Featured Spotlight “Snow Retention – D Bracket”

 Snow Bracket D

Snow Bracket™ D

A question once asked – On the roofs of many houses, along the eave, there are…best as I can describe it… shaped thingies. I’ve seen others that look octagonal and yet others that are round. I’ve seen them on steep roofs and not-so-steep roofs. My bank even has them. They look great, but do they do anything? 

The answer is yes. What you’re talking about are called snow guards for retaining snow on the roof. When snow and ice accumulate on the roof, they are pulled by gravity and want to slide down the slope of the roof. A well-designed snow retention system is intended to hold the snow on the roof so that it can melt in place.

At TRA Snow and Sun, we engineer and manufacture over 54+ variations of snow guards, and always welcome custom pieces made just for your roofing project. Yes, 54 may seem a lot, right? And your right it is, and here’s why – every roof design can be complex and is different from material, slope, shape, size, pitch, valleys, etc.., and ground snow loads vary significantly from one area to another. This is why we make several different engineered (from the fail point of the system) snow guards tailored to each unique roof designs for every roof type, new or existing, and in many styles that differ in form and function.

trasnowandsun, snow retention, solar mounting systemsSecure Attachment

trasnowandsun, snow retention, solar mounting systemsSuperior Strength

trasnowandsun, snow retention, solar mounting systemsVariety of Material Types

 

snow clips, snow guards, snow bracket

Our first featured spotlight for this month is our unique Snow Guard Bracket D. The Snow Bracket™ D, a permanent snow retention system that is aesthetically pleasing on asphalt shingle roofs. Choose between a vast array of painted powdered colors, available in standard mill finish of steel, copper or aluminum. The Snow Guard Bracket D fastens to roof sheathing to any new construction of an asphalt shingled roof.

Asphalt shingle roofs very common in the United States and it is important you have a Snow Bracket™ that fits the roof type you are installing the product one.

  Snow Bracket™ D

snow bracket d snow guardSnow-Bracket-D Maple-leafSnow-Bracket-D Sunburst

 

Dimensions

Length: 10″
Width: 1 3/16″
Height: 3″

Materials

• Paintlok Steel: 16 ga
• Copper: 48 oz (ASTM B152)
• Stainless Steel: 16 ga (ASTM A240)

 

Colors/Finishes

• Zinc Plated
• Powder coating available in many Colors

*We can provide Paintlock brackets unpainted BUT they must be painted before installing or rusting will occur. Also, available with attachments see images to the left with Maple & Sunburst.

Custom Designs and Engineering

At TRA Snow and Sun, we engineer and lay out each project free of charge using many factors specific to your roof. We then provide you with the snow retention plan, layout and product detail. TRA Snow and Sun representatives will work with you to design the most efficient snow retention system. Fill out our Snow Retention Checklist to get started.

Testing

All Snow Brackets have been tested from the fail point of the system.

Retro-fit Snow Retention. What to do?

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

snow clips, snow guards, snow bracket

rather than down there

Snow Avalanche Off A RoofFalling Snow in Park City, UT

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 H Snow Bracket, 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-Short

Snow Bracket H

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

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 Strength Really Matters

snow falling on carsIce_dam_slate_roof

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.

plastic vs TRA

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.

 

The No Cutting, Time Saving Solar Tile Mount

Solar Tile Mount

No hassle is bigger for an installer than finding out you have to re-cut tile because it won’t line up. With TRA Snow and Sun Solar Tile Mount, there’s no cutting required, saving you time on your project. Our Solar Tile Mounts are available for low, medium, and high profile tile roofs, and are adjustable for secure attachment to the structural member of the roof. We guarantee a variety of tile mounts, superior strength, and the option for custom made designs.

What Makes Our Solar Tile Mount Unique?

Our high-quality material extruded aluminum and divert the mount around the tile instead of going directly through the tile, which decreases install time, and doesn’t compromise the strength or coverage of the customer’s tile. The wide base of the hook makes the mount very easy to adjust and 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. The new tile hook allowed for fast and easy installation. It also helps increase the longevity of our micro-inverters.

Tile Mount Hook

Tile Mount Hook3

How Will The Solar Tile Mount Benefit Me As An Installer?

