Snow Retention Frequently Asked Questions
Why Keep Snow on the Roof?
When snow avalanches off of a rooftop, it can damage anything in its path! This sudden release of snow can be dramatic—dumping tons of snow all at once. Falling snow forms a temperature-sensitive bond to the surface of a metal roof. As that roof warms—whether from sunlight or heat loss from inside the building—the bond with the snow is broken. A thin film of melt water forms, lubricating the roof and causing the snow to slide off in a massive avalanche.
These avalanches can destroy gutters, vehicles, landscaping, or even injure people. The piled-up snow below can also cause secondary damage—by forcing melt water into walls or damaging siding. Snow retention systems prevent these hazards by holding snow in place, allowing it to melt or shed gradually.
How Are S-5!® Snow Retention Systems Attached?
S-5! Snow Retention Systems use patented clamping technology. These attachments are completely mechanical and squeeze the seam using round-point setscrews—without adhesives or roof penetrations.
- No unreliable adhesives
- No panel penetration
- Preserves panel thermal movement
- Unmatched holding strength
- No premature corrosion
- Does not void roof warranties
- Approved by leading metal panel manufacturers
Copycat clamps use “cup-point” screws that pierce protective coatings, leading to corrosion and warranty loss. S-5! clamps use round-point setscrews that do not puncture panels. ASTM B-117 Salt Fog tests have shown zero corrosion after 1,000 hours. All S-5! hardware is 300-series stainless steel—not plated steel.
S-5! clamps have been independently tested on all major panel types, with ultimate load-to-failure strengths averaging over 1,800 lbs—and up to 3,000+ lbs. That’s up to ten times stronger than competing products.
Can S-5!® Systems Be Retrofitted to Existing Roofs?
Yes. ColorGard®, X-Gard™, DualGard™, and SnoFence™ can be retrofitted to existing roofs or installed during new construction. They can be installed any time of year using standard trade tools.
Designed by a contractor and field-tested in the Colorado Rockies, S-5! systems offer unmatched ease of installation, reliability, and performance.
Why Upgrade from Adhesive-Based Systems?
Most adhesives fail over time due to temperature extremes, UV exposure, and moisture. Modern metal roofs use fluorocarbon finishes such as Kynar® or Hylar®, similar to Teflon®. These finishes resist adhesives, leading to unreliable bonds and seasonal installation limitations.
S-5!’s mechanical attachment system is stable, non-corrosive, and predictable—delivering consistent performance for decades without degradation.
Should the Snow Retention System Be Customized?
Yes. Every project should be engineered for the roof’s snow load, slope, and panel type. S-5! provides design assistance—contact us at info@rapidmaterials.com or 770-405-1060 for help.
What About Cost?
Despite superior quality, S-5!® systems are highly cost-effective. On a per-foot basis, they outperform alternative systems in both price and strength. Installers often prefer S-5! due to simplified installation, saving labor costs.
Example Cost Scenarios
Example 1 – 16" Seam, Every Other Seam Clamped
- Clamp: S-5-E
- Clamp spacing: every other seam
- SnoClip: none
- Total length: 2,700 ft
- Approximate cost: $4.51/linear ft
Example 2 – 16" Seam, Every Seam Clamped
- Clamp: S-5-Z
- Clamp spacing: every seam
- SnoClip III used at every panel
- Total length: 24 ft
- Approximate cost: $13.79/linear ft
Most projects fall between these two examples. Contact RapidMaterials for accurate takeoffs and pricing.
How Do I Choose the Right System?
- ColorGard® – Best for color-matched steel or aluminum roofs.
- SnoRail™ / SnoFence™ – Ideal for copper or mill finish roofs.
- X-Gard™ 1.0 / 2.0 – Designed for high snow loads or wide seam spacing.
- DualGard™ – Best when a 1" pipe system is specified.
ColorGard® Placement Guidelines
The first row of ColorGard should be installed within 12 inches of the eave, as recommended by the Metal Construction Association’s Metal Roof Design for Cold Climates guide. This placement minimizes shear failure and takes advantage of the snowpack’s compressive strength.
Multiple rows may be necessary to prevent “buckling blanket” failures—where dense, wet snow compresses and folds over retention devices. Adding additional rows reduces unsupported snow load.
Material Choices: Stainless vs. Aluminum
Stainless steel SnoRod™ is preferred for greater durability or when a polished finish is desired. SnoFence™ is stronger than SnoRail™ and provides dual-rail aesthetics.
When Should SnoClips™, X-Clips™, or DualClips™ Be Used?
These clips prevent snow and ice from sliding beneath crossmembers. Typically, one clip per panel on the first row is sufficient; for seams over 24", use two or more per panel.
Why Choose ColorGard® Over Other Options?
ColorGard provides a perfect color match that lasts for the life of the roof. Because it incorporates actual coil-coated roof material, its fade resistance matches that of the roof panels. Competing products rely on inferior coatings that fade unevenly over time.
How Is ColorGard Attached?
ColorGard attaches using S-5!® clamping hardware—no adhesives required. This ensures reliable, all-weather performance without compromising roof finishes.
Using ColorGard on Other Roof Types
With S-5! VersaBracket™ or CorruBracket™, ColorGard can be installed on almost any roof type, including face-fastened metal or non-metallic roofs. VersaBracket includes a factory-applied sealant for leak-free installation.
ColorGard vs. Clear Plastic Snow Guards
Clear plastic guards yellow and weaken over time due to UV degradation. ColorGard maintains its clean architectural lines, blending seamlessly with the roof. Because of its superior strength, fewer pieces are needed—often ten times fewer than plastic alternatives.
How Is S-5!® Different from Other Setscrew Clamps?
S-5! clamps use round-tipped, polished setscrews that preserve protective coatings on metal panels. Competing “cup-point” screws gouge finishes and void warranties. ASTM B-117 testing confirms that S-5! causes no corrosion even after 1,000 hours of salt spray exposure.
All S-5! hardware is high-grade 18-8 stainless steel, ensuring long-term metallurgic compatibility and corrosion resistance. Since 1992, S-5! technology has been trusted and approved by leading roof panel manufacturers worldwide.
Why S-5!® Clamps?
S-5! clamps attach almost anything to standing seam metal roofs—without piercing the panel. Available for virtually every profile, these clamps grip seams securely without compromising finishes.
The average ultimate load-to-failure exceeds 1,800 lbs, with some tests reaching 4,000 lbs—up to ten times stronger than competing systems.