S-5! Metal Roof Innovations, Ltd.

Extreme Snow Loads and Pitch No Match for ColorGard
Sierra Nevada Mountains, Shaver Lake, CA

Project Details

Architect
Larry Schuman
Location
Sierra Nevada Mountains, Shaver Lake, CA

SITUATION
The owner of a beautiful cabin in Shaver Lake needed a quick and reasonably priced snow retention system due to some frightening snow slides. The roof had a 12/12 pitch and an unusual seam configuration. Furthermore, the snow load in that part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is typically 150 to 200 lbs. per square foot, so the system needed to be strong, without undermining the appearance of the structure.

RESULTS
The quick, easy installation of the S-5!® ColorGard® snow retention system resulted in a beautiful and durable solution that withstands even the toughest of Sierra Nevada winter conditions, and prevents potentially life threatening snow slides.

STATS
Roof is a 12/12 pitch
Location has a snow load of 150 to 200 lbs/sq. ft.

“I was very impressed with the ease of the installation, the non-intrusive look, and the strength of the system.” Larry Schuman

Beating the Storm

The sudden and unexpected release of snow from the roof can be dramatic, posing a serious threat to property and passers-by. After a dangerously close call himself, Larry Schuman decided it was time to act quickly to prevent the snow migration on his property from becoming a hazard. But the unique roof, with its extreme pitch and unusual seam type, posed a problem for manufacturers, who were unable to find a solution that they believed would hold, until OC Metals (Santa Ana, CA) worked with S-5!® to design a suitable system.

What Worked?

Confident that S-5! would be able to offer a reliable, affordable, and long-lasting solution, OC Metals (an S-5! distributor) was willing to tackle the project. That solution was to design a custom snow retention system using S-5! ColorGard®, which is mechanically attached with S-5! clamps. The S-5! clamps have round-point setscrews which grip the seam securely without penetration. The clamps are precision-machined from aircraft quality, high tensile aluminum, and forge the industry standard in holding strength.

For over a decade, the ColorGard system has delivered proven performance in extensive independent laboratory testing and installations around the world. ColorGard is designed such that:
- the clamps will not pull off the seam, break or otherwise cause the system to release
- the crossmember and its anchorage will not buckle, break or otherwise fail under load
- the system will not corrode or cause corrosion of the roof
- the system will not damage the roof; and will color-match the roof for the life of the roof

Furthermore, ColorGard is the only snow retention system designed and engineered on a site-specific basis, offering an optional Limited Lifetime Warranty, guaranteeing ideal performance.

Long Term Outlook

Mr. Schuman’s ColorGard system offers holding strength and a perfect color-match that will last the full life of the cabin’s roof, slowing and preventing snow migration for upwards of 30 years. His newly installed snow retention system will maintain the clean, colorful appearance of the roof with perfect color and finish.

Products and Design Files