What Makes Our Universal Solar Tile Hook Unique?

With TRA Snow and Sun Universal Solar Tile Hook, there’s no cutting required, saving you time on your project. No hassle is bigger for an installer than finding out you have to re-cut tile because it won’t line up. Our unique wide base of the hook makes the mount very easy to adjust. The Universal Solar Tile Hook allows for fast and easy installation and now available for low, medium, and high profile tile roofs, and are adjustable up to six inches for easy layout for secure attachment to the structural member of the roof. With our unlimited FREE engineered layout on all your projects, we guarantee our high-quality extruded aluminum Solar Tile Hooks are made of the highest quality for superior strength.

How Will The Universal Solar Tile Hook Benefit Me As An Installer?

Your solar energy system is only as strong as the mounting structure on which it’s built. We guarantee top-of-the-line products, accessories, and fastening systems. Every component is reliable and built to last. All types of Solar Tile Hooks must be fastened to structural members of the roof, such as rafters, purlins or trusses, and in order for tile pans to line up in the correct locations, are adjustable up to six inches to the left or right. Click here to contact us for an estimate and to begin your Universal Solar Tile Hook plan today!

Universal Solar Tile Hook 

–   Available for flat, mid and high profile

–   Adjustable for secure attachment to the structural member of the roof

–   Corrosion-resistant materials

–   Quick and easy to mount

–   Decrease Labor– No cutting of the tile required

–   Increase the longevity of our micro-inverters

Materials/Finishes

–   6005A-T6 Aluminum / 6005A-T5 Aluminum

–   Mill finish

–   Black Anodized (upon request)

Testing

Universal Solar Tile Hook has been tested from the fail point of the system.

WE DO CUSTOM SOLAR MOUNTING

At TRA Snow and Sun, we engineer and layout each project free of charge using many factors specific to your project. We then provide you with; rail spans, max loads on components, wind parameters, solar panel geometry, force per foot on rail and panels, a schematic of the module field, the wind speed, shipping weight, and project details. TRA Snow and Sun representatives will work with you to design the most efficient solar mounting system.

We can design your awning to work with a variety of application. Just give us your project details & we will design your Mounting Solution to fit your project. For more information contact Gary Heslington at TRA Snow and Sun at 800-606-8980, gary@trasnowadsun.com, or visit: https://trasnowandsun.com/solar-mounting/

Are you hearing loud noises coming from your roof?

This can be a sign that snow is sliding.  Beware the next time you open the door to go outside especially if your door opens where snow falls.  Deaths have occurred when snow slippage is imminent and someone slams a door.  Just the vibration creates an avalanche.

Are you noticing large pieces of ice and/or snow coming off in big chunks?

Are pieces of your gutter coming off with ice at the eave?  Ice is a heavy and powerful factor in gutters becoming disconnected from the structure.

Are there high spots of snow and ice piled at the eave line on the ground?  This might mean that snow or ice has come off that place during the winter.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, continue reading.

People die due to snow and ice sliding off roofs. This is extremely tragic and often avoidable. Use roof snow retention for these reasons:

1.  Damage/Injury – People and property can be struck by snow and ice falling from the roof. Property damage and injuries, even deaths can occur when snow is not properly retained on a roof.
2.  Limited Access – Entrances to buildings can be blocked by snow and ice that falls from a roof.
3.  Roof Damage – When snow and ice masses slide off a roof, costly damage occurs.

It is especially important to install snow retention above:

• entryways
• walkways
• gathering spots
• parking lots
• drive-through areas
• expensive landscaping
• ground mounted mechanical
• roof protrusions such as plumbing vents

Can Your Building Support the Weight of Snow Retention?

You might wonder if your roof can support the weight of snow and ice staying on the roof. If your home is less than 40 years old, the answer is probably yes.

During the 1970-80’s, most states adopted building codes that required structures to support the weight of the building materials (dead load) and the weight of the snow, ice, water, people, etc. (live load). By the year 2000, international building codes were universally adopted with similar standards. So, if the structure was built post 1975, you are unlikely to have any structural problems when keeping snow on the roof (it also helps insulate your roof, saving heating costs!).

In the next couple of days, a wintry mix could make things dicey on the mountains and even in your neighborhoods. That’s why avalanche forecasters are urging caution. Nicole Vowell reports from KSL Channel 5 New.

To help avoid such avalanche conditions there are several factors that one must evaluate when determining if a particular building requires a snow retention system.

The first question you should pose is “What would happen if snow slides off the roof?”

The second question is “Do we care?”

When snow slides off of a roofing surface, it can come crashing down or slide off and then piles up on whatever is below the edge of the roof. Snow retention is frequently used to protect landscaping around the perimeter of the building, to protect guttering systems around the edge of the roof, and to keep snow from piling either on a lower roof level or decks, sidewalks and at garage entrances. If nothing below the roof can be damaged by this avalanche of snow and ice, it may be best to let the snow and ice slide off unhindered.

However, what if what is below the roof could be damaged?

