gunnison-sheet-metal

Metal Roof Winter Prep: What to Check Before the Snow

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:06:55 GMT

Winter in Gunnison and Crested Butte means snow, ice and plenty of freeze-thaw cycles. Before the first big storm, it pays to review the parts of your metal roof system that manage snow and water. For contractors finishing fall projects and property owners planning ahead, here’s where to start.

1. Check your snow retention plan

Snow can slide off smooth metal roofing in large sections. That matters above entries, walkways, driveways and other areas where falling snow could create a hazard. Snow retention systems are intended to help control how snow releases from the roof, but the right layout depends on roof-specific conditions.

GSMRF supplies S-5! ColorGard and DualGard snow retention products. Before ordering, confirm the panel profile, roof pitch, roof dimensions and design snow load. S-5! offers a snow retention product and planning resource to support system selection. Final design and installation should follow manufacturer instructions and applicable engineering requirements.

2. Plan gutters and drainage alongside snow retention

Gutters have a tough job when snow begins to melt and refreeze. Clear drainage paths matter, but so does the placement of snow retention above them. A system that allows heavy snow to release toward a gutter can create a separate problem.

Review the roof’s drainage plan and any missing components before freezing weather arrives. GSMRF supplies half-round gutters, downspouts, hangers, leaf screens and heat trace accessories . Heat trace is a project-specific component, not a substitute for proper drainage, insulation or roof design.

3. Take a closer look at flashing and roof penetrations

Valleys, transitions, sidewalls and roof penetrations deserve attention before snow covers them. Contractors should check that required flashing and accessory details are accounted for in the roof assembly and compatible with the selected panel system.

GSMRF manufactures metal trim and flashing and carries roofing accessories including pipe boots, sealants and butyl tape . If a project calls for a custom detail, contact the shop with dimensions and requirements before ordering.

4. Confirm materials before winter schedules tighten

A missing flashing piece or accessory can hold up the last stage of a project. Review the material list for panels, matching trim, clips, fasteners, closures and snow retention components. Confirm product availability and order timing with the shop rather than assuming everything is on the shelf.

For custom orders, review GSMRF’s customer resources and ordering information . GSMRF manufactures metal roofing and siding products in Gunnison and offers pickup and qualifying delivery options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Install S-5! ColorGard Snow Retention on a Standing Seam Metal Roof

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:06:53 GMT

It's that time of year again. Snow is coming, and we're back on the roof with Jim for another episode of Shop Talk!

Today's project? Installing an S-5! ColorGard snow retention system on a standing seam metal roof.

If you're building in Colorado's mountains, you know snow management is part of the deal. The goal isn't necessarily to get snow off your roof as quickly as possible. Sometimes, it's better to keep it right where it is.

Let's talk about why, how this system works, and what goes into getting it installed correctly.

What Is Snow Retention, and Why Does Your Metal Roof Need It?

Snow retention is designed to hold accumulated snow on a roof, allowing it to gradually melt or release in smaller amounts rather than sliding off all at once.

Metal roofing has a relatively smooth surface. When temperatures rise, the bond between the snow and the metal can break, allowing a large accumulation to slide down the roof.

That sudden release can damage gutters, landscaping, vehicles, and anything else sitting below the roofline.

A properly designed snow retention system helps manage that movement.

And here in Gunnison, Crested Butte, and the surrounding mountain communities, that's a detail worth getting right.

Why We Like the S-5! ColorGard System

ColorGard is a bar-style snow retention system that attaches to compatible standing seam roofing using S-5! clamps.

Here's what makes it a good fit for this project:

No roof deck penetrations when installed with compatible clamps.
Engineered components designed to manage accumulated snow.
A color-matching system using the same metal as your roof.
A low-profile appearance that works with the roof's architectural lines.
Components that can be installed on compatible existing or new metal roofs.

The color match is one of our favorite details. Instead of settling for a generic rail color, you're using the actual roofing material to finish the system.

Let's Get This Thing Installed.

Watch Jim demonstrate the installation in our latest Colorado Metal Shop Talk episode.

Step 1: Prep Your S-5! Clamps

First things first, get your clamps ready.
Thread the set screws into each clamp before heading up the ladder.
These clamps fasten to the raised ribs of your panels. The set screws create a mechanical connection by compressing and dimpling the seam without penetrating the roof deck.
No holes through the roofing panels. That's the beauty of the system.
Make sure you've selected the correct clamp for your roof profile before getting started.

