Snow fence

Snow fence and foot support

The snow fence primarily serves to prevent snow from falling uncontrollably from the roof, and whenever large quantities of snow accumulate, it allows the snow to be removed from the roof in a controlled manner. They can also serve as an anchor point for personal fall protection, and serve as a foot support when working near the roof foot or roof break.

The design shall be based on the force of the entire snow load in the direction of the roof pitch being withstood by the snow fence.

Calculation of the amount of snow on the roof and force against the snow fence is made based on the following input values:

• Where in the country the building is located = snow zone in question
• What kind of roof and the roof pitch = the roof’s form factor
• Local conditions in the form of topography, vegetation, adjacent buildings, snow makers, risk of snow accumulations etc.
• The number of snow fences chosen must not exceed what the roof’s structure is designed for before the safety factor is added.

A snow fence is always installed along the roof foot and supplements it with further units above based on the actual snow condition. Further rows of snow fences may be replaced further up on the roof with snow stoppers. However, the lowermost snow fence must remain in place to maintain a protection against sliding snow and ice, and to serve as a foot support at the roof foot.

Always make sure that the snow fence is installed in accordance with the instructions, for example, the tightening torque of the clasps between the tube and the bracket, so that the intended strength against snow loads is obtained.