Employees and families unite across six regional initiatives to support cancer research, patient care and their local communities.

For S-5! employees, breast cancer awareness is more than an annual campaign. It is personal. Across its global operations, employees and their families have turned personal connections into meaningful action—honoring survivors, supporting loved ones undergoing treatment and raising funds for cancer research and patient care.

What began with employee walks at the company's U.S. locations has grown into locally led initiatives in Canada, Latin America, Europe and Australia. The efforts reflect S-5!'s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities where its employees live and work.

S-5!'s charity committee contributed $500 to each of six regional initiatives, providing a foundation for employee-led activities and local giving while encouraging teams to support causes that matter most in their communities.

Close to home, employees at S-5!'s Colorado Springs headquarters gathered October 19 at a local park for a company walk benefiting the Woody and Millie Ingram Guest House and the Colorado Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. The Guest House provides donation-based lodging for patients and families traveling for medical care, while the foundation offers financial assistance to people affected by breast cancer. The annual walks began three years ago, inspired by the experience of S-5! founder and CEO Rob Haddock's sister, a breast cancer survivor. In previous years, S-5! has supported the Guest House through financial contributions and employee volunteer activities, including preparing and serving meals for patients and their families.

At the company's manufacturing plant in Iowa Park, Texas, employees also marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month with activities held October 22 and 23, continuing the company's tradition of involving its U.S. workforce in the cause. The region's contribution will benefit the Bridge Breast Cancer Network, providing access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment for low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals across North Texas.

The spirit of community involvement extended to Latin America, where members of S-5!'s regional team joined a breast cancer awareness hike October 4 at Bosque La Primavera in Guadalajara, Mexico. Walking alongside members of the local community, participants helped draw attention to the work of Cruz Rosa Mexicana, an organization providing women with access to treatment, occupational therapy, emotional support and continued care throughout their breast cancer journeys. For the team, the message was simple: no woman should have to face breast cancer alone.

In Europe, S-5!'s regional initiative supported the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (Spanish Association Against Cancer), a nonprofit dedicated to improving cancer survival and quality of life for patients and their families. The organization advances research, prevention and early detection while providing free psychological, social and practical support to patients and their families.

A similar sense of purpose brought the S-5! Canadian team together for the CIBC Run for the Cure in Montreal on October 4. Alongside family and friends, they walked and ran for loved ones undergoing treatment and in honor of survivors, raising $1,762 for research and patient support.

For S-5! team member Adrian Lehmann in Australia, the cause reaches into his own family. His wife, Fiona, is a breast cancer survivor and clinical trial participant. Adrian joined family and friends for their third year at Perth's Mother's Day Classic 5K, raising $4,016 in support of cancer research. “I want to continue doing everything I can to stop other women going through what I went through,” Fiona shared in her fundraising appeal.

Across the regions, that support meets different needs, from lodging near a hospital and financial assistance to treatment services and research. For S-5!, giving back is more than a duty; it is part of who the company is. Its employees put that commitment into action by supporting causes that matter to them and their communities. “The most meaningful part of this initiative is hearing the personal reasons our employees take part,” said Vicky Smith, Corporate Director of Human Resources at S-5!. “Our role is to support them in doing something that matters to them and the people around them. As S-5! grows, we want that same spirit of giving back to be felt in every community where we have a presence.”

About S-5!

In 1992, S-5! introduced the disruptive innovation of engineered, manufactured solutions for the attachment of roof-mounted equipment to metal roofs. Its zero-penetration clamps, along with engineered brackets, support a variety of roof-mounted applications on metal roofs while maintaining roof integrity and warranties—backed by a lifetime warranty that is unmatched in the industry. Building on that legacy, S-5! has now extended its expertise with single-ply roof solutions. For more information, visit www.S-5.com.

By The Coffee Shops® and S-5!

How a nonpenetrating, color-matched snow retention system addresses heavy snowfall, steep slopes and complex roof geometry.

At more than 8,700 feet in Mountain Village, Colorado, the Yellow Brick Road home faces demanding winters and annual snowfall of approximately 150 to 250 inches. After 30 years of exposure, the owners replaced the luxury log home’s aging cedar shake shingles with a durable, wildfire-resistant standing-seam steel roof.

