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Midwest winters range from light flurries to heavy snowfall that adds extra weight to post-frame buildings. As temperatures drop and winter storms increase, pole barn roofs are vulnerable to sudden snow accumulation.
While a snow-covered structure may look picturesque, excessive snow load can threaten the structural integrity of post-frame construction. The risk is higher in older pole barns or structures that don’t comply with current building codes.
Metal roofing panels allow snow to release quickly. A few inches can slide off in large sheets, creating safety hazards and damaging gutters or vehicles below.
This article covers the five key benefits of installing pole barn snow guards on both new and existing post-frame buildings.
What is a Pole Barn Snow Guard?
A snow guard, also called a snow brake or snow rail, slows ice and snow buildup on pole barn roofs. Made from aluminum or steel, this post-frame building feature prevents sudden snow slides. It protects people, vehicles, and walkways below.
What is a Pole Barn Snow Guard?
A pole barn snow guard, also called a snow brake or snow rail, slows ice and snow buildup on a metal roof.
Imagine walking out of your commercial post-frame building in business attire, only to have snow slide off the metal roofing panels onto you. Snow guards prevent sudden roof avalanches, protecting people, vehicles, and walkways below.
Pole barn snow guards are installed along the eaves of post-frame buildings and come in a variety of types. Aluminum and stainless steel are the most popular building materials due to their strength and durability. Properly installed, snow guards are an essential feature for winter protection.
There are two types of pole barn snow guards you can install on your post-frame building:
1) Snow Defender® 1500
The Snow Defender 1500 is a high-quality snow guard manufactured by Levi's Building Components. These rooftop devices are staggered across the metal roof to provide maximum snow retention.
This type of pole barn snow guard is made from Type 304 Stainless Steel and powder-coated for long-lasting performance. Each brake features an EPDM rubber seal on the bottom, eliminating the need for caulking.
Proudly USA-made, the Snow Defender 1500 comes with a 15-year warranty.
2) ColorGard® Snow Retention System
The S-5! ColorGard Snow Retention System by McElroy Metal features a continuous rail installed along the eave near the gutters. This design controls roof avalanches and releases snow in smaller, safer amounts.
The ColorGard Snow Retention System is constructed from aluminum and stainless steel components. It’s designed to match your metal roofing panels using an integrated color strip, making it a great fit for both new and existing post-frame buildings.
How is a Pole Barn Snow Guard Installed?
Proper pole barn snow guard installation is essential for long-term performance and metal roof protection.
As mentioned above, snow guards are staggered above the eave to control snow movement. Correct placement depends on the roof pitch, roof length, and local snow load requirements.
For example, regions like Upper Michigan experience much heavier snow than areas like southern Indiana. These differences affect how and where snow loads should be installed on a post-frame building.
Incorrect installation can result in costly pole barn repairs. Poor placement may damage gutters or create excessive snow buildup on the metal roof. In extreme cases, this added stress can collapse trusses and crack roof purlins.
While snow guards may be small, they offer significant advantages. Below, we outline the five key benefits of installing pole barn snow guards on both new and existing post-frame buildings.
5 Key Benefits of Installing Snow Guards on Pole Barn Roofs
1) Protect Your Property from Snow Damage
Without snow guards, anything stored alongside your post-frame building is exposed to sudden roof avalanches.
For instance, melting snow and ice can slide off the metal roofing panels onto your parked vehicle, potentially denting the hood or even cracking a windshield.
Proper snow guard installation helps prevent costly insurance claims by keeping snow in place and protecting your property from damage.
2) Reduce Liability Risk
Snow sliding off a pole barn roof isn't just a risk to property—it also endangers people. This risk is especially important for commercial post-frame buildings such as offices and retail stores with frequent foot traffic.
Falling snow and ice can cause serious injury, raising liability concerns. Installing pole barn snow guards helps retain snow, protecting employees and pedestrians while minimizing legal risk.
3) Strengthen Your Pole Barn's Structural Integrity
Properly installed snow guards play a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of your post-frame building.
Snow guards prevent heavy snow from sliding onto gutters or accumulating in areas that can cause significant pole barn damage. Excess weight on your metal roof can compromise the structure, putting your post-frame building—and anyone nearby—at risk.
If structural failure occurs, you may face costly repairs, insurance claims, and the challenge of finding a trusted pole barn repair company.
4) Quick & Safe Installation
A key advantage of pole barn snow guards is their flexibility—they can be installed at any time. Even if your post-frame building was originally designed without them, snow guards can be added later with minimal effort.
Some guards fasten to the metal roof panels with screws, while newer systems clamp to the seams. Plus, QLYFT allows snow guards to be installed more efficiently when the pole barn is assembled on the ground.
5) An Affordable & Durable Solution
When it comes to snow guards, the saying “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be more accurate.
Cheaper options like acrylic or plastic may save money upfront, but they lack the durability to handle heavy snowfall.
Opting for aluminum or stainless steel snow guards reduces the risk of structural damage to your post-frame building.
The number of snow guards required depends on the pole barn size, which can affect the overall cost of your construction project.
Overall, installing high-quality snow guards is an affordable and effective way to protect your metal roof investment.
Are You Ready to Install Pole Barn Snow Guards?
Now that you understand the benefits of snow guards, will you include them in your pole barn design?
If you have questions, our Project Sales Consultants are here to help you choose the best solution for your new or existing post-frame building.
Do you have more questions that aren’t covered in this article? If you need help with design and planning, please contact FBi Buildings at 800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you’re ready for a price, click here to request a quote, and a member of our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps.