By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

This educational session in Salt Lake City focuses on protecting people, property and roofing professionals in high snow regions. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop® recently attended a powerful and eye-opening snow retention training hosted by TRA Snow and Sun at the AGC of Utah Training Center in Salt Lake City. Roofing contractors from across Utah and the western United States gathered to better understand one of the most dangerous and often underestimated risks in roofing, the weight and movement of snow. 

The reality is simple and sobering. Snow is heavy. When it releases from a roof, it does not gently slide away, it can avalanche with devastating force. The training shared a striking example showing how quickly that weight adds up. In a 100 pound per square foot snow load scenario, just a small section of snow coming off a roof can weigh thousands of pounds. When that mass hits a person, the results can be catastrophic and often fatal. 

But the danger does not stop with human safety. Uncontrolled snow movement can rip gutters from the structure, tear off rooftop accessories, crush landscaping, destroy outdoor furniture and cause significant structural damage. For building owners, this means unexpected costs and liability. For contractors, it introduces a serious level of risk that cannot be ignored. 

Leading the training were Ben Anderson and Mindy Dahlquist, along with TRA teammates including Terry Anderson, founder and CEO, who shared the company’s history and answered questions. Their passion for engineered snow retention systems was evident throughout the day. They emphasized that snow retention is not an accessory, it is a critical part of a complete roofing system in any region that experiences significant snowfall. 

The training also featured Brava Roof Tile, who demonstrated how snow retention systems integrate with their premium roofing products. Their participation highlighted the importance of designing snow retention solutions that work seamlessly with different roofing materials, ensuring both performance and aesthetics. Seeing how snow retention interacts with synthetic roofing systems reinforced the need for a customized, engineered approach for every roof type. 

Also in attendance were leaders from key industry associations, including the Utah Roofing Contractors Association (URCA) and the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), represented by Kris Hitesman of Capitol Roofing Service. Their presence reinforced the importance of collaboration across the industry to promote best practices, safety and ongoing education. 

A key part of the training focused on specific product applications, including the proper use and installation of snow brackets and snow fences. Attendees learned when each system is appropriate, how they perform under load and how to correctly install them to maximize effectiveness. The TRA team also demonstrated the use of their specialized clamp systems for installing snow fences without compromising roof integrity. Another major takeaway was TRA’s deep commitment to testing. The team shared how they rigorously test their systems to ensure the highest levels of performance in real-world conditions. Their approach goes beyond standard requirements, with a focus on making sure every product meets and exceeds building codes and delivers reliable, engineered protection. This dedication to testing reinforces confidence for contractors, architects and building owners alike. 

The training focused on three key areas, proper engineering, correct installation and effective communication with building owners. Contractors learned that every roof in a high snow area should be evaluated for snow retention and that systems must be designed based on load calculations, roof design and site conditions. Guesswork is not acceptable when lives and property are at stake. Equally important was the discussion around liability. Contractors were reminded that when snow avalanches off a roof, building owners often pursue legal action against everyone involved in the project. This includes manufacturers, designers and especially the installing contractor. One of the strongest takeaways was the need to include snow retention in every proposal and contract. If an owner chooses not to include it, contractors should require a formal sign-off acknowledging the risk. This step is critical for protecting roofing professionals from future claims. Beyond risk mitigation, the training also highlighted the opportunity for contractors to build stronger relationships with their customers. By educating owners on the importance of snow retention, contractors position themselves as trusted advisors, not just installers. This creates ongoing sales opportunities and reinforces the value of quality roofing systems that perform in real-world conditions.

Adding a bit of fun to the day, the TRA team also handed out custom trucker hats with unique branded badges, a small but memorable touch that reflected their strong culture and connection to the contractor community. Demonstrating a strong commitment to education and safety for the entire industry, the training was live streamed through TRA’s YouTube channel and will be available on demand through both MetalCoffeeShop and RoofersCoffeeShop YouTube channels as well as within TRA’s directories. This extended access ensures that contractors across the country can benefit from the training, reinforcing TRA’s dedication to making critical safety education widely available. For contractors working in snow-prone regions, the message is clear. Snow retention is not optional. It is essential. By understanding the risks, specifying engineered systems and educating customers, roofing professionals can protect their businesses while delivering roofs that truly perform. 