White Castle Roofing and Contracting installed the 24-gauge metal roof along with the

S-5!® ColorGard® 2.0 next-generation snow retention system. The solution was designed to help manage accumulated snow and ice while protecting entrances, walkways, landscaping and other vulnerable areas below.

The installation presented significant logistical challenges. The 4,000-square-foot home sits at the end of a wooded cul-de-sac, with a steep driveway and limited space for staging materials, placing equipment and removing debris. The roof itself measures 4,451 square feet, with pitches ranging from 3:12 to 24:12, with more than 16 valley sections, a large natural-stone chimney and a peak nearly 40 feet above grade.

Following winter site visits and consultations with the homeowner, the contractor developed a job-specific snow retention layout for the roof’s complex geometry. ColorGard 2.0 attaches directly to the standing seams with S-5-U™ Clamps, eliminating roof penetrations and helping preserve the system’s weathertight integrity. Its internal splice also reduced the need for in-field cutting, simplifying installation on steep and complex roof sections.

A ColorStrip™ coordinated with the medium-bronze roof panels, allowing the finished system to complement the home’s mountain architecture.

The exceptional work performed by the White Castle team earned them the recognition of Outstanding Residential S-5! ColorGard® 2.0 Project in the 2026 “Show Us Our Roof Guards” contest co-sponsored by S-5! and Rocky Mountain Snow Guards.

“The snow retention system needed to perform in an area that receives significant annual snowfall, but it also had to complement the architecture of a luxury mountain home,” said Jake Hansen, chief operating officer of White Castle Roofing and Contracting. “ColorGard® 2.0 delivered on both fronts.”

Read the full case study to learn more about how ColorGard 2.0 provided engineered snow management for the Yellow Brick Road mountain home.

By The Coffee Shops® and S-5!

How a standing-seam roof and nonpenetrating snow retention system helped restore a complex1940s-era building.

Renovating a historic structure requires contractors to balance modern performance with the building’s existing conditions. At the Curtice Street Project in Littleton, Colorado, the roofing team addressed deteriorated materials, irregular rooflines and heavy snowfall while creating a clean, uniform finished appearance.

Formerly home to Denver Machine and Tool Company, the 1940s-era brick building is being repositioned for future use. Its exterior renovation included new siding, a complete metal reroof and the S-5! ColorGard® 2.0 next-generation snow retention system.

Years of settling had left few truly straight walls or rooflines. The existing roof and decking were also severely deteriorated, requiring complete replacement. Across the 14,500-square-foot, 3:12-pitch roof, even small alignment differences could become highly visible.

On Point Contracting used custom panels to compensate for the building’s out-of-square conditions. The new roof features 24-gauge, 1.75-inch Drexel snap-lock standing-seam metal panels spaced 18 inches on center.

Colorado snowfall and vulnerable areas below also required an engineered snow retention solution. The team selected ColorGard 2.0 for its snow-load capacity, streamlined appearance and nonpenetrating attachment. A total of 188 S-5-S™ clamps and 188 VersaClip™ 2.0 components secured the system directly to the standing seams, helping preserve the roof’s weathertight integrity.

The system’s internal splice fits over the clams, reducing in-field cutting while supporting efficient installation across the roof’s transitions and complex sections. Color-matched components also helped the system blend into the restored exterior.

The On Point Contracting team’s demonstrated skill on this project earned them the winning spot int 2026 “Show Us Our Snow Guards” contest in the Commercial ColorGard® 2.0 category, sponsored by S-5! and Rocky Mountain Snow Guards.

“ColorGard 2.0 was exactly what we needed!” said Casey Towers, production manager at On Point Contracting. “Not only was the snow retention system reliably engineered for our needs, but it also perfectly complemented the look of the newly installed metal roof.”

Read the full case study to learn more about how ColorGard 2.0 helped the Curtice Street Project combine engineered snow retention with a clean, cohesive metal roof.

Metal roofing expert Rob Haddock to provide technical knowledge and real-world experience. 

From system design and installation to troubleshooting, reroofing and rooftop accouterments, Metal Roofing Systems gives industry professionals an intensive, practical look at how metal roofing systems perform and how to address common challenges. The two-day course takes place December 3-4, 2026, at the Fluno Center on the UW-Madison campus and is offered through the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering.

Designed for contractors, architects, specifiers, roof consultants, engineers, building owners, manufacturers, building envelope commissioning authorities and maintenance professionals, the program combines technical fundamentals with practical, real-world instruction and offers continuing education credit.

