Snow Guards With A Fresh Look To Color Hardware

August 28, 2018/in Blog, News /by Brandon Jensen

Take a look at these pictures for a fresh new snow guard clamp-on look. Our black Xylan hardware is now available for any colored clamp-on. Would this be your new snow retention look? Tell us by a simple comment on our contact page…

Color Trends…

OUR PAINTED XYLAN BLACK HARDWARE!

XYLAN BLACK HARDWARE BENEFITS

- New specialized color option for any colored clamp-on
- Full paint application extending to the entire bolt thread
- They’re resistant to heat and wear
- Improves the functionality and life span by reducing the amount of wear
- Adds protection from corrosion
- Stand out with a UNIQUE bold look

WE CAN HELP…

TRA snow guards for 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 guard 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 guard 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 Guard Retention System to fit your project. For more information call TRA Snow and Sun at 800-606-8980.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Why Specify Snow Guard Retention

July 31, 2018/in Articles, Blog, News /by Brandon Jensen

WHY SPECIFY SNOW GUARDS FOR SNOW RETENTION?

There are several factors that one must evaluate when determining if a particular building requires a snow guard retention system. 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.

SOME REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SPECIFY SNOW RETENTION SYSTEMS:

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.
Limited Access – Entrances to buildings can be blocked by snow and ice that falls from a roof.
Roof Damage – When snow and ice masses slide off a roof, costly damage occurs.

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 TRA Snow and Sun at 801-756-8666.

REQUEST A QUOTE

See the D2HLJ Deck Mount at Western Roofing Expo, Booth #556

June 6, 2018/in Blog, News /by Brandon Jensen

June 11 – 12, 2018

Paris Las Vegas

Plan to attend “The Largest Roofing Expo presented by Roofing Contractors for the Roofing Industry” – the Western Roofing Expo 2018 – your once-a-year opportunity to maximize your company’s productivity, efficiency and profitability. Known for bringing all of the elements of the roofing industry together, the Western Roofing Expo focuses on the western region of the United States and the specific needs that roofing and waterproofing contractors face in these areas.

Join us and see the D2HLJ Deck Mount at the Western Roofing Expo in Las Vegas!

We will be there at Booth #556.

D2HLJ Deck Mount Snow Fence Used On Corrugated Roofs (Learn More)

Stop by and meet some of our TRA team Monday from 1 PM – 6 PM & Tuesday from 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM FACE TO FACE. WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOU!

FREE PASS! Attend the Western Roofing Expo 2017 for FREE! Swing by to see TRA Snow & Sun at Booth #556 Pick up your badge at ‘Will Call’ by REGISTERING ONLINE, or download the free trade show pass and register on-site. See you in Las Vegas!

Download a free pass now! ==> http://wsrca.com/…/2018/01/WRE_2018_Free_Trade_Show_Pass.pdf

For more information on Western Roofing Expo 2018, please visit wsrca.com.

At TRA Snow and Sun, we know every project is unique and no one solution fits every application. That’s why we offer engineered solutions specific to your project. You provide us the project details and we will take care of the rest. Contact us at 877-290-8669.

Going For GOLD: In Snow Retention!

February 23, 2018/in Blog /by Brandon Jensen

TRA’s – Terry Anderson (President) & Laurie Anderson (CEO) Trip to Whistler Canada 2017

Just as the world-class athletes prepare for an incoming storm of opponent competition, so should we prepare for all possibilities to keep incoming snow and ice from roof avalanching.

Keeping snow and ice from avalanching off a roof requires a system of superior strength. When strength really does matter to save lives and prevent damage to property, how does a home or business owner know what snow retention product is strong enough?

How does someone decide what product measures up?

How does one decide the best method of installing a safe and reliable roof snow retention system?

If your answer to these questions is, “I can find that out. I’ll just look it up online under building codes or ask my roofing contractor.”

Well, good luck.

