By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards.

See why this Colorado roofer relies on Yeti 18 for snow retention projects.

It starts in October and can continue into May. In the town of Aspen, Colorado snowfall reaching up to 180 inches can blanket the earth for almost eight months each year. That’s a key reason why smart Colorado roofers replacing old cedar shakes on homes with new composite shake tiles always recommend snow retention systems.

Roofer Andy Dutlinger knows this situation firsthand. For the past decade his company has relied on the free layout and design services at Rocky Mountain Snow Guards to assure his customers have quality snow retention systems.

“For one of our most recent re-roofing projects in Aspen we installed composite shake from DaVinci® Roofscapes,” says Andy, account manager with Roper Roofing & Solar out of Wheat Ridge, Colorado. “This is a very slick product, so I knew we’d want to have snow retention. My first choice was the Yeti 18 snow guards in copper. They’re a high-quality product that adds a strong designer element to the roof.”

Made of durable aluminum (and available also in copper), Yeti Series Snow Guards feature classic half-round styling with 4.1 square inches of pad area and a quarter inch of cupped edge. The Yeti 18 is 18 inches in overall length and designed for new installation of natural and synthetic slate and shake, plus cedar shingle roofs located in more demanding snow conditions.

Growing the business

As his company has done for the past 10 years, Andy relied on the sturdy products from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards for the very large Aspen residential project. He attached each Yeti 18 with 4-ring shank nails. He reflected on the project: 

This roof was about 126 squares. The Rocky Mountain Snow Guards products are the products we repeatedly use. The Yeti 18 is our ‘go to’ product because they’re more elegant and high-end. With this particular roof, the copper snow guards accent the Aged Cedar color of the DaVinci shake tiles. The project overall looks beautiful and the homeowners got the protection they asked for above key walkway areas of the home where they specifically wanted it.

Looking ahead, Andy plans to keep using Rocky Mountain Snow Guards' products and services. As he put it, "Right now our business is in the Denver metro area, Colorado Springs, the entire Front Range and various communities across the state. As we grow our business into more alpine work we’re looking forward to expanding our use of snow retention products and partnering more with Rocky Mountain Snow Guards."

By Emma Peterson. 

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards helps contractors protect people and property with free, customized snow retention layouts.  

In a new Roofing Road Trips® episode, Karen Edwards sat down with Brian Cross and Dylan Quirk of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards to learn about how they support roofers with free, customized snow retention layout and design plans. What makes this support so significant? Layout and design are key to ensuring that snow retention systems perform effectively. Dylan explained:  

When you’re working with snow retention, there are a lot of factors at play. Some of the major ones are going to be roofing material, roof pitch and geographical area (which helps us determine the snow loads). If you don’t account for all these different variables and just throw something up on the roof with no design, you can’t be sure that it will actually retain snow safely. 

What Rocky Mountain Snow Guards’ free service does is help contractors and designers navigate all that. As Brian put it, “Our team looks at all those factors and figures out what system will work best on the specific roof, how we’re going to attach it and how many rows of retention we’re putting up.”  

So, what exactly do contractors receive when they get their free layout and design plans? Dylan shared some insight:  

We'll get some sort of architectural drawing or satellite imagery of the part of the roof that they want retention on. And what we send back to the client is instructions as well as a drawing showing where and how to place snow retention on that area. They also get a packet that includes the actual estimate with the product descriptions and installation instructions, cut sheets and more. Really, we give them everything they need to get it installed correctly. 

And the best part? You can get this all in three days for free and if you need changes made, it stays free! We are passionate not just about snow retention, but snow retention done right. That’s why our quotes are completely free, even if it's a project that encompasses 15 buildings and the client wants three different iterations resulting in 45 estimates made,” Brian explained. “We don’t charge anything because our priority is education. Snow retention is a liability product and if something goes up that doesn’t work, it’s not just bad for the contractor, it’s bad for us, the larger industry and can even be dangerous.” 

