Metal Roofs & Snow: Protecting Your Eavestroughs

In Alberta, a metal roof is a fantastic investment for longevity and fire resistance. However, they come with a unique challenge: the "snow slide." Unlike shingles, which have a gritty texture that helps hold snow in place, metal roofs are slick. When the Chinook winds blow or the sun hits that metal, massive sheets of snow and ice can slide off all at once. If your eavestrough system isn't prepared, that weight can bend, twist, or completely tear your gutters off the house.

At Eavestrough Co., we specialize in two primary ways to protect your home from this "avalanche" effect.

Option 1: Snow Stops (Keeping Snow in Its Place)

The most traditional way to handle this is by installing snow stops (or snow guards). These are small, strategically placed brackets installed on your metal roof.

How they work: They create friction to hold the snow on the roof, allowing it to melt slowly rather than sliding off in one dangerous chunk.
The Benefit: This protects your landscaping, your deck, and of course, your eavestroughs from a sudden impact.

Option 2: The Alu-Rex T-Rex® System (Reinforcement)

Many homeowners prefer the clean, sleek look of their metal roof and don’t want snow stops breaking up the lines. If you want the snow and ice to be able to slide off freely, you need an eavestrough that is strong enough to handle it.

We recommend the Alu-Rex T-Rex® continuous hanger system. This isn't your average gutter bracket; it’s a game-changer for Alberta winters.

Extreme Strength: Instead of being held up by individual spikes or hangers every few feet, the T-Rex system acts as a continuous reinforcement along the entire length of the gutter.
Snow & Ice Shedding: The design allows snow and ice to slide right over the top of the eavestrough. Because the gutter is essentially "fused" to the house with this heavy-duty hanger, it can withstand the weight and pressure that would normally rip a standard gutter away.
No Clogs: As a bonus, the Alu-Rex system doubles as a premium leaf guard, keeping debris out so your downspouts never back up during a mid-winter thaw.

Why Quality Installation Matters

Based on our experience out on the acreages near De Winton and throughout Calgary, we know that "standard" installation just doesn't cut it for metal roofs. You need a system that is over-engineered for our climate.

Whether we are installing a new 6-inch seamless system or upgrading your existing roofline, we ensure your gutters are mounted to survive the heaviest Alberta winters.

Protect Your Investment

Don’t wait for the next big snowfall to find out if your gutters can handle the weight. Whether you need snow stops installed or want the unmatched strength of the Alu-Rex hidden hanger system, we can help.

Is your home ready for the next "snow slide"? Call us at (403) 275-9000 to discuss the best protection for your metal roof.

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