By Fiona Maguire-O'Shea, S-5!

Explore this subject matter expert interview featuring Jon Moss, S-5! R&D manager.

Each year, rooftop avalanches cause costly property damage, personal injury and even death. On metal roofs, snowpack can suddenly release and dump heavy volumes of snow and ice below the eaves in a matter of seconds, endangering pedestrians, vehicles, landscaping, adjacent roof areas and other property. 

That is why snow retention matters. Its purpose is not simply to keep snow in place indefinitely, but to help snow evacuate in a more predictable and controlled fashion rather than by a sudden and dangerous release. On metal roofs especially, snow retention should be approached as an engineered part of the roof system, designed for expected snow loads, roof profile and application. 

That broader context helps explain the thinking behind ColorGard® 2.0. 

For Jon Moss, R&D manager at S-5!, the challenge was not inventing a new category. It was improving a product that had already earned long-term trust in the field. 

“When you take something that’s almost perfect and try to improve upon it, it’s really, really difficult,” Jon said. 

That challenge shaped the development of ColorGard 2.0: preserve what already worked, while improving the installer experience and supporting a more disciplined, engineered approach to snow management on metal roofs. 

Why the conversation starts with control 

In Jon's view, one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry is the belief that the best outcome is simply to let snow shed from the roof naturally. 

“The misconception that you need the snow to slide off the roof, of course, is still one that you see all the time,” Jon said. “People don’t understand that in cold climates these roofs are designed and engineered and built in a way that does not assume that snow will slide off the roof. And a lot of times holding the snow on the roof has great benefits.” 

Those benefits are practical. Controlled retention can help reduce the risk of snow falling onto vehicles, walkways and lower roof areas, while also helping manage melt more deliberately instead of allowing snow and ice to release in one sudden event. 

That is why snow retention should be treated as a life-safety and roof-performance decision, not just a product choice. 

A proven system, refined for the field 

Jon is clear that ColorGard 2.0 was not about changing the fundamentals of the product for the sake of novelty. It was about solving real installation issues without losing what made the system successful in the first place. 

According to Jon, the two biggest drivers behind the redesign were eliminating field cutting and improving installation of interlocking components. 

He said, “Installers were having to work through extra steps during the run, including measuring, cutting and managing components in sequence. On a roof, especially a steep or slippery one, those interruptions add time and create more room for frustration. 

Jon described the larger goal in simple terms: make installation easier and reduce the number of “head scratchers” on the roof. 

“Less thinking on the roof, basically,” he said. “Not having to calculate when you need to cut it, not having to send parts back to the ground to be cut. You just start on the left side. It’s a seamless install until you get to the end, and then you trim-cut any excess.” 

That explanation gets to the heart of ColorGard 2.0. From Jon’s perspective, the redesign was shaped by what actually happens during installation, not just by what looks good in a brochure. 

The redesign is really about how the parts work together 

When Jon talks about the most important design improvement in ColorGard 2.0, he keeps coming back to the interaction between the splice, the crossmember and the VersaClipTM. 

“The splice slides to the center of it. Then the VersaClip can go on top of it,” he said. “They all can be installed in one place.” 

That may sound like a small mechanical detail, but it has a meaningful impact on installation. The redesign allows the splice and VersaClip to share the same location, with a SnoClipTM installed over the splice. That helps eliminate mid-run interruptions so crews can work more continuously from one side of the roof to the other.   

In other words, the improvement is not just that the system has new components. It is that the components now work together in a way that better supports the realities of the jobsite. 

Snow retention should be engineered like the rest of the building 

If there is one theme Jon returns to again and again, it is engineering rigor. 

He believes snow retention is still too often treated as a generic accessory decision instead of an engineered part of the building envelope. In Jon's view, the process should begin with a basic question: what snow load is the roof designed to carry? From there, the system should be selected and engineered to withstand those conditions. 

“What is the design snow load of the roof?” Jon said. “How much snow could potentially be on that roof? And then selecting the appropriate system to restrain that.” 

He draws a direct comparison to other building components. 

“Just like the building gets engineered … you should do the same thing with our ColorGard 2.0 (or any other) system,” Jon said. 

That mindset matters because snow retention is not one-size-fits-all. Roof slope matters. Roof rafter length matters. Roof profile matters. Attachment method matters. Snow load matters. A retention system should be treated with the same diligence as other specified building elements, not selected on convenience alone. 

