The exact layout spacing, and number of rows required depend on some math that calculates your local ground snow load, the pitch (slope) of your roof, the specific roofing material, and the length of the roof slope from eave to ridge. Reputable installers use manufacturer software (like the S-5 Snow Retention Calculator) to custom-engineer a layout that distributes a layout that distributes snow weight evenly across the entire roof structure. Fully engineered layouts are also available and recommended on larger buildings or projects.

No, snow retention systems do not cause ice dams. Ice dams are caused by poor attic insulation and inadequate ventilation, which allows heat from inside a house to escape, melt the bottom layer of the snow on the roof, and cause it to refreeze at the cold eave. Snow retention simply holds the solid, stable snowpack in place. In fact, if your roof is prone to ice dams, a snow retention systems works hand-in-hand with heat tape to safely hold and melt the snow and ice.

Yes. TRA Snow & Sun individual brackets are both designed and engineered for installation on top of and under asphalt shingles, wood shakes, and tile roofs. During a reroof or new construction, the brackets are integrated seamlessly into the roofing workflow: the long flat metal strap is fastened directly to the roof deck or underlayment, and the subsequent course of shingles is laid right over, leaving only the durable, power coated braked face exposed to catch the snow. While these individual brackets can also be retrofitted under the existing shingles, it is more challenging and if not done right, can lead to leaking problems down the line. It's best to install this system as a new rood is being installed.

Yes, it pairs with non-penetrating S-5! clamps for standing seam and specialized waterproof brackets for exposed fastened profiles.

While the base metal clamps remain largely the same, components like the VersaClip 2.0 and internal splices are updated. Parts are explicitly marked to differentiate the versions.

Systems like S-5! snow retention or TRA snow and sun products undergo rigorous mechanical load and structural testing in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited third-party laboratories or though destructive testing data is performed alongside university engineering departments. These tests determine ultimate load failure points for specific roof profiles, gauges, and materials to establish safe working thresholds backed by a safety factor of at least 2.0.

Not necessarily. Ideally, at a minimum, snow retention and snow guard systems should be calculated using the ground snow load for your area, roof specifications, and using manufacturer guidelines (such as the S-5! Snow Retention Calculator) to ensure the allowable holding capacity of the snow system is adequate to hold the snow loads of your specific city or region. These systems are more cost effective and best for small to medium projects in low-medium snow areas.

Engineered systems are generally more expensive, but do carry limited lifetime engineered warranties with them through the manufacturer. We recommend large projects or areas with high-extreme snow loads above 100psf to be fully engineered. Some local building codes do required fully engineered systems and a permit. Don't just guess how much you need, calculate it. We'll work with you to design a system that will be reliable in the heaviest of Utah's winters.