You can start your free quote today at www.rockymountainsnowguards.com/snow-guard-layout-and-design. And if you want to learn more about why snow retention is so important, you can Listen or Watch the whole Roofing Road Trips® with Brian and Dylan.

The two-bar system surrounding the school provides a clean, continuous appearance that complements the synthetic shake roofing while offering effective snow retention. 

What started as a two-room schoolhouse in 1897 for 50 students has evolved into a large campus educating 260 kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Ravinia Elementary School, one of the oldest and most architecturally significant civic buildings in Highland Park, Ill., recently received a renovation and addition project recently that positions it for the future. Chief among the accomplishments was replacing old, worn cedar shakes with new synthetic shakes and a snow retention system.

“The building needed significant improvements to better support increased enrollment, expanded programming, and evolving educational practices along with accessibility, safety and security in a modern school setting,” says Vince Procaccio, RA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, senior project architect at Wight & Company out of Darien, Ill. “This project addressed those issues with care, while preserving the architectural features and overall feel that have made Ravinia such a recognizable part of the neighborhood.”

Addressing roofing needs

When it came to the roof, the high maintenance obligations on the district for handling the natural wood shakes had to be addressed. The architectural firm worked with INSPEC, Inc. to select both an easy-care roofing product and snow retention system for Ravinia Elementary School.

To replace the rotting wood shakes, CEDUR synthetic shakes were chosen. The composite shakes will maintain the appearance and character of a cedar shake roof while providing the durability, reduced maintenance and fire performance needed for the institutional building. To ensure that ice and snow move safely off the new roof in winter weather, a NoFlash II two-bar snow fence system in dark bronze from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards was specified.

“Whenever steep-slope synthetic roofing is installed, there’s an important design consideration need for snow retention systems to help manage snow and ice movement,” says Tony Loden, associate, senior building envelope consultant with INSPEC, Inc. “These are especially needed above entrances, sidewalks and other occupied areas."

Tony went on, "Properly designed snow retention systems help control the release of accumulated snow and ice, reducing the potential for sudden sliding events while protecting pedestrians, landscaping, equipment and adjacent property. These systems are especially a prudent investment for educational facilities because they enhance occupant safety while minimizing maintenance concerns and operational disruptions during the winter seasons.”

Tony relates that his firm specifically chose the NoFlash II system for Ravinia Elementary School based on the double rod style and the overall look it presents against the composite wood shake roof. Being familiar with Rocky Mountain Snow Guard products, he and his team were confident that the product will help keep the aesthetics compatible with the neighborhood.

“The appearance and performance characteristics of the NoFlash II system align well with the project’s historic preservation objectives,” added Vince. “The two-bar system surrounding the school provides a clean, continuous appearance that complements the synthetic shake roofing while offering effective snow retention. It also avoids the visual clutter often associated with individual snow guards and provides a more uniform distribution of snow loads across the roof surface.”

Specifying synthetics in the future

Installed by Bennett & Brosseau Roofing, Inc. out of Romeoville, Ill., use of the expansive synthetic roof on the school follows a consistent trend that Procaccio and Loden have seen over the past several years. While initially a higher cost item, synthetic roofing has a strong return on investment due to its longevity and lower maintenance fees.

“As manufacturers continue to improve the appearance, durability and long-term performance of synthetic roofing products, we anticipate gradual growth in their use,” says Vince. “This should especially occur in renovation projects involving historic schools and municipal buildings. As these synthetic roof systems become more prevalent, we also expect snow retention systems to be incorporated more frequently as a standard life-safety feature in our northern climates.”

From his perspective, Tony offers that, “Overall, snow retention systems are an important life-safety component for steep slope roof systems in northern Illinois, particularly above school entrances, sidewalks, loading areas and other high-traffic pedestrian locations. Winter weather in the Chicago metropolitan area routinely creates icy walking conditions and uncontrolled roof avalanches can significantly increase the risk of injury to students, staff and visitors. Properly specified and installed snow retention systems, like the NoFlash II, can help eliminate those problems.”

By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards.

