Snow guards are roof safety products that prevent sudden sliding of snow and ice masses from the roof. Uncontrolled release of a snow load is a serious safety hazard — a falling snow mass can weigh hundreds of kilograms and cause severe personal injury, damage eaves structures, rainwater systems and property below the roof. In Finland, snow guards are mandatory on metal roofs (profiled sheet metal, standing-seam roofs) whose slippery surface allows snow to slide freely. The Land Use and Building Act requires the building owner to ensure the building's safety also during winter conditions. The Ministry of the Environment decree on safety of use specifies requirements for roof safety products. The need for snow guards is especially pronounced on buildings below which there are pedestrian routes, parking areas or playgrounds. In housing companies, snow guards are virtually always necessary, and their absence can lead to the board's personal liability for damages in the event of an accident.
Types of snow guards
There are three main types of snow guards: tubular, mesh and point-type. Tubular snow guards are the most common in Finland. They consist of two or three horizontal tubes that support the snow mass and allow it to melt in a controlled manner. Tube diameter is typically 25–35 mm and the material is hot-dip galvanised steel.
Mesh snow guards use a steel mesh instead of tubes, which also stops smaller ice and snow fragments. They are especially effective in areas where falling ice from the roof is a risk — for example above busy pedestrian routes. The mesh type is more expensive than the tubular type but offers better protection.
Point-type snow guards, also called snow hooks, are individual units that slow snow sliding. They are especially suited to tile and asphalt shingle roofs where snow slides more slowly than on metal roofs. Snow hooks are installed in a staggered pattern in multiple rows and work by dividing the snow mass into smaller portions.
Dimensioning and positioning
Snow guard dimensioning is based on roof pitch, slope length, snow load zone and the friction coefficient of the roofing material. In Finland, snow load zones are divided into regions — in Southern Finland the ground snow load is approximately 2.0 kN/m², while in Northern Finland it can reach 3.5 kN/m².
Snow guards are usually installed near the eaves line, approximately 0.3–0.5 metres from the eaves edge. On long roof slopes (over 8–10 m), a second row of snow guards at mid-slope is often needed so the snow load is distributed more evenly and no single guard is overloaded.
The number and spacing of snow guard brackets depend on the loading. Typical bracket spacing is 600–1,200 mm. With higher snow loads and steeper roofs the bracket spacing is smaller. Dimensioning uses manufacturer's tables or software that take all loading variables into account. Incorrect dimensioning can lead to snow guard failure, which is extremely dangerous.
Installation on different roofing materials
On metal sheet roofs, snow guard brackets have a base shaped to match the roof profile, and fixing is done with screws into the battens at the profile ridge. Sealing is critical to prevent leaks. On standing-seam roofs, seam-crimp brackets are used that clamp directly onto the standing seam without screws — this is the ideal solution from a watertightness perspective.
On tile roofs, the snow guard bracket is installed under the tiles so the bracket hook grips over the batten. Tile roof snow guards are often heavier-duty, because the rough surface of a tile roof slows snow sliding and the snow load grows larger before release.
On asphalt shingle roofs, point-type snow guards are typically used; they are nailed to the sheathing and covered with the next shingle course. Installation must be done during roofing, as retrofit requires lifting shingles. On felt roofs, snow guards are less common because the rough surface and low pitch reduce the risk of snow sliding.
Obligations and responsibilities
The property owner is responsible for the condition and adequacy of snow guards. Section 166 of the Land Use and Building Act requires that a building be kept safe. If the absence or poor condition of a snow guard causes personal injury or property damage, the owner may be liable for damages.
In housing companies, the board is responsible for maintaining roof safety products. The property manager must include snow guard inspection as part of the property's annual maintenance programme. Insurance companies often require snow guards on metal roofs, and their absence may affect claim settlement.
The municipality may also issue snow guard requirements in the local plan or building ordinance. Especially in urban areas where snow falling from roofs threatens pedestrians or parked cars, authorities may require enhanced snow guards or a snow removal obligation. Snow guard condition inspection is part of the annual roof inspection, and defective products must be repaired without delay.
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Updated: April 2026
