By S-5! 

See how S-5! provided an impressive snow retention solution for an event space in Colorado Springs. 

The BrookHouse is a spacious barndominium venue located in beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado, available for all types of special events: holiday parties, business meetings, seminars, retreats, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers and more. Its mountainous backdrop, however, makes it prone to harsh weather conditions, including snow, ice and wind. The property’s ETAS R-Panel metal roof needed a fully engineered, aesthetically pleasing snow retention solution that would match the venue's aesthetics while also outlasting harsh weather conditions for years to come.  

The owner, Nikki Upchurch, enlisted our help, and our team at S-5!® was happy to deliver. ColorGard 2.0 was custom engineered for this project to mitigate potential rooftop avalanches, which could pose a serious threat to pedestrians and property below. The project  

The BrookHouse is a unique 3,200-square-foot barndominium nestled on 5.5 scenic acres, just outside of Colorado Springs. Offering panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, it serves as both a versatile event venue and a model for integrated rural living and sustainable design.  

Located on the west end of the barndominium are two fully equipped short-term vacation rentals, each featuring a private entrance. On the south side, a private entrance opens to an Integrative Wellness Center that provides advanced BioScan health assessments and personalized supplement protocols based on European research and holistic care practices.  

Built into the north hillside, the barndominium takes advantage of natural earth berming to help regulate interior temperatures year-round. Passive solar design maximizes winter warmth, with generous southern windows heating the epoxy floor’s thermal mass.  

A sunroom on the east side features an overhead door that welcomes the morning light and houses a therapeutic mineral soak with ozone filtration, used in wellness treatments. The space also supports a working aquaponics system producing leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes and tilapia. Designed as a prototype, this system is slated for deployment in Ghana to assist rural communities in developing sustainable food sources. 

The challenge  

With a wide range of events hosted on the property — from seminars and receptions to parties, fitness sessions, music performances and meetings — and the area’s harsh weather conditions, including snow and ice, the homeowner required an effective snow retention system for her new metal roof.  

The buildup of snow and ice on any roof can produce significant sliding forces, resulting in its sudden release, dumping the fallout below the eaves in a matter of seconds, posing serious risks to both patrons and property below.  

A high-quality, long-lasting visually appealing solution was essential to ensure safety while preserving the integrity of the roof and maintaining the overall aesthetic of the barndominium.  

The solution  

The homeowner chose the all new and improved next-generation ColorGard® 2.0 snow retention system for her R-Panel Galvalume metal roof.  

Designed and upgraded with contractor feedback in mind, ColorGard 2.0 features a true lay-and-play design, with no pre-assembly required.  

The new VersaClip can now be installed at crossmember splice locations, eliminating the need to field cut at that instance. Cutting is now reduced to trimming only one section to length (if required) at the end of the assembly. With S-5!’s new enhancements, installation time has significantly decreased, allowing for faster and simpler installation!  

Extensively tested for load-to-failure, ColorGard 2.0 dramatically reduces the risks associated with rooftop avalanches, offering enhanced safety. Its sleek, seamless appearance not only perfectly matches the color of the roof but also elevates the overall aesthetic with a visually appealing look. 

How Did ColorGard 2.0 help?  

• No preassembly or field cutting required  
• True lay-and-play system that saves time and boosts efficiency 
• Provided safety measures to patrons and property below 
• Eliminated the risk of a voided roof manufacturer warranty  
• Provided the aesthetic low-profile solution the homeowner desired 
• Reduced the amount of product and cost required due to S-5! documented holding strength and engineered system capacity 

Long-term outlook  

The owner was able to achieve the quality look she wanted with a snow retention system that maintains the roof integrity, mitigates potential rooftop avalanches and complements the look of the roof, providing a clean appearance and perfect color- and finish matching, designed and engineered to last the life of the roof. 

Nikki shared, “I’ve been incredibly impressed with the S-5! ColorGard 2.0 snow retention system. I especially appreciate being able to confirm my own snow load calculations using the resources available on the S-5! website — it made determining proper bracket spacing straightforward and efficient. The system’s sleek lines reflect its excellent design, and I have full confidence in its performance, thanks to the third-party accreditations. It’s been a pleasure working with S-5!, a company with a stellar reputation and a true commitment to excellence.” 

