The Problem

GZO Sheet Metal & Roofing specializes in Architectural Metals and Custom Metal and Copper Fabrications in Aspen, Colorado and the Roaring Fork Valley for over 12 years.  But they came upon a problem they weren’t quite sure they had the expertise, time or desire to tackle.

Their customer had a PV solar system mounted on his metal panel roof, but the solar panels were creating a dangerous snow and ice problem.  Every time the garage door opened to let a car in or out, a huge avalanche of snow spilled off the first row of panels and slid over the eave, right onto the incoming or outgoing car.  This was a real nuisance and concern to the owner, who also happened to be an architect!  His family learned to open or close the garage door, wait for the avalanche, and then move in or out.  There had to be a better and less dangerous way to enter and exit the garage.

Naturally, the solar arrays were installed to capture as much of the sun’s rays as possible, but the desire for optimal sun capture on the first course of panel arrays became a secondary issue in light of the danger of falling snow and ice. The decision to protect people and property became paramount.  Rows of panels further up the roof could continue to shed snow so that sunlight could be captured on them, but the first row needed some type of snow retention.

The Solution

Tom Hegerty, owner of GZO, was called in.  GZO did not want to create a make-shift snow fence in their shop sothey turned to TRA, who had helped with custom designed systems in the past.  This was a very unusual issue Hegerty and TRA had not run into before.

Hegerty provided TRA’s technical experts with a simple, hand-drawn sketch of what he envisioned- a taller than normal clamp which would raise the snow fence a few inches higher than the downhill edge of the panel, stopping the snow and ice from moving over the edge.  Using that simple drawing, the engineers at TRA Snow & Sun then computer designed a custom 2 rail fence, and provided an exact detail to scale so Hegerty could approve it.  An appropriate power-coated color was matched to the existing metal panel, the homeowner approved the design and production began on the unusual snow fence.  The process of designing the new, customized snow fence began in March, with manufacture and shipping following soon after.  Installation of the fence was completed in April, just in time for unexpected and unusually heavy snowfalls in May.

The Result

The end result was a manufactured, custom C22Z Standing Seam Snow Fence, that clamps onto the standing seam metal panel, and wraps around the front edge of the solar panel to prevent snow from falling off the panel.  The snow fence extends high enough at the bottom edge of the panels to keep snow and ice from damaging property or people on the ground below. The new design was tested earlier than expected when heavier than normal snowstorms hit the area during May.  TRA’s customized snow fence performed perfectly.  Vehicles and people now enter and exit the garage with no further waste of time or fear of being bombarded by snow and ice.

GZO Sheet Metal & Roofing Inc. specializes in architectural metals and custom metal and copper fabrications for all types of roofing – wood shingles, standing seam, slate, asphalt shingles, membrane roofing and tapered deck systems They are focused on superior craftsmanship, attention to detail, clear communication, honesty and integrity.

TRA Snow and Sun, Inc., located in American Fork, Utah, offers Roof Snow Retention Devices, Solar Mounting Systems and Roof Flashing Solutions. They supply to all types of customers, from the individual homeowner to the big developer and free engineered designs of all their systems. For more information call Devin Hancock at TRA Snow and Sun at 800-606-8980, devin@trasnowandsun.com, or visit https://trasnowandsun.com

There are many types of roofing materials, each having different advantages and disadvantages depending on what the homeowner is looking for, and the region of the country you live. Take into consideration the factors that influence your roof, and which material will best suit you.

Things to Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials

If you’re building a new home, or replacing the roof on your existing one, consider these things before choosing the roofing material:

• What types of weather conditions are common in your area? Rain, snow, hurricanes, or tornadoes should all be considered.
• What is the cost? Make sure the roofing material you get is worth the cost.
• What is the slope of the roof? Some roofing materials are better suited for slope than others.
• Will the roof fit in with the style of your home?

Asphalt Composition Shingles

The most popular roofing material for homes in the US is asphalt. Compared to metal roofing, it will wear and will need to be replaced over time.

• These shingles will either be made with organic paper fiber mat or fiberglass. The fiber mat is more resistant to cold weather and wind, while the fiberglass will be more fire and moisture protected.
• These shingles can be used on low to steep sloped roofs.
• There are both the traditional 3-tab shingle appearance or the thickly laminated architectural shingles for homes.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is more expensive than the more common asphalt shingles, but will last longer and is more resistant to wind damage.

• There are many types of materials that can be used in metal roofing, including steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc.
• The metal roofing can be installed in sheets, or as shingles.
• Metal roofs are very durable, able to withstand weather conditions, fire, and wind.

Metal roofing is available for steep or low sloped roofs. While more expensive than asphalt, the cost of metal roofing ranges from moderate to expensive.

Concrete Tile

Concrete tiles are more expensive than asphalt and metal, but their life-cycle cost is dramatically lower because the roof won’t need replacement every 15 – 20 years. In addition to this, they are fire resistant and attractive.

• Buildings built according to standard building codes after 1980 can withstand the weight of concrete tile.
• Concrete tiles are made from a sand and cement mixture. They can be designed to look like wood shakes, slate, or clay tiles.
• There are many colors available
Concrete tiles have little maintenance but can break under certain conditions.

Clay Tile

Clay tiles may break easily when dropped, but once on the roof they are not only fire resistant, but can last a long time and are aesthetically pleasing:

• Clay tiles are made by firing in a kiln.
• These roofs have the traditional Spanish and Italian look, giving a unique appearance.
• The clay is a natural material, making this roofing eco-friendly.
• Clay tiles require little maintenance, but can be brittle and break in the wrong conditions.
• Roofs with moderate to steep slopes can use clay tiles.
• Compared to other roofing materials, clay tiles are expensive.

Plastic Polymer

These roofing shingles are made of synthetic material.

• These can be made from recycled materials, and be recycled when replaced.
• Moderate to steep slope on roofs can use plastic polymer shingles.
• These shingles are long lasting and are fairly low maintenance.
• Compared to other roofing materials, plastic polymer are moderate in cost.

Wood Shake

Wood shakes are made from rot resistant woods, and can be treated to be more resistant to fires:

• The most common material used for wood shakes is cedar for its rot resistant quality.
• Wood shakes are natural looking, and can be thick or sawn depending on the roof.
• Requires more maintenance than other common types of roofing material.
• Moderate or steep sloped roofs can use wood shakes.

These are just a few of the most popular types of roofing materials. Consider where you live, and other factors when choosing the roofing material for your home.

When looking to install snow guards, solar panel systems, or ventilation systems on your roof, TRA Snow and Sun products that work on all roof types, making it easy for you.