2026 snow retention products outlook

Five key trends were identified for the snow retention industry.

The leadership at Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. has identified five key trends moving into 2026 for the snow retention industry. Brian Cross, Operations Manager for the Colorado-based company, identifies the trends as:

Trend #1

As solar panel installation increases on homes, the need for snow retention products below those panels will increase in 2026. “We’re seeing homeowners with escalating interests in creating energy-saving solar panels on their roofs,” according to Cross. “In areas where significant snow comes down in winter, that means snows will slide off those panels quickly. Products like Drift Solar are needed to stop snow from avalanching off roofs and causing danger to people and property below the solar panels.”

Trend #2

Increase in use of free layout and quote services for snow retention programs offered by companies such as Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. “During the later part of 2025 we saw a 10% increase in these services daily,” says Cross. “This means we were producing more than 30 free quotes a day for roofing contractors relying on our expertise in determining the placement of snow retention systems on their projects. We firmly believe this will continue to grow in 2026.”

Trend #3

With demand for metal roofing surging by 35% from 2024 to 2025*, durable corrugated steel roofs are anticipated to follow the trend and grow even more in popularity. Roofers will need special strong metal snow guards that fasten through the top of the corrugation (rather than the bottom) to reduce water “ponding” and eliminate leaking around fasteners.

Trend #4

Given the changes in weather extremes in some geographic locations, sales of bolt-down snow fence bracket systems, which have incredible attachment strength to surface, are anticipated to grow in 2026. “We saw double digit growth for No-Flash and Drift snow fence systems in 2025 and we anticipate seeing that growth continue into next year,” says Cross. “These are extremely durable systems that can handle high altitude conditions.”

Trend #5

While Dark Bronze is still the number one color choice for snow guards at Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, it may take a back seat in 2026. Throughout 2025 the color Black accelerated in product sales and may be on its way to taking over as the top color choice for snow guards in 2026.

About Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc.

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.

*https://www.sunsent.com/the-state-of-roofing-in-2025-a-data-driven-look-at-costs-damage-and-industry-trends#:~:text=Demand%20for%20Metal%20Roofing%20Has,homes%20with%20existing%20solar%20panels.