Slate 101

Yes, there are retrofit snow guard solutions made for installation on roofs after they are installed.

Similar to your slate roof, it is advisable to schedule an annual inspection to examine the snow guards for any damage or issues, particularly after experiencing significant snowfall and ice accumulation during the winter season.

Snow guards come in aluminum, zinc, copper, lead-coated copper, brass and steel. Commonly used pad style snow guards are also available in a variety of colors.

Snow guards are individual pieces which are distributed on the roof. Usually beginning up from the eaves and moving upward. The positioning will differ based on the slope of the roof and the weight of the snow. They may feature a classic pad shape or decorative patterns like flowers, birds and stars.

A snow rail (pipe-style) retention system serves as a robust barrier and more frequently found on commercial properties. These systems consist of various components: pipes, end caps and collars, couplings, and a base plate that replaces a slate shingle. These bar rail systems may consist of one, two or even three railings to prevent snow from avalanching off a roof.

Snow guards are placed at strategic locations on a slate roof to manage the way snow is held in place to prevent sudden snow slides. Snow retention devices protect your gutters, landscaping and the safety of pedestrians. If you reside in a region that experiences snowfall each winter and your roof has a pitch steeper than 8:12, you might want to think about installing a snow retention system.

Snow guards and snow rail systems both control sliding snow, but they do it in different ways. North Country Slate uses snow guards as individual pieces spaced across the roof to break up snow and ice so it releases more gradually. Snow rail retention systems work as continuous horizontal barriers that hold a larger blanket of snow in place until it melts or sheds in a more controlled way. For natural slate roofing, the right choice depends on roof pitch, snowfall levels, entryways below, and the slate fastening method. In Canada and the USA, we usually recommend a layout based on climate, traffic areas, and the structure’s load requirements.

When repairing an existing slate roof, we recommend checking the slate condition, flashing, fasteners, and the cause of the leak before replacing anything. A good repair starts with identifying whether the issue is isolated breakage or part of a broader aging pattern. North Country Slate’s experts look at slate hardness, delamination, nail fatigue, copper or steel flashing condition, and whether previous repairs were done correctly. With natural slate roofing, matching the original installation method matters just as much as matching the tile itself. In Canada and the USA, freeze-thaw cycles, snow load, and regional weather exposure can all affect repair priorities, so careful inspection is always the first step.

We match replacement slate by comparing the original stone’s colour range, dimensions, thickness, texture, and weathered appearance as closely as possible. The best results come from removing a sample and measuring it carefully rather than guessing from ground level. Our experts at North Country Slate compare the exposed length, full tile size, edge finish, and nominal thickness, then look for a compatible quarry source or suggest reclaimed material. With natural slate roofing, colour matching often means matching variation, not finding one perfectly uniform shade.

Yes, snow guards can usually be added after installation, but they need to be selected and installed carefully to avoid damaging the slate. Retrofit snow guards are common, especially where sliding snow creates hazards over walkways, driveways, or lower roof sections. We choose systems designed specifically for slate, with attachment methods that respect the existing tiles and flashing details. On natural slate roofing, the age of the roof, slate condition, fastening pattern, and snow load all matter before any retrofit is planned. In Canada and the USA, North Country Slate strongly recommends a layout based on local winter conditions so the added system performs properly without stressing the roof assembly.