To learn more about engineered snow retention systems and how to integrate them into your roofing projects, visit TRA Snow and Sun or explore their directories on RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop® and view the full training on demand. 

By Jenny Yu.  

Learn how a roofing consultant’s search for answers led to a new standard in snow retention engineering. 

What began as a roofing consultant’s challenge has evolved into one of the industry’s leading voices in snow retention engineering. At TRA Snow & Sun’s 3rd Annual Snow Retention Educational Seminar, Heidi J. Ellsworth had a chance to speak with founder Terry Anderson about how decades of field experience, research and innovation shaped the company’s origin story. 

Terry’s journey started while consulting for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he was tasked with solving widespread failures in tile roofing systems exposed to snow and ice. “I found out right away that in snow country, when snow and ice moved on tile roofs, it broke them up, especially in the valleys and at the eaves,” Terry said. 

With no clear answers from manufacturers in the United States, Anderson took his search overseas. “They didn’t know the answer either,” he said. “I was referred to England to talk to Dr. Nigel Cherry, and from there I went to Norway, Germany and Austria to see how they handled tile roofs in snow climates.” 

What he discovered reshaped his approach to roofing design. European systems relied on engineered snow retention strategies based on roof slope, snow load and run length — a stark contrast to the methods commonly used in the U.S. “It dawned on me immediately there was no engineering behind this at all,” Terry said. “People were just saying, ‘Put two rows of snow brackets on,’ and that was it.” 

Determined to bring science into the equation, Terry began developing and testing snow retention systems with Brigham Young University. “I designed and patented my first snow bracket with six tests and all different types. I didn’t believe in testing my bracket just by itself,” Terry shared. “We engineered everything from the fail point of the roof system — that makes us different than others. We’ve been a success ever since.” 

That focus on engineering and safety became the foundation of TRA Snow & Sun. Over time, Terry’s work expanded beyond product development into advocacy, driven by real-world consequences. “When snow slides off and hits someone, it’s preventable with proper engineering,” Terry stated. “That’s what I’ve been trying to promote.” 

Today, TRA continues to educate contractors through training, tools and engineered layouts designed to improve safety and professionalism across the industry. 

Watch the full interview to hear more of Terry's story and learn how TRA Snow & Sun’s snow retention can protect lives and property.

In this MetalTalk ™, Karen Edwards is joined by TRA Snow and Sun’s Business Development Manager, Mindy Dahlquist, and Technical Director, Lane Gardner, as they pull back the curtain on how today’s snow retention systems are engineered, tested and refined for real-world performance on metal roofs. TRA Snow & Sun walks contractors, builders and manufacturers through the fast-moving world of product development, from field feedback and manufacturer partnerships to smarter designs that install faster and hold stronger. It’s a look at the innovation shaping safer, more reliable roof systems across the industry. 

Listen to the MetalTalk.

Watch the MetalTalk.

By Jenny Yu.  

Mindy Dahlquist of TRA Snow and Sun shares how and why to bring young people into the industry. 

Everyone’s career journey has to start somewhere, and no one does it all on their own. For Mindy Dahlquist, business development manager at TRA Snow and Sun, her journey started in trade school and developed with the aid and support of experienced adults in the field. 

“My entire goal with trade school was to have some type of license or certificate to make sure that when I walked out of school, I wasn’t going to be homeless,” Mindy shared in this episode of Roofing Road Trips^®. But attending trade school was not enough by itself. “I needed guidance and help, so having an adult come into that school and dedicate their time was so important. It gave me an introduction, an entrance as soon as I left the vocational school.” 

Now, Mindy is a champion for young roofers and the volunteers who give their time to usher the next generation into the industry. TRA Snow and Sun works with the Let’s Build Construction Careers Camp (LBCC) for girls, a hands-on learning experience that introduces middle- and high-school-aged girls to the trades. Volunteering, as it turns out, is a win-win situation. It provides needed guidance for the youth while also creating a cohort of competent, confident individuals ready to enter the field. 