WHY SNOW RETENTION IS NEEDED

During the winter months, as snow accumulates on your home, gravity will begin to pull it down the slope of your roof. There are many reasons this can be harmful to your home or even dangerous. In worst structural cases, this can lead to damage to costly gutter systems, structural damage to lower roof levels, and even destruction of mature landscaping around the perimeter of a home.

Low-slope roofs with parapet walls naturally keep snow and ice on the roof. On a sloped roof, however, large chunks of snow and ice can slide off as the snow melts. Avalanching snow is probable on roofing systems with a steep enough slope and/or a low coefficient of friction. This is especially dangerous for pedestrians walking below.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SNOW RETENTION SYSTEM

There are many types of roofing materials, each has advantages and disadvantages and each should be considered when determining the placement of snow retention on the building.

When considering whether to install a snow retention system on your roof, you may first want to consider what type of roof you have. Will your roof allow snow to slide? Probably.  In places with heavy snows, like areas in Utah, it is common for snow to slide off of all types of roof systems, leading to heavy ice and snow build up in gutters, which causes damage over time. If you have a metal, tile, slate or membrane roof with a pitch of 1/12 or greater, snow will definitely slide off and cause problems.

WE CAN HELP…

TRA snow retention systems are available for all types of roofs and come in a variety of options. The specific snow retention equipment recommended for your roof will depend on the type of roof system installed, the pitch of the roof, snow load, sheathing type, how old the building is and budget.

Our snow fences, brackets, and clamps are all types of snow retention systems that prevent large sheets of snow or ice from falling off a pitched roof. The systems hold the snow on the roof so it can gradually melt off, preventing damage to people and objects below.

At TRA Snow and Sun, we engineer and layout each project free of charge using the unique factors specific to your project. TRA Snow and Sun representatives will work with you to design the most efficient snow retention system. We can design your roof to work with a variety of applications. Just give us your project details & we will design your Snow Retention System to fit your project. For more information, call Ben Anderson at TRA Snow and Sun at 800-606-8980, ben@trasnowadsun.com, or visit: https://trasnowandsun.com/                                                                                                          

                                                                    REQUEST A QUOTE

Every once in a while a customer will ask us why they should purchase our metal snow retention rather than the plastic ones they see. We typically don’t like plastic snow guards for many reasons.

TRA Metal Clamp-on vs Plastic Guards

Most plastics eventually become brittle when exposed to the sun.

Because of its tough nature, metal can withstand the sun’s destructive UV rays. Over time plastic will crack and deteriorate when continuously exposed to the sun.

Cracked, Brittle and Broken “Plastic Snow Guards”

TRA’s metal snow retention systems are attached securely using a variety of durable and strong mechanical methods.

Unlike metal, plastic snow guards are usually attached to a roof using caulking, which is likely to fail for the following reasons:

• If the roof is dirty or wet when installing this makes the adhesive not adhere properly. When have you ever seen a truly clean roof?
• More common than not snow guards are installed at temperatures below 40 degrees.
• Caulking cure time can be more than 30 days above 40 degrees.
•  Over time plastic will crack & deteriorate when continuously exposed to the sun UV.

TRA C21Z Clamp-on with Ice Flags 

Unlike plastic, metal lasts.

Next time you are near a roof with plastic snow guards, see if any are missing and let us know!

We recommend only metal snow retention because we know it can properly protect those in and around your home. For extra protection, we engineer from the sheathing up with the fastener and provide a warranty on the entire snow retention system. Before installation, we engineer a specific layout to see that the system is exactly what you need for your specific location and weather. Contact us with any of your project details and we’ll provide you with the best snow defense system that’ll get you ready for winter.

The Tell-Tale Signs in Spring That You Should Install Snow Retention

The winter is slowly fading into Spring, but as the snow and ice melts off your roof, there might be some signs that you need snow retention:

Are you noticing large pieces coming off in big chunks?

Do you hear it slipping? (This can be pretty loud and frightening when it happens unexpectedly!)

Are pieces of your gutter coming off due to ice tearing it off as it slipped off your roof?

Are there high spots of snow and ice piled at the eave line on the ground? This might mean that snow or ice has come off that place during the winter.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, continue reading.

People die due to snow and ice sliding off roofs. This is extremely tragic and often avoidable. Use roof snow retention for these reasons:

1.  Damage/Injury – People and property can be struck by snow and ice falling from the roof. Property damage and injuries, even deaths can occur when snow is not properly retained on a roof.
2.  Limited Access – Entrances to buildings can be blocked by snow and ice that falls from a roof.
3.  Roof Damage – When snow and ice masses slide off a roof, costly damage occurs.

It is especially important to install snow retention above:

• entryways
• walkways
• gathering spots
• parking lots
• drive-through areas
• expensive landscaping
• ground mounted mechanical
• roof protrusions such as plumbing vents

Can Your Building Support the Weight of Snow Retention?

You might wonder if your roof can support the weight of snow and ice staying on the roof. If your home is less than 40 years old, the answer is probably yes.

During the 1970-80’s, most states adopted building codes that required structures to support the weight of the building materials (dead load) and the weight of the snow, ice, water, people, etc. (live load). By the year 2000, international building codes were universally adopted with similar standards. So, if the structure was built post 1975, you are unlikely to have any structural problems when keeping snow on the roof (it also helps insulate your roof, saving heating costs!).