Retrofit roofing projects are not just opportunities to repair or replace a roof. They are opportunities to provide a more complete roofing solution. One practical way to do that is by recommending snow retention products where they are needed.

For contractors, recommending snow retention can increase the overall value of a roofing project while helping homeowners address a real seasonal concern. Snow guards, snow fences and snow bars add a practical, safety-focused solution to the project scope and can become a meaningful upgrade that differentiates one roofer’s proposal from another.

That does not mean every roof requires the same solution. It means every applicable retrofit project deserves a snow retention conversation. The contractor who brings it up first demonstrates professionalism, protects the homeowner’s investment and creates an opportunity to grow the project with products that serve a clear purpose.

Helping roofers get it right

Specifying snow retention can feel complicated because every roof is different. Roof pitch, roof material, snow load, valleys, eaves, entry locations and overall roof layout all matter. That is why Rocky Mountain Snow Guards can be such a valuable resource for roofers.

“Our company offers free layout assistance and product lists for roofers across a wide range of roof types and snow retention applications,” according to Brian Cross, sales and operations/partner with Rocky Mountain Snow Guards out of Colorado. “Whether the project calls for snow guards, snow fences, snow bars or a combination of products, our experts can help contractors identify options that fit the roof material and project conditions.”

For roofers, that support can simplify the sales conversation and improve confidence in the recommendation. Instead of guessing at quantities or placement, contractors can lean on a snow retention specialist for layouts, product guidance and the information needed to present homeowners with a clearer, more complete solution.

The sales advantage for roofers

When roofers explain the purpose of snow retention, they help homeowners see the value behind the recommendation. This can make the project feel more thoughtful and complete, especially when snow retention is positioned as a way to help protect entrances, garage doors, walkways, landscaping and other vulnerable areas below the roofline.

With the right snow retention products and the support of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, contractors can strengthen their proposals, increase project value and help customers feel more secure every time winter weather arrives.

By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards.

Instead of positioning snow retention as an optional accessory, roofers can present it as a thoughtful enhancement to the retrofit project. 

For many homeowners, a new or upgraded roof is about protection, curb appeal and long-term peace of mind. But in snow country, one important part of that conversation can easily get overlooked: what happens when accumulated snow and ice suddenly releases from the roof?

That’s where roofers have a powerful opportunity to bring homeowners true “freedom from worry.” By recommending snow retention products during retrofit roofing projects, contractors can help homeowners better manage rooftop snow, reduce the risk of sudden roof avalanches and protect the people, property and landscaping below.

Snow retention is more than an add-on

Snow guards, snow fences and snow bars, like those available from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, are designed to help hold snow on the roof so it can melt and release more gradually instead of sliding off in one sudden, dangerous sheet. On the right roof, in the right layout, these products can help reduce hazards around entryways, garage doors, patios, walkways and other openings where people, pets and vehicles may pass below.

They can also help prevent costly damage to gutters, shrubs, hardscapes, outdoor lighting, railings and carefully maintained landscaping. For a homeowner who has invested in a retrofit roofing project with you, that extra layer of protection can feel like a practical, confidence-building upgrade rather than just another product on a proposal.

Why retrofit projects are the right time to talk about snow retention

When a contractor is already evaluating, repairing or replacing a roof, that person is in the best position to identify snow-slide risk areas. A retrofit project gives the contractor a natural opening to ask smart questions:

• Where does snow typically release?
• Are there entrances or garage doors below long roof runs?
• Has landscaping been damaged in past winters?
• Are there slick roof surfaces that may allow snow to move quickly?

This conversation is especially important with slick roofing products such as slate, synthetic slate, composite roofing, metal and other smooth surfaces. These materials can shed snow more readily than rougher roof coverings, making proper snow retention planning an important part of the overall roof system discussion.

Education is part of the roofer’s responsibility

Most homeowners are not snow retention experts. Many do not know the difference between snow guards, snow fences and bar-style systems. Some may not even realize that snow sliding off a roof can create a hazard until it happens outside a front door, over a garage entrance or across a walkway.

