In this MetalTalk™ episode, Karen Edwards sits down with Mindy Dahlquist of TRA Snow and Sun to break down the basics of snow retention for metal roofs. Learn how panel and seam profiles impact clamp strength, why adding more bars doesn’t necessarily create a stronger system and why snow retention is only as strong as what it’s attached to. They’ll also explore clamp-on and deck-mounted options for different metal roofing applications. Tune in to learn what really makes a snow retention system work. 

Register today!

By The Coffee Shops®.

Learn how clamp-on snow guards provide standing seam metal roofs with snow retention without drilling holes or using set screws.

Snow and ice buildup can cause significant damage to people, property and roofing systems. In climates with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, roofs must be equipped to weather the elements.

For standing seam metal roof projects, TRA Snow and Sun offers a snow-retention approach designed to preserve the roof’s integrity while providing additional holding power.

The company’s C21 HD and C22 HD clamp-on snow guards attach beneath the standing seam’s hem. Unlike systems that rely on set screws, these clamps require no panel penetration and do not use screws that could loosen, mark the panel or risk damaging the seam over time. Additionally, the HD series clamps are longer than traditional clamps, distributing the weight across more of the roof seam.

Both models are intended for standing seam roofs and can be used in new construction or retrofit applications. The C21 HD and C22 HD are made with 3/16-inch zinc-coated material and are available in raw steel, zinc steel or zinc-plated steel and powder-coated colors. These options allow roofing professionals to consider the system for different project requirements and finishes.

Along with its clamp-on snow guards, TRA Snow and Sun provides free engineered snow-retention layouts. The service includes a custom system design and an engineered placement plan built for the specific roof. Contractors can submit project details to receive a layout for their application.

For contractors working on standing seam metal roofs, the C21 HD and C22 HD offer an option for adding snow retention without drilling into the panels. The systems are designed to support new and retrofit projects while avoiding penetrations that could compromise the roof surface.

Learn more about the C21 HD and C22 HD clamp-on snow guards or request a free quote or engineered snow-retention layout from TRA Snow and Sun.

By The Coffee Shops®.

Learn why an effective snow retention system begins with the roof panel, seam profile and a properly engineered attachment.

Snow and ice can behave differently on smooth metal roofing surfaces, creating potential risks near entryways, walkways, equipment and landscaping. That looming threat makes snow retention an important consideration during the roof-design process, rather than an accessory to address after installation.

In an upcoming MetalTalk™, Karen Edwards sits down with Mindy Dahlquist of TRA Snow and Sun to explore what makes a snow retention system work on a metal roof.

From seam compatibility and clamp strength to system configuration and engineering, this conversation will help contractors understand why successful snow retention starts with the roof assembly itself. Mindy will explain how roof height, slope, geometry and design snow load can influence system requirements and placement.

The conversation will take a closer look at clamp-on systems for standing seam metal roofs, including how clamps attach without penetrating the panels. Mindy will explain why seam shape, height, material and construction affect clamp compatibility and holding strength. She will also discuss the importance of verified attachment values and why a single strength rating cannot be applied to every metal roof.

Attendees will learn why adding a second or third bar does not automatically make a snow retention system stronger. Although additional bars may change a system’s appearance or configuration, they cannot compensate for a weak attachment point. The panel, seam and supporting roof assembly establish the foundation of the system, making accurate project information and proper engineering essential.

Mindy and Karen will also compare single-bar, multibar and pipe-style configurations, as well as deck-mounted options for corrugated, exposed-fastener and agricultural metal panels. Contractors will hear what information they should gather before requesting a system design, including the panel manufacturer and profile, roof dimensions, slope, building location and design snow load.

Whether you are specifying snow retention for a new metal roof or evaluating options for an existing assembly, this MetalTalk™ will help you move beyond assumptions and select a system based on the roof, the calculated load and the strength of the attachment.

Register for this MetalTalk™ to learn how roof profiles, attachment strength and engineering come together to create an effective snow retention system.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Hands-on education gives roofing professionals the knowledge they need to make safer recommendations and improve installation quality. 

For roofing contractors working in snow-heavy markets, selecting and installing snow retention systems is about more than product choice. It requires a thorough understanding of installation practices, safety considerations, warranty requirements and regional snow-load demands. 

In a recent episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, Business Development Manager Mindy Dahlquist from TRA Snow and Sun and Soledad Hernandez Gano, co-owner of Corona's Roofing discussed the need for on-site training. 