Metal roofing expert Rob Haddock, director of the consulting firm Metal Roof Advisory Group and CEO and founder of S-5!, teaches the course. With five decades of experience spanning contracting, forensic consulting, technical writing, research, education and product development, Haddock brings both technical expertise and real-world perspective to the program.

The curriculum covers metal roofing materials and coatings, profile types, thermal response, panel attachment and fixity, slope considerations, wind effects, sealants and warranties, along with common causes of roof leaks. Participants also examine low-slope hydrostatic and steep-slope hydrokinetic detailing, troubleshooting, reroofing and retrofit applications.

Additional topics include solar PV integration, engineered snow retention, rooftop avalanche dynamics and ice dam prevention. Real-world case studies reinforce technical concepts and provide practical insight into design, installation and long-term performance, along with limited hands-on demonstration.

Participants can earn 1.4 CEUs, 14 PDHs and 14 LU/HSWs upon completion.

About the instructor

Haddock began his career as a laborer before moving into contracting, consulting, technical authorship, education and product development. His innovations have resulted in 200+ patents, and his hundreds of writings and lectures have been translated into at least 10 languages. He has won numerous industry awards from the Metal Construction Association, Construction Specifications Institute, Metal Building Manufacturers Association and ASTM International. For 35+ years, Rob has been a featured speaker at industry trade shows, including METALCON and IRE. 

Attendees can receive a $150 discount by entering promo code S-5DIS during the registration process. For a full course description and registration information, visit the UW-Madison  Metal Roofing Systems course page.

Recognizing the rising leaders shaping the future of metal construction

METALCON has announced the inaugural honorees of its 40 Under 40 Recognition Program, celebrating 40 professionals age 40 and under who are driving the future of metal construction. The honorees represent a broad cross-section of the industry, including manufacturing, roofing, engineering, construction, technology, sales, marketing and education.

Selected for their achievement, leadership, innovation and overall impact, the 2026 honorees are moving projects forward, improving processes, developing new technologies, strengthening customer relationships and helping shape the industry’s next generation of leadership.

“Our inaugural 40 Under 40 honorees represent the energy, talent and forward-thinking leadership that are moving the metal construction industry forward,” said Judy Geller, vice president of trade shows for PSMJ Resources, Inc., producers of METALCON. “They are already making an impact across every part of the industry, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate them at METALCON.”

The 2026 METALCON 40 Under 40 honorees are:

Chandler Barden | owner | CIDAN Machinery Group
Since entering architectural roofing in 2013, Chandler has risen from sales engineer to CEO of CIDAN Group while serving in Metal Construction Association leadership roles and promoting metal construction internationally.

Thad Barnette | director of commercial marketing | Sheffield Metals International / New Tech Machinery
Thad built The Metal Roofing Channel to more than 50,000 subscribers, hosting hundreds of industry experts and using education-driven marketing to connect professionals and strengthen metal construction brands.

Jay Bechtel | founder & CEO | Rib Runner Tools
With a background in construction, Jay recognized a critical need and developed RibRunner Tools to improve metal sheeting pre-installation, helping contractors streamline work through practical, field-driven innovation.

Alina Bosak | branch manager | Chicago Metal Supply
Alina champions architectural sheet metal by developing talent, educating customers through installation classes and advocating for metal’s essential role in construction.

Mason Burchette | owner & chief revenue officer | True Metal Supply
Mason co-founded the company in 2022 and scaled it to 45+ employees and multiple manufacturing facilities, combining nationwide growth with contractor education, digital tools and customer-focused manufacturing.

Joseph Canell | owner | Elevate Roofing and Solar
Joseph has built a company founded on integrity, quality craftsmanship and customer service while investing in education, innovative building practices and technologies that raise industry standards.

Mark Carlisle | industry marketing manager | U.S. Steel
For more than a decade, Mark has connected steelmaking with metal construction by leading U.S. Steel’s construction market intelligence, industry engagement and METALCON strategy and serving in leadership roles across multiple trade organizations.

Austin Cash | new product development manager | The Malco Group
Eight years after joining The Malco Group as a student intern, Austin became product development manager. Now as lead engineer, he led the TurboShear Rotary Panel Cutter from concept to production in 16 months.

