Snow Retention
Snow Retention
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“We are very happy with the performance of the ColorGard snow retention system. It provides reliable protection
for the children as they play during the winter months and ensures the skylights remain clear of snow as it as it
melts off the metal roof.”
— Céline Bourget, Centre de Service Scolaire Val des Cerfs
Located on the outskirts of Montreal, in Shefford, École du Zénith is striking representation of contemporary educational architecture that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Developed as part of the Lab-École initiative – a nonprofit program dedicated to reimagining educational spaces in the province – the school features a series of interconnected “pavilions” around a central courtyard with expansive views of Mount Shefford.
Each building is tailored to a specific age group, and the design emphasizes a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces through large windows, overhanging roofs and multiple entry points that encourage exploration and engagement with nature.
The École du Zénith School Board was concerned about the risk of sudden snow slides from the metal roofs and prioritized a solution that would safeguard the roofs, its students, teachers and administrators, and any surrounding property. They sought a snow retention system designed to allow the snow to evacuate gradually and in a controlled manner—a critical feature to maintain the system's effectiveness, prevent safety hazards for pedestrians and property below, and protect the roofs from potential damage.
Additionally, they required a system that preserved the integrity of the roofing material by avoiding any penetrations, thereby ensuring that all roofing manufacturer warranties remained intact. They were particularly concerned about water infiltration and recognized that a nonpenetrating snow guard system would effectively eliminate this risk.
École du Zénith utilized the complete S-5! ColorGard system, including the innovative S-5-N clamps. The fully tested and engineered snow retention system ensured maximum safety for students, teachers and administrators against potential snow slides.
Manufactured from 100% non-corrosive materials and rigorously tested for load-tofailure results, ColorGard dramatically reduces the risks of rooftop avalanches by effectively controlling roof snow migration. Its nonpenetrating design preserves the integrity of the roofs, which eliminated any concerns about water infiltration and voiding roof manufacturer warranties.
In addition to its robust performance, ColorGard delivers an aesthetically pleasing solution with perfect color and finish matching, all designed and warranted to last the life of the roof.
ColorGard was custom-designed and engineered for this project to mitigate potential rooftop avalanches, dramatically reducing the risk of sudden and unexpected release of snow slides, which could pose a serious threat to students, teachers, administrators and property below.
The school board achieved the quality look it desired with a snow retention system that mitigates the risk of rooftop avalanches, preserves roof integrity, eliminates concerns about water infiltration and complements the roofs’ overall appearance.
• Provided safety measures to students, teachers and administrators entering and leaving the school
• Reduced the amount of product and cost required due to S-5! engineered system capacity
• Eliminated the risk of a voided roof manufacturer warranty―no holes/no damage
• Provided an aesthetic solution that blends seamlessly and complements the roof