Roof-specific attachment still matters 

That same engineered approach shows up in the way Jon describes compatibility across roof types.  

He said, “ColorGard 2.0 builds on the same core approach while changing how the system is assembled in the field, with the attachment tailored to the specific roof profile.” 

That matters because the right retention solution cannot ignore the roof beneath it. Clamp or bracket selection has to fit the application, not force the roof into a generic solution. Jon also pointed to seam-height variation as one reason the system includes different snow clip heights, allowing it to accommodate a range of roof configurations. 

Residential or commercial, the need for snow retention remains 

Jon also sees ColorGard 2.0 as a system that works across both residential and commercial applications. 

“It offers a clean look for residential and is strong enough for commercial projects,” he said. 

That flexibility matters because snow behavior does not become simple just because a project is smaller or larger. Flatter commercial roofs and steeper residential roofs can create different design conditions, and residential applications can sometimes require more snow retention than people expect because of the slope. 

In practice, that means snow retention decisions should be driven by the roof and snow loads, not by assumptions about building type alone. 

Performance and appearance both matter 

Even in a highly technical category like snow retention, Jon does not dismiss aesthetics.  

On architectural projects, visual integration still matters. As Jon put it, “If we didn’t have a next-generation aesthetic solution, people would be upset.” 

That comment gets at something important. Building owners and designers do not want to choose between performance and appearance. They want a snow retention system that does its job while also respecting the roofline and the overall look of the building. 

Why it matters 

ColorGard 2.0 reflects a more disciplined approach to snow retention on metal roofs — one grounded in engineered performance, roof-specific design and a more streamlined installation process. 

As Jon makes clear, effective snow retention starts with understanding how snow behaves on a roof, how roofs are engineered to carry loads and how the right system can help snow evacuate in a more predictable and controlled fashion. 

ColorGard 2.0 is designed to support that kind of thinking, helping teams approach snow retention not as an afterthought, but as an integrated part of the roof system. 

In that regard, it is more than a product update. It is a refinement of a proven approach to managing snow more effectively while making installation easier. 

By S-5!

A custom-designed solar PV system for PING Europe required the right clamp solution to suit the facility’s unique trapezoidal roof system; S-5! emerged as the best provider. 

PING, a leading golf equipment manufacturer operates its European headquarters in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, where 250 employees assemble and distribute golf equipment to the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Europe, Iceland, South Africa and the Middle East. As one of its core values, PING is committed to environmental sustainability, recently completing the installation of 655 energy-saving solar modules on its roof…in the shape of its company logo! 

Cactus Energy, a renewable energy solutions provider, was appointed by PING to help them take the next steps towards more sustainable energy. They assessed PING’s energy needs and designed a rooftop solar system that would meet the company’s environmental requirements, reduce its carbon footprint and reduce its overall operating costs. 

Cactus Energy proposed the idea of incorporating the “PING” logo into their rooftop solar array, which would be aesthetically pleasing and a visible reminder of PING’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. 

The challenge 

Cactus Energy first discovered S-5! at an industry trade show in Munich. As the project progressed, Cactus Energy discovered the facility had a unique trapezoidal metal roof profile with a small standing seam that runs along the top. It was a roof profile that they had not installed solar on before, and none of their existing suppliers had a solution. They were also in search of a solar mounting manufacturer offering the best warranty on their products. 

The solution 

Cactus Energy determined that S-5! had the ideal solution for the specific roof profile and that S-5! offered the best product warranty in the industry. Typically, in the UK, mounting product warranties are 5, 10 or 12 years — never over 20. But, S-5! offers a material/workmanship warranty on all its products for the entire life of the roof and the life of the solar system (which may be more than 35 years).  

Cactus Energy chose the S-5! PVKIT® direct-attach™, rail-less solar solution paired with the S-5-E™ Mini clamp to provide an aesthetically pleasing mounting system.  

Featuring just three components, the PVKIT plus the S-5-E Mini enabled solar installers to fix solar panels directly onto the metal roof. The PVKIT’s pre-assembled components considerably reduce installation time and cost for photovoltaic (PV) mounting by eliminating the need for an elaborate rail system, while also providing better load distribution into the roof and substructure and reducing the total weight by 85% when compared to rail mountings. 

The S-5-E Mini was designed for this particular trapezoidal roof profile, and as with all S-5! clamps, has been tested to load-to-failure with holding strength unmatched in the industry. 