Alex Corry | general manager - CDMG Building Systems | CDMG
Alex advanced from civil draftsman to general manager, delivering sustained revenue growth and earning selection to the Nucor Builder Advisory Council as one of 16 builders nationwide.

Daniel Cuenca | owner & general contractor | Mammoth Metal Structures & Mammoth Metal Manufacturing
Daniel is a results-driven leader whose experience, operational vision and commitment to excellence have driven Mammoth’s growth and strengthened its capabilities and reputation in the industry.

Megan Ellsworth | multimedia director | MetalCoffeeShop
Megan connects industry professionals through multimedia, education and conversation, including podcasts, webinars, panel discussions and video content, while serving in a leadership role with National Women in Roofing.

Max Esteban | founder & CEO | Maximilian Sheet Metal
After entering the sheet metal trade at 18, Max founded Maximilian Sheet Metal at 27, growing it into a respected firm while leading as designer, fabricator and project manager.

Scott Frankert | technical product manager, Coil & Extrusion | PPG Industries
Scott bridges technical expertise and commercial strategy, drawing on coil coating technologies and account-growth experience to lead adoption of advanced UV- and EB-curable coatings for manufacturers.

Jesse Gallimore | owner | JamesCo Builders LLC
Jesse built JamesCo Builders around transparency, quality and people-first leadership, strengthening partnerships across automotive, industrial, education and commercial markets.

Leland Gazo | co-owner | Blue Sky Roofing
At 28, Leland helped increase Blue Sky Roofing’s metal roofing revenue by 70% while expanding standing seam and architectural metal systems and mentoring Vermont’s next generation of craftsmen.

Brittni Goodwin | director - Sales | U.S. Steel
Recently promoted, Brittni drives measurable business growth, builds and develops teams and takes ownership of challenges, including new product development in steel.

Ray Haas | owner | Haas Stone & Steel, LLC and Mallet Supply, LLC
Ray advances roofing craftsmanship through traditional techniques and sustainable materials, sharing specialized knowledge through crew training, industry collaboration and improving access to quality sheet metal.

Lyndzye Harper | inside sales manager | S-5!
Lyndzye has distinguished herself by building strong relationships across the metal construction and solar industries. She helped shape the company’s first inside sales manager role, expanding lead development and account management.

James Henry | CEO | Copper Top Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc.
James joined Copper Top Roofing and Sheet Metal at 19 and became owner at 29, building expertise in custom metal fabrication and standing seam roofing while investing in the people around him.

Jeremy Henson | CEO | ASCO Machines
Jeremy progressed from electrical distribution through sales and executive leadership to become owner and CEO of ASCO USA, building global partnerships that support innovation, growth and lasting industry relationships.

Eric Hinz | sales | Innovative Energy, Inc.
Eric advances the industry by identifying opportunities to improve products, streamline processes and deliver greater customer value while earning trust through professionalism, work ethic and a customer-first approach.

Amanda Johnson | sales & marketing manager | Roper Whitney
Amanda progressed from service coordinator to leading sales and marketing departments, becoming a recognizable sheet metal industry voice through educational video content and sustained professional growth.

Andy Keys | owner | Metal Ops
Andy has expanded contractor support beyond distribution, providing sales training and jobsite education that help roofing professionals better understand how metal roofing systems are sold and installed.

Zachary Lee | senior fulfillment manager | Mill Steel Company
Zachary helped lead development of the Mill Steel App, translating customer insights into a user-friendly digital experience that generated more than $100 million in sales during its first year.

Jace Lyon | executive director | Lyon Metal Roofing
“Born into the industry,” Jace combines hands-on manufacturing experience with an engineering background, advancing into executive leadership while helping strengthen the company’s leadership team and expand its market.

Mahsa Mahdavian | global technical marketing director | Scottsdale Construction Systems
Mahsa has advanced structural engineering through influential cold-formed steel research and steel deck design software, helping improve design methodology, workflows and practical application across the industry.

Brandon Mainor | president | Hornet Building Systems
Brandon oversees operations, applying hands-on manufacturing knowledge to modernize production through technology while maintaining a strong focus on customer service and company culture.

Victor Martinez | design team leader | The Barndominium Company
Victor transforms client visions into buildable plans, managing a pipeline of 40 to 70 active projects while making a measurable impact on projects, processes and people.

Seth McBride | president & founder | Steel Craft Builders
Seth built Steel Craft Builders around pre-engineered metal building expertise and customer service, using technology and AI to improve efficiency, accuracy and pricing across projects throughout the Southeast.

