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 trade education is giving young women the skills and confidence to see construction as a possible career path.

Programs that introduce young people to construction can do far more than simply teach them how to use tools. In a recent Roofing Road Trips® episode, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Mindy Dahlquist, business development manager for TRA Snow and Sun, about how the Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls is helping middle and high school girls explore the skilled trades. For Mindy, one of the camp’s central goals is showing participants that they are capable of succeeding in unfamiliar environments. “Just because you are a girl does not mean that you are limited in the job world,” she said.

That message is reinforced during the Monday-through-Friday camp experience through its workweek structure. Participants begin with fundamentals such as hammering nails before moving through architecture, framing, house wrap, roofing, masonry, electrical work, siding, plumbing and drywall. They also work in teams to build mock structures and practice communication.

The transformation Mindy sees during the week extends beyond technical ability. “They show up the first day, they're not talking to each other, they're not talking to anyone else. And by the end of it, they're asking questions, they're curious,” she said.

Mindy knows firsthand how even basic trade knowledge can strengthen confidence. Reflecting on the agricultural education she received in school, she said learning skills such as basic welding, woodworking and small-engine repair made a lasting difference. She shared, “Although I may not know every detail of that specific topic, I still feel confident to know the basics of it. And that's been a game changer.”

That confidence is ultimately at the heart of the camp. Whether participants eventually enter the trades or take another path, they leave with tangible experience, greater curiosity and a clearer understanding of what they can do.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about building confidence through hands-on trade education.

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. 

Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

El evento de este año se acerca rápidamente, con el primer día programado para el 27 de septiembre de 2026, y queremos ayudarte a crear la agenda ideal para aprovechar al máximo tu experiencia. 

El Western Roofing Expo (WRE), patrocinado por la Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), es uno de los eventos más importantes de la industria del techado y la impermeabilización. No solo está lleno de actividades reconocidas, como la competencia de instalación de tejas Roofing Games™ y la subasta en vivo, sino que también cuenta con 28 sesiones educativas, dos almuerzos con conferencias y mucho más. 

Es una gran cantidad de actividades para solo tres días (el evento de 2026 se llevará a cabo del 27 al 29 de septiembre), por eso queremos compartir algunas de las sesiones y actividades que no te puedes perder. 

Domingo, 27 de septiembre de 2026 

El primer día del evento estará enfocado principalmente en establecer conexiones con expertos y colegas de la industria. Hay varias actividades opcionales, como el Bob Porter Golf Tournament y el Sporting Clays Tournament, pero el evento principal del día será la bienvenida y subasta de WRE. Patrocinado por GAF,  este evento no solo marca el inicio de WRE 2026, sino que también recauda fondos para la Davis Memorial Foundation, la organización benéfica de WSRCA.

Lunes, 28 de septiembre de 2026 

El lunes comienza la acción con una agenda llena de más de una docena de sesiones educativas. Estas son algunas de las sesiones que recomendamos: 

• Tendencias importantes en la industria del techado: Heidi J. Ellsworth, de RoofersCoffeeShop®, presentará las tendencias que están marcando la industria. Esta sesión ofrecerá a los asistentes información valiosa sobre dónde ha estado la industria del techado y hacia dónde se dirige.  
• ¿Listo o no?: Nuestros amigos Trent Cotney y Benjamin Briggs, de Adams and Reese, hablarán sobre las redadas de ICE, las auditorías I-9 y cómo los contratistas de techado pueden gestionar su exposición ante el panorama migratorio actual.  
• De contratar rápido a contratar bien: En esta sesión en español, Amparo Sancen, de Latinos En Roofing, explorará cómo formar un equipo de techado que contribuya al éxito de tu negocio.  
• Uso de la IA en la estimación de proyectos de techado: John Kenney, de Cotney Consulting Group, compartirá información sobre el uso de la inteligencia artificial (IA) en las operaciones de techado, específicamente en los procesos de estimación.  

Además de estas oportunidades educativas, el lunes habrá dos opciones de almuerzos educativos, tres demostraciones y el esperado evento Roofer’s Feud. Aquí te contamos un poco más: 

• Almuerzos: El lunes habrá dos oportunidades para aprender durante el almuerzo. Una será para profesionales de habla hispana y contará con Victor Maya (Advantage Roofing, GAF), quien hablará sobre cómo maximizar las reclamaciones de seguros para techos comerciales. La otra contará con Craig Brightup (corresponsal político de WSRCA) y Chad Collins (presidente de la junta directiva de la National Roofing Contractors Association), quienes ofrecerán una actualización sobre temas políticos.
• Demostraciones: Habrá tres demostraciones el lunes. La primera comenzará a la 1:30 p.m. y estará a cargo de Polyglass U.S.A. La segunda, que comienza a las 2:30 p.m., será presentada por TAMKO Building Products, y la última demostración del día será a las 3:30 p.m. con Johns Manville.  
• Roofer’s Feud: Para cerrar las actividades del lunes llega Roofer’s Feud. Patrocinado por CertainTeed, será una excelente oportunidad para poner a prueba tus conocimientos y disfrutar de una competencia amistosa.  

