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.”

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 DaVinci Roofscapes.

Learn how Rocky Mountain Snow Guards' products help this roofer keep his clients safe through the winter.

Living in Minnesota, and having worked in Colorado, Rick Vining knows a thing or two about snow slides. “There was a business remodeled in Minneapolis around 2022 with synthetic roofing material,” says Rick, director of sales for Weathersafe™ Restoration, Inc. “They didn’t have a snow retention system installed. They had a snow slide that was so heavy and fast that it caused massive damage, including to a parked car. If a person were in the slide zone during the avalanche, they would have been seriously injured or killed.”

The memory of that event stays with Rick and his team. It’s one of the reasons they recommend snow retention plans for every metal and synthetic roofing bid they present.

Where is Weathersafe Restoration, Inc. getting its snow retention plans?

We always go to Rocky Mountain Snow Guards and use their free layout and plan services. Often we are the only contractor who communicates to the client why snow retention should be a consideration during the initial consultation. Receiving the layout and documentation is fantastic backup for our client meeting. Plus we know the service team at Rocky Mountain Snow Guards is just a phone call or email away if we have a question or additional needs.

What type of projects are you recommending snow retention on?

We complete all types of roofing projects: Repairs and full replacement installations, plus we install new roofing. Because we service Minnesota and western Wisconsin, we’re dealing with significant snow areas. If it’s a roofing product with a “slick” surface to it, we recommend snow retention.

Are you noticing any trends in your area related to snow retention?

Recently we’re seeing many Minnesota municipalities requiring a snow retention plan during the permitting process before replacing a homeowner’s roof with metal or synthetic materials. This makes a lot of sense. For us, we lean on Rocky Mountain Snow Guards to come up with the layout plan and supporting documentation that’s required. Then we can focus on the client service and installation.

Do you have any favorite roofing projects you’ve done using Rocky Mountain Snow Guards?

We had a challenging project where we installed Brava Cedar Shake in a Canyon Gray color. This also included CertainTeed Solstice® Shingles, a solar roofing shingle. There were numerous considerations involved and I liked the many moving parts and timelines. We used the Yeti 11 in a Dark Bronze color to make the snow retention system safe and easy, plus it accented the roof beautifully.    

What keeps your company coming back to Rocky Mountain Snow Guards?

The customer service and quality. Their team makes the process easy for us. From the layout to the plans to the product list to the instructions. They’re a good business partner.

Now for a fun question. Imagine getting $100,000 with a simple stipulation: you have to take your employees on a one-week trip. Where would you go?

Anywhere warm! We are from Minnesota! Actually, we’d bring the team to Anna Maria, Florida and go fishing all week. It would be a great team-building experience being on the clear turquoise waters, catching and releasing fish and sharks. What a dream week!

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards has launched a remarkable sale on many of its Dark Bronze Snow Fence products starting April 1, 2026, and running through June 30, 2026. Product pricing for contractors is reduced as much as 55% on some popular items like No-Flash Snow Fence items and 45% on the Drift Solar Snow Fence Bracket.

We’ve never had a sale like this before, Dark Bronze typically accounts for 40% of our color coated business. It’s an extraordinarily popular color, so we decided to reduce its pricing to make it more readily available to contractors for their snow retention projects.

Eight powder coated Dark Bronze snow fence products are impacted by the limited time offer.

The 90-day sale includes the following Dark Bronze Snow Fence products from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards: 

• No-Flash Baseplate 6” x10.5” – $17.14 reduced from the price of $37.91 (a 55% discount)
• No-Flash Baseplate 6” x 18” – $26.93 reduced from the price of $46.89 (a 41% discount)
• Drift Solar 4-Pipe Bolt-Down Bracket – $41.70 reduced from the price of $75.93 (a 45% discount)
• Single Ply Baseplate 6” x 8” – $14.36 reduced from the price of $22.82 (a 37% discount)
• Drift II 2-Pipe Fence-Style Bracket – $25.82 reduced from the price of $34.84 (a 26% discount)
• Drift III 3-Pipe Fence-Style Bracket – $25.92 reduced from the price of $34.84 (a 26% discount)
• Single Ply 2-Pipe Upright Bracket 2.6 – $18.50 reduced from the price of $21.78 (a 15% discount)
• Single Ply 3-Pipe Upright Bracket 3.6 – $18.79 reduced from the price of $21.78 (a 14% discount)

Take advantage of the sale today!

