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.

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.