Utah winters are beautiful, but heavy snowfall can create serious risks for homeowners. If you have a steep roof or a roof prone to sliding snow, this is something you should not ignore.
As snow accumulates, it melts and refreezes, creating dense layers of snow and ice. When that buildup releases, it can slide off the roof in a sudden avalanche. These snow slides can cause significant damage to:
Beyond property damage, sliding snow can create real safety hazards for family members, guests, and pets.
Snow slides are a concern for any steep roof, not just homes with solar panels. However, solar panels can accelerate the issue. Because panels warm faster than surrounding roofing materials, snow often melts and releases more quickly and in larger sections. This can cause heavier snow to slide at greater speeds.
Whether you have solar or not, properly installed snow guards help control how snow releases from your roof. Instead of one large, dangerous slide, snow guards allow snow to melt gradually and fall in smaller, manageable amounts.
Snow guards are not just about convenience. They are about:
At Sun Elevated, we install snow retention systems designed specifically for your roof type, pitch, and layout to ensure reliable winter protection.
If your roof sheds snow aggressively each winter, it may be time to consider a permanent solution.
Wash Me Solar’s Snow Guard System consists of two different products that help protect you:
Snow Dogs are 6 inch metal slats attached between your solar panels designed to break up the snow into smaller pieces as it falls down your panels, ensuring that any snow falling off your roof will fall in smaller chunks versus large, potentially fatal ones. Made of high quality metal, these snow dogs are reliable, good looking and they work well.
Snow Rails are 2 inch metal railing that attach to the bottom of your solar array, intended to catch the snow and ice before they fall off your roof. They are tall enough to catch the snow, yet small enough to not cause shading issues with your panels.
Snow guards are protective devices installed on your roof or solar panels to prevent large sheets of snow and ice from sliding off all at once. Without snow retention systems, melting snow can release suddenly, creating dangerous “avalanches” that damage gutters, landscaping, vehicles, and even pose a risk to people.
All nesting debris, droppings, and contaminated materials are removed unWhen snow and ice accumulate on your roof, especially around smooth solar panels, they can slide off in one dangerous sheet. This can pull down gutters, damage siding, destroy plants below, or injure anyone nearby. Snow guards act like small barriers that break up the snow load, allowing it to shed off safely in stages, reducing the risk of structural or property damage.der and around panels. We also clean adjacent gutters and surfaces to eliminate health hazards and odors.
Yes, solar panels typically have a smooth, low-friction surface that prevents snow from staying in place. This makes your roof more prone to sudden snow slides, especially during a sunny afternoon following a snowstorm. Installing snow guards for solar panels helps reduce this risk and adds a layer of protection for your property.
Snow guards can be installed on both metal and asphalt shingle roofs. Our team customizes each installation based on your roof pitch, panel layout, and typical snow load to ensure optimal performance and protection.
Not when professionally installed. At Wash Me Solar, we use non-invasive attachment methods designed specifically for solar panel arrays and roofing systems. Our installation does not penetrate roofing materials in a way that would compromise your manufacturer’s warranty. We also provide a workmanship guarantee for added peace of mind.