That gives roofers an important responsibility: educate before there is a problem. Explaining snow retention is not about creating fear. It is about helping homeowners understand how their roof performs in winter and offering practical options that can help protect people and property.

A roofer who takes time to point out risk zones, explain how snow retention works and recommend the right product type becomes more than an installer. That contractor becomes a trusted advisor who helps homeowners make informed decisions about the complete roofing system.

“Freedom from worry” is a homeowner benefit roofers can sell

Homeowners want confidence that their investment will perform when conditions get tough. Snow retention products give roofers a clear way to connect technical roofing knowledge with everyday homeowner concerns: safe access to the home, protected landscaping, reduced winter surprises and fewer worries about snow releasing over high-traffic areas.

Instead of positioning snow retention as an optional accessory, roofers can present it as a thoughtful enhancement to the retrofit project. When a homeowner is choosing a beautiful slate or composite roof, for example, it makes sense to also discuss how that roof will handle snow. The same conversation applies to any roof surface where snow and ice may release suddenly.

Massive snow retention system installed.

Just weeks away from completion, the PNE Amphitheatre in Vancouver will feature one of the longest timber arch roofs in the world. Created of 60 interlaced timber arches that form into six remarkable barrel vaults, the massive 344-foot-wide starburst roof span will cover a 10,000-seat open-air entertainment facility. 

Designed by Revery Architecture, the $183 million project (officially called the Freedom Mobile Arch) is planned for year-round use. In Vancouver, where the average annual snowfall during the past 10 years has been 15.2 inches, the architectural firm specified a specialized snow retention system for the spectacular roof to assure the safe controlled evacuation of snow from its surface. 

Focus on snow retention

Snow retention was considered early in the development of the Freedom Mobile Arch. Everyone involved in the project, from the structural engineering team at Fast + Epp, to the code consultants at RWDI to the general contractors at EllisDon, were concerned with the issue. Working together, they consulted with the installation/execution team of Bothwell-Accurate, to find the best solution. Several meetings with Engineered Architecturals™ LTD and snow retention proposals using products from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards and S-5!® brought the resolution.

“We recommended a Single-Ply ColorGard® Bar-Style Snow Guard System that allowed the architects to achieve pattern designs with a distributed layout across the field of the roof for snow retention,” according to Nathan Morlock, president of Engineered Architecturals LTD. “These are sturdy metal pieces with a low profile that, when placed in a strategic pattern, can handle snow retention needs for this unique roof.”

Due to the massive size of the roof, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards provided 2,475 Single Ply Baseplates, 2,475 ColorGard® 2.0/X-Gard® Adapters and an expansive amount of aluminum tubing for the ferrules (used to create a pathway through the roof’s “build up materials” such as insulation, between the roof substructure and top membrane) to allow for fastening the baseplates. Engineered Architecturals obtained the extensive quantities of ColorGard Bars and VersaClips™ from S-5! to complete the system. According to Andrew Lewis, Project Manager at Bothwell-Accurate, the ColorGard Bars were painted in a Benjamin Moore® OC-56 color called Moonshine.

“The baseplate approach of attachment was critical given the roof build-up and scale,” notes Morlock. “That’s what made the system workable across the full assembly. There were varying depths of insulation over the back of the amphitheater, and a transition making installation at that location fairly complex.”

Starburst geometry to roof

Constructed primarily with Douglas Fir glulam and Spruce-Pine-Fir cross-laminated timber, the stunning roof on the Freedom Mobile Arch project was installed with acoustic and sound containment features. A rainwater collection system was also constructed into the roof and foundation to help provide landscaping and regulate runoff. 

"There are so many incredible features of this roof,” says Morlock. “Our company has dealt with the supply and coordination of snow retention products for many projects over the years. However, nothing beats this one. We’re pleased that we helped the designers achieve the aesthetic look they wanted for the roof with this specific snow retention product while providing a safe way for melting snows to gently slide off the Freedom Mobile Arch.”

