General technical information
on our BRONZE GUARD® products.

BRONZE GUARD®, a division of Mullane Manufacturing, now offers a complete line of high quality snow retention products for all steep roof applications. All BRONZE GUARD® products are cast in pure tin bronze, using only virgin metals to assure the highest quality alloy. The castings are produced locally by old-world craftsmen using state of the art equipment to assure that each casting is of consistent quality. The final assembly is done by hand, using only solid copper rivets, so that each finished product is of uniform quality.

OVERALL PRODUCT DATA:

For thousands of years, bronze has been the most popular metal for creating great works of art because it is malleable, easy to work and form in molds, and it has a beautiful natural color. Its resistance to corrosion, even under the most extreme atmospheres, has earned bronze the reputation as the metal of all ages.

BRONZE GUARD® castings are all pure tin bronze. Tin increases hardness, making bronze more resistant to wear than is copper. Bronze is stronger and harder than any other common alloy except steel, which it exceeds in resistance to corrosion. Bronzes with 10% or more of tin are harder, stronger, and more resistant to corrosion than brass, which is a copper and zinc alloy. Bronze is the preferred alloy because of the unique way in which molten bronze becomes a solid. Copper and tin are mixed, along with other trace metals, in furnaces until melted, (around 2000°F.) After the molten alloy is poured into the sand molds, it expands as it first cools and fills every detail of the mold. When it solidifies and cools further, it shrinks slightly so that the final casting does not stick to the mold. This is where the skill of the foundrymen comes into play. Perfectly controlled "directional solidification" is the method which arranges for a solidifying "front" within a casting to advance towards a zone in which the metal is maintained molten as long as necessary to feed the casting. This results in the elimination of shrinkage cavities which can weaken a casting.

Cast bronze for structural elements is preferred over brass because of what is called "brittle fracture", where the brass can develop stress fractures when under load in extreme cold. Also, because of its high zinc content, brass is susceptible to what is called "season cracking", a metal fatigue when brass is bent or otherwise worked.

USES AND APPLICATIONS:

Snow guards should be installed where the potential for the sudden sliding of ice and snow can be hazardous to people or property below. Falling snow is a life safety issue, and careful consideration of liability issues should be part of a carefully designed roof system in all areas prone to winter snow and ice.

MATERIALS AND FINISHES:

Natural bronze will darken with age and eventually turn a distinctive green patina. Oxidation run-off, and discoloration of the roof material is usually not a concern, as rain water doesn't flow over the castings as in valleys or gutters, but is only moistened by direct rainfall, which gives minimal run-off. Lead coated copper is available, where the sheet is lead coated copper, and the casting has an electroplated tin/lead coating. Oxide and patina finishes are available on the Model #400 (Classic).

ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION:

All BRONZE GUARD® products are shipped completely prefabricated and ready for easy installation, either by predrilled holes for fastener application, or, for the Models #100/#200/#300, with the optional Retro-Hook, available at no extra charge.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

Our technical advisors can answer many installation questions over the phone, or by E-mail. For a detailed installation recommendation, a roof plan, with relevant elevations is requested, in order to properly determine quantity and placement of the specified product.

CODES AND CERTIFICATION:

All of our products have been developed by extensive research into the forces that the products will be subjected to when under load on the roof. This research has allowed us to design and manufacture products which, in addition to their pleasing design, are extremely durable. Results of failure point testing, done by an independent nationally recognized testing laboratory, are available upon request.

WARRANTY:

BRONZE GUARD®, and/or M. J. Mullane Company, Inc. warrants that our snow and ice guards are manufactured free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of original purchase. Any defective product will be replaced free of charge. We are not responsible for the improper application of the Snow and Ice Guards, nor for the installation of guards in less than the recommended quantities. In no event shall BRONZE GUARD® or the M. J. Mullane Company, Inc. be liable for incidental or consequential damages.