By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. 

The Drift Solar Snow Fence provides essential safety for residential solar projects.

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented boom in residential solar projects, with homeowners across the nation turning to solar energy to power their lives. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a new solar project was installed every 59 seconds in 2025, bringing the total number of solar energy systems in the U.S. to nearly 6 million — Enough to power 47 million households. By 2030, it’s projected that 11% of American homes will feature solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their roofs.

As the number of solar installations continues to climb, it is critical for architects, specifiers, contractors and roofing professionals to proactively plan for the unique challenges these systems present — Particularly in regions prone to winter weather. One significant concern is the rapid warming of solar panels after a snowfall, which causes snow to slide quickly down roof surfaces. Without proper snow retention, this can result in avalanches of snow and ice, putting people, property and landscaping below at risk.

Solar snowfall solution

To address this issue, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards offers the Drift Solar Aluminum 4-pipe fence-style snow guard system. Specifically engineered for installation below solar panels, this innovative system features a 12-inch-tall snow fence that acts as a catch basin, holding snow in place until it melts gradually. This prevents dangerous, sudden releases of snow, safeguarding both residents and property.

The Drift Solar Snow Fence is compatible with both new construction and retrofit roof applications. Its robust design calls for the brackets to be bolted directly to the roof support structure flush at the eave, with the tubing side facing downslope — A reversed installation compared to traditional snow fence systems. Each bracket is anchored with five structural lag bolts, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability. Individually sold ice screens must be installed with the Drift Solar snow fence system to impede the movement of snow between the tubing.

Guidance for industry pros

With residential solar adoption on the rise, integrating snow retention systems like the Drift Solar fence is essential for safe and successful solar installations in snowy climates. Architects, specifiers and contractors are encouraged to include snow retention in their project specifications to protect homeowners and maximize the benefits of solar energy year-round.

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. For details visit www.rockymountainsnowguards.com or call 1-877-414-7606.

This is a great opportunity to stock up and save!

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards has launched a remarkable sale on many of its Dark Bronze Snow Fence products starting April 1, 2026, and running through June 30, 2026. Product pricing for contractors is reduced as much as 55% on some popular items like No-Flash Snow Fence items and 45% on the Drift Solar Snow Fence Bracket.

“We’ve never had a sale like this before,” according to Brian Cross, operations manager/partner of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards in Englewood, Colorado. “Dark Bronze typically accounts for 40% of our color coated business. It’s an extraordinarily popular color, so we decided to reduce its pricing to make it more readily available to contractors for their snow retention projects. This is a great opportunity to stock up and save!”

Eight key Snow Fence products on sale

Eight powder coated Dark Bronze snow fence products are impacted by the limited time offer. The sale priced products can all be purchased directly from the company at www.rockymountainsnowguards.com or by calling 877-414-7606. There are no limitations on quantities for purchase.

The 90-day sale includes the following Dark Bronze Snow Fence products from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards: 

• No-Flash Baseplate 6” x10.5” – $17.14 reduced from the price of $37.91 (a 55% discount)
• No-Flash Baseplate 6” x 18” – $26.93 reduced from the price of $46.89 (a 41% discount)
• Drift Solar 4-Pipe Bolt-Down Bracket – $41.70 reduced from the price of $75.93 (a 45% discount)
• Single Ply Baseplate 6” x 8” – $14.36 reduced from the price of $22.82 (a 37% discount)
• Drift II 2-Pipe Fence-Style Bracket – $25.82 reduced from the price of $34.84 (a 26% discount)
• Drift III 3-Pipe Fence-Style Bracket – $25.92 reduced from the price of $34.84 (a 26% discount)
• Single Ply 2-Pipe Upright Bracket 2.6 – $18.50 reduced from the price of $21.78 (a 15% discount)
• Single Ply 3-Pipe Upright Bracket 3.6 – $18.79 reduced from the price of $21.78 (a 14% discount)

“Going into 2026, we identified the increase of solar panel projects as one of the hottest trends to follow this year,” says Cross. “We also acknowledged that Dark Bronze has been the top-selling custom color for our company for years. We’ve married together both these strong predictions for this year with exceptional cost savings for roofing contractors with this 90-day sale.”