Original article and photo source: S-5!

By Jenny Yu.  

S-5! calculators give contractors code-based guidance for snow retention and solar mounting. 

Digital tools are increasingly helping roofing contractors design more efficient systems, from sales pitch to jobsite clean up. In this Roofing Road Trips® episode, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Jesse Winternitz, application engineer and product support manager at S-5!, about how S-5! calculators help contractors plan snow retention and solar mounting systems with greater speed and accuracy. 

The calculators are designed to give contractors a clear starting point for projects involving metal roofing and solar systems. “Our snow retention in our PV kit systems are written to building code and utilize our testing, which is all certified” Jesse stated. “If you don't know where to start a project, you can jump right in. There's information about your roof: what kind of roof do you have, the dimensions of your roof, the slope of your roof, your application. It can really get you a good visual and a report on what you need.” 

One of the biggest advantages of using a calculator is the visual component. “If you run our PV kit calculator, it'll show you the roof. It'll show you where the solar panels are on the roof and it'll show you how many attachments are needed on different panels,” Jesse explained. “By having that visual to show your customer and sell them on the project, that’s the best way to simplify the sales and installation process.” 

To achieve these results, S-5! calculators pull from extensive product and roof testing. This data allows the system to match roof type, manufacturer profiles and materials with appropriate attachment systems.  

“S-5! has hundreds of different tests,” Jesse said. “Our testing is not just specific to the S-5! product being used, but also the metal roof. Our calculators are good about pulling those tests and incorporating them into the calculation without you needing to do anything at all. Just by selecting the kind of roof you have, we can give you the accurate information that you need.” 

Jesse shared a recent example where the calculator helped correct a snow retention plan that originally called for excessive rows of snow retention. “They were able to cut the budget significantly. It was like a fifth of the material and a significant cut in labor as well,” Jesse recalled.  

For contractors newer to using digital tools, S-5! provides multiple avenues of support. “We can help you over the phone, over a Zoom call or just over email and help you design a system,” he said. “We also have resources on our website, blogs, FAQs and even YouTube videos walking through the process.” 

Read the first article in this series and Listen to the podcast to learn more about how S-5! calculators help contractors design safer, more efficient roof attachment systems. 

By S-5!

This workshop is designed to help contractors improve efficiency, expand solar expertise and connect with fellow professionals.

S-5!® is bringing a hands-on solar mounting workshop to Arlington, Texas, built specifically for installers and roofing professionals ready to sharpen their skills and stay ahead of the curve. 

As many installers begin pivoting toward C&I projects in 2026, this workshop will also help attendees better understand how to navigate that shift. In addition to hands-on training, you’ll hear insights on commercial project considerations, with Enphase and Silfab covering key topics like C&I trends, domestic content, FEOC, Safe Harbor rules and important upcoming deadlines. 

This interactive afternoon goes beyond presentations, giving attendees real-world experience with rooftop solar mounting systems, plus an inside look at how leading solar technology is manufactured. 

What to expect: 

• Live, hands-on rooftop mounting demos with S-5! solutions 
• Guided tour of the Enphase manufacturing facility 
• Practical installation insights you can apply immediately 
• Food, drinks and networking with industry peers 

Bonus giveaway: 

Attendees will have the chance to win a Milwaukee M18 Lithium-Ion PACKOUT Radio and Charger (must be present to win). 

Location: Enphase Manufacturing Facility, Arlington, Texas 

Date and time: April 23 | 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. 

Whether you're looking to improve efficiency, expand your solar expertise or connect with fellow professionals, this workshop delivers valuable, jobsite-ready takeaways. 

Space is limited — reserve your spot today.

By Jenny Yu.  

From hosting a pre-conference tour to sponsoring on-site engagement, S-5! is creating opportunities for connection and learning. 

As the 57th annual MBCEA Conference and Spring Meeting approaches, occurring April 22-24, 2026, S-5! is taking an active role in shaping the attendee experience through educational opportunities and industry engagement.  