We offer installation materials and resources to make the experience as simple as plan, purchase and install.

Solar Tile Mount are:

  • 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
  • Requires no special flashing

Materials/Finishes

  • 6005A-T6 Aluminum / 6005A-T5 Aluminum
  • Mill Finish
  • Black Anodized (upon request)

Testing

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

WE DO CUSTOM SOLAR MOUNTING!

Tile Mount Hook4 Sol-Up-St-George-7-Solar-Awning

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 call Ben Anderson at TRA Snow and Sun at 800-606-8980, ben@trasnowadsun.com, or visit: https://trasnowandsun.com/solar-mounting/

The Vandelay Project

Snow Retention Case Study – Providing Engineered Snow Retention Solutions for HALF THE COST!

TRA Snow and Sun solves problems!  It’s not just our motto to provide Engineered Solutions.  We really DO IT!

On an addition to a home in Northwest Montana with a high snow load (100 psf); how do you retain snow on a cedar shake roof with a 12/12 pitch, whilst keeping it economical, aesthetically pleasing, and in line with the existing design?

After reviewing their options, Vandelay Construction was ready to order from a competitor, but was concerned about the high cost of the snow retention system, so they did one last internet search of roof snow retention.  They found a project with TRA Snow and Sun snow retention in Bozeman, Montana, liked our product and designs, and contacted us.

Using the information the contractor provided to us, we increased the thickness of the copper from the standard ¼” to 3/8” and designed a 3 rail snow retention system (D3H Deck Mount Snow Fence) specific to the project – cedar shake, 12/12 slope, copper, attaching to 16” OC rafters.  Copper was used to match the decorative end caps on the heavy timbers in the construction of the building.

Not only did the homeowners get a beautiful, warrantied system, but OUR SYSTEM WAS HALF THE COST OF OUR COMPETITORS.

We love the result.  See for yourself.

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At TRA, we provide Engineered Solutions to all kinds of problems.  Let us help you with your snow retention needs!

OSHA, Silica Dust and the Roofing Contractor

 

 

tile cutting

 

TRA Snow and Sun makes products specifically designed to help with solar mounting and flashing needs on tile roofs and we are always concerned about safety for building owners and the roofing contractors who install our products.

Recently a new Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a “final rule to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica.” This new ruling will impact all contractors who cut tile roofing products.

Silica is a natural mineral present in large amounts in many construction materials like concrete roof tiles manufactured in the US by companies. It is broken into very fine dust (also known as Respirable Crystalline Silica or RCS) during common tasks such as cutting for valleys, hips, and when installing solar mounting.

Regularly breathing in this dust can cause serious lung disease like silicosis and lung cancer. Hundreds of deaths have been associated with silica dust absorbed into the body in this way.

OSHA’s new standards, taking effect June 23, 2016 (with a one year implantation requirement for construction work), will require roofers to either use water or ventilation to manage dust or provide respirators in high exposure areas: The Key Provisions of the ruling:

“Reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift.

Requires employers to: use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure to the PEL; provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure; limit worker access to high exposure areas; develop a written exposure control plan, offer medical exams to highly exposed workers, and train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures.”

TRA Snow and Sun supports efforts to protect the health of roofers, however, using a wet saw on a roof means other risks including danger from hoses on the work surface and slip and fall hazards caused by water. For this reason, we support testing and respirators instead and a further review by OSHA.

For more information on this issue visit the National Roofing Contractors’ Association press release on this ruling.

Remember, also, that we make solar tile mounts that are installed WITHOUT CUTTING tiles. (See more about that here.)

VersaFlash: The Must Have ‘Roofer’s Duct Tape’

 

SolarFlash (2)

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.

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.

Dangerous! Now’s The Time To Install Snow Retention

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dangerous roof

Dangerous and Possibly Deadly

The snow sitting on your roof during winter is dangerous and can even be deadly. Often compared to an avalanche, snow and ice can come crashing down at any time, wiping out everything in its path. Annual property and personal damages from these incidents is in the millions, but can you place a price on human life? As a home or business owner it is your duty to prevent falling snow from causing damage to your home and business by taking action. If your roof accumulates snow you have two options:
          1. Manually remove the snow from your roof after each heavy snowfall.
          2. Use snow retention devices.