TRA Snow and Sun has something every roofer needs: VersaFlash.  It’s a must-have for all roofers. We call it the “roofer’s duct tape”. Here’s why you need it for every roofing project.

VersaFlash: The Roofer’s Duct Tape

The primary reason any type of roofing exists is to provide a protective layer to maintain a barrier between the interior of a building and the weather. How this is accomplished can take many different forms, but there’s nothing proven to work better than TRA Snow and Sun’s VersaFlash: flexible aluminum flashing that attaches down with a butyl. It adheres to the wall or other roofing structure or tile, is extremely flexible, and adds a professional finish to all roofing projects, while being extremely effective at sealing out water and preventing leaks.

Types of VersaFlash

Some types of VersaFlash are meant just for concrete and clay tile roofing only, while others are effective for all types of roof. Here’s a breakdown of VersaFlash offered by TRA Snow and Sun.

• VersaFlash HD Aluminum Roll
• VersaFlash HP Aluminum Roll
• VersaFlash HP Copper Roll
• VersaFlash ST Aluminum Roll
• VersaFlash ST Copper Roll

Why Choose VersaFlash?

Simply put, VersaFlash is easy to use, flexible, and will save you time and money without sacrificing an inch in quality. There are many reasons you’ll love Aluminum and Copper VersaFlash — here’s why once you choose it, you’ll never roof without it again.

Versatility

We don’t call it the “roofer’s duct tape” for nothing. VersaFlash is made of flexible, stretchy material that can be used to seal roof-to-wall abutments, chimneys, and basically anything you can think of. It’s very easy to work with so you can get the job done right the first time.

Conforms to Many Roof Types

A roofer looking for a go-to roofing adhesive need look no further than VersaFlash. Other than the HD Aluminum Roll (clay and concrete) we offer, VersaFlash will conform to most types of roofs including, but not limited to:

• Asphalt Shingles
• Wood Shingles and Shakes
• Slate
• Metal (copper, steel, aluminum, tile)
• Fiber Cement

Durability

Leave all of your re-flashing worries behind with VersaFlash. It’s highly durable, flexible, and weather resistant. It stretches to a maximum of 33 percent, conforms easily to roof surfaces, and installation is easy. If you want a durable roofing adhesive that won’t give you problems down the road, VersaFlash is the gold standard. On top of it all, TRA Snow and Sun offers a 25-year limited warranty.

TRA Snow and Sun is your number one source for solar mounting, snow retention, flexible ventilation, and flashing material. We offer competitive prices and guarantee our products. Give us a call today at 877-290-8669 for more details, and check out all of our flashing products at trasnowandsun.com.

For any who have experienced the damages to a home or property stemming from clogged gutters, then you already know how important it is to keep an eye on the gutters of a home and ensure that they are cleaned regularly in the fall.  For those who are  ignorant of the damage that could occur to a home due to clogged gutters because you have never had to deal with that issue, consider the effect of a massive fall rain storm or the aftermath of a winter’s thaw.

When heavy rains or melting snow accumulate on the roof, the sheer amount of water that can be produced is astounding.  This water can be safely removed from the home’s gutter system and clear the home from danger, but only if the gutters in the home are cleaned and cleared of debris.

If the gutters are clogged, then all of the water that could have otherwise been dispersed and drained properly back-builds to overflowing in the gutters of the home.  This can result in damage to the roof of the home, the siding or other framing of the home and even to flooding to the lower parts of the home once the water accumulates enough in areas that are supposed to be protected by the gutter.  With the winter storms approaching and the leaves on the trees in the yards of homes shedding off, gutters of homes can quickly be clogged with debris and falling leaves.

By taking the time to clean the gutters of the home, multiple times a month if necessary during the fall, a homeowner can be assured that they will be better prepared and protected against the potential for damage due to clogged gutters.

Halloween has now come and gone and the fall weather is beginning to reflect winter’s cold.  Homeowners who have not yet prepared their homes for winter should look to do so now.  As time runs out for winter preparations, homeowners who have put off their home winterization need to begin as soon as possible in order to fully ready their homes for winter’s freezing temperatures and heavy snow falls.

One of the first ways to winterize the home is to clean out the gutters.  During the autumn season especially, fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog a home’s gutter system and make water removal from winter rain and snow storms impossible, which can in turn lead to water damage in the home or damage to the roof.

Another winterizing technique that can help a home protect itself from the winter weather is to have snow clips installed on the roof to provide snow retention.  Installing snow retention devices will allow for a safer and more efficient snow melt by keeping the snow on your roof where it melts in place rather than sliding off onto people of property.

Roofs without snow retention can be dangerous to the property and to those who live in the home.  Without snow retention, large chunks of snow and ice can fall from the roof of the home and cause damage or personal injury.

Another major step to winterizing a home will be to inspect the home’s heating system or furnace for any possible damage as well as for efficiency.  Even as fall surely turns to winter, it is not too late to prepare one’s home for the approaching snow and cold through proper home winterization.