The Accessories That Solve Specific Problems

Beyond shingles, underlayment, and flashing, there's a category of specialty materials designed to solve specific roofing challenges: snow sliding off metal roofs, moss growth, ice dams, and more.

These aren't standard on every roof. They're solutions to specific problems. This guide explains what they are, when you need them, and how they work.

1. Snow Guards (Metal Roof Snow Retention)

The Problem:

Metal roofs shed snow efficiently — sometimes too efficiently. A sudden snow slide can:

• Damage gutters and downspouts
• Destroy landscaping and shrubs
• Injure people walking below
• Damage vehicles parked near the house
• Tear off lower roof sections (on multi-level roofs)

The Solution: Snow Guards

Snow guards are devices installed on metal roofs to hold snow in place, allowing it to melt gradually rather than sliding off in dangerous avalanches.

Types of Snow Guards:

Pad-Style Snow Guards:

• Small metal or plastic pads adhered or mechanically fastened to roof
• Installed in rows across roof
• Cost: $3-8 per pad, 50-150 pads per roof
• Best for: Residential metal roofs, moderate snow loads

Bar-Style Snow Guards (Snow Fences):

• Continuous metal bars running horizontally across roof
• Supported by brackets attached to roof
• Cost: $15-30 per linear foot installed
• Best for: Commercial buildings, heavy snow loads, steep roofs

When You Need Snow Guards:

• Metal roofs in Hope, Harrison Hot Springs, or other snow zones
• Roofs over entrances, walkways, or parking areas
• Steep roofs (6:12 pitch or greater)
• Multi-level roofs (upper roof over lower roof)

Installation Considerations:

• Must be installed during initial roofing (difficult to retrofit)
• Placement calculated based on roof pitch, snow load, and eave overhang
• Improper placement can cause snow to accumulate and overload roof structure

Cost: $500-2,000 for typical residential metal roof

2. Zinc Strips (Moss and Algae Prevention)

The Problem:

Moss and algae growth on asphalt shingles is inevitable in Fraser Valley's wet climate, especially on north-facing roofs and tree-shaded areas. Moss retains moisture, accelerates shingle deterioration, and looks terrible.

The Solution: Zinc Strips

Zinc strips are thin metal strips installed at the roof ridge. When it rains, zinc ions wash down the roof, creating an environment hostile to moss and algae growth.

How It Works:

• Zinc strip installed at ridge (or multiple rows on large roofs)
• Rain dissolves microscopic amounts of zinc
• Zinc-infused water flows down roof
• Zinc inhibits moss and algae growth

Effectiveness:

• Algae: 80-90% reduction (very effective)
• Moss: 50-70% reduction (moderately effective)
• Lifespan: 15-20 years (zinc slowly erodes)

Limitations:

• Only protects area below zinc strip (typically 15-20 feet)
• Less effective on heavily shaded roofs
• Doesn't kill existing moss (roof must be cleaned first)
• Requires rain to activate (doesn't work during dry periods)

Cost: $200-400 installed (typical residential roof)

Alternative: Algae-Resistant Shingles

Modern shingles with copper or zinc granules (IKO ArmourZone, Owens Corning StreakGuard) provide similar protection without separate zinc strips. These are our preferred solution for new roofs.

3. Heat Cables (Ice Dam Prevention)

The Problem:

Ice dams form when heat from the living space melts snow on the roof. Meltwater runs down to the cold eaves and refreezes, creating an ice dam. Water backs up behind the dam and leaks into the home.

The Solution: Heat Cables

Electric heating cables installed in a zigzag pattern along eaves and in valleys. They melt channels through ice, allowing water to drain.

