What are Snow & Ice Restraint Systems?
Snow and ice restraint systems (also known as Snowguards) are rooftop devices that allow snow and ice to drop off in small amounts or melt completely before falling to the ground. They prevent damage caused by avalanching snow and ice that is typical for sloped roofs that have a smooth surface; ie: metal roofs, standing seam metal roofs, slate roofs, etc.
Without a prevention device, the accumulated snow and ice can then slide off the roof surface in one big release, causing a great deal of damage: Cars get crushed, gutters and plumbing vents are often stripped from the roof, ground-mounted mechanical units are destroyed, roof surfaces below that higher roof get smashed, heavier blocks of ice crash through atrium windows or skylights, expensive landscaping is destroyed, and most important, people can be injured.