Roof De-icing Options
Roof Heating Systems are Easy to Customize and Install
Heat the Entire Roof - If you choose, and you have the budget (and feel the necessity), you can heat your entire roof and eliminate any accumulation of snow and ice. This is not a widely used roof heating application, but it is possible. Most structures in climates that receive significant snowfall feature steep roof grades to reduce snow accumulation and heavy weight loads. Older buildings and structures with flatter roofs are typical candidates for the installation of an entire roof de-icing system. Heating the roof can extend the life of a roof by not only eliminating snow and ice buildup and heavy weight loads, but also by eliminating water damage due to ice dams and repeated instances of freezing and thawing.
Heat Roof Valleys - Ice dams are the biggest culprit when it comes to roof and water damage. Ice dams are formed when heat from the house escapes into the attic. The warm air rises and causes the underlying snow on the roof to melt and trickle down the roof and valleys. When the water reaches the colder eaves (where heat in the attic is unable to reach), it slowly refreezes, causing an eventual buildup of ice and water along the roof edge. More water reaches the ridge of ice, where it too refreezes. The water seeps into any small cracks and crevices of the roof and then expands as it refreezes, slowly degrading the roof. Eventually, this may lead to water seeping into the home where it can cause water damage - and perhaps mold - before it is discovered. To eliminate this threat, many homeowners install roof heat in the roof valleys and/or along eaves to ensure that there is an unrestricted path for the runoff. Low-voltage roof heating systems are ideal for heating roof valleys. These systems feature a thin polymer heating element that can be installed under the roof surface to effectively melt snow and ice. These roof de-icing systems are versatile, affordable and easy to customize, allowing you to heat almost any size or shaped area to protect your home.
Heat the Roof Eaves - Perhaps the most popular roof heating technique is that of heating the roof edges. This helps to ensure that ice dams will not form. There are different ways of accomplishing this, but the two most popular solutions are to install the low-voltage RoofHeat STEP system or the aluminum SnoFree roof heating panels.
The most recommended solution is to install RoofHeat STEP's thin, low-voltage heating element discreetly under the roofing to provide heat for the roof eaves. The flexible 9- or 12-inch wide panels are easily rolled out and installed under the shingles. (This heating element can also be installed as a roof de-icing system under metal roofs.) The only exterior evidence of this industry-leading roof heating system (besides no snow at your roof's edge) is a small snow sensor mounted on the roof (or nearby). A transformer is also used, which steps down high voltage to low voltage (60 V or less), and monitors the power and output of the heating element under the roof to ensure safe, optimal performance of the system. The transformer (or transformers) are usually installed in the garage.
Another effective method to keep roof eaves clear of snow and ice dams is to use self-regulating heat cable that is channeled into attractive RoofHeat aluminum panels. The heat cable warms the aluminum which then distributes the heat evenly and effectively to melt all the snow and ice along the roof's edge and eaves. This helps to enhance safety as well as eliminate heavy icicles that often damage roof gutters and downspouts.
Heat Gutters and Downspouts - As perhaps the most affordable roof de-icing solution, self-regulating heat cable can also be installed as a heat trace system in gutters and downspouts to facilitate runoff and eliminate heavy ice and snow damage to your gutters. These gutter heat trace systems can be easily customized and installed in existing gutters, downspouts, and roofs, making it possible to retrofit roofs affordably and efficiently. Constant wattage cable is also available for trouble spots. Call a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276 to learn what is the best roof heating option for your home.
Keep in mind that you have many choices when it comes to roof de-icing, and for the most part, these systems are not difficult to install. Reputable radiant heat providers will not only provide top quality, proven products, but professional system design as well as installation support, and perhaps free installation training. Avoid dealing with any radiant heat companies that do not offer these services.
Call 888.488.9276 to freely consult with an unbiased roof de-icing expert and learn what options are best for you. You can also send your roof de-icing project information to a top provider (such as Warmzone) to receive a free quote.