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.

The two-pipe fence-style snow retention system can be used on all shingle-type roofs for retrofit situations.

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, a leader in the snow retention industry, has introduced the CrossGard II Snow Fence. The two-pipe fence-style snow retention system can be used on all shingle-type roofs for retrofit situations.

An economical system, CrossGard II Snow Fence comes in an aluminum mill finish that can also be requested in a powder coated finish. The system is very compact and only requires three screws per upright bracket. It can be attached onto the sheeting and is ideal for lower pitches and snow loads.

“The CrossGard II Snow Fence fits on the face of a single course of shingles,” says Brian Cross, operations manager of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. “It was designed as a lower-cost retrofit-only snow fence option. The key selling feature of this product, which has the same load ratings as our snow guards, is its low profile.

“This is the easiest snow fence in our product line up to install. It’s a very condensed system that shines in effectiveness on retrofit applications for any type of pre-installed shingle roofs.”

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.

By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. 

Learn about the three things that keep this expert roofer coming back to Rocky Mountain Snow Guards every time.

Thirty years ago Greg Rogers was making $6.95 an hour as a lift operator at Vail Resorts. That’s when a friend asked him if he wanted to make some “real money.” The rest, as they say, is history. Greg joined up with Vail Valley Gutter in 1997 and is now the company’s lead estimator and crew manager.

Located in Edwards, Colorado, the company supplies quality gutters and downspouts to the surrounding communities. They also get involved in snow retention installation for projects in the high mountain communities where they rely on products from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards to fulfill their customers’ needs.

What’s the customer base for Vail Valley Gutter?

While we work in the Vail Valley and its surrounding areas like Crested Butte and Aspen, we’ve gone as far as Wyoming to install custom copper gutters.

What type of products do you install mostly? And what companies do you partner with?

Because of our geography, we install custom gutter systems with heat tape and snow fences. When we need snow retention, I like to offer all the products from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards to my customers, especially the Blizzard II and snow fence products. I prefer their products for the powder coating and product strength. Another product line I sell a good deal of is the flat bar from S-5!®.

How often do you use the free layout and quote service from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards?

I use this system when needed, however I always over build my systems for the highest success and customer satisfaction possible.

What about the Rocky Mountain Snow Guards products? What keeps you coming back to using the company’s products for your snow retention needs?

Three things keep me coming back to Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. The quality of their products. The fair and reasonable pricing. And the strong customer service we get from Ariel.

What’s the most challenging roofing project you’ve done where a snow retention system was involved?

I would have to say the Comcast building in Avon, Colorado. This structure has the longest run of fence material we have ever installed with the most rows. We used the new ColorGard® 2.0 system on the metal roof and it turned out great.