There are NO codes for roof snow retention! None. Nil. Nada. (Our owner, Terry Anderson, is serving on a committee right now to finally establish standards. Watch for updates on this in the future!) If a contractor starts sitting codes or standards, be wary. The contractor might have his own standards, and we sure hope they all do, but there are no national or international standards for snow retention.

This makes it very important for owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to take extra care when designing a snow retention system. At TRA Snow & Sun, we seek to offer high-quality snow retention devices ENGINEERED for the unique snow & ice and building conditions relative to each specific project.

Snow retention as a science has emerged as a technological know-how for human safety. The laws of physics have to be used when holding back lots of destructive snow and ice. Annual assets and personal damage from destructive sliding snow and ice are in the millions, however, the price of a human life is incalculable. If someone dies as a result of no snow retention or faulty snow retention, the liability threat to household owners and business proprietors is astronomical.

By retaining snow on the roof of a building and allowing even snow melt-off, injuries to residents/guests and property below the roof of a building can be avoided, saving money and limiting the possibility of personal loss. By installing snow retention you can:

Prevent danger to residents and guests.
Prevent costly roof and property damage.
Maintain safe access, keeping entrances/walkways free of snow and ice.
Promote energy efficiency by retaining snow which is a good insulation blanket.
Trust in the best with the highest quality snow retention devices.

How does one avoid the potential pitfalls of a bad snow retention product?

It can get perplexing with several hundreds of different snow guard types and designs to consider from. With a TRA snow retention system, you know you’re safe because we have gone through extensive product testing. Our products are built to last to the fail point of the snow retention system, not just the product. Unlike other plastic type snow guards that turn yellow and fail over time, TRA’s snow retention systems are superior in strength. Our superior snow retention is designed to manage snow migration on any type of roofing is made of stainless steel or brass.

TRA CLAMP-ON SNOW FENCE vs PLASTIC GLUE-ON SNOW GUARDS

In simple terms, a first-rate snow retention product coupled with a reliable and safe FREE engineered spacing layout will help lessen the legal responsibility related to the unexpected slid of snow and ice from roofs. All requesting clients can receive free engineered layouts within 2 working days for each project’s specific requirements. For a free layout, data sheets, specs & quote contact us at 855-542-1861.

Avoid Liability With Snow Retention

January 3, 2018/in Blog /by Brandon Jensen

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 Devin Hancock with TRA Snow and Sun at 800-606-8980.

REQUEST A QUOTE

The Snow Has Landed!

December 19, 2017/in Articles, Blog, News /by Brandon Jensen

WOW! Look at all that snow in Atlanta. As you watch the Falcons play football from your comfy home you know you’re safe and protected from dangerous weather.

What about if you attended the game in person? How safe are you?

Just as the world-class Falcons prepare for the possibility of an incoming storm of opponents, the stadium has also prepared for all possibilities and so should you.

The $1.5 billion Mercedes Benz Stadium is using the best, as a game winning option when it comes to retaining snow on their roof with TRA Snow Retention!

Atlanta Falcons – Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Keeping snow and ice from avalanching off a roof requires a system of superior strength. When strength really does matter to save lives and prevent damage to property, how does a home or business owner know what snow retention product is strong enough?

How does someone decide what product measures up?

How does one decide the best method of installing a safe and reliable roof snow retention system?

If your answer to these questions is, “I can find that out. I’ll just look it up online under building codes or ask my roofing contractor.”

Well, good luck.

There are NO codes for roof snow retention! None. Nil. Nada. (Our owner, Terry Anderson, is serving on a committee right now to finally establish standards. Watch for updates on this in the future!) If a contractor starts sitting codes or standards, be wary. The contractor might have his own standards, and we sure hope they all do, but there are no national or international standards for snow retention.

This makes it very important for owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to take extra care when designing a snow retention system. At TRA Snow & Sun, we seek to offer high-quality snow retention devices ENGINEERED for the unique snow & ice and building conditions relative to each specific project.