Chad Miller | president | Lyon Roofing, Inc.
Chad began working at Lyon Roofing as a teenager and, through years of hands-on experience, dedication and leadership, advanced through the company to become its president.

Kiara Nirghin | CEO & founder | Emanate
Kiara founded Emanate to bring frontier AI to industrial companies, combining experience as a Stanford AI Lab researcher and Google Science Grand Prize winner with metals-industry innovation.

Colin Palladino | managing director | New Castle Metal
Colin built the company’s roofing division from the ground up, growing the division from a single location into a six-location Northeast operation through entrepreneurial leadership.

Sarah Parks | CEO & co-founder | ContractorHUB
Sarah combines SaaS expertise with a strong understanding of contractor needs, building ContractorHUB around customer experience, ingenuity and product value while raising expectations for technology serving the trades.

Tucker Pearson | head of sales | RenderDraw
Tucker works directly with fabricators and OEMs to modernize operations through software, using a consultative approach that builds trusted, long-term industry partnerships.

Erik Pilgrim | CEO & founder | RenderDraw
Erik is bringing AI-powered takeoffs, connected workflows and 3D visualization to metal construction, helping professionals improve estimating, configuration and project presentation without sacrificing technical precision.

Travis Rex | director of sales operations | EXCEPTIONAL Metals
Travis combines market insight, business acumen and collaborative leadership to identify opportunities, improve processes and turn innovative ideas into practical solutions that advance metal construction.

David Scott | COO | EcoSteel
As COO, David transformed operations, championed Building Information Modeling and helped drive tenfold company growth while overseeing complex steel-building projects and advancing operational leadership.

Eric Ford | senior manager, purchasing | Carlisle Construction Materials
Over the past decade, Eric Ford has become a results-driven supply chain and procurement leader in the steel and construction materials industries. He has led M&A integration, supplier development and unified supply chain strategy while mentoring procurement professionals and strengthening supplier partnerships.

Jesse Winternitz | application engineering & product support manager | S-5!
Jesse has built a career spanning engineering, product development and field application, leading a six-person team and serving as a key voice connecting engineering expertise with real-world application.

Elizabeth Woodworth | regional acoustical manager | Best Supply
Elizabeth manages regional acoustical ceiling sales across Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana, including specialty metal systems, while serving on the National Association of Women in Construction Nashville’s board and advocating for women in construction.

The honorees will be formally recognized during METALCON 2026, taking place October 7–9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Recognition includes a featured profile on METALCON.com, promotion through email, social media and trade publications, onsite recognition and an invitation to a Future Leaders Happy Hour.

As METALCON celebrates its 35th anniversary, the 40 Under 40 program puts the work and impact of the industry’s emerging leaders front and center at the annual gathering of the metal construction community.
 
About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business summit—where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

With more than 250 exhibitors, expanded educational programming and interactive experiences across the show floor, METALCON continues to be the industry's premier gathering for metal construction. 

METALCON, the only event in the industry dedicated solely to the application of metal in design and construction, is just around the corner! Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, this year’s show will be hosted October 7-9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida!  

This show brings metal professionals from across the country, whether you are a contractor, fabricator, manufacturer, supplier, designer or distributor, together to evaluate innovative products on the expo floor, build powerful partnerships at events, learn about the future of the industry in education sessions and push the industry forward, together. Keep reading to learn a bit about what to expect from this year’s show!  

METALCON 2026 education program 

Education has always been a cornerstone of the METALCON experience. For this year’s show, the METALCON team has expanded their educational offerings! In addition to their traditional metal construction, architecture, engineering and manufacturing workshops and complimentary sessions, they have added four Spanish-language education sessions! 

With industry-leading experts like Rob Haddock (S-5!), Vincent Sagan (Metal Building Manufacturers Association), Kermit Baker (American Institute of Architects), Amparo Sancen (Latinos En Roofing), Renee Ramey (Metal Roofing Alliance), Stephen Bender (University of Florida College of Design Construction and Planning), Kyle Rea (Adams and Reese) and Ryan Dalgleish (RAiNA), these sessions offer attendees a veritable wealth of information.  

Please note: All education sessions, except workshops, are included with your registration. No sign-up is needed. Just arrive at your selected session at the scheduled time and location. Seating is first come, first served. 