Long-term outlook 

The new rooftop solar system has significantly reduced PING’s annual electricity bills and offset 117 tons of CO₂ per annum.  

How did the S-5! products help? 

• Improved system aesthetics 
• Minimized the amount of time workers must spend in harness on the roof 
• Eliminated the risk of a voided roof manufacturer warranty ― no damage 
• And the PVKIT is 85% lighter than rails while providing 25% better load distribution 

"Our custom-designed solar PV system for PING Europe required the right clamp solution to suit the facility’s unique trapezoidal roof system. S-5! emerged as the best provider, delivering a solution that exceeded our expectations. Their exceptional support throughout the entire project was seamless, and we look forward to collaborating with them again on future solar PV projects." 

— Matt Tipler, chief sustainability officer, Cactus Energy 

At-a-glance 

• Project name: PING Europe 
• Location: Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom 
• Engineer: Cactus Energy 
• Solar installer: Cactus Energy 
• Module Manufacturer: SolarWatt 
• Inverter Manufacturer: Solis 
• Roof Profile: Butler MR-24® Conventional Roof System 
• Industry: Commercial 
• Situation: In line with PING’s’s environmental sustainability goals, the company wished to reduce its annual energy bills for its headquarters facility by supplementing its power generation with rooftop solar PV. 
• Result: Cactus Energy selected the PVKIT direct-attach solar mounting system paired with the S-5-E Mini clamp — specifically designed for the trapezoidal metal roof profile — for its quality, reputation, ease of installation and outstanding product warranty. 

Project stats 

• Roof measured: 3500 m² (38,000 sq ft) 
• Roof pitch: 5 degrees 
• Project size: 265 kilowatts 
• S-5! products supplied: PVKIT® (1556) and S-5-E™ Mini (1556) 

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.”

By Fiona Maguire-O’Shea, S-5!

Projects like Soledad illustrate the role innovative mounting systems can play in expanding renewable energy access while reducing installation costs and complexity.

Reliable electricity remains a major barrier to economic growth in remote communities worldwide. In Soledad, Peru, an Amazon rainforest community reached only after days of travel by road and river, a new off-grid solar expansion is helping a local plantain flour production facility increase output, support local farmers and create more economic opportunity. The installation also demonstrates how rail-less solar mounting can simplify rooftop installations in hard-to-access locations. 

The photovoltaic project was led by Canadian-based charity Light Up The World (LUTW), which provides photovoltaic systems and hands-on renewable energy training to underserved communities. With support from industry partners, including donated solar mounting solutions from S-5! and solar modules from Silfab Solar, LUTW expanded the facility’s energy capacity to support increased production.  

S-5!’s support for the Soledad project builds on an earlier LUTW collaboration in Huarcaya, Peru, where the company provided solar attachments for an off-grid school serving nearly 150 students and more than 15 teachers. That first partner project demonstrated the real-world impact of reliable solar access in remote communities and helped set the stage for continued collaboration. 

Expanding economic opportunity through solar 

The solar-powered facility is operated by Terra Nuova, a Peru-based development organization, and the Winchinkim Agricultural and Aquaculture Producers Association (ASPAAW), a local producer association supporting agricultural and aquaculture-based economic development in the region. The facility first began production in 2022 after LUTW installed its initial solar system. Since then, it has become a critical source of employment and economic activity within the region. 

The latest solar expansion will allow the facility to significantly increase production capacity by powering industrial-scale dehydration ovens used in plantain flour manufacturing — a growing export product for markets including Europe and Ecuador. Plantain is a staple food source in the region, and the facility can process up to 60 tons of green bananas per month, providing a reliable market for local producers whose crops previously had no guaranteed buyer. 

“This is the first major business in Soledad,” explained Aaron Cohen, executive director of LUTW. “By expanding the facility’s energy capacity, the project is helping create stable employment and income for local families while supporting farmers throughout the region.” 

“Before, producers didn’t have a consistent, reliable place to sell their crops,” said Alan Mariano Antich, general manager of ASPAAW and plant manager. “Many experienced losses because there were few market opportunities. Now, the plant purchases from local producers, giving them a market that is 100% guaranteed.” 

The impact extends well beyond the facility itself. More than 500 people live in the surrounding community, and local farmers depend on the plantain processing operation as a key source of revenue. With additional energy capacity now available, the facility expects to double both production output and workforce capacity, growing from eight to 16 employees. 

