7 tips for safely installing snow guards

These tips highlight the importance of safety during the monthlong awareness campaign held in March 2025.

As part of National Snow Guards Safety Month, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards has compiled a list of seven tips for roofing contractors to safely install snow guards. These tips highlight the importance of safety on during the monthlong awareness campaign held in March of 2025.

Since 2010, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards has designed and sold tens of thousands of snow retention systems. With their combined expertise, leaders at the company recommend these practices for roofing contractors to safely install snow guards:

1. Make sure the roof surface is snow-, water- and frost-free. Wet roofs are slippery roofs. This also means snow retention systems should not be installed during or immediately following a snowstorm. Roofers should not work on snowy, frosty or wet roofs.
2. Always, always tie off the ladder at the eave and make sure the base of the ladder is secure. Never set a ladder so there’s just a foot or so above the eave edge. The ladder should be positioned high enough above the eave to allow enough space to get on and off it as safely as possible.
3. Follow all standard roof safety procedures. Don’t take shortcuts. Use tie-offs and other safety equipment.
4. Mark the locations for snow guard placement on the roof before beginning installation. This can speed up the installation, keep you focused and eliminate a sloppy placement appearance.
5. Oftentimes snow guards are required to be installed within three feet of the eave. Depending on the property, it may be safer to work off a ladder or lift versus being on the roof for the installation.
6. For retrofit installation, put the snow guard in place, then tap the Woodbinder® screw into the strap on a Yeti or SnowTrapper (or any other snow guard with a strap that isn’t pre-drilled) with a hammer or mallet prior to drilling. This keeps the Woodbinder screw stable during the actual drilling.
7. Always follow the snow guard manufacturer’s suggested layout. Many roofers assume they know the best pattern for snow guards. However, often what they know is different than the tested and proven layouts that the manufacturers recommend.

Additional snow guard information and installation videos are available on the Rocky Mountain Snow Guards website.

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. manufactures snow guards and fence-style snow retention systems designed to protect people and property. The company provides free shipping of products to the 48 contiguous United States and offers free layouts and quotes for product placement. Metal products are warrantied for 50 years. Proud Corporate Partner of Freedom Service Dogs and founder of National Snow Guards Safety Month. For details visit www.rockymountainsnowguards.com or call 1-877-414-7606.