Snow retention as a science has emerged as a technological know-how for human safety. The laws of physics have to be used when holding back lots of destructive snow and ice. Annual assets and personal damage from destructive sliding snow and ice is in the millions, however, the price of a human life is incalculable. If someone dies as a result of no snow retention or faulty snow retention, the liability threat to household owners and business proprietors is astronomical.

By retaining snow on the roof of a building and allowing even snow melt-off, injuries to residents/guests and property below the roof of a building can be avoided, saving money and limiting the possibility of personal loss. By installing snow retention you can:

Prevent danger to residents and guests.
Prevent costly roof and property damage.
Maintain safe access, keeping entrances/walkways free of snow and ice.
Promote energy efficiency by retaining snow which is a good insulation blanket.
Trust in the best with the highest quality snow retention devices.

How does one avoid the potential pitfalls of a bad snow retention product?

It can get perplexing with several hundreds of different snow guard types and designs to consider from. With a TRA snow retention system, you know you’re safe because we have gone through extensive product testing. Our products are built to last to the fail point of the snow retention system, not just the product. Unlike other plastic type snow guards that turn yellow and fail over time, TRA’s snow retention systems are superior in strength. Our superior snow retention is designed to manage snow migration on any type of roofing is made of stainless steel or brass.

TRA CLAMP-ON SNOW FENCE vs PLASTIC GLUE-ON SNOW GUARDS

In simple terms, a first-rate snow retention product coupled with a reliable and safe FREE engineered spacing layout will help lessen the legal responsibility related to the unexpected slid of snow and ice from roofs. All requesting clients can receive free engineered layouts within 2 working days for each project’s specific requirements. For a free layout, data sheets, specs & quote contact us at 855-542-1861.

TRA Snow and Sun, Inc. offers AIA continuing education course, “Roofing Solutions for Alpine Regions”

December 11, 2017/in Blog, News /by Brandon Jensen

In response to requests from architects and other construction specifiers, TRA Snow and Sun has decided to continue with the popular continuing education course, “Roofing Solutions for Alpine Regions”.

Learning how to protect people and property from dangerous falling snow and ice just got much easier with the online course created by TRA Snow and Sun and approved by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). When an architect designs a building there are hundreds of decisions to make besides the obvious, visual components that make up an attractive and functional building: what type of window to specify, what color carpet, or what type of roof are obvious ones. There are some specifications that are vital to the safety of those who will use the building and create liability for the architect and contractors.

If the building is located in a snowy, cold climate, special consideration should be given to the proper design and engineering of devices to retain snow and ice on the roof. Most construction professionals don’t realize the importance of snow retention devices and how critical they are in alpine regions.

Terry Anderson, nationally respected roofing consultant and owner of TRA Snow and Sun and Anderson Associates Consulting, has established himself and his companies as experts in the roof snow retention industry over 35 years and is co-author of the Concrete and Clay Tile Design Criteria for Cold and Snow Regions. The AIA online course, Roofing Solutions for Alpine Regions provides one credit hour of continuing education credit for architects wishing to maintain their license. It is also available for anyone wishing to understand the best way to design a roof in a cold or snowy climate. It incorporates Anderson’s extensive experience and deals specifically with:

The common roofing challenges that are unique to cold climates.
The advantages and disadvantages of the most common solutions to snow and ice on roofs.
The accepted roof design practices in Europe as compared to those in the United States and Canada.
The concepts and effectiveness of roof ventilation and snow retention in reducing snow and ice problems.
Several factors to be considered in the proper engineering of roof snow retention devices.

The course is available online (Ron Blank) or online (AEC Daily) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Credits are automatically submitted to AIA, CSI and other organizations by AEC Daily, one of the largest providers of free continuing education for architects, engineers, contractors, specifiers, and other construction professionals.

TRA Snow and Sun, Inc., located in American Fork, Utah, offers Roof Snow Retention Devices, Solar Racking Systems and Roof Ventilation and Flashing Solutions. They provide all customers, from the individual homeowner to the big developer, free engineered designs for all their systems. For more information call Devin Hancock at 800-606-8980.

