Snow guards may appear to be a modern roofing accessory, but their origins trace back well over a century and are rooted in even older, practical building methods. In alpine regions of Europe and Scandinavia, builders centuries ago relied on simple roof-mounted barriers made from stones and logs to manage snow movement on sloped roofs. Stones were arranged in rows across roof surfaces to increase friction and stabilize snowpack, while logs were installed like early fences to interrupt and slow sliding snow. These early approaches addressed the challenges of heavy snowfall long before manufactured snow guards existed.
Snow guards, as they are formally recognized today, began appearing on roofs in the late 1800s. The earliest documented snow retention devices in the United States were installed on slate and metal roofs in the Northeast, where winter snow accumulation created risks along walkways, entrances, and surrounding structures. Early systems were typically made from cast iron or galvanized steel and focused on controlling sudden snow release from roof surfaces.
Among the earliest innovators associated with snow guards was Charles G. Halliday, who offered snow guard systems through his New York roofing business in 1897. Around the same period, William H. Berger received patents in the 1890s for snow guard designs made from materials such as cast bronze and galvanized iron. These designs could be adapted to a variety of roof types and helped move snow retention from informal practice to recognized roofing technology.
Throughout the early twentieth century, snow retention systems continued to evolve beyond simple metal projections. Manufacturers such as Sieger Snow Guards introduced multiple styles intended for different roof materials and architectural conditions. As awareness of snow management increased, snow guards became common on churches, schools, government buildings, and residential structures throughout snowy regions of North America.
Today, Ice Control Engineering, Inc. carries this history forward by advancing snow guard and snow fence system design through engineering analysis and product testing. Modern snow retention systems are designed to perform in severe freeze-thaw environments and are manufactured using corrosion-resistant metals and high-performance polymer materials. Ice Control Engineering, Inc. designs and manufactures snow guards and snow fence systems for a wide range of roof types, including metal roofs, asphalt shingles, natural slate, clay and concrete tile, copper roofing, and single-ply membrane systems.
Contemporary engineered snow retention systems are evaluated through stress testing, load-bearing analysis, and corrosion testing that reflect real-world snow loads and environmental conditions. This data allows architects, engineers, and roofing contractors to specify snow retention systems with confidence for both commercial and residential applications, from steep mountain homes to large resort facilities.
Ice Control Engineering, Inc. also participates as a contributing member of ASTM committees focused on snow retention devices, including task groups developing standards for snow guards attached to wood sheathing. Through standards development and the submission of test data, the company supports continued improvement in snow guard design practices across the roofing industry.
Snow guards have evolved from stones and logs placed on early roofs to the engineered snow retention systems used today. At Ice Control Engineering, Inc., that evolution continues through custom-engineered snow guard and snow fence solutions tailored to roof type, slope, and regional snow conditions. The process begins with collecting essential roof information such as plans or measurements, panel type, rib profile and spacing, roof slope and direction, elevation, snow load factors, and preferred snow guard style and color. Using this information, the engineering team develops a detailed system layout or parts recommendation focused on long-term performance and reliability.
To begin the process and specify a tested snow retention system for your project, call 385 329 5067 or visit icecontrolengineering.com. Our team will guide you through gathering the necessary details to deliver a solution matched to your roof and snow load requirements.