Shoveling the snow off requires you to climb up on the slippery roof and put yourself at risk while you try to balance and work to get the ice and snow off. This is dangerous to the person on the roof, as well as any people potentially walking around underneath the eaves. And it’s very hard work! There is a safer, more effective way that you should implement now.

Snow Retention: Get it Now!

TRAsnow Snow Retention devices are installed directly on your roof to help keep the snow in place. TRA’s engineered roof snow retention systems allows the snow to melt while on the roof. This is the best approach to take in preventing any dangerous accidents from happening.

The best time to install these devices is during summer and fall when the roof is fully dried out and safe to work on, but TRA’s snow retention devices are not attached with glue, so they can be put on even when it’s cold.

After installing this system you will never have to climb on the roof again to shovel snow off. Winter is approaching and now is the time to get your system installed!

There are a number of different kinds of snow retention devices you can put on your roof. They come as  snow guards and snow fences. Each helps out in a different way and should be chosen according to your individual project circumstances. For a full list of what we offer, or to get a FREE layout based on your house or business’ unique design, contact us: (877) 290-8669 or reach us online.
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TRA Snow and Sun and TRA-MAGE Part Ways

March 26, 2013

Terry Anderson continues as CEO of TRA Snow and Sun, resigns as President of TRA-MAGE.Terry Anderson

Terry Anderson has resigned as President of TRA-MAGE, Inc. but continues directing the operations of his original company, TRA Snow and Sun, Inc., as President and CEO.  TRA Snow and Sun, established in 1996, had been selling roof snow retention products exclusively through TRA-MAGE from 2004 until the fall of 2012.  With Anderson’s resignation from TRA-MAGE, he can now focus on the exclusively American-owned company that he founded.

Anderson says, “I ran the day to day operations of both TRA-MAGE and of TRA Snow and Sun from the beginning of each venture.  So the only change customers should notice is the name.  My relationship with my German partners has ended, but my dedication to our customers, the industry, and on engineering superior systems has only heightened as a result of this change.  It is of utmost importance to me that our customers’ experience be improved.” TRA Snow and Sun offers a new and improved focus on engineered solutions for roof snow retention, solar mounting, aluminum rolled roof flashings and ventilation products.

TRA Snow and Sun is still located where both companies have been located for many years, 1657 S. 580 E., American Fork, Utah.  The phone number and staff continue as usual at TRA Snow and Sun with no interruption.  “The employees that customers have come to depend on are still ready to serve them from TRA Snow and Sun with no discernible interruption,” assures Anderson.

History of TRA Snow and Sun

Nearly 23 years ago Anderson had established himself as a successful and respected roofing consultant and owner of Anderson Associates, Inc.  He was an expert in tile roof issues, co-author of the “Concrete and Clay Tile Design Criteria for Cold and Snow Regions Manual,” served on the Technical Committee of the Tile Roofing Institute and he designed and patented the very first roof Snow Bracket™.  Tile Roof Accessories was established in 1996 to manufacture and market this original snow retention device.  During the early days, products were manufactured in Ogden, Utah, but as other designs of Snow Brackets™ were created to work on every type of roof, the company set up shop in American Fork, Utah and the company name was changed to TRA Snow Brackets.  As demand for snow retention products for all types of roofs increased, the operation moved a few miles away to a new 24,000 square foot manufacturing and office facility.

In 2004, founder Terry Anderson and MAGE, a German corporation, joined efforts and established TRA-MAGE, Inc., adding aluminum flashing and ventilation products to the snow retention devices.  TRA Snow Brackets continued to operate as a corporation, manufacturing all of the snow retention devices as well as providing warehouse and office space for TRA-MAGE but stopped selling directly, instead selling all products under the umbrella of TRA-Mage.

TRA Snow Brackets added solar mounting devices to its product line last year and reflected this expanded focus by incorporating Sun in its name, becoming TRA Snow and Sun.   TRA Snow and Sun offers free engineering services on all projects and guarantees their systems.  The company is 100% American owned and operated.

TRA Snow and Sun, Inc., located in American Fork, Utah, offers Roof Snow Retention Devices, Solar Mounting 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 TRA Snow and Sun at 800-606-8980 or visit www.trasnowandsun.com