Overcoming extreme installation challenges 

While the humanitarian impact is significant, the project also highlights the logistical advantages of a lightweight, rail-less rooftop mounting system in difficult-to-access environments. The recent installation expanded the facility’s total system size to 32 kWp, with the S-5! PVKIT supporting 42 panels accounting for 16 kWp. By utilizing the facility’s existing metal roof, the team avoided the added materials, labor and complexity of building a separate ground-mounted support structure. 

Reaching Soledad requires approximately three days of travel to the nearest road-accessible point, followed by two additional days by boat along the Rio Santiago River, with travel limited to daylight hours due to difficult river conditions and lack of navigational lighting. 

In a location where every component must travel by boat, S-5!’s lightweight attachment technology reduced the shipment to just three compact boxes of brackets and clips, dramatically lowering transportation costs, simplifying logistics and making the project far more practical to execute.  

“This project demonstrated how critical lightweight, adaptable rooftop mounting technology can be for remote solar deployments,” said Cohen. “Reducing material weight, transportation complexity and labor requirements makes projects like this far more achievable.” 

Renewable energy driving economic opportunity 

For LUTW, the project represents more than rural electrification; it is a long-term investment in local economic sustainability and a blueprint for other similar projects in the Peruvian Amazon. 

By pairing renewable energy infrastructure with workforce training and community-led development, the organization aims to create systems that continue generating economic opportunity long after installation crews leave. 

The collaboration also demonstrates how commercial solar technologies can support humanitarian and community development efforts in some of the world’s most challenging environments. 

“When I visited the first project in Huarcaya, I saw firsthand what access to electricity can mean for a community,” said Juan Carlos Fuentes, director of international business at S-5! “It was more than solar on a roof. It reinforced that we are not just providing products; we are delivering practical solutions that help make clean energy more accessible where it is needed most. With the Soledad project, that impact extends even further — supporting local production, creating economic opportunity and helping strengthen the community for the long term.” 

As demand for resilient off-grid solar solutions continues to grow globally, projects like Soledad illustrate the role innovative mounting systems can play in expanding renewable energy access while reducing installation costs and complexity.  

To learn more about LUTW and how your organization can become a corporate partner in helping bring power to remote, off-grid communities, visit www.lutw.org. 

“On Tour With S-5!” expands access to rooftop education across U.S. markets.

S-5! is launching a 14-stop national roadshow in response to the growing need for more accessible, hands-on training that connects contractors and installers directly with manufacturers. The “On Tour With S-5!” initiative kicks off in June in Florida, with events continuing throughout the U.S. in July and August, bringing practical product demonstrations, technical discussions and networking directly to contractors, EPCs, installers and other industry professionals.

The roadshow brings together industry-leading manufacturers, S-5!, Mission Solar, SnapNrack Solar Mounting Solutions and EZ Solar Products to provide practical education outside the traditional trade show setting, offering field professionals direct access to manufacturers and application-specific training.

The tour will focus largely on commercial solar attachment and rooftop project considerations, while also addressing regional needs. In the Northeast markets, for example, events will include snow retention education and solutions for contractors working in snow-prone environments. Events will cover multiple roofing applications and will include discussions around current industry topics, including Domestic Content compliance in 2026, FEOC guidance and project considerations.

“This tour matters because it brings education, live demos and industry partners directly to our customers,” said Jessica Haddock, director of marketing at S-5! “It helps us reach more contractors, create stronger engagement and give attendees a hands-on experience they can take back to the jobsite. When you bring education directly into local markets, you create more than a training opportunity — you build lasting relationships.”

Each stop is structured as a training event, with approximately four hours of instruction, live product demonstrations, attendee giveaways and opportunities for contractors, installers and participating manufacturers to connect in an informal setting.

“We like to say we are on tour with the band, and the band is all of our partners together,” said Haddock. “By bringing leading manufacturers into one common space, we can provide comprehensive education, show contractors what solutions are available and build relationships, trust and business for everyone involved.”

“S-5! has always been at the forefront of innovation, and that goes beyond our products — it is also how we do business,” said Haddock. “Trade shows are valuable, but not everyone can attend trade shows, especially at the installer level. This allows us to meet contractors where they are and provide personal, one-on-one training.”

Additional information, including tour dates and registration details, is available at: ontour.s-5.com.

About S-5!