Kicking off the week, S-5! will host a pre-conference S-5! Global Headquarters Tour in Black Forest, Colorado, on April 21, 2026, offering attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the development of their metal roofing attachment solutions. The guided tour provides a firsthand view of the company’s operations and product innovation, including the engineering and testing that support modern metal roofing systems. After the tour, contractors, manufacturers and industry professionals will have the chance to connect with peers during a happy hour. Transportation to and from the event will be provided, making it a convenient, valuable and fun addition to the conference agenda.  

The best part? The S-5! Global Headquarters Tour is free! However, there are limited spots available, so be sure to sign up early to be part of this opportunity to engage with S-5! experts while building relationships ahead of the MBCEA Conference!  

During the conference itself, S-5! is also acting as the official sponsor for the RoofersCoffeeShop® sound stage, where attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives from the event. Through live interviews, the sound stage will capture insights from across the metal construction industry, highlighting key trends, challenges and innovations present at the conference.  

By hosting an interactive pre-conference experience and supporting on-site industry conversations, S-5! demonstrates its continued commitment to education, collaboration and advancing the metal construction sector.  

Learn more about S-5! and register for the 57th Annual MBCEA Conference and Spring Meeting and S-5! Global Headquarters Tour!

By Ali Turner, S-5!

Staying informed shouldn’t slow you down and has never been more fun.

Let’s face it. Between early mornings, long days on the roof and keeping jobs on schedule, roofing contractors don’t always have time to sit down and read industry news. That’s where “The High Five with S-5!” comes in. This new podcast from S-5! delivers industry insight, practical knowledge and a little fun. Actually, it’s a lot of fun! It’s perfect for listening on the drive to the jobsite or while grabbing that first cup of coffee. 

Industry talk that doesn’t feel like homework 

S-5! is known for raising the bar in metal roof attachment solutions, and our new podcast does the same for industry conversations. “The High Five with S-5!” brings together experts, innovators and industry pros for relaxed, engaging discussions about the topics roofing contractors actually care about. 

No long lectures. No sales pitches. Just honest conversations about metal roofing, installation best practices, safety considerations and where the industry is headed. And it’s all delivered in a way that’s easy to follow and enjoyable to listen to. 

Five takeaways. Zero time wasted. 

Each episode of “The High Five with S-5!” is built around, you guessed it, five key takeaways. That means you get the good stuff fast. Whether you listen to the whole episode or catch part of it between calls, you’ll walk away with ideas you can actually use on your next project. 

It’s the perfect format for busy contractors who want to stay sharp without adding more to their to-do list. 

Learn on the go 

One of the best things about podcasts? You can listen just about anywhere. In the truck. At the shop. Between jobsites. “The High Five with S-5!” turns travel time into learning time, helping you stay connected to the industry without slowing you down. 

Already a fan of the free online training from S-5-University™? Think of the podcast as the perfect sidekick that reinforces what you know while introducing new perspectives and real-world insights from across the metal roofing world. 

Stay ahead in an evolving industry 

Keeping up with industry trends doesn’t just help you do better work. It helps you talk about it with confidence. The more you know, the easier it is to explain system choices, performance benefits and long-term value to customers. “The High Five with S-5!” gives you that extra edge, one episode at a time. 

Free, fun and worth the listen 

Best of all, “The High Five with S-5!” is free, easy to access and made with contractors in mind. It’s another way S-5! is supporting the industry by sharing knowledge, starting conversations and having a little fun along the way. 

Hit play and take five 

If you’re already spending time in the truck or want something to listen to in the office or on a jobsite, you might as well make that time work for you. Subscribe to “The High Five with S-5!” today and turn everyday moments into opportunities to learn, stay sharp and stay ahead of the competition. 

New episodes are easy to access and packed with insights you can use right away. No sign-ups. No cost. No fluff. Just five solid takeaways from people who know metal roofing. 

So grab your coffee and hit play on “The High Five with S-5!” Staying informed shouldn’t slow you down and has never been more fun.

By Jenny Yu.  