Browse the education offerings. 

S-5! delivers practical training for sales and technical professionals

S-5!, the global leader in metal roof attachment solutions, will present accredited education and showcase its latest innovation at METALCON, October 7-9 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to educational sessions offering continuing education credits (CEUs), S-5! will feature SnoGard EF™, its new snow retention solution designed for common exposed-fastened metal roofing.

Educational sessions:

Wednesday, October 7 – 2:45 p.m.

From conversations to conversions: Smarter sales strategies that drive results
Presented by David Stahler, Sales Expert, S-5!
Today’s sales environment is more competitive and customer-driven than ever. In this practical session, Stahler will share real-world strategies to help teams create more value in everyday customer conversations, including how to build trust, understand customer needs and apply a repeatable sales approach. Attendees will explore when to use cross-selling and upselling, as well as relationship selling versus conversion-focused selling, and leave with actionable techniques to improve sales conversations, close more opportunities and grow their business.

Thursday, October 8 – 8:30 a.m.

Metal roofing From a (aluminum) to z (zinc) 4 AIA credit hours
Presented by Rob Haddock, CEO & Founder, S-5!
Often referred to as Metal Roofing 101 and known as the best “crash course” available for all in-industry personnel, this session offers a thorough and engaging “all about metal” overview, from the fundamentals to the details. Haddock, a 50-year industry veteran and the director of the Metal Roof Advisory Group, breaks down complex technical concepts into clear, practical knowledge. This session is ideal for contractors, salespeople, architects, specifiers, roof consultants, engineers, building owners and maintenance staff from beginner to expert.

Visit Booth #1517: Get a Firsthand Look at SnoGard EF™

Attendees can get a firsthand look at SnoGard EF, S-5!’s new snow retention solution. Designed for AG-panel, R-Panel, PBR and other agricultural and rural exposed-fastened applications, SnoGard EF simplifies product selection and installation with published fit guidelines and standardized installation methods. The system offers a stronger, cleaner alternative to field-fabricated solutions while helping contractors install with greater consistency and confidence. S-5! experts will be on hand to demonstrate the system, answer technical questions and discuss real-world applications.

About S-5!

In 1992, S-5! introduced the disruptive innovation of engineered, manufactured solutions for the attachment of roof-mounted equipment to metal roofs. Its zero-penetration clamps, along with engineered brackets, support a variety of roof-mounted applications on metal roofs while maintaining roof integrity and warranties—backed by a lifetime warranty that is unmatched in the industry. Building on that legacy, S-5! has now extended its expertise with single-ply roof solutions. Learn more at www.S-5.com.

By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards.

1,398 RG16 Snow Guards on stunning DaVinci® Province Slate roof.

White Castle Roofing has swept the “Outstanding Residential Projects” categories in the 2026 “Show Us Our Snow Guards Contest” with wins for projects using both Rocky Mountain Snow Guards and S-5! ColorGard® 2.0 products.

The Nebraska-based roofer installed 1,398 Rocky Guard RG16 snow guards from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards on the roof of a custom home in Lincoln, Nebraska to become the Outstanding Residential Snow Guards Project Winner. The 6,000-square-foot new construction property belongs to homeowners Dane and Brook Hansen and features a DaVinci® Province Slate roof in Slate Gray.

“We wanted a slate-looking roof for our home without the maintenance hassles and weight of natural slate,” says Dane. “White Castle Roofing helped us decide on the DaVinci® Roofscapes composite tiles and the snow guards. We really like the look and functionality of both products. We’ve had some good snows since we moved in, and we have not noticed any avalanching.”

Snow guards are typically recommended for synthetic roofing due to its slick surface and inability to absorb moisture. As heat from the home’s interior combined with the sun warms the roof surface, snows can “release” collectively from the roof. Snow guards hold back the snow, allowing it to melt slowly, which helps prevent it from falling on people and property below.

Relying on RG16

Chosen for their functionality and aesthetics, the RG16 snow guards beautifully accent the Hansen home, making the project an award-winner. Each metal snow guard is 16-inches in overall length and is designed for installation on new natural and synthetic slate and shake roofs. A minimum of three ring-shank nails per snow guard are used to secure each RG16 to the roof.