Operating in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Corona's Roofing works in a region where heavy snowfall makes snow retention a critical component of roofing design. While virtual training can be effective, Soledad emphasized the value of in-person instruction when it comes to really understanding how products operate. “Just being able to see the products in real life, ask questions, do hands-on just makes a huge difference for us and our crew,” she said. 

Mindy recently visited Corona's Roofing for an on-site training session and spoke a little bit about her approach to training. “I'm not there to sell you product. I'm not there to tell you that you need to be buying more. It's just a learning experience and it's a great way for us all to meet each other and connect on a more personal level too,” she said. 

The training covered best installation practices, manufacturer recommendations and warranty requirements. For Soledad, that education helps the company better guide customers when discussing snow retention options and safety concerns. “We learned more in depth about best installation practices, warranty requirements and manufactured recommendations,” she shared. 

As snow retention systems become increasingly important in northern climates, contractor education remains one of the strongest tools for improving safety, performance and customer confidence. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about snow retention training and contractor education. 

By Anna Lockhart.  

Easy to install and designed with durability in mind, the EZ Clamp-On Snow Guards are an optimal solution for standing seam metal roof applications! 

The experts at TRA Snow & Sun understand the value and importance of investing in snow retention systems on properties that face significant ice and snowfall. Each year, many people face property damage, life-threatening injuries and even death from glaciated snow falling from the roof due to little to no proper safety measures in place. To prevent such tragedies, TRA Snow & Sun has dedicated their efforts towards creating sturdy and dependable retention systems that not only work but maintain the lifespan of metal roofs while doing so. When looking to add safety features to roofs in climates with heavy snow and ice, non-penetrative materials are best. 

The EZ Clamp-On Snow Guard is their product designed to do just that: protect the roof, ground and beings that might otherwise be in the path of heavy snowfall while also keeping aesthetics and roof integrity in mind. Not only does it offer superior support for the building owners, but it also offers easy installation for contractors.  

EZ Clamp-On Snow Guards are non-penetrating snow retention solutions for standing seam metal roofs designed for quick installation and superior performance. Available in 1"–1.5" and 1.75", the EZ Clamp-On is an ideal snow retention solution due to its compatibility with a variety of rib types (double lock, single lock, snap lock and others) and durable material makeup (zinc coated steel), which meets ASTM A36 standards. Compatible with a C21Z one-bar system, which is manufactured in a C21Z (one pipe system) and C22Z (two pipe system). 

In addition to its strength and durability, being able to quickly and safely install these systems is a key factor for contractors looking to meet their customers’ needs and complete more jobs in a timely manner. Its EZ install design not only protects the roof’s integrity as no penetrations are required on the roof, but it also has a removable snap-top for fast tube placement. Compared to other, more involved and time-consuming system setups, the EZ Clamp-Ons saves labor time and costs, which is a win for contractors and building owners alike!  

For the aesthetically minded home or building owner, the snow guards won’t put a dent in their roof’s looks: EZ Clamp-Ons are powder coated and come in a variety of colors, making them an easy and seamless addition to any modern metal roof that will last! And for contractors seeking a durable, labor-saving solution, the EZ Clamp-On provides faster installation and more opportunities to complete more jobs. 

Learn more about the EZ Clamp-On Snow Guards from TRA Snow & Sun.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Roofing education starts with understanding the why. 

Contractor training is most effective when it helps crews understand not only how products are installed, but why they perform the way they do. As workforce development continues to be one of the roofing industry's biggest challenges, contractors face both labor shortages and the need to develop skilled talent. In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards sat down with Mindy Dahlquist, business development manager at TRA Snow and Sun, to discuss how hands-on contractor education can help bridge that gap. 

According to Mindy, training is no longer optional for contractors looking to build knowledgeable, confident teams. "I feel like right now labor is obviously an issue across the board for contractors, whether it's roofing or not. But roofing contractors specifically are struggling with the labor force and then also the talent that's coming in within that labor force," she said. 

Education plays a critical role in helping crews develop skills before stepping onto a roof and providing continued learning opportunities as they gain experience. But training goes beyond simply delivering information. "So much of it is situational," Mindy explained. "I can sit and teach a class as long as you want, but that doesn't mean that that's going to be applied to that next specific job." 

That reality has shaped the training programs Mindy delivers throughout the United States and Canada. Rather than presenting the same material to every audience, she customizes each session based on the contractor's specialties and the products they use. 

Over time, she has discovered that even experienced installers often benefit from a deeper understanding of product function and performance. "It will also make their conversations for sales with a homeowner or with a business owner, so much simpler as well," Mindy said. "Then they're just having the conversation from what they know rather than trying to sell them anything." 