Explore how the solar market continues to evolve and expand in a time of regulatory challenges. 

Solar market dynamics continue to evolve as technology advances and policy shifts reshape the landscape. In this Roofing Road Trips® episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Mark Gies, director of strategy and market development at S-5!, about emerging opportunities in solar.  

“One of the growing sectors has been community solar,” Mark stated. While environmental policies have been cut at the federal level, Mark foresees multiple parties motivated to fill the gaps. “One thing that I think is going to happen is that states and local areas may pick up the slack that the federal level is dropping. That may restore balance.” 

Energy storage is another major growth factor in the solar sector. “Batteries are really another thing that's driving growth, because people are now coupling more and more storage with solar so that you can make electricity during the day, store it and then use it at night when the sun's not there,” Mark shared. “That way, you can use more of what you make, which is better towards this distributed generation, where people are using it themselves and the grid is not so stressed.” 

In this time of environmental and economic uncertainty, Mark advises that companies prioritize a strategic mindset: “People should look at their business and say, ‘What's my best strategy to grow and survive in this environment?’” 

While policies and regulations may pose challenges for solar, Mark remains optimistic about the opportunities ahead. “Adversity drives more innovation,” Mark said. “A big thing with solar is the permitting process going through regulations. People are working on that, and the hurdles will go down. Despite what the environment is like, I think it will still work and grow. I'm confident.” 

Read the previous article in this series or Listen to the podcast to learn more about how current trends are shaping solar. 

Texas solar professionals, mark your calendars. S-5! is traveling to three major cities this March, delivering a high-impact experience tailored specifically for installers looking to level up their expertise. 

Built for hands-on professionals in rooftop solar and fall protection, the S-5! Texas Road Show combines live demonstrations, practical training and peer networking — all designed to provide real-world value you can take straight to the jobsite. 

What to expect 

Attendees can look forward to: 

• Live product demonstrations 
• Expert-led presentations 
• Hands-on training opportunities 
• Real-world installation insights 
• Beverages and appetizers 
• Networking with fellow industry professionals 

S-5! is partnering with leading solar and fall protection manufacturers to deliver actionable education and product insight, including SnapNrack, Fronius, KStrong, EZ Solar Products and Mission Solar. 

Texas tour stops 

The road show will make three stops across the state: 

• March 24 – Arlington, FireHouse Gastro Park 
• March 25 – Houston, Social Beer Garden HTX 
• March 26 – San Antonio, McIntyre's Southtown 

Whether your goal is improving installation efficiency, expanding your technical knowledge or staying ahead of evolving metal rooftop technology, this event is designed with installers in mind. 

Spots are limited, so RSVP today! 

S-5! looks forward to connecting with installers across the Lone Star State this March. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Join The Coffee Shops™ crew and our industry partners in Sacramento for four days of education, innovation and industry connection. 

The Coffee Shops™ crew is putting the finishing touches on our travel plans to get to Sacramento, California March 12–15, 2026 for the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)’s International Convention and we want to see you at our booth and soundstage, sponsored by Western Colloid!  

This year’s show is predicted to host “1,700 consultants, architects, engineers, design professionals and other experts” for four days of learning, networking and more! With national sponsors like Carlisle, Elevate™, GAF, IB Roof Systems™, Johns Manville, Polyglass USA Inc., Sika Corporation, SOPREMA and Versico, this show is a must-attend for professionals in all parts of the roofing world.  

Expert-led education  

This show gives attendees a chance to learn from a variety of industry leaders and experts through their cutting-edge education sessions. Here are some of the incredible presenters that will be at this year’s show:  

• Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese will be hosting a “State of the Industry” session that will explore contract provisions and other emerging regulatory trends.  
• Darren Perry of SOPREMA has a session that discusses how low slope roofing can be enhanced in response to severe climate risks. 
• Amrize’s National Technical Manager Victor Rosenthal and Project Manager Rachael DeMeio will be teaching about trends in roof re-cover applications this year. 
• Jennifer Stephan from Benchmark’s session will dive into the world of Refrigerated Processing and Cold Storage Operations in relation to industrial roofing projects.  

