VS Full Roof Coverage Example
Partial VS Full Roof Coverage Example
Some customers choose partial coverage to protect entryways, walkways, driveways, and landscaping while reducing the number of snow guard brackets required.
For partial coverage, simply ask yourself the question "where should snow not avalanche?" or "If snow were to avalanche, would it damage something or block something?".
Targeted Roof Coverage Example
Targeted Roof Coverage Example
Some customers choose targeted coverage to protect doorways and driveways while reducing material cost and installation time.
Targeted coverage is often used when only part of a long roof section needs protection, such as above a doorway, walkway, driveway, patio, or other area below the roof. The image to the right shows this.
For targeted coverage, simply ask yourself the question "where should snow not avalanche?" or "If snow were to avalanche, would it damage something or block something?".
Important: The example generated layouts to the right show incomplete layouts. This must be updated by Sands Works via an Order Request submission. The correct layouts require edge supports as illustrated in the image above.
Adhesive Tube Estimates
Adhesive Tube Estimates
The number of adhesive tubes depends on which model snow guard is selected, the quantity ordered, and installation technique. The quantity of Adhesive Tubes are estimated automatically and added to your cart in the Snow Arc Guard™ Roof Layout Calculator. You can opt out of purchasing these before submitting your order request or purchase.
For planning estimates:
Actual adhesive use may vary based on installer technique, roof condition, and required squeeze-out.
What Can Make a Layout Invalid
What Can Make a Layout Invalid
A generated layout should be followed exactly unless Sands Works provides a revised layout.
Common problems include:
• Entering the wrong roof width.
• Entering the wrong panel length.
• Entering the wrong roof pitch.
• Selecting the wrong roof shape.
• Entering the wrong snow depth.
• Installing a lower-rated bracket model than the one used to generate the layout (see ***Bracket Model Compatibility*** below).
• Installing a lesser quantity than shown.
• increasing bracket spacing or changing row locations in the field.
If the roof does not match the layout, stop before installing and create a corrected layout or request layout assistance.
***Bracket Model Compatibility***
***Bracket Model Compatibility***
004, 010, 011, and 012 are interchangeable.
Layouts generated for those models may be upgraded to the 015 Oval.
Layouts generated for the 015 Oval should not be downgraded to a lower-rated model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I estimate snow guard quantity from roof square footage?
Can I estimate snow guard quantity from roof square footage?
Roof area alone is not enough. Layout depends on roof width, panel length, pitch, shape, snow depth, bracket model, and placement requirements.
Can I use fewer brackets to save cost?
Can I use fewer brackets to save cost?
Do not reduce quantity or change spacing from the generated layout unless Sands Works provides a revised layout. Changing quantity or spacing can affect performance and may void warranty coverage.
How do I know where each bracket goes?
How do I know where each bracket goes?
Use the generated layout drawing. It shows bracket row locations, spacing, and center locations for each roof section.
What if my roof has unusual geometry?
What if my roof has unusual geometry?
Request layout help before installing. Technical layout review means Sands Works reviews submitted roof inputs and layout conditions for bracket placement. It is not a structural roof evaluation, roof inspection, code review, or professional engineering certification unless Sands Works expressly states otherwise in writing.
Does the calculator warranty my roof?
Does the calculator warranty my roof?
No. Warranty consideration for calculator-layout issues is limited to affected Snow Arc Guard™ bracket replacement under the warranty terms. It does not cover roof damage, adhesive failure, installation labor, property damage, snow or ice release, customer measurement error, or changed field placement of brackets.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The number of snow guards you need should be calculated from the actual roof section information, not guessed from a rule of thumb. Accurate measurements, correct model selection, and following the generated layout are essential.
For Stile Spanish Tile metal roofing, the Snow Arc Guard™ Calculator App is the starting point for bracket quantity, row location, and center spacing.
Call to Action
Call to Action
Measure your roof sections and use the Snow Arc Guard™ Calculator App to create layout patterns. If the roof has unusual geometry or you are unsure how to enter the measurements, request help before ordering or installing by emailing snowarcguards@sandsworks.com.
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