When Snow Slides

Why Snowstops Are Essential for Steel Roofs in Ontario

Winter in Central Ontario brings heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles. While steel roofing is incredibly durable and long-lasting, it comes with one important consideration during winter: snow slide.

That’s where snowstops come in.

What Are Snowstops?

Snowstops are metal devices installed on steel roofs to control and break up sliding snow and ice. Without them, accumulated snow can suddenly release in large sheets, sliding off the roof all at once.

This can be dangerous and damaging.

On steep-pitched steel roofs especially, snowstops are not just recommended — they are often a necessity.

Why Snow Slides Off Steel Roofs

Steel roofing panels have a smooth surface, which makes them excellent for shedding snow. However, during warmer days when the sun hits the roof, snow can loosen and slide off quickly.

When this happens, it can:

• Damage eavestroughs
• Tear off downspouts
• Break plumbing stacks or chimney flashing
• Create hazardous conditions over walkways and doorways
• Damage decks and vehicles below

Snowstops help prevent this by breaking up snow and ice as it slides, allowing it to come down in smaller, controlled amounts.

The Type of Snowstops We Install

At Roofing For Less, we do not install plastic tab-style snowstops. Over time, plastic can split and crack due to Ontario’s temperature fluctuations.

Instead, we install durable steel snowstops designed to last as long as your steel roof.

Depending on the roofing system, we use:

• Steel snowstops installed in continuous 10-foot lengths
• Staggered 2-foot steel sections
• Tubular steel snowstop systems for standing seam roofs that clamp directly onto the seam rib

Our snowstops are colour-matched to your steel roof panels for a clean, professional appearance.

Where Should Snowstops Be Installed?

Proper placement is just as important as the product itself. Snowstops should be installed:

• Above doorways
• Over walkways
• Above decks
• Over driveways
• In front of plumbing stacks and chimneys

They also help protect eavestrough systems from being torn off by heavy sliding snow and ice.

Are Snowstops Necessary?

In our experience serving Central Ontario for over 35 years, most steel roofs benefit significantly from properly installed snowstops. Steeper roofs almost always require them.

Without snowstops, one heavy thaw can cause unexpected and costly damage.

Protecting Your Home This Winter

If you have a steel roof and are unsure whether snowstops are installed properly, winter is a good time to assess your setup. Planning ahead can help prevent damage before spring melt begins.

Roofing For Less has extensive experience installing steel roofing systems and professional-grade snowstops designed for Ontario conditions.

If you have questions about snow control on your roof, our team is happy to help.