Check out the full speaker list online!

An expo floor route 

The Coffee Shops crew will be on the expo floor hosting a soundstage at booth #1113! Here’s just a few of the other Coffee Shops friends and partners that can be found on IIBEC’s 2026 International Convention expo floor:  

• All Weather Insulated Panels (booth #1216) 
• Anchor Products (booth #907)  
• ATAS International (booth #728)  
• BITEC Inc. (booth #1023) 
• Brava Tile (booth #208) 
• CertainTeed (booth #227)  
• General Coatings Manufacturing (booth #926) 
• H.B. Fuller (booth #113) 
• ICP Building Solutions Group (booth #133) 
• IKO Industries (booth #426) 
• Leister (booth #619) 
• Malarkey Roofing Products (booth #213) 
• MuleHide (booth #814) 
• Roof Hugger (booth #707) 
• S-5! (booth #1019) 
• Sheffield Metals International (booth #625) 
• Sherwin Williams Roofing Solutions (booth #422) 
• Tremco (booth #321) 
• USG Securock (booth #401) 
• Western Colloid (booth #923) 
• Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions (booth #433) 

Explore the full expo floor map!

Register today and make sure you stop by to say hi to us and our industry friends at the IIBEC’s 2026 International Convention!

By Ali Turner, S-5! 

Why roofing contractors should sign up for S-5! University.

In the fast-paced world of roofing, staying ahead of the curve is critical. Whether you’re installing metal roofs, advising homeowners or bidding on commercial projects, knowledge is power. That’s where S-5-University™ comes in. It’s a FREE online training program designed specifically for roofing contractors and other industry professionals who want to improve their skills, expand their knowledge and increase their bottom line. 

Learn from the industry leader 

S-5! has been a leader in metal roof attachment solutions for decades. Our innovative clamps, brackets, solar solutions and snow retention systems have set the standard for quality, reliability and safety in the metal construction industry. S-5-University brings that expertise directly to you, offering practical, contractor-focused education that can help you get more jobs done safely and efficiently. 

Unlike generic online courses, S-5-University is built by roofing experts for roofers. Every lesson, demonstration and tutorial is designed to provide real-world value, whether you’re a seasoned installer or new to metal roofing. The entire course provides actionable skills that you can apply to your next project immediately. 

Flexible, on-demand learning 

Roofing contractors know how unpredictable workdays can be. S-5-University is completely online and self-paced, meaning you can take courses whenever it fits your schedule. Whether you’re on a break between jobs, after hours or during downtime in the office, you can log in and even earn certificates that showcase your expertise. 

The platform covers a wide range of topics, from basic metal roof attachments and snow retention systems to solar mounting solutions and much more. Courses include detailed video demonstrations, step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips that can save you time and money on the jobsite. 

Boost your credibility with clients 

In today’s competitive roofing market, clients want to hire contractors who know their stuff. Completing S-5-University courses gives you a tangible way to demonstrate your expertise. Show homeowners and commercial clients that you’re trained in the latest metal roofing solutions and that you care about doing the job The Right Way!® Certificates and digital badges can be added to your marketing materials, proposals and website to give you an edge over the competition. 

It’s totally FREE! 

One of the best parts? S-5-University is 100% free. There are no hidden fees, subscriptions or sales pitches, just valuable education from a trusted name in the industry. By investing a small amount of time into learning from S-5!, you can improve your skills, expand your services and grow your business without spending a dime. 

Train smarter. Build better. Win more jobs. 

For roofing contractors looking to stay competitive, S-5-University is a no-brainer. It combines flexibility, expert-led content and actionable knowledge into a free program designed to help you succeed on the jobsite. Whether you’re just starting in metal roofing or looking to refine your skills, signing up is easy and the payoff is immediate. 

Don’t wait. Sign up for S-5-University today, boost your expertise and take your roofing skills to the next level! 

By Ali Turner, S-5! 

Living Hinge clamps allow secure mounting of solar panels and ancillaries without restricting movement.

