Designing roofs for snow, ice and long-term performance

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.