For contractors, that knowledge translates into stronger customer communication, improved installation practices and greater confidence on the jobsite. As workforce challenges continue, education remains one of the most valuable investments roofing companies can make in their teams. 

As training programs evolve, the next step is ensuring installers receive not just information, but meaningful hands-on experience that reinforces what they've learned in the classroom. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the Recording to learn more about workforce development and contractor training. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Join TRA Snow and Sun's Mindy Dahlquist as she explores the technologies and design strategies helping roofing professionals improve performance, longevity and safety in snow-prone regions. 

Every year, Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) brings together leaders and experts from across the industry to hos education sessions at the Western Roofing Expo (WRE). These expert sessions cover everything from political and regulatory updates to technical installation trainings. 

One such technical session at this year’s WRE will be hosted by TRA Snow and Sun’s Mindy Dahlquist. In her session, which will be on Tuesday, 9/29 at 10:15 a.m., Mindy will dive into “Designing Durable Cold-Climate Roofs Across the Western U.S.”  

During this session, Mindy will explore the role of “snow retention systems and ventilated roof assemblies in improving roof performance, safety and longevity in cold and mixed-climate regions of the Western United States.” She will not only guide attendees through the different snow retention solutions and systems available, but also use real-world examples to highlight design and installation best practices.  

Perfect for all professionals, from roofing contractors and architects to facility managers and inspectors, attendees will walk away knowing:  

• How climate- and region-specific risks relate to snow build up, ice dams and freeze-thaw cycles. 
• Why snow retention systems are beneficial to steep-slope roofing applications. 
• Best practice design strategies and the basic principles of snow retention systems. 
• Strategies for evaluating ventilated roof assemblies and their role in moisture control and thermal performance 
• How to recognize common snow retention installation errors and how to avoid them. 

Want to attend Mindy’s presentation? Make sure you’re registered for the 2026 Western Roofing Expo and block your calendar on Tuesday, 9/29 from 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

By Alex Tolle, The Coffee Shops®.

Industry professionals can learn practical strategies for strengthening communication, mentorship and collaboration across generations.

An upcoming webinar from the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), “Young Roofing Professionals: Bridging the Age Gap in Roofing,” will explore how professionals from different generations can collaborate to build stronger teams, improve communication and support long-term success. This session, which will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT, is designed for emerging professionals interested in learning from experienced industry leaders as well as managers looking for ways to better engage the next generation of roofing talent.

The webinar will examine how companies can turn generational differences into competitive advantages through collaboration and mentorship. Attendees will learn about strengthening communication, building knowledge-sharing opportunities and embracing technology while preserving proven industry practices. The discussion will also explore how collaboration can contribute to a culture of growth and leadership.

Presenting the session will be Mindy Dahlquist, business development manager at TRA Snow and Sun, and Megan Ellsworth, multimedia director at RoofersCoffeeShop®. The two will use their own experience and perspectives to shine a light on the value of bridging the age gap to help valuable knowledge move between generations while giving newer professionals room to contribute and grow.

Overall, this session promises to leave attendees with strategies for bringing different perspectives together in order to create stronger connections among employees and prepare teams to move forward together.

Learn more about bridging generational differences in roofing and register for the webinar.

TRA Snow & Sun has implemented an updated price list, effective June 1, 2026. As part of this update, we're pleased to announce that pricing on our steel Clamp-On snow retention systems has decreased. If you received a quote for one of our steel Clamp-On products before June 1, we encourage you to contact us for a revised quote so you can take advantage of the new, lower pricing.

As always, we remain committed to providing consistent pricing, high-quality products, and the support you need to deliver reliable snow retention solutions. If you have any questions or would like an updated quote, please don't hesitate to contact our team. We appreciate your continued partnership and thank you for your business.

Fill out the snow retention form to receive a free layout!

Explore lower prices on TRA's snow retention solutions.

The C21 EZ Clamp-On Snow Guard from TR Snow and Sun is a non-penetrating snow retention solution designed for standing seam metal roofs. Engineered for quick installation, it securely clamps to the roof seam without compromising the roof system or manufacturer warranty. Built to handle heavy snow loads, the C21 EZ helps prevent dangerous snow slides while maintaining a clean, professional appearance. Available in a variety of finishes to complement the roof, it's an ideal choice for both residential and commercial projects where reliable snow management is essential.

Used on: Standing Seam Metal Roofs

• Available for all rib types including: Double Lock, Single Lock, Snap Lock
• Designed for 1.0″ tube (see small tube product data sheet)
• Allows for full installation without any penetration of the roof surface
• Powder coated to match roofing material colors

Learn more about the EZ clamp!