S-5-T™ Clamp

The answer to this question varies with the load direction, the seam profile, the roof material and the clamp model.

These variables result with a wide range of holding capacities from ±300 lbs (235 kg) to ±4,000 lbs (1800 kg). This is why for critical applications it is important to correctly identify the roof panel, seam type, gauge, etc along with the recommended seam clamp for the specific roof.  [ link-- Clamp-to-seam tool]  When used on some “applied cap” architectural type seam styles, S-5! may yield low load-to-failure results as compared with integrated seam profiles. Always check our load table to verify the correct allowable holding strength on your specific roof type.

Our standard test procedures are to test the mini (one setscrew) clamps with negative load normal to seam, and standard (two setscrew) clamps with load parallel to seam. We have performed numerous parallel to seam datum tests on mini clamps and concluded from engineering analysis the mini clamp is (conservatively) obtaining more than ½ the strength of the standard clamps. In fact, the majority of the datum testing indicates the strength of a mini is closer to 2/3 the strength of a standard clamp. In due course, we are adding certified lab testing in this load direction for mini clamps.

In the interim, should certification of the load application parallel to seam be critical to your application, we suggest using the standard (two setscrew) design. 

If there is a design objective to color-match pre-painted steel or aluminum roof material, then ColorGard® is the obvious choice. ColorGard can also be used without the color strip for mill finish steel and aluminum roofs. For projects involving, traditional folded standing seam or batten seam copper, brass SnoRail™ or SnoFence™ is a perfect solution. SnoRail or SnoFence also come in mill-finished aluminum for steel and aluminum roofing.

High snow load design and wide seam spacing, we suggest X-Gard™ 1.0 and X-Gard™ 2.0. When architectural specifications call for a 1″ pipe system, choose DualGard™. 

When there is no guiding specification toward a certain product it can be confusing trying to figure out what system is best for your roof and area. The best way to help determine what system is best for your roof is to visit our Snow Retention Calculator. You can enter your critical roof details (rafter length, slope and design snow load) and it will allow you to toggle between our ColorGard, DualGard, X-Gard 1.0, & X-Gard 2.0 systems. With this feature, you can compare row requirements and breakdowns for each system helping you decide what is best for your roof.

Explore all of our snow guard systems here. 

S-5! clamps will not fit on face-fastened trapezoidal rib or corrugated type panels. While our clamps won't work on thru-fastened roofs, we do have bracket products for them. Explore our entire line of brackets.

S-5! products will not fit to hollow “batten” seam type panels (see images in red below) - but can be used for the traditional (wood-backed) batten seam folded joints, as shown below in green.

Any time there is a folded seam we can usually attach a clamp to it. A great way to know if we have a product for your roof is to determine what the roof is with our "Clamp-to-Seam tool".