How They Work:

• Self-regulating cables (adjust heat output based on temperature)
• Installed in zigzag pattern along eaves (12-18 inch spacing)
• Extended into gutters and downspouts
• Plugged into outdoor GFCI outlet
• Activated when ice dams form or before major snowstorms

Effectiveness:

• Very effective at melting ice dams once they form
• Prevents water backup and leaks
• Requires electricity (operating cost)

Limitations:

• Treats Symptoms, Not Cause: Ice dams form due to heat loss from living space. Proper insulation and ventilation prevent ice dams. Heat cables just manage them.
• Operating Cost: $50-150 per winter (electricity)
• Maintenance: Cables can be damaged by falling ice or debris

Cost: $800-1,500 installed (typical residential roof)

Our Recommendation:

Heat cables are a band-aid solution. The real fix is proper attic insulation and ventilation to keep the roof deck cold. However, heat cables are useful for:

• Historic homes where insulation upgrades aren't feasible
• Complex roof geometries with unavoidable warm spots
• Temporary solution while planning insulation upgrades

4. Gutter Guards (Debris Protection)

The Problem:

Gutters clog with leaves, needles, and debris, causing overflow and potential water damage to fascia, soffits, and foundation.

The Solution: Gutter Guards

Covers or screens installed over gutters to prevent debris entry while allowing water to flow.

Types:

Screen Guards:

• Mesh screen over gutter opening
• Cost: $3-8 per linear foot
• Effectiveness: 60-70% (small debris still enters)

Reverse-Curve Guards:

• Water flows over curved surface into gutter, debris falls off
• Cost: $15-25 per linear foot
• Effectiveness: 80-90%

Micro-Mesh Guards:

• Fine mesh blocks even small debris
• Cost: $20-30 per linear foot
• Effectiveness: 90-95% (best option)

Our Recommendation:

Gutter guards work, but they're not maintenance-free. You'll still need to clean them periodically (just less often). For most homeowners, annual gutter cleaning ($150-300) is more cost-effective than $2,000-3,000 in gutter guards.

When Gutter Guards Make Sense:

• Homes surrounded by mature trees
• Two-story or difficult-to-access gutters
• Homeowners who can't or won't clean gutters regularly

5. Drip Edge Extensions (Fascia Protection)

The Problem:

Standard drip edge extends 2 inches down the fascia. In heavy rain or when gutters overflow, water can still run behind gutters and rot fascia boards.

The Solution: Extended Drip Edge

Custom-fabricated drip edge that extends 4-6 inches down the fascia, directing water well clear of the fascia board.

Cost: $2-4 per linear foot (vs. $1-2 for standard drip edge)

When It's Worth It:

• Homes with chronic fascia rot
• Properties without gutters
• Exposed locations with wind-driven rain

6. Chimney Caps (Flue Protection)

The Problem:

Uncapped chimneys allow rain, snow, birds, and debris to enter the flue, causing water damage, blockages, and draft problems.

The Solution: Chimney Caps

Metal caps installed on chimney tops with mesh sides to prevent entry while allowing smoke to escape.

Benefits:

• Prevents rain entry (protects fireplace and chimney interior)
• Blocks birds and animals
• Prevents downdrafts
• Spark arrestor (prevents embers from escaping)

Cost: $200-500 installed

Our Recommendation: Every chimney should have a cap. It's cheap insurance against water damage and blockages.

7. Skylight Shades and Blinds

The Problem:

Skylights provide natural light but can cause excessive heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.

The Solution: Skylight Shades

Interior or exterior shades/blinds that control light and heat transfer.

Types:

• Manual Shades: $150-300 per skylight
• Motorized Shades: $400-800 per skylight
• Solar-Powered: $500-1,000 per skylight

Note: We're roofers, not shade installers. But we recommend considering shades when installing skylights.

The Bottom Line

Specialty materials solve specific problems. Not every roof needs them. But when you have the problem they solve, they're worth every penny.

At RJ Roofing Bros, we'll recommend specialty materials when they make sense for your specific situation. We won't upsell you on products you don't need.

Questions about specialty materials? Call (604) 997-1292 and we'll discuss your specific needs.