White Castle Roofing relied on the free services of the Rocky Mountain Snow Guards experts to provide a layout and design for the placement of the snow guards on the Hansen’s roof. The RG16s were installed 12-inches on center starting on the third course of DaVinci Province Slate roofing. The steeper pitch roof sections called for an additional soldier row (12-inches on center) spaced 96-inches vertically, while the lower pitch roof sections had supplemental rows in a staggered pattern spaced 48-inches on center horizontally and 24-inches vertically.

Andy Hagberg, vice president of sales with White Castle Roofing, reflected on the project: 

We’ve purchased snow guards from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards for about 15 years. Each year we’re likely to do up to 15 projects with metal roofs or synthetic shingles requiring snow retention through our locations in Nebraska, Iowa and Colorado. We knew from the start that the Hansen project was going to be something special. It’s a steep and tall roof, which made it a bit challenging. But at the same time this makes it visually appealing.

By Ali Turner, S-5! 

Learn installation tips for building faster, warranty-friendly solar systems on standing seam metal roofs.

Standing seam metal roofs are well-suited for solar installations. Their durability and long service life provide a dependable platform for PV systems, while the raised seams enable solar modules to be mounted without penetrating the roof surface. That matters because fewer roof penetrations mean less risk for leaks, fewer warranty concerns and a simpler installation. However, not all standing seam roofs are the same. Factors such as seam profile, panel thickness, roof pitch and site conditions can all influence the design and installation of the solar mounting system. 

It is also important to understand how standing seam roofs differ from other metal roof types. Exposed-fastened and corrugated roofs are face-fastened with screws through the roof surface, and typically, solar is mounted to trapezoidal or corrugated ribs with brackets. Standing seam roofs, by contrast, allow installers to attach solar panels with non-penetrating clamps that grip the seam. 

For installers, the goal is simple: install faster, protect the roof, reduce extra parts and build a system that lasts. Here are some common challenges and how to handle them. 

How can you protect the roof warranty when installing solar on standing seam metal roofs? 

One of the biggest concerns on a metal roof solar job is the roof warranty. Many roof manufacturer warranties depend on keeping the panels, seams, coatings and weatherproofing in good shape. Penetrating a roof can create problems, specifically leaks and pinning the panel to the structure. This will raise concerns with the roof manufacturer. 

Standing seam roofs have an advantage, though! The seams, or integrated rails, serve as the attachment points. Instead of drilling through the roof panel, installers can use non-penetrating clamps that mechanically grip the standing seam.

Before the job starts, check the roof manufacturer’s requirements, seam type and panel gauge. If anything is unclear, talk with the roof manufacturer or a metal roofing expert before finalizing the solar layout. 

How do you choose the right clamp for different standing seam profiles? 

Not every standing seam is built the same. Some seams are single- or double-folded, while others are snap-lock, bulb seam, T-shaped or another profile. That means a one-size-fits-all clamp is not the right solution. The clamp should match the actual seam profile, panel material and project load requirements to help ensure strong holding strength, protect the seam and support a long-lasting solar installation. 

Using an improper clamp can lead to weak holding strength, seam damage, poor alignment or delays on the job. Use clamps that are tested for that seam type and the project’s load conditions. The right clamp should hold securely without crushing, puncturing or damaging the seam. 

The fix is to identify the seam profile early. Gather photos, measurements and roof panel information before choosing the mounting hardware. Also, reach out to a metal roof expert for guidance and design assistance. 

How can installers save time without cutting corners? 

Traditional systems often require rails, splices, grounding parts, wire management and several alignment steps. On larger projects, those added parts and steps can increase both labor time and material handling. 

The solution is to use a rail-less system. With DirectAttach™ mounting, modules attach directly to clamps, reducing the amount of hardware installed on the roof. Fewer components help crews work faster, carry fewer parts, keep the overall array installation more streamlined and reduce added load. 

But speed is not the only goal. The install still needs to be repeatable and accurate. A good process should include: 

• A clear design and layout plan, including attachment spacing 
• Proper module placement 
• Grounding and bonding steps 
• Clean wire management 
• Final inspection checks 

Why do standing seam roofs need room to move? 

Metal roofs are designed to move. As panels expand and contract through daily and seasonal temperature changes, solar attachments that restrict that movement can create stress, premature wear, oil canning, leaks and costly callbacks. 

The solution is to respect how the roof was designed. Standing seam clamps with a Living Hinge™ design allow solar panels to be attached without restricting panel movement. When installed correctly, these clamps support the solar array while still allowing the roof to perform as designed. 