“There is such a large number of people who are retiring in this industry. If we are not replacing these people early, how are they going to learn from the masters?” Mindy posed. “Find these young students who are already in trade schools and get them involved in your business early so once they graduate, they know the terminology. They’re ready. They’ve been standing at that starting line, ready to take off running.” 

Furthermore, sharing your knowledge with people who need it is a rewarding act in itself. “We all want to have purpose in our lives. Being able to provide that purpose and mentor [young people] is amazing,” Mindy expressed.  

For contractors who are concerned about the future of the industry, put your time where it’s most fruitful: getting involved with your local vocational school and offering your time, expertise, wisdom and materials to help prepare the next generation. “Once you get somewhere worth being, turn around and give somebody a hand as they take that step up,” Mindy said. She also shared a message for the up-and-comers: “Do not avoid the older generations. Go out of your way to get to know them, ask questions and be interested.” 

Read the previous article in this series or Listen to the podcast to learn about more ways to get involved in your local community and build the next generation of roofers.  

By Jenny Yu.  

This spring, TRA Snow & Sun’s 3rd Annual Snow Retention Educational Seminar offers expert-led sessions on snow management solutions for modern roofing systems.  

Roofing professionals looking to expand their expertise in cold-climate performance and safety have an exciting educational opportunity this spring! On Thursday, April 9, 2026, TRA Snow & Sun is hosting th 3rd Annual Snow Retention Educational Seminar at the AGC of Utah Training Center in West Valley City, Utah.  

Open to all industry professionals, this free event is designed to provide practical insights into the design, application and installation of snow retention systems. With increasing awareness around the risks associated with snow and ice movement on roofs, events like this are becoming essential for contractors working in regions impacted by winter weather. 

The program begins with check-in at 9:00 a.m., followed by an educational session starting at 9:30 a.m. Attendees will hear from industry experts on key topics including engineering and design considerations, snow brackets, clamp-on snow fences and deck-mounted snow fence systems. The session will also highlight new products and ongoing development in snow retention technology. 

A complimentary lunch will be provided at noon, offering attendees time to network with peers and discuss real-world applications. The afternoon session will focus on installation techniques and include an open question-and-answer segment, giving contractors the chance to address specific project challenges and gain hands-on insights. 

The seminar will emphasize the importance of engineered snow retention systems in managing snow loads and preventing hazardous conditions such as rooftop avalanches. Attendees can expect to leave with a deeper understanding of best practices across different roof types and how to implement solutions that enhance both safety and performance. 

With no registration fee and a full agenda of technical education, the event offers strong value for contractors, architects and building professionals alike. 

To learn more and secure your spot, register for the Snow Retention Educational Seminar today!

By Jenny Yu.  

TRA Snow and Sun leaders discuss product design and the push for industry standards. 

In this MetalTalk™, Karen Edwards spoke with TRA Snow and Sun’s Business Development Manager Mindy Dahlquist and Technical Director Lane Gardner about how collaboration and testing are shaping the future of snow retention systems.  

For Mindy, field feedback is central to product development. “When receiving feedback, we ask, ‘What can we do better? How can we make the contractor's life easier? How can we make installation faster so they’re saving money on labor costs?’” Mindy shared. “The best thing is the open dialogue we have with manufacturers, architects and contractors. It’s the best type of situation we could ask for.” 

Lane agreed, explaining that early collaboration with manufacturers allows TRA to move quickly from concept to finished product. “The advantage in partnering early with manufacturers is that we can do early prototypes, modify them and create something quickly. We can do all those tweaks, the custom machining, the design,” Lane described, noting the gratification that comes with creating something from paper napkin drawings to real life. “It feels so good to have that go from a sketch through all those iterations, hold it in your hand, give it to the customer and receive positive feedback from them.” 

Beyond product design, Mindy and Lane addressed the exciting opportunity to create standardized codes for snow retention. “Industry-wide, there's not a set standard or code,” Lane explained. “We are part of a group that is working to develop some standards for testing snow retention systems. It’s really neat to have that opportunity on that ground floor level. We’ve been in the industry for multiple decades and working through that.” 