Martes, 29 de septiembre de 2026 

¡Pero todavía hay más! Comienza el martes con un desayuno y conversaciones en mesas con el equipo de National Women in Roofing a las 7 a.m. (ten en cuenta que esta actividad requiere un registro adicional de $55). Después del desayuno, será momento de regresar directamente a las sesiones educativas. Algunas de las que recomendamos para el martes incluyen: 

• Mesa redonda sobre techado: Organizada por el Comité de Jóvenes Profesionales del Techado de WSRCA y dirigida por Rachel Garcia, de Malarkey Roofing Products, esta sesión se enfocará en cómo formar equipos multigeneracionales. 
• Estado de la industria: Trent Cotney regresa para otra sesión, esta vez para analizar desde una perspectiva legal lo que está sucediendo en la industria.  
• Salud mental y adicción en el lugar de trabajo de la industria del techado: Paul Reed, de Roofers in Recovery, dirigirá esta sesión sobre cómo los contratistas pueden apoyar mejor la salud mental de sus cuadrillas.  
• El costo de la desconexión: En esta sesión en español, Monica Vornbrock, de The GLO Group, analizará cómo las fallas en la comunicación después de una venta pueden afectar la confianza de los clientes y los ingresos de los contratistas.  
• Diseño de techos duraderos para climas fríos: En esta sesión, Mindy Dahlquist, de TRA Snow and Sun, analizará el papel de los sistemas de retención de nieve en el diseño de techos para climas fríos.  
• De un servicio reactivo a uno proactivo: En la última sesión de nuestra lista, Tracey Donels, de Service First Solutions, hablará sobre cómo crear un crecimiento empresarial más predecible a través de los servicios que ofrece una compañía.  

Al igual que el lunes, el martes habrá dos opciones para aprender durante el almuerzo y varias actividades que no te puedes perder: 

• Almuerzos: Imelda Perez, de CertainTeed, estará a cargo del almuerzo en español del martes. La otra opción será en inglés y contará con la oradora motivacional Shereen Thor.  
• Escenario: Después del almuerzo, el equipo de RoofersCoffeeShop® tomará el escenario de demostraciones para una interesante conversación con el presidente de WSRCA, Stan Robinson, y el próximo presidente de WSRCA, Ron Lloyd.  
• Roofing Games™: ¡Y para cerrar el día llega la esperada competencia de instalación de tejas! Patrocinada por Malarkey Roofing Products, esta es una excelente oportunidad para reunir a la comunidad y quizás hasta ganar algunos premios.  

Estas listas son solo una pequeña muestra de todo lo que encontrarás en el Western Roofing Expo de este año. 

¡Consulta la agenda completa y regístrate para asistir a WRE 2026! 

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 Emma Peterson.

This year’s show is coming up fast with the first day being September 27, 2026 and we wanted to help you build the ultimate attendee schedule.

The Western Roofing Expo (WRE), which is sponsored by Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), is one of the premier events in the roofing and waterproofing industry. Not only is it chock full of iconic moments, like the Roofing Games™ shingling competition and the live auction, but it also boasts 28 educational sessions, two keynote luncheons and more!

That’s a lot of programming for just three days (the 2026 show will be held from 9/27/26 to 9/29/26), which is why we wanted to break down some of our must-attend sessions and events!

Sunday, September 27, 2026

The first day of the show will mostly be networking with industry experts and peers. There are a few events you can opt to attend, such as the Bob Porter Golf Tournament and Sporting Clays Tournament, but the main event of the day is the WRE Welcome event and auction. Sponsored by GAF, this event not only marks the beginning of the 2026 show, but also raises funds for the Davis Memorial Foundation, WSRCA’s charitable organization.

Monday, September 28, 2026

Monday is when things get really busy with a stacked schedule of more than a dozen education sessions. Here’s our shortlist of must-attend sessions from this day:

• Roofing Trends That Matter: RoofersCoffeeShop®’s own Heidi J. Ellsworth will be presenting about roofing trends! This presentation will give attendees valuable insight into where the roofing industry has been and where it’s moving towards.
• Ready or Not: our friends Trent Cotney and Benjamin Briggs of Adams and Reese will be diving into ICE raids, 1-9 audits and managing roofing contractor exposure in our current immigration landscape.
• From Hiring Fast to Hiring Right: in a Spanish-language session, Amparo Sancen of Latinos En Roofing explores how to build a roofing team that will help your business win.
• Using AI in Roofing Estimating: John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group shares insight into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in roofing operations, specifically related to estimating.

