Snowfall may soon turn many neighborhoods across the country into charming winter scenes, but that beautiful winterscape can wreak havoc on a roof. Accumulated snow is incredibly heavy and, if not properly managed, can lead to roof leaks, interior water damage, ice dams, and even permanent structural damage. That’s why having a high-performance roof system made from a durable substrate is essential for protecting homes.
Metal roofs are a smart choice because they naturally shed snow quickly, helping reduce excessive buildup and the risks associated with snow accumulation. But that same benefit can also create a safety hazard. When snow and ice slide off the roof all at once, they can come down in large, heavy sheets without warning, potentially damaging gutters, landscaping, or worse, cause injury to people below. These risks are exactly what a snow retention system helps prevent, and what makes these systems a must when it comes to prioritizing winter roof performance and safety.
On metal roofs, snow retention systems increase friction between the roof surface and the accumulated snow, helping to keep the snow in place. These snow guards work by regulating the rate at which snow and ice shed from the roof, evacuating it in a gradual manner rather than all at once. This controlled release helps prevent property damage and injury, making snow retention systems a smart and important investment in snow-prone regions. As a result, contractors integrating a reliable snow retention system can deliver not only a high-performance, visually appealing metal roof, but also grant greater peace of mind to the homeowner.
Not all snow guards are created equal. Low-quality or poorly installed guards can shift under pressure, underperform during heavy snowfall, or damage the roof. That’s why it’s critical to choose a trusted system with proven performance. Take the S-5!® ColorGard® 2.0 snow retention system offered through Drexel Metals, for example. Designed with safety, simplicity, and reliability in mind, the next-generation ColorGard snow retention system is engineered to reduce the risk of rooftop avalanches while preserving the sleek aesthetics of a metal roof.
A true “lay-and-play” system, ColorGard 2.0 significantly speeds up installation time. The new VersaClip™ 2.0 can be installed directly over splices, removing the need for in-field cutting. The included splice ensures continuous, unbroken snow retention with room for expansion and contraction of the ColorGard sections, ensuring accumulated snow and ice don’t slide off the roof “en masse” and endanger homeowners or their property.
Snow retention is one part of the winter roofing equation. Preventing ice dams is another major concern. These form when heat escapes from the interior of the home and warms the roof surface, causing snow to melt. As temperatures drop overnight, the melted snow refreezes– typically at the eaves. Over time, repeated melting and refreezing cycles cause ice to build up along the roof edge, gradually working its way up the slope. This accumulation creates a barrier, or “dam,” that traps additional melted water behind it. With nowhere to go, that trapped water can back up under the roof covering, potentially leading to various roof system performance issues and leaks inside the home.
Building science tells us that airflow beneath the roof can help maintain a cooler, more consistent roof temperature, reducing the chances of ice dams. That’s where ventilation solutions like Defend-R Vent can make a difference. This ventilated composite panel features closed-cell rigid polyiso that offers the highest R-values per inch compared to other types of insulation. It utilizes solid wood spacers to add a standard 1” air space between the roof and the already high-performance insulation board. This creates cross-directional airflow beneath the roof, which supports more consistent roof temperatures. In application, the performance capabilities of Defend-R Vent help contractors eliminate hot and cold spots on the roof where ice dams can be formed and support overall roof system health.
With the right systems in place, from snow retention to ventilation, you can deliver a high-performance, durable, and winter-ready metal roof that delivers lasting value and safety.
Planning your next metal roofing project before the snow hits? Let’s talk.