The lack of codes and standards relating to snow retention currently allows manufacturers to make systems however they want, with no requirements. This allows installers to install wherever and however while the liability of incidents push back to those involved with the build, including architects, owners, roofing contractors, etc. It’s important to protect yourself and your company while dealing with inadequate systems, such as plastic snow brackets.  

Read the first article in this series, Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about how TRA Snow and Sun continues to prioritize collaboration, testing and proactive design.

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. 

By Jenny Yu.  

TRA Snow and Sun leaders discuss contractor conversations, booth activities and plans for the year ahead. 

TRA Snow and Sun has kicked off 2026 with a busy schedule, including a stop at the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE)! Ben Anderson, head of operations, and Mindy Dahlquist, business development manager, sat down with Karen Edwards at The Coffee Shops™ Sound Stage, sponsored by SRS Distribution.  

At trade shows like IRE, conversations at the TRA Snow and Sun booth often involve contractor education. “With snow retention, we've had questions like: what is this? Why would you want to keep the snow on the roof? How does this function? Are we wanting it to melt? Are we wanting it to fall off in smaller pieces? What is the goal?” Mindy said. “Being able to answer those questions for contractors is a lot of fun.” 

To add to the fun, TRA Snow and Sun set up a trucker hat bar at their booth, inviting attendees to decorate hats with a variety of patches. “They’re customizable,” Ben said. “People are having fun with all the patches.” 

The hats also engaged people who normally wouldn’t stop at their booth. “We've had a lot more conversations with contractors who would see snow and they'd be like, ‘Oh, I'm in Texas or I'm in Florida. I'm not going to stop here,’” Mindy shared. “With the hat bar, we've had that opportunity to talk to them about some of the other products that we manufacture that are not snow retention. That opens up other doors as well.” 

On top of representing TRA Snow and Sun, Mindy discussed her involvement with the National Women in Roofing (NWIR). “I am going to be the chair of the virtual council, and we are doing our kickoff call February 10 with Melissa Chapman of The GLO Group,” Mindy said. “It'll be fun to be able to kick off this council and really provide that support for women and men in roofing who maybe don't have a local council near them.” 

Watch the Soundstage interview and check out our interview at their booth to learn more about what TRA Snow and Sun is doing in 2026! 

Across the show floor, soundstage interviews and educational sessions, IRE 2026 made it clear that the roofing industry is not standing still. 

While community defines the heart of the International Roofing Expo (IRE), innovation defines its pace. From AI-driven tools and smarter products to immersive booths and hands-on demonstrations, our crew experienced IRE 2026 as a snapshot of where the industry is headed. Here’s a deeper look at how it went, as told through the voices of our crew members who spent the week capturing it. 

Technology everywhere 

One of the most immediate takeaways from IRE 2026 was just how visible technology has become across the show floor. Megan Ellsworth, multimedia director, shared: 

One theme that did stand out for me at IRE was the sheer amount of technology and AI companies at the show and the innovations through technology that big name distributors and manufacturers are implementing. Contractors were a buzz with all the new technology at their fingertips through either their distributor, CRM or manufacturer that is for sure. 

That buzz extended to manufacturers, distributors and long-established brands bringing tangible, jobsite-ready solutions to the floor. Karen Edwards, COO, emphasized, “I was most impressed by the manufacturers that continually innovate and bring new solutions that help contractors work smarter, more efficiently, the products that perform better. It’s incredible.” Startups and established brands showcased tools that have the potential to fundamentally change how contractors work day to day.  

Innovation on display: Booths, launches and customer stories 

For crew members walking the show floor, innovation stood out not only in the products themselves, but in how exhibitors chose to present their stories. Lauren White, editor-in-chief, explained: 

It’s always so fun to see the same people each year, and also to see how some of our customers’ booths have grown over the years. Some companies who started with a single table and a small footprint now have the biggest LED screen that Informa has ever seen, like Roof Scout. Central States Manufacturing had a huge, amazing booth as well and it looked really great and made a statement. 

Everyone puts so much time and energy into making their booths look good and flow, and they’re really proud of them. There’s a lot of intentional planning that goes into that. For us to go onto the show floor and highlight those booths – asking what they want to showcase and positioning ourselves where they feel best – is really special. People are so grateful for the opportunity to talk about their latest products and recent launches and show them off in their booth. 

