Living above 6,000 feet along Colorado’s Front Range and into Cheyenne means intense sun, wind, and fast-changing winter weather. Those conditions create two big roofing challenges: sliding snow and ice dams. This guide explains how snow guards, heat-loss control, and proper ventilation work together to protect your home—and how AC INC. Roofing can help.
AC INC. Roofing (Advanced Consulting, Inc.) is a licensed, insured, 5.0‑star‑rated contractor based in Denver. Our HAAG‑certified inspectors provide free roof inspections across the Denver metro, the Front Range, and Cheyenne. We specialize in residential and commercial roofing, storm damage restoration and insurance claims support, repairs, replacements, roof rejuvenation, and siding and gutter installation.
Why high elevation makes winter harder on roofs
- Stronger solar gain: Even on cold days, high-elevation sun melts rooftop snow. Meltwater refreezes at the colder eaves and gutters, forming ice dams.
- Large temperature swings: Rapid freeze–thaw cycles expand and contract materials, opening pathways for leaks.
- Wind loading and drifting: Snow drifts can create deep, uneven loads and sliding hazards on smooth roof surfaces.
- Intense UV: At altitude, UV accelerates aging of roofing and plastics; material and fastener selection matters.
Ice dams 101: Cause and effect
Ice dams form when heat escapes from living spaces and warms the roof deck, melting snow that refreezes at the colder edges. The result is a ridge of ice that traps water, which can back up under shingles or flashings and enter the home. Key contributors:
- Air leaks at can lights, attic hatches, bath fans, and chases
- Inadequate or unbalanced attic ventilation
- Insufficient insulation or compressed/voided insulation
- Sun‑melt on south and west slopes combined with cold eaves and gutters
Consequences include stained ceilings, wet insulation, damaged gutters, and refreezing that pries up shingles or tiles.
Snow guards: When and where to use them
Snow guards (snow retention systems) hold snow in place so it melts safely instead of sliding off in hazardous sheets.
- Best applications: Metal and tile roofs, and other slick surfaces where snow “avalanches.” They are commonly used above entries, walkways, driveways, decks, gas meters, and lower roofs.
- Types:
- Pad/cleat-style individual guards that create friction and break up movement
- Pipe/rail (fence) systems near eaves for higher snow loads
- Clamp-on systems for standing-seam metal that avoid roof penetrations
- Layout matters: Rows are designed based on roof pitch, panel type, anticipated snow load, and roof length. A single row at the eave is rarely sufficient; engineered spacing is key.
- Attachment and waterproofing: On metal, use manufacturer-approved clamps or through-fastened brackets into structure; on shingle/tile, fasten into framing with sealed, flashed mounts. Color-matched systems preserve curb appeal.
AC INC. Roofing installs snow retention as part of roof repairs and replacements, following manufacturer specifications and local code. Our team can evaluate slopes, eave conditions, and gutter strength so your system manages both load and meltwater effectively.
Control heat loss first: Air sealing, insulation, ventilation
Snow guards manage sliding snow, but they don’t prevent ice dams by themselves. The most durable fix addresses roof temperature.
- Air sealing: Reduce warm-air leakage into the attic at recessed lights, top plates, bath/dryer vents, chimneys, and attic access. Proper sealing lowers melt rates on the roof deck.
- Insulation: Meet or exceed local code R-values and ensure consistent coverage without gaps or compression. Maintain clearances around heat sources per code.
- Balanced ventilation: Provide adequate intake (soffits) and exhaust (ridge or other code-compliant vents) to keep the roof deck cold and dry. Baffles at eaves help prevent insulation from blocking airflow.
AC INC. Roofing evaluates roof ventilation as part of inspections and replacements and can coordinate with your insulation professional if upgrades are needed. We document conditions thoroughly for storm-related insurance claims when applicable.
Underlayments, materials, and high-elevation choices
- Ice and water protection: In Colorado and Wyoming, using self-adhered ice-and-water shield at eaves, valleys, and penetrations is a best practice. Extending coverage beyond the interior warm wall line helps resist backup from ice dams.
- Impact-resistant shingles and premium systems: Atlas shingle systems and other impact‑resistant options help roofs endure severe hail and UV at altitude. As an Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified contractor, we offer warranties up to 50 years. We’re also a GAF Certified contractor with System Plus warranties available.
- Metal and tile: For snow-prone roofs, properly detailed standing seam or through-fastened metal, and tile systems with engineered snow retention, can perform exceptionally well when installed to spec.
- Low-slope areas: For porches and flat sections, TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, or fluid-applied coatings provide durable, sealed surfaces that resist ponding and freeze–thaw cycles.
AC INC. Roofing also holds Fortified Roofing Solutions certification—systems designed to withstand 130 mph winds, EF‑2 tornadoes, and 2″ hail—ideal for the Front Range’s volatile weather.
Gutters, downspouts, and drainage
- Keep gutters clear before storms; clogged gutters accelerate ice buildup.
- Use sturdy hangers and consider oversized downspouts to pass slush.
- Snow guards reduce the weight of sliding snow on gutters, helping prevent tear‑offs.
- Kick‑out flashings and diverters protect siding and lower roofs from concentrated meltwater.
Our team installs high-quality gutters and integrates them with your roof for better cold‑weather performance.
De-icing cables: A temporary tool, not a cure
De-icing cables can open channels in ice to allow drainage during severe events, but they treat symptoms, not causes. If you use them, choose thermostat-controlled systems and have them installed per manufacturer instructions by a qualified professional. Pair cables with long-term fixes: air sealing, insulation, ventilation, and robust eave underlayments.
Maintenance and safety at altitude
- Don’t climb an icy roof. Use a roof rake from the ground to remove excess snow near eaves (leave a few inches to protect shingles). Avoid metal tools that can damage roofing.
- Never use rock salt on shingles, metal, or near landscaping.
- After major storms or when you see ceiling stains, ice ridges, or bent gutters, schedule a professional inspection. AC INC. Roofing offers free inspections by HAAG‑certified inspectors.
FAQs
- Do I need snow guards on asphalt shingles? Usually not, but on slick, steep, or north‑facing slopes above walkways, targeted retention may be recommended. We’ll assess during inspection.
- How many rows of snow guards do I need? It depends on roof length, pitch, and expected load. We follow manufacturer engineering and site conditions to design layout.
- Will a new roof stop ice dams? A properly designed system—with air sealing, insulation, balanced ventilation, and eave protection—significantly reduces risk. Intense sun at altitude can still cause melt/refreeze at eaves; that’s why underlayments and drainage matter.
- Can AC INC. help with insurance claims? Yes. We specialize in storm damage evaluation, documentation, and insurance advocacy to help you navigate the claims process.
Why AC INC. Roofing
- Colorado’s first company to reach Master HAAG Certification
- Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified and GAF Certified contractor
- Directorii‑certified (backed by up to $20,000 customer guarantee)
- Fortified Roofing Solutions certified
- Members: RSRA (invite‑only, <1% of roofers qualify), CRA, NRCA, APA
- Local, licensed, insured, and 5.0‑star rated on Google
From asphalt and impact‑resistant shingles to metal and tile systems, plus TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, and fluid‑applied coatings, we deliver durable roof solutions built for the Front Range climate.
Located at 6145 Broadway, Suite 25, Denver, CO 80216, we serve the Denver metro, Front Range, and Cheyenne.
Ready to prevent ice dams and manage sliding snow the right way? Our HAAG‑certified inspectors can assess your roof, ventilation, and eaves, and provide a practical, code‑compliant plan.