2026 National Snow Guards Safety Month

The importance of snow guards for property owners living in areas with accumulating snowfall and the safety value of snow retention products are the primary goals of the monthlong educational program.

For the second year, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc., a leader in the snow retention industry, is hosting National Snow Guards Safety Month during the month of March. The focus on the importance of snow guards for property owners living in areas with accumulating snowfall and the safety value of snow retention products are the primary goals of the monthlong educational program.

“A properly installed and well-maintained snow guard system on a home can help save lives and prevent property damage,” according to Brian Cross, operations manager at Rocky Mountain Snow Guards out of Englewood, Colorado. “Accumulating snow on roofs can come sliding off in one mass sheet. This is dangerous for people, pets and landscaping below.”

Check and double-check

Cross recommends that roofers suggest to their customer to make it a priority to have their snow guard or snow retention system checked each year as soon as snows have melted off the roof.

“If your area has seen snow activity during the past winter months, then contact your homeowners and recommend a complete inspection of their roofs, including their snow retention system,” says Cross. “You want to make certain that accumulating snowfalls have not moved or damaged any of their snow guards. Additionally, while on the roof, you can inspect the roofing and make sure that everything is solidly in place to perform at its peak during the coming year.”

Safe snow retention systems

The experts at Rocky Mountain Snow Guards manufacture snow guards and create plans for where they should be placed on a roof for maximum benefit. They take into consideration the areas with the most potential exposure where people least wish to see snow drop off in large masses, such as door entryways, driveways, walkways and decks. And they use scientific configurations related to the roof slope, roof snow load and other factors. Even the type of materials on the roof (such as asphalt, composite, metal or slate roofing) factor into the calculations.

“We work directly with roofing contractors, builders and homeowners to create a roof specific layout resulting in safe snow retention,” says Cross. “The free layout and quote service we provide takes individual roof specifications and returns the ideal layout for a snow retention system. The result is a configuration of specific products that allow the snow to melt slowly off the roof rather than being released in large, dangerous chunks.”

Avalanche experts weigh in

In a joint statement from the National Avalanche Center and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) in support of National Snow Guards Safety Month, Theresa Blake Graven, public information officer said, “Roof avalanches pose a serious risk every year in mountain communities. It’s critical to stay aware of snow-loaded roofs, minimize time spent beneath them and keep a shovel nearby in case of an emergency.”

The CAIC reports that 1,095 avalanches have been recorded in Colorado so far this season. Over the past 30 years, five people have died in roof avalanches in Colorado, with many more injuries and close calls documented. The most recent fatal roof avalanche in Colorado occurred on March 16, 2023, when a father and two children were buried. Tragically, one child died.

CAIC advises people to watch for thick snow buildup on roofs, avoid spending time directly beneath roof edges and keep entryways clear.

The cost of saying no to snow guards

Snow guards are all about being proactive in keeping people and property safe from falling snow and ice. In addition, the snow guards can help reduce ice dams and gutter damage during severe winter weather. Roofers can remind homeowners that not having a well-installed snow guard system can lead to catastrophic damage, potential injuries, liability claims and insurance problems. Being proactive and having snow guards can keep homeowners from paying avalanche-related insurance claims, repairing damaged roofing and constantly worrying during the winter season. Homeowners and businesses can gain peace of mind along with knowing their property is protected by installing and maintaining a snow guard system.

Recommended resources

• Snow Retention FAQ
• Q&A: Do I really need snow guards?
• Retrofitting Snow Guards on Your Roof
• Podcast: Snow retention 101
• “No Maintenance Guarantee” on Snow Retention Products

For specific questions on snow guards, call 877-414-7606.

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, plus free training for roofing contractors and architects. 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.