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Where Are Snow Guards Required in Canada and the USA?

Posted by Denis

On September 5, 2025

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Why it matters:
For architects and contractors, one of the most common questions is: “Do I need to include snow guards in this project?” The answer depends on both regional climate conditions and building code requirements.

Canada

Ontario & Quebec: High snow loads (1.8–3.0 kN/m²). Snow guards are strongly recommended for all standing seam and metal roofs, especially on public and commercial buildings.

Newfoundland, Yukon, Nunavut: Extremely heavy snow regions (3.5–4.0+ kN/m²). In practice, snow retention systems are not optional — they are essential for safety and code compliance.

British Columbia (south): Variable loads (1.5–2.0 kN/m²). Snow guards are recommended in mountain areas and wherever pedestrian traffic is near the building perimeter.

Prairie Provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan): Loads around 1.8–2.2 kN/m². Snow guards are expected on commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities.
Note: While the National Building Code of Canada does not explicitly prescribe “snow guards”, it requires that falling snow/ice must not endanger occupants or damage property. That responsibility falls to the designer — which in practice means integrating snow retention.

USA

Northern States (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New England): IBC (International Building Code) requires that snow and ice falling hazards be mitigated. Local codes often reference snow retention directly.
Mountain States (Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho): Very high snow loads, tubular snow guard systems are standard practice for standing seam roofs.
Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon): Snow retention is recommended for projects in higher elevations and areas with wet, heavy snow.

In the US, requirements come from the IBC plus state/local amendments. Many municipalities require snow guards on public/commercial buildings where roof avalanches could endanger people.

Key Takeaways for Architects & Contractors

✔ Commercial projects (schools, hospitals, sport centers, retail): Snow guards are almost always required.
✔ Residential projects: Strongly recommended anywhere snow loads exceed 1.5 kN/m².
✔ Standing seam roofs^ Use clamp-on tubular systems: no holes, no leaks, no warranty issues.
✔ At design stage: It’s always easier and more cost-effective to integrate snow retention into the specification than to retrofit later.

How We Help

Safe Roof Experts supplies snow retention systems — engineered for Canadian and US codes, available in steel, stainless steel, and copper.
We provide:

Engineering support & snow load calculations
Layout drawings for architects
Nationwide delivery across Canada & USA