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, 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.

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. is proud to announce National Snow Guards Safety Month in March! This awareness campaign highlights the importance of snow guard usage in areas with high snowfall. According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, five people lost their lives in roof avalanches in Colorado in the last 30 years. The best way to avoid these kinds of tragedies? Properly engineered and installed snow guards!

Snow guards are installed on rooftops in specific patterns to help prevent snow from avalanching as the snow melts. One of the big challenges of working with these products is figuring out what the right pattern is for each roof's needs. This is where Rocky Mountain Snow Guards aims to help contractors with tools like their free layout and quote service and educational installation videos.

Join us in recognizing National Snow Guards Safety Month and learning more about snow safety today!

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.

Nine essential safety tips for roofers installing snow retention systems.   

March marks National Snow Guard Safety Month, an initiative established by Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, a leader in the snow retention industry. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about roof safety and best practices for professionals. 

For roofers and contractors, installing snow retention systems requires skill, attention and a commitment to safety. Whether you’re working on residential or commercial buildings, following smart safety practices helps protect both you and your team, ensuring every project is completed successfully and without injury.

Tip 1: Wear the right gear

Start with the basics. Always wear a hard hat to protect yourself against accidental bumps and falls. Non-slip boots give you stability on slick, icy or wet surfaces and gloves keep your hands safe from sharp edges and cold temperatures. The right gear is your first defense against accidents.

Tip 2: Be cautious and aware of your surroundings

Slow down and check your work area before moving. Look for slippery spots, loose shingles and any obstacles that could cause a trip or fall when installing a snow retention system. Staying alert helps you avoid hazards and stay safe on the roof.

Tip 3: Watch out for co-workers and communicate clearly

Roofing is a team effort. Always know where your co-workers are and keep lines of communication open. Shout out warnings if you spot a hazard, and listen for instructions from others. Looking out for each other reduces risks and builds a safer work environment.

Tip 4: Avoid using earbuds that block instructions

As a follow-up to communicating clearly, listening to music can be tempting while working, but earbuds may block critical instructions or warnings from co-workers. Stay alert by keeping your ears open for communication, especially when working in teams or around heavy equipment.

Tip 5: Read directions thoroughly before starting

Before you begin installing snow retention systems, take time to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Understanding the process and any special requirements ensures you use the right techniques and materials, which should avoid mistakes that could put you or others at risk.

Tip 6: Use appropriate tools for snow retention installation

Using the right tools makes the job easier and safer. Check that your tools are in good condition and designed for working on roofs and at low temperatures. Damaged or makeshift tools increase the chance of injury and can compromise the quality of the installation.

Tip 7: Use protective eye gear

Flying debris, dust and sharp objects are common hazards when installing snow retention systems. Always wear protective eye gear to prevent injuries that could sideline you from work.

Tip 8: Protect skin from sun exposure

Roofs offer little shade and sun can be strong at any time of the year. Wear UV-protective clothing and apply sunblock to exposed skin. These simple steps help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, keeping you healthy.

Tip 9: Manage your lifting

Heavy lifting on a steep roof is risky. Only carry loads you are comfortable with, and ask for help if needed. Overexertion can lead to off-balance falls or muscle injuries, so protect yourself by respecting your limits.

Safety leads to success

By following these practical tips, professional roofers and contractors can work confidently and safely when installing snow retention systems. Prioritizing safety not only helps prevent injuries but also ensures every job is completed smoothly and efficiently. Celebrate National Snow Guard Safety Month by making safety your top priority each and every day on the roof.

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.

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.