Snow Guard Installation on Standing Seam Roof in King City, Ontario

Roof Experts installed ORIMA LE2 tubular steel snow guards on a mechanical lock standing seam metal roof in King City, Ontario. The homeowner had the roof installed by another contractor — after the first winter, snow slides off the metal panels were landing directly on the terrace, walkway, car parking, and front entrance below.

The client contacted us in spring. We assessed the roof, calculated the required layout based on roof slope and local snow load, and installed ORIMA LE2 snow guards in matte black — colour-matched to the existing black standing seam roof. The problem was solved before the next winter season.

Why snow slides happen on standing seam roofs

Standing seam metal roofs are extremely efficient at shedding snow. The smooth painted steel surface and steep panel geometry mean that accumulated snow releases suddenly — often as one large slab — during the first warm day after a snowfall or during freeze-thaw cycles common in Ontario from December through March.

In King City, ground snow load reaches 1.6–2.0 kPa per NBC 2020. A typical residential roof slope holds hundreds of kilograms of snow before release. Without retention, all of that comes down at once — directly onto whatever is below: a terrace, a parked car, a walkway, a front entrance.

ORIMA LE2 snow guard installation

We installed ORIMA LE2 tubular steel snow guards — a clamp-on system designed specifically for mechanical lock standing seam profiles. The LE2 clamp attaches directly to the double-folded mechanical lock seam without drilling through the panel surface. No holes, no sealants, no warranty issues.

System details

• Profile: mechanical lock standing seam, matte black
• Snow guards: ORIMA LE2 tubular steel, non-penetrating clamp-on
• Color: matte black powder coat — matched to roof color
• Load rating: 5 kN/m static load per SS 831367
• Installation type: retrofit — installed after first winter season
• Protected areas: terrace, walkway, car parking, front entrance
• Location: King City, Ontario

The lesson from King City

This project is a common scenario across King City, Aurora, Vaughan, and the northern GTA. A premium standing seam roof is installed — no snow guards. First winter arrives. Snow slides damage eavestroughs, hit parked cars, block walkways, or create a hazard above the front entrance. The homeowner calls us in spring.

Retrofit installation is straightforward and we do it regularly. But it costs more than installing snow guards at the time of roofing — and it causes disruption. If you are planning a standing seam roof, include snow guards in the project from the start.

ORIMA LE2 snow guards for mechanical lock standing seam are available for supply through our sister company:
ORIMA LE2 Steel Tubular Snow Guards — Safe Roof Experts

Not sure how many rows you need? Use our snow retention calculator:
saferoofexperts.com/snow-guards-calculator/

Service areas near King City

We serve King City and surrounding communities including Aurora, Schomberg, Nobleton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Newmarket. See our Aurora service page and snow guard installation page for more information.