The Original Snojax®
The Snow Chex prototype was developed and later renamed Snojax®. Years of field use and design refinement resulted in the Snojax I, a clear polycarbonate screw-down snow guard that remains part of the product line today.
About
Snow Guard and Snow Retention Innovation Since 1976
SnoBlox-Snojax has been developing snow guards and snow retention solutions for metal roofing since 1976. What began as a search for a better, non-corrosive snow guard has grown into an American manufacturer and supplier of polycarbonate snow guards, metal snow guards, SnoBar® and ColorBar™ snow rail systems, RoofClamp™ attachments, VentSaver™ products, and other metal roof accessories.
Our experience comes from decades of product development, field use, independent laboratory testing, metal building construction, and direct interaction with contractors, architects, engineers, building owners, and roofing professionals.
Since 1976
Snow retention product development
Three Generations
A family business built on metal roofing experience
Made in the USA
Domestic snow retention manufacturing
Independent Laboratory Testing
Published third-party product test results
How SnoBlox-Snojax Began
Metal Roofing Experience Came First
The SnoBlox-Snojax story began before the first Snojax® snow guard was created. Jack McMullen had worked as a metal building erector since 1963, when metal roofing was still relatively new to many parts of the construction industry.
Snow and ice sliding from smooth metal roofing quickly became an important concern around gutters, entrances, pedestrian areas, parking areas, and other locations below a roof.
A Better Alternative to Early Metal Snow Guards
Many early snow guards were made from metal castings. Over time, our family saw problems associated with corrosion, deterioration, and dissimilar metals on metal roofing. We began searching for an alternative that could retain snow without detracting from the appearance of the roof.
That effort led to the development of a clear, non-corrosive polycarbonate snow guard. The early prototype was called Snow Chex and later became Snojax®, now known as the Snojax I.
The new design was field tested on metal buildings before being introduced more broadly to the roofing and construction industries. In 1982, Jack and Brion McMullen traveled across the United States introducing the product and educating architects, engineers, contractors, and designers about snow and ice movement on metal roofs.
A History of Snow Retention Product Development
SnoBlox-Snojax has continued developing snow retention and metal roof accessory products as roofing systems, attachment methods, and customer needs have changed.
Snojax® II and Adhesive Mounting
As floating standing seam metal roofs became more common, we developed a non-penetrating adhesive-mounted snow guard. The Icejax prototype evolved into the Snojax II and was tested using Surebond SB-190 adhesive.
SnoBlox® Ace and Deuce
IceBlox, Inc. introduced the patented SnoBlox Ace and Deuce designs, featuring broad forward-mounted faces, narrow bases for compatibility with many metal panel profiles, and a patented waffled bonding base.
VentSaver™
VentSaver products were added to provide a purpose-built method of helping protect vulnerable roof vent pipes and chimneys from moving snow and ice.
SnoBar® and ColorBar™
SnoBlox-Snojax partnered with Action Manufacturing to offer SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems, expanding the company's snow retention options beyond individual pad-style snow guards.
Icejax™ I and Icejax™ II
The Icejax name returned with two additional polycarbonate snow guard designs. The product family underwent professional laboratory testing through Architectural Testing, Inc.
SnowCatcher™
The stainless steel SnowCatcher line was developed for customers who wanted a mechanically fastened metal snow guard for exposed fastener roofing.
Decorative and Specialty Snow Guards
Decorative stainless steel SnowCatcher models were introduced, followed by additional products for specialized roofing applications.
SnowBreaker™ and RoofClamp™
The patented SnowBreaker was introduced as a snow-splitting device. The RoofClamp system expanded attachment options for accessories on standing seam metal roofing without panel penetration.
Standing Seam VentSaver™ System
A standing seam mounting plate was developed using RoofClamp attachments, allowing VentSaver products to be installed on compatible standing seam roofs without penetrating the panels.
Action Manufacturing Acquisition
IceBlox, Inc. acquired the assets of Action Manufacturing, including the SnoBar®, ColorBar™, RoofClamp™, and WindBar™ product lines and associated intellectual property.
SnoCleat™
The SnoCleat aluminum snow guard family was introduced with models for standing seam, PBR, and 2.67 corrugated metal roof panels.
Online SnoBar® and ColorBar™ Kits
Six-foot SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail kits became available for direct online ordering, making complete snow rail systems more accessible to contractors and building owners.
VentSaver™ EZ
The VentSaver product line was simplified with the introduction of the VentSaver EZ alongside the heavy-duty VentSaver HD system.
New Metal Roof Accessories
New developments included the Kodiak SnowCatcher, SataMount satellite mounting systems for standing seam and screw-down metal roofs, and VentSaver Extreme for demanding winter environments. The screw-down SataMount incorporated the MRM metal roof mounting bracket that would later become the attachment platform for additional roof-mounted systems.
Bundles and Ecojax™
SnoBlox-Snojax expanded complete snow guard bundle options and introduced Ecojax products, including peel-stick-and-screw configurations for appropriate applications.