The Importance of Snow Retention

November 14, 2017/in Blog /by Brandon Jensen

Winter is on its way and snow accumulation is imminent across the U.S. The traditional approach to snow accumulation on homes and businesses is to remove it or allow it to slide off as it softens and melts. Unfortunately, this approach can lead to injuries or property damage and is not optimal for home energy efficiency in the winter. Snow retention on the roof can solve both of these problems by acting as an insulating force to retain heat indoors, as well as enabling snow to evenly melt off the roof without abruptly sliding off in a massive block. Here are some ways in which snow retention can benefit your home this winter.

Snow retention devices are mounted on the roof to prevent snow from dislodging in large masses and causing damage or injury to people or property below. They also prevent roof damage that will occur from prolonged ice dams.
Snow retention devices can be installed on any sloped roof in any area that receives snow. Snow fences and snow brackets are all versions of these snow retention devices, and are highly practical and cost effective solutions for heavy snow and ice. Here are some images of our new Snow Bracket I – Apex (valley & crest) for corrugated metal roofs.

Snow Bracket I (Valley) – Apex

Snow Bracket I (Crest) – Apex

Installing snow retention devices in strategic areas can help guard against injury and property damage over walkways, entryways, parking lots, congregation spaces, roof protrusions, and valuable landscaping.
Heat loss through the roof is a primary contributor to energy inefficiency during the winter. Maintaining a layer of snow on the roof can help to retain heat during the cold weather.

Installing Snow Brackets

Generally, snow brackets should be professionally installed by a licensed roofing or general contractor. This will ensure that the brackets are installed correctly, in the right locations, and that the proper quantity is used. There are a few factors that are considered when installing snow brackets. These include: average amount of snow at the location, snow load, pitch of the roof, type of roof and sheathing thickness, strength of the snow bracket, and type of fasteners. Considering these things will determine the number of brackets required for the roof. Snow brackets are not that difficult to install, but a roofing contractor will have the experience and safety devices to securely work on the roof and complete the installation efficiently.

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 TRA Snow and Sun at 800-606-8980 or email at info@trasnowandsun.com.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Game Winning Option!

September 25, 2017/in Articles, Blog, News /by Brandon Jensen

The Atlanta Falcons are off to a great football season with a 3-0 winning record and will battle the Buffalo Bills this Sunday in Atlanta. As you watch the game from your comfy home you know you’re safe and protected from dangerous weather.

What about if you attended the game in person? How safe are you?

The Falcons’ new $1.5 billion Mercedes Benz Stadium uses TRA Snow Retention on its roof to keep fans safe in the event of a snowstorm (yes, Atlanta does get snow!)

Just as the world-class Falcons prepare for the possibility of an incoming storm of opponents, the stadium has also prepared for all possibilities and so should you.

Keeping snow and ice from avalanching off a roof requires a system of superior strength. When strength really does matter to save lives and prevent damage to property, how does a home or business owner know what snow retention product is strong enough?

How does someone decide what product measures up?

How does one decide the best method of installing a safe and reliable roof snow retention system?

If your answer to these questions is, “I can find that out. I’ll just look it up online under building codes or ask my roofing contractor.”

Well, good luck.

There are NO codes for roof snow retention! None. Nil. Nada. (Our owner, Terry Anderson, is serving on a committee right now to finally establish standards. Watch for updates on this in the future!) If a contractor starts sitting codes or standards, be wary. The contractor might have his own standards, and we sure hope they all do, but there are no national or international standards for snow retention.

This makes it very important for owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to take extra care when designing a snow retention system. At TRA Snow & Sun, we seek to offer high-quality snow retention devices ENGINEERED for the unique snow & ice and building conditions relative to each specific project.

Snow retention as a science has emerged as a technological know-how for human safety. The laws of physics have to be used when holding back lots of destructive snow and ice. Annual assets and personal damage from destructive sliding snow and ice is in the millions, however, the price of a human life is incalculable. If someone dies as a result of no snow retention or faulty snow retention, the liability threat to household owners and business proprietors is astronomical.