Beginning June 1 and running through July 31, 2026, roofing contractors are invited to enter their snow retention projects in the contest to win cash prizes totaling $6,000.

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. and S-5!®, leaders of rooftop attachment solutions, have joined together to sponsor the third year of the nationwide “Show Us Our Snow Guards Contest.” Beginning June 1 and running through July 31, 2026, roofing contractors are invited to enter their snow retention projects in the contest to win cash prizes totaling $6,000.

Four prize categories are open for entries of projects completed within the past five years, each with a cash prize of $1,500:

• Outstanding Residential Rocky Mountain Snow Guards’ Snow Guards Project
• Outstanding Residential S-5! ColorGard® 2.0 Project
• Outstanding Commercial Rocky Mountain Snow Guards’ Snow Guards Project
• Outstanding Commercial S-5! ColorGard® 2.0 Project

“Every year this contest shines a spotlight on more stunning projects,” says Brian Cross, sales and operations/partner with Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. “We’ve been an S-5! distributor for years and have further partnered with them by offering baseplates for single ply applications. We’re excited to unite with them on this contest. By including S-5! in the ‘Show Us Our Snow Guards Contest’ we are opening up the possibilities for even more roofing contractors to enter their outstanding projects.”

There is no fee to enter the contest. Simply download, complete and email the Contest Entry Form along with a minimum of three high-resolution pictures of a project featuring Rocky Mountain Snow Guards or S-5! ColorGard 2.0 products installed within the last five years. Roofing contractors may enter as many of their projects as they like, but must fill out a separate form for each entry. 

Projects will be judged based on usage of products in each category, quality of photography supplied with entries, overall skills displayed in installation of the product(s) and completeness of entry submission.

“We’re eager to see how our ColorGard 2.0 system is being skillfully installed on metal roofs across the country!” says Jessica Haddock, director of marketing at S-5!  “Along with the cash prizes, we plan to truly highlight the winners with great publicity for their companies and projects!”

Beginning June 1st, roofing contractors may go to  https://www.rockymountainsnowguards.com/show-us-snow-guards-contest to download the entry form and rules for the contest. Final date to enter is July 31, 2026. Winners will be announced on August 13, 2026.

About Rocky Mountain Snow Guards

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. manufactures snow guards and fence-style snow retention systems designed to protect people and property. The company offers free layouts and quotes for product placement. Metal products are warrantied for 50 years. Proud Corporate Partner of Freedom Service Dogs and founder of National Snow Guards Safety Month. For details visit www.rockymountainsnowguards.com or call 1-877-414-7606.

About S-5!

Founded by a renowned metal roof expert, S-5! has been the leading authority on metal roof attachment solutions since 1992. S-5!’s zero-penetration clamps and lifetime brackets attach virtually anything to most metal roof types, while maintaining roof integrity and warranties. S-5! solutions are engineered for a variety of roof-mounted applications and are now installed on more than three million roofs worldwide, providing strength and longevity never before seen. For more information, visit www.s-5.com. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Roofing professionals discuss designing snow retention systems to protect buildings, property and people. 

In a new episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards sat down with Tony Abate and Nick Piontek for a conversation about snow retention systems. Tony is the manager at Richards Building Supply in Illinois and brings over 38 years of roofing experience to the table. Nick is the founder and CEO of On Point Contracting in Colorado.  

Tony opened the conversation with a brief explanation of the importance of snow retention, “Snow retention is mandatory in regions like mine and Nick, especially on composite and metal roofs with less friction. If it’s not there, you’re seeing snow take out gutters, landscaping, car windshields, air conditioners and more.”  

In general, there are three types of snow retention – Guards, bars and fences. Snow guards are scattered on a roof to hold snowpack in place, where bars and fences run the length of a roofline and stop snow from sliding off an edge. Determining what system is needed depends on a lot of factors, from expected snowfall to the moisture content of the snow itself. This engineering of the correct system is something that some manufacturers, like Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, help their contractors with. Nick explained:  

Typically, when we get onto a project where they don't have the correct snow retention, we try to work with Rocky Mountain Snow Guards because they can really help with the design. So, you send them photos of what's up there, what you're working with so far and they can adapt that design to fit the snow retention needs of that slope and area, et cetera. 

