Can I install snow guards just over doorways?

By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards.

Snow guards are primarily installed on a roof above areas of high foot traffic. However, they're also used to protect any property you may have from sliding snow and ice avalanches from roofs.

Over the years, homeowners have asked the question, “Can I just install snow guards over my doorways?” We posed that same question to Lars Walberg, president of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, one of the industry’s leading snow retention systems manufacturers. “We’ve been asked this question many times,” says Lars. “Sometimes people are merely curious. Other times they want to save money. Whatever the case, we want to provide a clear answer.”

A simple answer with a twist

Lars advises that snow guards should be used to protect against the accumulation of snow on your roof surface, over doorways and elsewhere. Consider this. You could install snow guards over just the doorways. But then snow and ice avalanches off the roof might fall in large quantities on your deck, landscaping projects, on your hot tub, on cars and so forth. Basically, if you have items surrounding your home that either have financial or sentimental value to you, then you should protect them against hazardous conditions with a snow retention system.

“We’ve seen people decide not to use snow guards above their garage,” says Lars. “Then, when the snow slid off over the roof, they had a five-foot pile that had to be cleared before they could get their cars out of the garage. Similarly, there have been situations where people have been injured while going between their home and a hot tub on the deck. There were no snow guards and the snow slid down and injured the person on the deck. It’s simply not worth it. Having a comprehensive snow retention system is the smartest thing a homeowner can do.”

Making the smart decision

When you are facing the “Can I install snow guards just over doorways” question, think about the why. Snow guards are important pieces of equipment that make your home safer. They protect people and property against snow and ice damage.

As with all equipment, snow guards should be installed and used appropriately. Visit the Rocky Mountain Snow Guards website for more details.  And, ask your roofer to get a free snow retention plan layout and quote for your roof from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards.