Preparing roofs for winter hazards

By Jenny Yu.  

Industry experts explain how snow retention technology is evolving to improve safety and roof performance. 

Safety has always been the primary reason for snow retention systems, but evolving roof materials and weather patterns are increasing awareness of their importance across the country.  

In a recent MetalTalk™, Karen Edwards spoke with TRA Snow and Sun’s Business Development Manager Mindy Dahlquist and Technical Director Lane Gardner about how modern snow retention systems help prevent dangerous snow slides and protect people, property and roofing systems. 

Why snow retention systems matter 

The primary role of snow retention systems is safety. When snow suddenly slides from a roof — particularly a metal roof — it can create significant hazards for pedestrians, building entrances, vehicles and landscaping below. 

According to Mindy, the risks increase as snow accumulates and conditions change. “Weather patterns will change the moisture concentration in the snow on your roof, causing it to become one frozen mass,”  she explained. “Oftentimes when that snow does decide to slide, it can take roofing product with it, and it can also most definitely cause dangers, such as death and injury, which we have seen across the country.” 

Several industry trends are making snow retention systems even more relevant today. One is the growing use of metal roofing. “Metal is a slippery surface, so that affects the way the snow acts on the roof’s surface, rather than something that has more friction,” Mindy said. 

Snow retention solutions  

Snow retention systems are designed to keep snow safely in place until it melts naturally, preventing dangerous avalanching events. Mindy described the two main types of snow retention systems: brackets and snow fences. “Snow brackets are not meant to stop snow once it moves,” she stated. “Brackets are placed across the entire roof, from eave to ridge, and their goal is to hold that snow in an insulating blanket across that roof.” 

Snow fences function differently. “Oftentimes, they are clamped onto a metal standing seam panel and allow snow to slide down into the fences,” Mindy added. “It is utilized as a safety device to allow that snow to freeze right there.” 

Anticipating future issues with innovation 

Tra Snow and Sun is working continuously to innovate to improve upon and expand their snow retention offerings. With a background in semiconductor and automotive engineering design and manufacturing, Lane brings new ideas and experiences to their role of technical director. “I’m trying to take those different thought processes and bring them here to TRA,” Lane shared. “We’re working on improving our efficiency, making something good for the shop floor people all the way to the customers, so we get a really good product.” 

For Mindy, the industry’s growing awareness of snow retention ultimately comes back to protecting people. “We are going to continue to see snow retention become more and more constant as these changes come to surface, and I think that’s a good thing,” Mindy said. “We’re seeing those issues ahead of time, rather than waiting and building these structures and having issues down the road.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about the importance of snow retention systems.