Since 1992, S-5! has been the leading authority on metal roof attachment solutions. Its zero-penetration clamps, along with brackets, support a variety of roof-mounted applications on most metal roof types while maintaining roof integrity and warranties. Building on that legacy, S-5! has now expanded its expertise with best-in-class single-ply membrane roof solutions. With installations on more than 3 million metal roofs worldwide, S-5! delivers trusted strength, longevity and performance with attachments designed to last the life of the roof — backed by an industry-leading manufacturer warranty unmatched in the industry. For more information, visit ontour.s-5.com.

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 Ali Turner, S-5! 

Today’s industry-leading clamps are designed to mechanically attach to standing seam metal roofs, allowing you to achieve a secure, code-compliant attachment that maintains the roof's integrity. 

Planning to set up Starlink at home? Here at S-5!, we know that one of the most important factors is where you place the dish. A higher mounting point, often on the roof, usually gives the equipment a more open view of the sky, which can help improve signal quality and support a steadier internet connection. 

In fact, Starlink itself recommends installing the dish in an elevated, permanent location, such as a roof, to achieve the best performance and long-term reliability. But here’s what many homeowners overlook: how you mount the dish is just as important as where you install it.

For decades, people have relied on outdated mounting solutions like concrete blocks and ballasted systems for satellite dishes and other rooftop accessories. While these methods may seem simple, they directly conflict with Starlink’s best practices and can create serious problems for your roof and your connection. 

Thankfully, there’s a better way. A modern way. The Right Way!® 

What Starlink recommends and why it matters 

Before choosing a mounting method, it’s important to understand what Starlink recommends for the best performance: 

• A clear, unobstructed view of the sky is critical — even small obstructions cause interruptions. 
• Permanent mounting is recommended for long-term reliability and cable protection. 
• Install as close to vertical as possible for optimal signal tracking. 
• Protect cables from damage and moisture during and after installation. 

Homeowners using ballast and concrete block systems often find it harder to follow these best practices. 

The problem with concrete blocks and ballasts 

Loose concrete blocks rely on weight rather than engineering. Over time, they can shift, especially in wind events or storms, impacting alignment and signal quality. 

Ballasted systems limit placement flexibility and often result in suboptimal positioning, leading to dropped connections. Concrete blocks trap moisture, leading to rust and potential degradation of metal roof panels over time. This not only shortens your roof’s lifespan, but it can also void your warranty. 

Concrete blocks can cause damage to metal roofs, inducing corrosion. 

Starlink emphasizes protecting cables from bending, moisture and damage. Ballasted setups often lead to messy cable runs across the roof, increasing the risk of wear and tear, water exposure and improper routing. And on top of all that (no pun intended), dragging concrete blocks onto your roof is labor-intensive, risky and completely unnecessary with today’s modern mounting solutions. 

What’s the solution? 

A purpose-built mounting system provides a reliable way to attach equipment like Starlink directly to metal roofs without the drawbacks of outdated, unsafe methods. 

Instead of relying on weight or improvised setups, it uses engineered attachment points to secure your system while helping to protect the integrity of your roof. That shift alone makes a big difference, especially when you’re trying to get the most out of a high-performance system like Starlink. 

One of the biggest advantages is the ability to install your dish exactly where it performs best. Rather than being limited by where you can place heavy blocks or temporary mounts, you can fine-tune placement to maximize signal quality and minimize interruptions. 

Attachment without compromise

A common misconception is that effective roof-mounted systems must rely on attachments that penetrate the roof panels to provide secure attachment. In reality, today’s industry-leading clamps are designed to mechanically attach to standing seam metal roofs, allowing you to achieve a secure, code-compliant attachment that maintains the roof's integrity. For exposed-fastened roofs, utility mounting systems can achieve a secure attachment to the panel ribs and prevent water intrusion by utilizing tabs with factory-applied EPDM sealant. 

Non-penetrating clamps attach utility mounting systems without voiding the roof manufacturer’s warranty. 

Plus, with a utility mounting system designed specifically for rooftop accessories, cable routing becomes much cleaner and safer, avoiding sharp bends, tension and unnecessary opportunities for degradation. Installation itself is faster and more straightforward, without the need to haul heavy materials or rely on trial-and-error positioning. 