Tony added, “I have worked with a lot of different snow guard manufacturers over the years. Our primary source for snow retention now is Rocky Mountain Snow Guards because they not only have great products, they have great people behind them and if you have an issue, or need help like Nick mentioned, you can pick up a phone and just call somebody.” 

Want to learn more about snow retention? Listen to the whole episode!

By Emma Peterson. 

Ronn Levine’s article dives into the challenges and opportunities in the roofing industry presented by labor, economic and technology trends. 

Recently, award-winning writer and editor Ronn Levine wrote an article for LBM Journal diving into the roles technology, relationships and training play in the roofing industry. The article provides great insight into how roofing professionals can find success in a challenging economic and labor market.  

Throughout the article, Ronn spoke to industry experts, such as Jack Gottesman (marketing and brand director at IKO), Sarah Lograsso (director of marketing and product management for Westlake Royal Building Products), Brian Cross (operations manager of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards),  David Ellis (VP for residential marketing at GAF) and The Coffee Shops™ President Heidi J. Ellsworth!  

In their conversation, Ronn and Heidi dove into the challenges and growth that Heidi has seen through the lens of RoofersCoffeeShop®, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year!  

First she highlighted the labor shortages, which has been a persistent issue over the years, explaining, “Contractors and associations are working very strongly on workforce development, getting back into the high schools, the vocational schools, and thinking, ‘How do we get more skilled labor?’”  

From there, the conversation shifted to the economic outlook for roofing. One thing Heidi specifically mentioned was the semi-recent advancement of private equity firms, sharing, “The mergers of many companies into regional and national players, along with the influx of private equity funds, has changed the competitive marketplace.”  

Interested in the rest of Ronn and Heidi’s conversation, as well as the experts he interviewed? Read the whole article on LBM Journal’s website!

By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. 

The Drift Solar Snow Fence provides essential safety for residential solar projects.

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented boom in residential solar projects, with homeowners across the nation turning to solar energy to power their lives. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a new solar project was installed every 59 seconds in 2025, bringing the total number of solar energy systems in the U.S. to nearly 6 million — Enough to power 47 million households. By 2030, it’s projected that 11% of American homes will feature solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their roofs.

As the number of solar installations continues to climb, it is critical for architects, specifiers, contractors and roofing professionals to proactively plan for the unique challenges these systems present — Particularly in regions prone to winter weather. One significant concern is the rapid warming of solar panels after a snowfall, which causes snow to slide quickly down roof surfaces. Without proper snow retention, this can result in avalanches of snow and ice, putting people, property and landscaping below at risk.

Solar snowfall solution

To address this issue, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards offers the Drift Solar Aluminum 4-pipe fence-style snow guard system. Specifically engineered for installation below solar panels, this innovative system features a 12-inch-tall snow fence that acts as a catch basin, holding snow in place until it melts gradually. This prevents dangerous, sudden releases of snow, safeguarding both residents and property.

The Drift Solar Snow Fence is compatible with both new construction and retrofit roof applications. Its robust design calls for the brackets to be bolted directly to the roof support structure flush at the eave, with the tubing side facing downslope — A reversed installation compared to traditional snow fence systems. Each bracket is anchored with five structural lag bolts, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability. Individually sold ice screens must be installed with the Drift Solar snow fence system to impede the movement of snow between the tubing.

Guidance for industry pros

With residential solar adoption on the rise, integrating snow retention systems like the Drift Solar fence is essential for safe and successful solar installations in snowy climates. Architects, specifiers and contractors are encouraged to include snow retention in their project specifications to protect homeowners and maximize the benefits of solar energy year-round.

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. manufactures snow guards and fence-style snow retention systems designed to protect people and property. The company offers free layouts and quotes for product placement, plus free training for roofing contractors and architects. For details visit www.rockymountainsnowguards.com or call 1-877-414-7606.