Best Roof De-icing Systems

Finding the Best Roof and Gutter Snow Melting System

The best heated roof is not one particular brand, but one that has been carefully designed according to ASHRAE stsndards and tailored to meet the customer's specific snow melting demands and budget. Certainly there are some roof de-icing systems and components that are better than others, but to state that there is a single "best roof de-icing or driveway heating system" for all snow melting applications would be irresponsible.

Installing a roof de-icing system can be a great investment in your home, but how do you go about finding the best roof heating system for your house? What should you look for in a radiant heat provider?

Fortunately, roof and gutter heat trace systems are available in a variety of options and the systems can be easily customized to meet your de-icing needs, as well as your budget. Whether you are looking to heat your entire roof or just the gutters, roof edges, or valleys and problem areas, a competent radiant heating provider can recommend and design a de-icing system to fit your needs. It is vital that you work with a provider that not only offers a wide selection of proven products, but also provides professional system design services with each roof heating system.

The most common damage to roofs and homes is caused by ice dams, which can be eliminated with the use of a roof heating system. Ice dams are formed when heat from the attic escapes and causes the underlying snow on the roof to melt and begin to trickle down the roof. Since the escaping heat does not reach the eaves, the roof edges remain cold. When the runoff reaches colder eaves, it slowly refreezes, causing an eventual buildup of ice and water along the roof eaves or valleys. Over time, more water reaches the ice where it pools up and refreezes. The pooled water can seep into any small cracks and crevices of the roof and then expand as it freezes again, slowly degrading the roof.

As a result of the repeated freeze/thaw process, moisture can eventually seep through the roofing materials into the roof decking, and then inside the home. It can run down the insides of wall and damage interiors, and because it may not be discovered for quite some time, it can even result in mold growth. Radiant roof de-icing systems are an excellent solution for preventing ice dams and facilitating runoff. A quality roof heating system can keep ice and snow from accumulating on roof eaves and valleys, and even be installed on entire roofs (though this application is seldom recommended).

Radiant heated roof and gutter heat trace systems can dramatically enhance the life span of your roof and protect it from damage caused by heavy snow and ice accumulation. Roof de-icing systems can be designed and customized to accommodate just about any roof type and configuration. Both electric roof heat and hydronic roof heating systems are available. (Electric roof de-icing systems are most commonly recommended.)

A roof de-icing system is valued according to its cost, performance and aesthetics. Based on your budget and needs, a reputable provider will maximize your investment by designing and providing the best roof heating system possible for your specific circumstances.

Older buildings are a visible testament to the damaging effects of roof ice and snow that can eventually destroy fronts, drainpipes, gutters, shingles, and other roofing. Roofs that have substandard support structures can be especially susceptibe to ice dams, which often enable water to seep into cracks and refreeze, damaging the roof's integrity.

As technology improves the insulation values, there is less heat gain from the inside of the building, causing an increased hazard of ice damage and damming on the roof. Once winter frost sets in, damage can slowly start to set in over the years in some cases. Flat roofs on industrial buildings in cold climate areas can be vulnerable to excessive weight loads generated by accumulations of ice and snow. This can be prevented by installing a quality roof de-icing and gutter heat trace system to facilitate runoff and eliminate potential damage from the snow and ice buildup.

Call 888.488.9276 to freely consult with an unbiased roof de-icing expert and learn what options are best for you.