Step 2: Mark Your Installation Line

Before installing your clamps, lay out the snow retention bar and mark your alignment.
A straight installation line helps keep every clamp positioned correctly and the finished bar running cleanly across the roof.

We walks through this process in the video.

And yes, we're practicing ladder safety before heading up there.

Step 3: Get Your Torque Right

Here's where the details really matter.

For the clamp used in Jim's demonstration, the recommended set screw torque for 24-gauge steel roofing or thinner is approximately 130 to 150 inch-pounds.
Use a calibrated torque measuring tool to verify that your equipment is delivering the correct tension.
S-5! recommends a dial-indicating torque wrench for checking clamp tension because standing seams are compressible joints.
Check your tool at the beginning and end of the project so you know you're getting consistent results.

The goal is to create a secure mechanical connection without penetrating the metal roof.

And remember, torque requirements can vary by clamp model, metal gauge, and roof profile. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific system.

The Color-Matching System: The Little Detail That Makes a Big Difference

Now for one of the coolest features.

ColorGard allows you to insert a strip of your actual roofing metal into the snow retention bar.

Same material. Same color. Same finish.

The result is a snow retention system that blends into the roof instead of becoming an obvious add-on.

For homeowners investing in a custom standing seam roof, especially one with a premium finish, this is a nice touch.

And because we're fabricating metal locally at Gunnison Sheet Metal, we can help with the matching material and project details.

Step 4: Install the ColorGard Bar and VersaClips

With your clamps secured and aligned, it's time to bring up the bar.
The VersaClips connect the ColorGard crossmember to the S-5! clamps.
For the unpunched ColorGard configuration shown in the video, the mounting bolt goes through the upslope hole of the clamp.
Position the bar, align the VersaClips, and begin securing the bolts.

Jim also walks through checking the bolt torque. In this demonstration, he references at least 20 foot-pounds.

Installation note : Torque requirements differ between ColorGard versions. Confirm the specified value in the instructions supplied with your system before final tightening.

Once everything is aligned and secured, you've got a clean, low-profile snow retention system ready for Colorado's winter conditions.

Does a Taller Snow Retention Bar Mean a Stronger System?

Not necessarily.

As we points out in the video, shorter snow retention bars can offer a strength advantage by reducing the leverage created when snow pushes against the system.

A taller snow bar can experience greater leverage under heavy snow loads, increasing the risk of bending, wedging, or failure of the retention system.

Shorter bars keep the bulk of the snow load closer to the roof surface. Rather than trying to stop a large mass of snow above the bar, the bar helps anchor the snowpack to the metal roof. Any snow extending above the bar is essentially connected to the snow below it, making a large-scale snow slide less likely—although not impossible, depending on the roof pitch and conditions.

But bar height alone doesn't determine performance.

Roof pitch, panel profile, snow load, clamp spacing, and the overall engineered design all play a role in determining the appropriate system.

For the short roof section featured in this installation, only one row was needed based on the project's design.

That doesn't mean every roof only needs one row.

The right configuration depends on your specific roof and its expected snow loads.

Need Snow Retention for Your Colorado Metal Roof? Talk to Josh.

Whether you're a contractor preparing for the next job or a homeowner tackling a DIY project, we can help you get the right materials lined up.

At Gunnison Sheet Metal & Roll Forming, we stock snow retention systems, clamps, and roofing accessories right here in Gunnison.

Not sure which system fits your roof? That's what Josh is here for.

Keep the snow up there. Until it's ready to come down.

Explore our snow retention products or give Josh a call to talk through your project.

Snow Retention FAQs

DIY Roofing Basics: How to Measure a Roof for Metal Panels

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:39:39 GMT

Measuring a roof for metal roofing does not have to be complicated. The goal is simply to determine how many panels you need and how long each panel should be .

Step 1: Measure the Roof Width

Measure the roof from eave to eave (side to side).

For example:

Roof width = 34 feet

Convert feet to inches:

34 ft × 12 = 408 inches

Step 2: Divide by the Panel Coverage Width

Each metal roofing profile has a coverage width , which is the amount of roof one panel actually covers after the seams overlap.

Common examples:

1" Mechanical Lock Standing Seam = 17" coverage

Corrugated Panel = 29" coverage

Mechanical Lock Example

408 in ÷ 17 in = 24 panels

Corrugated Example

408 in ÷ 29 in = 14.07

Always round up , so you would order 15 panels .