By retaining snow on the roof of a building and allowing even snow melt-off, injuries to residents/guests and property below the roof of a building can be avoided, saving money and limiting the possibility of personal loss. By installing snow retention you can:

Prevent danger to residents and guests.
Prevent costly roof and property damage.
Maintain safe access, keeping entrances/walkways free of snow and ice.
Promote energy efficiency by retaining snow which is a good insulation blanket.
Trust in the best with the highest quality snow retention devices.

How does one avoid the potential pitfalls to a bad snow retention product?

It can get perplexing with several hundreds of different snow guard types and designs to consider from. With a TRA snow retention system, you know you’re safe because we have gone through extensive product testing. Our products are built to last to the fail point of the snow retention system, not just the product. Unlike other plastic type snow guards that turn yellow and fail over time, TRA’s snow retention systems are superior in strength. Our superior snow retention is designed to manage snow migration on any type of roofing is made of stainless steel or brass.

TRA CLAMP-ON SNOW FENCE vs PLASTIC GLUE-ON SNOW GUARDS

In simple terms, a first-rate snow retention product coupled with a reliable and safe FREE engineered spacing layout will help lessen the legal responsibility related to the unexpected slid of snow and ice from roofs. All requesting clients can receive free engineered layouts within 2 working days for each project’s specific requirements. For a free layout, data sheets, specs & quote contact us at 855-542-1861.

Use The Prefect Retrofit Snow Guard Bracket H – Classic or Apex For Snow Retention

August 25, 2017/in Blog /by Brandon Jensen

One of my older relatives used to say, when confronted with a dilemma, “What to do, what to do….” It made me chuckle!

But, this phrase describes a dilemma for people confronted with snow and ice avalanching off their already installed roof. They want to keep the snow up there

rather than down there

but what is the best solution?

First of all, retrofit is similar as well as different from new construction. Basic questions need to be answered for new and retrofit construction.

What is the slope?
What is the snowload in the area?
What type of roofing product is being used?
What type of sheathing is under the roofing material?

For retrofit, snow retention installers don’t have the luxury of applying the snow retention devices as the roofing material is installed in a new project. This is when “What to do, what to do…” might be heard under their breath!

How do you keep snow and ice from falling off while also maintaining a water-tight system when the roofing is already on the roof? How hard is it to do this?

Contractors need a simple and effective solution.

For asphalt shingles, simulated shake, and other similar roofs, using TRA’s Snow Bracket H – Classic or Apex, there is no need to pull back the headlap to install a device. Butyl or caulking can be applied on the surface of the roofing product, then the bracket is installed directly into the sheathing using screws. A clip is then placed over the screws.

Snow Bracket H – Apex

Snow Bracket H – Classic

Easy. Effective.

The reason this system will work on retrofit is because TRA’s engineering is done using the specific factors as mentioned above. When installed using the engineered layout, the roof will now hold back the snow and ice that would have fallen off, damaging people or property below.

At TRA Snow and Sun, we help you find an Engineered Solution. Call us for a free layout, provided within 2 working days.

Snow Bracket H – Classic or Apex

Designed for most roof types

Available with or without fastener cover clip

Can be powder-coated to match roofing material

Available in 16 g steel, 48 oz copper, 26 g Cor-Ten, 16 ga stainless steel, .063″ aluminum

Finishes – Electro-galvanized, hot-dipped galvanized, mill finish aluminum, copper or Cor-Ten

Power-coating available in many colors.

When Does Your Roof Need Snow Retention?

January 19, 2017/in Blog /by Brandon Jensen

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:

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.
Limited Access – Entrances to buildings can be blocked by snow and ice that falls from a roof.
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!).

Could An Urban Roof Avalanche Affect You?

January 16, 2017/in Blog /by Brandon Jensen

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: www.trasnowandsun.com