1
Redirect Moving Snow
A diverter positioned on the upslope side of the penetration can separate moving snow and ice so it passes around the pipe or chimney instead of striking it directly.
Metal Roof Snow & Ice Protection
Protect Roof Vents and Chimneys From Sliding Snow and Ice
Snow and ice can move down a smooth metal roof and place substantial force against vent pipes, chimneys and other rooftop penetrations. Purpose-built vent protection helps redirect that moving snow around the penetration while also providing support to the pipe or chimney.
Purpose-Built Vent Protection
This installation shows a dedicated vent-protection system positioned on the upslope side of a roof penetration to help redirect moving snow and ice while providing support to the vent pipe.
Learn how metal roof vent protection works →Why Metal Roof Vent Protection Is Different
Protecting an individual vent pipe or chimney is different from managing accumulated snow across an entire roof area. Purpose-built vent protection focuses directly on the vulnerable penetration.
2
Support the Penetration
A purpose-built vent protection system can connect to the vent pipe or chimney so the device does more than simply create an obstacle in front of it.
3
Match the Roof Type
Standing seam and exposed-fastener metal roofs require different attachment methods. Correct attachment is an important part of the protection system.
Important distinction:
A vent-protection device protects a particular penetration.
A properly designed snow-retention system manages snow across
a larger roof area. They can serve complementary purposes,
but they are not the same system.
Why Vents and Chimneys Can Be Vulnerable on Metal Roofs
A roof penetration extends above the smooth metal roof surface and becomes an obstruction when accumulated snow and ice begin moving downslope.
Pressure against the upslope side of an unsupported penetration can bend, loosen or damage vent and chimney assemblies.
- Plumbing vent stacks
- Chimneys and stove pipes
- Gas vents
- Taller roof stacks
- Similar vertical roof penetrations
Start With Your Metal Roof Type
The roof attachment method is one of the most important differences when selecting vent and chimney protection.
SS
Standing Seam Metal Roofs
Standing seam roofs are concealed-fastener systems that commonly allow the roof panels to move as temperatures change.
A compatible clamp-mounted system can provide a nonpenetrating attachment to the roof seams without drilling fasteners through the floating roof panel.
Standing seam vent protection →
SD
Screw-Down Metal Roofs
Exposed-fastener metal roofs allow mechanically fastened mounting methods, but the protective device still needs adequate structural attachment.
Fasteners should engage suitable blocking, decking or another appropriate substrate beneath the metal roof rather than relying only on the thin roof panel.
Screw-down vent protection →How Metal Roof Vent Protection Works
The basic concept is to address both the moving snow and the exposed penetration rather than relying on the vent pipe or chimney to resist the force by itself.
1
Snow Begins Moving
Accumulated snow and ice can release from the smooth surface of a sloped metal roof and begin traveling toward the eave.
2
The System Redirects the Snow
The protection device is positioned on the upslope side of the penetration so moving snow and ice can be directed around the vent or chimney.
3
The Penetration Receives Support
The protective assembly connects to the pipe or chimney, adding support to the penetration as part of the overall system.
Read the complete explanation of how vent protection works →
Looking for a Purpose-Built Vent Protection System?
VentSaver manufactures snow-diversion and support systems for vent pipes, chimneys and similar roof penetrations on metal roofs, including mounting approaches for standing seam and screw-down roof systems.
About This Educational Resource
MetalRoofVentGuards.com is an educational resource provided by IceBlox, Inc. d.b.a. SnoBlox-Snojax, the company behind VentSaver vent pipe and chimney protection products.
Technical subject matter presented on this website is based on information published by VentSaver.com and has been independently rewritten and organized for educational use. MetalRoofVentGuards.com does not reproduce VentSaver website copy.
Current VentSaver products, installation instructions, accessories and purchasing information are available at VentSaver.com . Broader metal roof snow-retention information is available from SnoBlox-Snojax .