Step 3: Measure the Roof Length

Step 4: Calculate Total Linear Footage

Measure from the eave to the ridge (bottom edge to the top of the roof).

Example:

Roof length = 18 feet

Your panel length would be approximately 18 linear feet (plus any desired overhang).

Quick Formula

Multiply the number of panels by the panel length .

Mechanical Lock

24 panels × 18 ft = 432 linear feet

Corrugated

15 panels × 18 ft = 270 linear feet

This gives you the total amount of panel material needed.

Number of Panels

Roof Width (inches) ÷ Panel Coverage Width (inches)

Panel Length

Roof Length (top to bottom) = Panel Length

Total Linear Footage

Number of Panels × Roof Length

A Few DIY Tips

Measure each roof section separately if the roof has multiple planes.
Round up on panel counts to avoid coming up short.
Add a little extra material for waste, trimming, and future repairs .
Remember that coverage width is not the same as the actual panel width —always use the manufacturer’s stated coverage width when calculating panel quantities.

With just roof width, roof length, and panel coverage width , most homeowners can get a solid estimate for ordering metal roofing panels before starting a DIY roofing project.

Now, if you're roof is this basic, you're pretty lucky. Usually we have flashing features like valleys, irregular hips, gable roofs or other architechtural features that could make things tricky. Just remember to apply the same principles in sections. Still have questions? Josh can steer you in the right direction.

 Call us 970-975-1712

Board and Batten: Classic Style Meets Durability

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:25:56 GMT

Board and batten has been turning heads for generations. The clean vertical lines feel classic, but when the profile is made from metal, it brings a modern level of strength to the job.

That is what we call a good-looking upgrade.

Classic Style, Modern Material

Traditional board and batten siding is known for its wide panels and narrow raised battens. The vertical pattern adds height, dimension, and character without making the exterior feel too busy.

Metal board and batten keeps that familiar look while offering the durability today’s Colorado homes and buildings need.

Built for Colorado Conditions

Colorado weather does not take days off. Sun, wind, snow, and sudden temperature changes can put exterior materials to the test.

Metal board and batten provides:

Long-lasting performance
Lower maintenance than many traditional siding materials
Clean lines that complement modern and mountain architecture
A wide range of color options

It is a practical choice that still knows how to make an entrance.

More Than a Farmhouse Look

Board and batten may be a farmhouse favorite, but it is not limited to one design style. It works beautifully on mountain homes, cabins, commercial buildings, accent walls, gables, skirting, and full exterior applications.

Use it across the entire building or pair it with stone, wood, or horizontal siding for added contrast.

Fabricated With the Details in Mind

The best results start with accurate measurements, quality materials, and panels fabricated for the project.

At Gunnison Sheet Metal & Roll Forming, we help contractors and property owners find the right metal profiles, colors, and custom components to keep each project moving. Because when the details are right, installation gets a whole lot easier.

Ready to Build Something That Lasts?

Contact Gunnison Sheet Metal & Roll Forming to discuss metal board and batten panels for your next project.

Our team can help you explore available options and prepare the materials you need.

Call the shop or request a quote today.

Shop Talk: When 1/8" Becomes Miles

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:21:40 GMT

If you've worked in construction, fabrication, or manufacturing long enough, you've probably heard someone say, "It's only off by a little" maybe followed by cross-eyed admission of "eye-balling" the measurement.

In reality, that tiny measurement can become the difference between a smooth installation and an entire day's worth of rework.

In this episode of Shop Talk , Tori and the team at Gunnison Sheet Metal & Roll Forming share one of those stories every contractor can relate to, where a seemingly minor measurement turned into a second shift, 96 new fascia pieces, and a valuable reminder that craftsmanship is often measured in fractions of an inch.

Sometimes the smallest details have the biggest impact.

In Custom Fabrication, Precision Isn't Optional

Unlike mass-produced building materials, every project we manufacture is built specifically for the job it's going on.

Each panel.

Each trim piece.

Each fascia.

Each measurement.

Everything is produced to match the unique dimensions of the project.

That means there's very little room for "close enough."

When you're fabricating custom metal, an error that's barely visible on a tape measure can multiply across dozens, or even hundreds, of pieces.