Drake Porter, industry relations coordinator, echoed this sense of creativity and experimentation they witnessed across the show floor: 

Just seeing what all these folks are doing, whether it's tools or materials or an amazing Trash Rocket or a giant screen at Roof Scout was really cool. My favorite interview of the day was Western States Metal Roofing, where she talked about different shingle sizes, metal and the 3D-printed display she created for the booth. 

Across the span of three days, Lauren and Drake had the chance to dance with the Pink Panther from Owens Corning®, assist the BITEC® magician in passing cards around to the crowd and made custom hats with TRA Snow and Sun, further highlighting the vastness of this year’s exhibitor booths. 

Education contractors can use 

Education once again proved to be one of IRE’s strongest assets, especially as conversations around AI moved from theory to application. Heidi J. Ellsworth, president and CEO, moderated a panel discussion focused on AI in practical business settings: 

We were fortunate enough to be part of the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) panel talking about AI in real-life situations. It really talked about not only where the roofing industry is going, but what you need to look at and be aware of. 

The IRE educational courses throughout the week really help contractors build their business, so they can leave IRE with a strong to-do list, which I think is really important. 

What stood out most to Karen was the engagement: “It’s impressive to have 100 people in a room who want to learn about AI at 8:30 in the morning and nobody was scrolling through their phone during that presentation. They were engaged and eager to learn.” 

Telling the industry’s stories 

One of the ways innovation came to life at IRE 2026 was through storytelling itself. James Ellsworth, CFO, exclaimed, “The soundstage did 89 recordings over the course of three days. We had experts from around the industry all wanting to share on the soundstage.” As Karen hosted the majority of these interviews, she reflected, “Being able to bring a little piece of the show to those people who weren’t able to come was heartwarming. They can tune into our videos, and they can see what’s new.” The theme that consistently emerged was adoption. As Lauren noted, “People are really adopting tech and AI, which is great to see in an industry that’s typically slow to adopt. 2026 is the year of growth.” Across tools, technology, education and storytelling, IRE 2026 highlighted real solutions, real learning and real momentum. And the industry is clearly ready for what’s next. 

Check out our YouTube playlist to hear from the experts themselves!

By Jenny Yu.  

TRA’s Faux Panel Mount helps contractors safely integrate snow management with Tesla Solar Roof systems. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Mindy Dahlquist, business development manager of TRA Snow & Sun, and Nick Zavala, brand president of American Home Contractors, to talk about how TRA’s Faux Panel Mount integrates with Tesla Solar Roof systems and is changing how contractors approach snow retention on solar roofing projects.  

For American Home Contractors, adopting Tesla Solar Roof technology has been both an opportunity and a learning experience. “Strategically, it positioned us at the forefront of roofing, roofing technology and renewable technology and has really opened new opportunities for us,” Nick said.  

At the same time, the evolving system presented new challenges, particularly when the winter months rolled around. “Tesla Solar Roof tiles are made both from glass and metal. When we have a significant amount of snow, that snow can shed very, very quickly,” Nick explained. “We had to make sure that we had solutions in place to ensure that, one, the people going in and out of those homes are safe, and two, that your property is taken care of and safe.”  

These challenges helped drive the development of TRA’s Faux Panel Mount. “This isn’t a shingle that we are just going to drill down through,” Mindy shared. “We had lots of R&D meetings, lots of testing and we sent products out to specific contractors to work them and make changes.” The result uses a 3/16 stainless steel snow blocker that can be powder-coated to match the Tesla roof surface, preserving aesthetics while improving safety. 

Nick said that the Faux Panel Mount was a turning point for his crew. “When we got this product, it was a game changer in terms of timeline,” he said. “Before, we would burn through a dozen batteries just installing the other system because it was a lot heftier it had different requirements that were unnecessary, there weren't pre-drilled holes. This solution has really changed the way we think about snow retention by making it easier for our teams to install.” 

Read the first article in this series or Listen to the podcast to learn more about how TRA’s Faux Panel Mount works with Tesla Solar Roof systems.