In addition to those education opportunities, Monday boasts two luncheon options, three demonstrations and the much-anticipated Roofer’s Feud event. Here’s a bit about those options:

• Luncheons: there are two lunch learning opportunities on Monday. One is for Spanish-speaking professionals and features Victor Maya (Advantage Roofing, GAF) discussing how to maximize commercial roofing claims. The other features Craig Brightup (WSRCA political correspondent) and Chad Collins (chairman of the National Roofing Contractors Association board) as they give a political update.
• Demonstrations: as we mentioned, there are three demos on Monday. The first kicks off at 1:30 p.m. is hosted by Polyglass U.S.A. The second (which starts at 2:30 p.m.) is from TAMKO Building Products and the last demo of the day is at 3:30 p.m. and features Johns Manville.
• The Roofer’s Feud: closing out the Monday schedule is the Roofer’s Feud. Sponsored by CertainTeed, this is a great chance to test your trivia knowledge and enjoy some friendly competition.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

But wait, there’s more! Hit the ground running on Tuesday with breakfast and table talks with the National Women in Roofing team at 7 a.m. (please note, additional registration of $55 required for this event). After breakfast, it’s time to jump straight back into education sessions! Some of our must-attends for Tuesday include:

• The Roofing Roundtable: hosted by the WSRCA Young Roofing Professionals Committee and led by Rachel Garcia of Malarkey Roofing Products, this session is all about building multi-generational teams.
• State of the Industry: Trent Cotney is back for another session, this time exploring the legal perspective of what’s going on the industry.
• Mental Health and Addiction in the Roofing Workplace: Paul Reed of Roofers in Recovery takes the helm during this session about how contractors can better support the mental health of their crews.
• The Cost of Disconnection: for this Spanish-language session, Monica Vornbrock of the GLO Group dives into how post-sale breakdowns are costing contractors customer trust and revenue.
• Designing Durable Cold-Climate Roofs: in this session, Mindy Dahlquist of TRA Snow and Sun explores the role of snow retention in designing roofs in cold climates.
• Escaping Reactive Service: the last session on our shortlist is Tracey Donels (Service First Solutions) talk about creating predictable business growth through service offerings.

And just like on Monday, there are two options for lunchtime learning and some can’t miss events:

• Luncheons: Imelda Perez of CertainTeed will be hosting Tuesday’s Spanish-language luncheon. The other lunch option will be in English and features motivational speaker Shereen Thor.
• Sound stage: The RoofersCoffeeShop® crew will be taking over the demonstration stage after lunch for an insightful conversation with WSRCA President Stan Robinson and incoming WSRCA President Ron Lloyd.
• The Roofing Games™: and closing out the day is the much-anticipated shingling competition! Sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products, this is a great opportunity to bring the community together and maybe even win some fun prizes!

These lists are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to everything going on at this year’s Western Roofing Expo!

See the whole schedule and register to attend the 2026 show!

By Emma Peterson. 

Three of the many ways that this association supports its members. 

The Utah Roofing Contractors Association (URCA) was founded to “support and improve the roofing industry in Utah through a combination of educational trainings (including safety, products, insurance, legal, and business classes), networking opportunities, government affairs group representation and member benefits.” To talk more in detail about these methods of support, Kris Hitesman, president of URCA, and Mindy Dahlquist, business development manager from TRA Snow and Sun, stopped by for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

1 - Networking and marketing 

The first thing that this incredible duo highlighted was the networking and marketing support that URCA provides for their contractors. Specifically, Mindy highlighted their online directory, sharing, “We have a tool on our website that allows homeowners to come in and get information about finding a reputable roofing contractors by showcasing the incredible roofers that are a part of URCA. And being able to show up there, as a reputable source, is huge for our contractors.” 

2 - Political advocacy  

URCA also partners with other Utah-based associations through the Utah Subcontractor Alliance to advocate and support contractors across the state. Kris elaborated, “Through the Utah Subcontractor Alliance, we work with the HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc. professionals to run an advocacy program, a government affairs committees, industry pulse/research programs and professional development offerings.”  

3 - Member events  

And to top it all off, members of URCA get access to programming and events throughout the year. Their headliner event is their trade show, which will be held February 5, 2027, at Karen Gail Miller Conference Center in Sandy, Utah! Admission will be free for licensed contractors and Mindy described the goal of the show as “bridging the gap between vendors and roofing contractors in Utah.” Other popular URCA events include their annual golf outing (which happened in July) and their annual holiday party (which will be at the Loveland Aquarium later this year)!  

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about how URCA supports their members. 

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.