What are the most important things to remember about solar mounting on standing seam roofs? 

Solar mounting on standing seam metal roofs can be fast, efficient and roof-friendly when the system is designed correctly. The best results come from using the right non-penetrating clamps, matching the hardware to the seam profile, following tested spacing guidelines and simplifying the installation with DirectAttach mounting. 

Standing seam metal roofs are built to last. The solar mounting system should be built to last, too. 

Roofing contractors were awarded a combined $6,000 in prizes for their winning projects!

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc., a leader in the snow retention industry, and S-5!, the inventor of engineered, manufactured, metal roof attachments, have announced the four outstanding project winners in the 2026 Show Us Our Snow Guards Contest.

Roofing contractors across the nation have won $6,000 in prizes for their skillful installation of snow retention systems on commercial and residential projects using products from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards and S-5! during the past five years. Each roofing company winner will receive a cash prize of $1,500 plus local and national publicity.

Outstanding Residential Rocky Mountain Snow Guards’ Project - White Castle Roofing

The Nebraska roofing company used RG16 snow guards on a custom designed DaVinci® Roofscapes Province Slate roof for a home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Chosen for their functionality and aesthetics, the snow guards beautifully accent the synthetic slate roof.

Outstanding Residential S-5! ColorGard® 2.0 Project - White Castle Roofing

Making a clean sweep of the Residential Project category, White Castle Roofing’s project in Mountain Village, Colorado has won the award for its use of S-5! ColorGard 2.0 snow retention on a standing seam metal roof of a log cabin.

Outstanding Commercial Rocky Mountain Snow Guards’ Project - Bulldog Roofing

The Colorado roofing company installed Drift Solar Snow Fence on The Ascent at Hover Crossing apartment complex below solar panels. Headquartered in Longmont, Colorado, Bulldog Roofing installed IKO Nordic™ Performance Shingles on the roof of the 75 units of the affordable housing complex in their hometown.

Outstanding Commercial S-5! ColorGard® 2.0 Project - On Point Contracting

Another hometown project winner was completed by On Point Contracting. The Littleton, Colorado based company installed an expansive, multi-tiered S-5! ColorGard 2.0 snow retention system on the new steel standing seam roof of a historic brick warehouse building in the city’s downtown area.

Winners abound

“We’re especially excited that White Castle moved up from a ‘runner up’ finish in our 2025 contest to sweep the residential categories in this year’s competition,” says Brian Cross, sales and operations partner with Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. “Their beautiful work speaks for itself.”

According to Cross, first-time contest entrant Bulldog Roofing took the gold in their commercial category with the massive snow retention project they completed on the apartment complex in Colorado. “This showpiece application of Drift Solar Snow Fences shows how important it is to install snow retention systems wherever solar panels are located,” says Cross. “In this situation, the snow fences help keep hundreds of residents safe from avalanching snow.”

Importance of snow retention

“This contest showcases the strength, versatility and visual appeal of the S-5! next-generation ColorGard 2.0 snow retention system,” says Jessica Haddock, director of marketing at S-5! “The winning projects demonstrate how thoughtfully designed and engineered snow retention systems can deliver reliable performance across a wide range of metal roofing applications.

“The White Castle Roofing project showcases ColorGard 2.0’s versatility on a complex, steep-slope residential roof, where multiple roof planes and heavy snow conditions demanded a precisely configured solution that complemented the home’s rustic aesthetic. By contrast, the On Point Contracting project demonstrates the system’s strength on a large commercial roof, where long, uninterrupted runs called for a durable, streamlined snow retention solution. These projects are very different in scale and design, but both show the versatility and performance that make ColorGard 2.0 such an effective solution.”

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 founder of National Snow Guards Safety Month. For details visit www.rockymountainsnowguards.com or call 1-877-414-7606.

About S-5!

In 1992, S-5! introduced the disruptive innovation of engineered, manufactured solutions for the attachment of roof-mounted equipment to metal roofs. Its zero-penetration clamps, along with engineered brackets, support a variety of roof-mounted applications on metal roofs while maintaining roof integrity and warranties—backed by a lifetime warranty that is unmatched in the industry. Building on that legacy, S-5! has now extended its expertise with single-ply roof solutions. Learn more at www.S-5.com.