Screw-Down 2-Bar SnoBar® and ColorBar™ Snow Rails
SnoBlox-Snojax introduced screw-down 2-bar SnoBar and ColorBar snow rail systems for exposed-fastener metal roofs. The systems use the MRM mounting bracket, the same platform used with the screw-down SataMount system, with an SC2B double-bar bracket mounted above it to support two continuous snow rails. The MRM bracket mechanically fastens through the roof panel into the supporting wood or steel purlin below.
Our Snow Retention Expertise
No single snow retention product is right for every roof. The roof panel profile, attachment method, roof pitch, roof dimensions, structural conditions, seam or rib spacing, and anticipated snow conditions all influence product selection and layout.
Pad-Style Snow Guards
Adhesive-mounted and mechanically fastened snow guards for compatible metal roof applications.
View Snow GuardsStanding Seam Metal Roofs
Non-penetrating snow retention options including adhesive-mounted snow guards, clamp-on snow guards, and SnoBar and ColorBar systems.
View Spacing ResourcesExposed Fastener Roofs
Screw-down snow guards and mechanically attached snow rail systems designed for compatible exposed-fastener metal panels.
View Spacing ResourcesSnoBar® Snow Rails
Square snow rail systems available for compatible standing seam and screw-down metal roof applications.
View Snow RailsColorBar™ Snow Rails
Structural aluminum snow rail systems with options for matching or coordinating the system with metal roof colors.
View Snow RailsMetal Roof Accessories
RoofClamp attachments, VentSaver systems, satellite mounting products, WindBar systems, and other specialty metal roof solutions.
View ProductsWhat Sets SnoBlox-Snojax Apart
Decades of Field Experience
Our snow retention knowledge grew from metal building construction, real-world installations, product development, testing, and decades of working directly with roofing professionals and building owners.
Independent Laboratory Testing
We have used independent laboratory testing to evaluate snow guard performance and publish the results so customers can review actual test data rather than relying solely on marketing claims.
Multiple Attachment Methods
Our product range includes adhesive-mounted, screw-down, clamp-on, and rail-style snow retention solutions because different metal roof systems require different approaches.
Application and Spacing Guidance
Proper snow retention involves more than choosing a product. We provide spacing guidelines, installation instructions, compatibility information, and technical resources to help customers make informed decisions.
Continued Product Development
From the original Snojax to SnoBlox, SnowCatcher, SnowBreaker, SnoCleat, SnoBar, ColorBar, RoofClamp, VentSaver, and Ecojax, product development has remained a core part of the company.
U.S. Manufacturing
SnoBlox-Snojax snow retention products are manufactured in the United States, allowing us to maintain close control over product quality and availability.
Independent Snow Guard Testing
Product performance should be supported by meaningful test data. SnoBlox-Snojax has had snow guard models professionally tested by Architectural Testing, Inc., now part of Intertek. Our published testing includes adhesive-mounted and mechanically fastened configurations for numerous snow guard models.
The testing page includes the reported release loads and explains the test methods used to apply force to the face of the snow guards.
Proper Snow Guard Application Matters
One of the most important lessons from decades in the snow retention industry is that product selection alone does not determine whether a system will perform properly. Layout, attachment method, roof panel compatibility, roof dimensions, pitch, structural conditions, and expected snow loads must all be considered.
Snow guards generally should not be concentrated only above isolated doorways, walkways, vents, or other small portions of a roof. Retained snow loads need to be distributed appropriately across the roof area, and upper roof areas should be considered when they discharge onto lower roofs.
Our online spacing resources provide general guidance for many common applications. Projects with unusual geometry, severe snow conditions, structural concerns, or other special circumstances should be reviewed by a qualified architect or engineer.
Three Generations of a Family Business
The SnoBlox-Snojax story began with Jack McMullen's experience in the metal building industry and continued with Brion McMullen's work in snow retention product development, education, testing, and manufacturing.
Today, Brion continues that work while his son, Reilly, serves as Operations Manager and represents the third generation of the family business.
Although products and roofing technologies continue to evolve, the objective remains the same: develop practical snow retention solutions, test them, provide accurate application information, and support the people who use them.
Learn More About the History of Snow Retention
Snow retention has evolved significantly from early metal snow guards to modern adhesive-mounted, mechanically fastened, clamp-on, and continuous snow rail systems.
For a broader educational look at the development of snow retention, different snow guard types, attachment methods, and proper system design principles, visit our dedicated historical resource.
Snow Retention Resources
Snow Guard Products
Compare polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum, adhesive-mounted, and screw-down snow guard options.
Explore Snow GuardsSnoBar & ColorBar
Learn about continuous snow rail systems for standing seam and exposed-fastener metal roofing.
Explore Snow RailsSnow Guard Spacing
Find spacing calculators and general layout guidance for compatible snow guard and snow rail systems.
View Spacing GuidesIndependent Laboratory Testing
Review published snow guard test results for adhesive and mechanical attachment methods.
View Test ResultsWarranty Information
Review current SnoBlox-Snojax product warranty information and application considerations.
View Warranty InformationNeed Technical Help?
Contact our team for help identifying an appropriate snow retention product or locating technical information.
Contact SnoBlox-SnojaxNeed Help Choosing a Snow Retention System?
Every metal roof is different. If you are unsure which snow guard, snow rail, attachment method, or spacing guideline applies to your project, our team can help you identify the appropriate resources.
Contact Our Team Spacing & Calculators