Metal roofing systems are built to accommodate movement. Day after day and season after season, panels naturally expand and contract with temperature changes. Issues arise, however, when rooftop components are installed without accounting for that thermal movement. When fasteners, trims, clips or rooftop equipment restrict a roof’s ability to shift with thermal cycling, the result can be long-term stress, premature wear, leaks, oil canning and costly callbacks. 

This blog breaks down the essentials of thermal cycling in installer-friendly terms and explains how standing seam clamps with a Living Hinge™ design enable you to attach solar and ancillary equipment where needed without restricting panel movement. 

How much will my metal roof panels move? 

“Panels can expand and contract more than people expect,” said Jon Moss, R&D manager, S-5! “The longer the panel, the more noticeable the thermal cycling, which is why it’s such a critical consideration on large commercial roofs.” 

For installers, this means one thing: If the roof can’t move, it will move something else. That “something” is usually a fastener, clip, seam or trim detail. With the right clamp attachment method, however, you can secure accessories without penetrating the roof or restricting panel movement. 

A dark-colored roof can reach surface temperatures >60 F above ambient. Nighttime radiant energy transfer can drop their temperature >20 F below ambient. “Material plays a role, too, notably that aluminum expands far more than steel,” added Moss. “It is all a function of the material’s coefficient of expansion (Ce or CTE). Then, you add in daily temperature cycles, like hot sun during the day and cooler temperatures at night, along with seasonal changes. All of those factors combine to create continuous movement that the metal roof system must accommodate.” 

How can you attach solar panels without restricting metal panel movement? 

Clips are used to secure metal roof panels to the roof deck or structural framing. Longer, mechanically seamed metal panels, such as those used on commercial buildings, typically use floating clips. Floating clips involve a two-piece design. The panel is locked to the top component of the clip and moves with the panel. The base component of the clip is stationary and attached to the structure or deck. The differential movement between the two clip components allows the roof system to remain secure while still accommodating thermal expansion and contraction. An attachment clamp can be installed directly on the seam of such a system, over a clip location, without impeding thermal cycling. 

Some panel systems utilize a one-piece, stationary (or “fixed”) clip with a somewhat loose connection to the panel seam. With such a design, the panel “rides” the clip frictionally when experiencing thermal cycling. So, the required differential movement takes place between the panel seam and the fixed clip. 

This is where many rooftop attachment installations go wrong. If a traditional seam clamp is installed at the clip location on such a roof design, thermal cycling will be violated. Hence, (fixed) clip locations should be avoided when utilizing traditional seam clamps. One of the most common installation mistakes is pinning clips with seam clamps that restrict movement and undermine the roof's thermal-cycling design. 

What’s the best solar attachment solution for metal roofs?

“Most traditional clamps rely on a mechanical interlock, meaning they wrap around the seam and create a dimple to lock in place,” explained Moss. “That works well as long as you’re not installing them over a fixed clip. If you do, you can unintentionally inhibit thermal movement.”

“A Living Hinge design grips the seam without pinning the panel to a fixed clip,” Moss said. “This type of technology engages a less sensitive area of the roof, which means you’re not pinning the panel or interfering with how the roof is meant to move. That’s the key advantage: secure attachment without compromising thermal performance.”

Benefits of clamps with living hinge designs: 

• Completely non-penetrating – Preserves roof warranties and eliminates new fixed points 
• Maintains thermal cycling – Helps prevent panel distortion, oil canning and seam stress 
• Better long-term reliability – Reduces callbacks and long-term maintenance risks 
• Unrestricted clamp placement – Installs anywhere along the seam without concern for clip location 

Why does thermal expansion matter for long-term metal roof performance? 

Metal panels must move thermally and generate incredible forces when they do. Anything that impedes that movement creates potential failure points and can lead to issues such as oil canning and leaks.The keys to an extended roof life are correct fasteners and proper roof accessory attachment methods. The best attachment solutions work with the roof, not against it. Living Hinge clamps allow secure mounting of solar panels and ancillaries without restricting movement. 

A metal roof works beautifully when installed with movement in mind. Understanding how to accommodate that movement and selecting products that respect it sets installers apart as professionals who protect both the roof and the building owner’s investment.