Ideas to hold on to 

Starlink is only as effective as the quality of its installation. Temporary methods like ballast can limit placement, increase risks to the roof and lead to inconsistent performance. A purpose-built mounting approach, on the other hand, supports a secure, elevated and properly aligned installation, exactly as the system is designed to function. 

And finally, it’s not only easier to do it The Right Way!® — it’s almost much lower-cost! 

If you’re serious about getting the most out of your Starlink connection, upgrading your mounting method isn’t optional. It’s essential.

By Jenny Yu.  

S-5! introduces their latest solar attachment product to the general construction market. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), Karen Edwards spoke with Todd Lindstrom, product specialist at S-5!, about the company’s new product, the Facet™ Mount and how this development broadens the company’s reach across the roofing landscape. 

“Facet, or Facet Mount, brings us into the flat roof category, where traditionally S-5! has been a metal roofing attachment company,” Todd said. As a company that specializes in attachments and methodologies for working on metal roofs, the facet opens the door for more contractors to incorporate S-5! products into their toolboxes. “It's actually a product that's been in the general solar construction space since 2008, but what we've decided to do is bring it out as a general construction product.” 

By bringing the facet to the general construction market, S-5! aims to help contractors in other trades, such as HVAC and electric, perform their services to a roofer’s satisfaction. “This is a great solution done with the roofing material manufacturer and the roofer in mind,” Todd shared, noting that the attachment provider collaborated with roofing partners in the development stages. “We made sure they liked how it went in, why it went in; it gave them the room to maneuver, the room to be confident that their warranty would stand up as a result of the work they were doing.” This collaboration extended to roofing manufacturers, incorporating their feedback to create a product that fits the needs of all parties involved in a roofing project.  

Todd also explained the origin of the product for what was then known as the Staples Center in Los Angeles, now named Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers. “It was the first stadium where solar was incorporated on the roof. They had a brand-new roof, and at that time, the solar industry had no known developed products for the interface,” Todd said. “You had to sit eight or nine inches off the deck to create the right amount of clearance for whatever you're waterproofing. A practical product didn't exist, so it was invented for that site.” 

Staples Center was S-5!’s first install of the Facet Mount, now 18 years active. “So, it's a new product, but it's not new,” Todd stated. In pioneering this product and now expanding its reach to more general contractors throughout the trades, S-5! is confident the Facet can fulfill any job it meets. “It's been around a while, with hundreds of thousands of units deployed both here and in Europe, so we're quite familiar with anything that could be thrown at us.” 

Watch the interview to learn more about S-5!’s roof attachment innovations for metal roofing, solar and beyond!

By Ali Turner, S-5! 

R-panels are a reliable, budget-friendly metal roofing choice — but how you attach accessories matters.

R-panel is a durable and economical metal roofing profile commonly installed on commercial facilities, metal buildings, agricultural structures and barndominiums. However, as many roofing contractors have found when troubleshooting leaks or panel distortion due to thermal movement, the real challenge lies beyond the panel itself — it’s in the attachment method. Incorrect fastening approaches or incompatible substrates can limit natural expansion and contraction, jeopardize weathertightness and ultimately turn an otherwise dependable roofing system into a source of problems. 

If R-panels are part of your offering, understanding the fastening technology is not optional — it’s a must. Getting it right helps protect your margins and boost your credibility. 

This blog will explain: 

• What an R-panel roof is 
• Why watertightness testing matters 
• How engineered attachment systems help reduce risk, prevent callbacks and ensure long-term roof performance 

What is an R-panel roof? 

A commercial building with an R-Panel metal roof, featuring solar panels mounted directly to the ribs using engineered brackets and a rail-less solar mounting system. 

An R-panel is an exposed-fastened metal panel commonly used for roof and wall applications on commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings. The “R” stands for “ribbed” since the inception of the term. And the ribs are trapezoidal in cross-sectional shape. A later variant is the “PBR,” which stands for “purlin-bearing rib.” 

“R-panels are very different from standing seam or corrugated systems and serve a distinct market, particularly in the Southwest U.S.,” explained Lane Haddock, S-5! application engineer. “If a homeowner wants a reliable metal roof but doesn’t have the budget for a standing seam system, an R-panel is often the practical choice. It delivers durability and performance without the higher price point.” 

Key features of R-panels: 

• Ribbed profile for strength and water shedding 
• Raised major ribs and smaller intermediate ribs for rigidity 
• Exposed-fastened system for direct attachment to the structure 

“They’re also ideal for agricultural use, where performance often matters more than aesthetics,” Haddock added. “The goal is installing a roof that’s durable, dependable and built to last.” 