The Value of Local Manufacturing

One of the biggest advantages of working with a local manufacturer is the ability to respond quickly when adjustments are needed.

Because our panels and trim are manufactured right here in Gunnison, we can often produce replacement materials much faster than suppliers shipping products across the country.

That flexibility helps contractors keep projects moving while reducing costly delays.

It's another reason so many builders choose to work with a local fabrication partner.

Mistakes Happen. Accountability Matters More.

At Gunnison Sheet Metal & Roll Forming, we're not just producing roofing panels and trim packages.

We're building relationships with contractors who count on us.

Supporting local construction throughout Western Colorado.

And sharing the real stories behind the work through our Shop Talk series.

Because craftsmanship isn't just about the finished product.

It's about the people, processes, and pride that go into making it.

More Than Manufacturing Steel

Every fabrication shop has stories like this.

The difference isn't whether mistakes happen.

The difference is how you respond when they do.

At Gunnison Sheet Metal & Roll Forming, our philosophy is simple:

If something isn't right, we make it right.

That commitment extends beyond our manufacturing process. It's part of our partnership with contractors, builders, and homeowners throughout Western Colorado.

Standing Seam vs. Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing: Which Is Right for Your Project?

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:19:20 GMT

If you're considering a metal roof, one of the first decisions you'll make is choosing between standing seam and exposed fastener metal roofing. Both systems offer exceptional durability, but they're designed for different applications, budgets and longevity.

Whether you're building a custom mountain home, replacing an aging roof, or planning a new agricultural or commercial project, understanding the differences will help you make a confident decision.

At Gunnison Sheet Metal & Roll Forming, we manufacture both standing seam and exposed fastener steel panels right here in Gunnison, helping homeowners and contractors throughout Western Colorado find the best solution for every project.

What Is Standing Seam Roofing?

Standing seam roofing features hidden fasteners and raised vertical seams that lock adjacent panels together. Because the fasteners are hidden beneath the panels, the roofing system provides exceptional weather resistance while creating a clean, modern appearance.

Standing seam roofs are commonly selected for:

Custom homes
High-country retreats
Luxury homes
Commercial buildings
Residential Homes
Low-slope roofing applications

Benefits of Standing Seam Roofing

Concealed fastener design
Outstanding resistance to wind, snow, and moisture.
Minimal maintenance
Long lifespan (50-70 years)
Clean architectural appearance
Excellent long-term value
Custom panel lengths available

What Is Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing?

Exposed fastener roofing is one of the most common steel roofing profiles, featuring Corrugated, repeating wave-shaped ribs. And propanel, 36" wide panels seen across Colorado metal roofs.

While exposed fastener systems have long been used on barns and agricultural buildings, they have become increasingly popular for modern homes, cabins, restaurants, retail buildings, and architectural accents as an affordable metal roofing option.

However, there are value trade-offs as they require bi-annual maintenance where fasteners must be tended to. With Colorado's intense temperature swings, metal panels go through significant expansion & contraction everyday. This shift in temperature causes panels to move minutely, causing fasteners to loosen and "back-out." Therefore, bi-annual fastener maintenance is a must to prevent roof leaks.

Corrugated panels are commonly used for:

Residential roofing
Metal siding & skirting
Agricultural buildings
Shops and garages
Accent walls
Interior design features
Commercial buildings

Benefits of Corrugated Roofing

Cost-effective
Easy to install
Versatile for roofing and siding
Durable steel construction (20-50 year lifespan)
Available in many colors and finishes

Which Roofing System Performs Better in Colorado?

Colorado's climate presents unique challenges, including:

Heavy snowfall
High winds
Intense UV exposure
Freeze-thaw cycles
Large temperature swings

Standing seam roofing excels in these conditions because its concealed fastening system minimizes opportunities for moisture intrusion while allowing the panels to expand and contract naturally.

Exposed fastener roofing also performs exceptionally well throughout Colorado, when maintained, and remains a trusted solution for residential, agricultural, and commercial buildings.

The right choice often depends on your building type, budget, and design goals.

Manufactured Locally in Gunnison

At Gunnison Sheet Metal & Roll Forming, every panel is manufactured locally using premium American steel.

That means you'll benefit from:

Custom panel lengths
Faster lead times
Complete trim packages
Local technical support
Premium painted steel finishes
Delivery throughout Western Colorado

Whether you choose standing seam, corrugated or propanel profiles, our team can help you select the right panel profile for your project.