Reliable R-panel attachments: Engineered brackets tested for water intrusion 

Today’s roofing contractors are more than installers — you’re consultants, problem-solvers and risk managers. Every roof penetration, whether for snow retention, solar mounting or rooftop utilities, introduces waterproofing risk. How those attachments are engineered and tested determines whether the roof performs for decades or generates costly callbacks. 

When roof penetrations are required on an exposed-fastened profile, such as an R-panel, the roof's long-term performance depends on how well each attachment resists water intrusion. Field-applied sealants can degrade, compress unevenly or fail over time, so engineered brackets with factory-applied sealant technology are critical. These sealants are designed to maintain consistent compression and performance, even as the roof undergoes thermal expansion and contraction. 

Engineered bracket with snow retention system securely installed on an R-panel metal roof, designed to reduce the risk of snow slides while maintaining roof integrity and performance. 

ASTM E2140 testing determines the resistance of an attachment to water penetration when subjected to 6 inches of static water pressure. Brackets that pass this rigorous standard are independently validated to maintain a secure, leak-resistant interface under conditions that closely replicate real-world roof exposure. This testing, conducted in a certified third-party lab, shows exactly which attachment systems can reliably help protect your roof against water intrusion over the long term. 

Brackets undergoing ASTM E2140 testing, demonstrating water resistance with a marked 6-inch water line to ensure reliable performance under simulated static water pressure conditions. 

The bottom line for roofing contractors 

R-panels are a reliable, budget-friendly metal roofing choice — but how you attach accessories matters. Whether you’re installing snow guards, solar panels or utilities, the guidance is clear: 

• Choose engineered attachment systems designed for metal roof profiles and backed by testing and documentation. 
• Do not use products that compromise the roof’s weatherproofing. Use brackets and fasteners with factory-applied, integrated sealant technology to help prevent water from penetrating the panel surface. 
• Choose metal roof attachments with industry-leading lifetime warranties to ensure long-term performance, reliability and peace of mind for your roof system. 

When a fastening strategy is engineered rather than improvised, you’re not just installing accessories. You’re protecting your reputation, minimizing liability and delivering a roof system built for long-term performance. 

Questions? Reach out to support@s-5.com for help with your R-panel metal roofing project! 

Texas manufacturing facility recognized for continued commitment to safety excellence.

S-5!, the industry leader in metal roof attachment solutions, has earned the Metal Building Manufacturers Association Safety Award for the fifth time, recognizing the company’s exceptional workplace safety performance and zero recordable incidents at its Iowa Park, Texas, manufacturing facility during the calendar year 2025.

Each year, MBMA recognizes member companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to safety in the workplace over the past calendar year. The 2025 award was presented during the combined Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) Conference and MBMA Spring Association Meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado, held April 22-24, 2026. Rob Haddock, CEO and founder of S-5!, together with Shawn Haddock, vice president of operations at S-5!, accepted the honor on behalf of their entire team.

The achievement reflects ongoing safety training, proactive hazard identification and a team-wide commitment to maintaining a clean, compliant and accountable manufacturing environment.

“This recognition is meaningful because it reflects what happens in our facility every day: employees looking out for one another, following disciplined processes and taking ownership of safety,” said Shawn Haddock. “We are especially grateful to Randy Crumpton, our safety manager, whose leadership has helped strengthen a safety-first culture through training, clear policies and proactive hazard prevention.”

Through its annual Safety Awards, MBMA highlights member companies that make safe operations a consistent business priority and model responsible manufacturing practices across the metal building industry. “A year with zero recordable incidents requires more than compliance; it reflects everyday attention, communication and accountability across the organization,” said Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager. “S-5!’s continued performance at its Iowa Park facility demonstrates the kind of safety leadership we are proud to recognize among MBMA members.”

At S-5!’s ISO 9001: 2015-certified Iowa Park manufacturing facility, advanced automation and equipment support both product quality and a disciplined operating environment. Following a 20,000+ square foot expansion that doubled production capacity, the team continues to pair growth with safety practices, training and facility improvements that support employees, customers and ongoing manufacturing operations.

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 3 million roofs worldwide, including 10+ gigawatts of roof-mounted solar, providing strength and longevity never before seen. For more information, visit www.s-5.com.