When Ice Dams Form on Your Roof
The snow falls. And then some of it melts. And then it freezes again, creating an icy hazard. If it happens on your driveway, you know what to do. Salt. But ever think about your roof? The same thing happens up there. The constant freezing and melting can create ice dams on your roof, which can lead to the following unpleasant outcomes:
- Injuries. The ice dams can form icicles that can fall and hurt people (and your vehicles). Plus, when the ice melts on the ground and then refreezes, people can fall. Not only a safety hazard but also a liability concern.
- Damage outside. Water damage to the roof, resulting in the roof needing to be repaired or even replaced.
- Damage inside. Water damage inside the house to your ceiling and possessions if the shingles are damaged and the roof leaks.
What to do? We’d advise that you do not go onto the roof and shovel snow off it yourself. And those big roof rakes can get some of the snow off the roof, but not all of it. So again – what to do?
The Solution – A Roof De-icing System
A roof de-icing system is a system of cables that heats up and prevents the melted snow on your roof from refreezing and forming those harmful ice dams. In addition to helping prevent injuries as well as damage to the roof and inside of your home, these offer a few other benefits.
- Fully automated. The best systems are fully automated, so you set them once and don’t have to worry about them. These systems detect when there is moisture on the roof. You set a temperature at which the system turns on. If there is moisture AND the weather hits the preset temperature, the system turns on. The cables then warm the roof and gutters. When the job is done, the system shuts off.
- Energy-efficient and low operating cost. These automated systems also use very little energy. You can generally melt the snow on a 300-square-foot roof for about 35 cents an hour.
- Inconspicuous. The systems are controlled by a small device mounted outside, or a control box you can mount on a garage wall.
- Wi-Fi. Even though the systems are automated, Wi-Fi-enabled systems let you control and monitor them through your mobile phone or tablet.
Final Thoughts
Here are some final things to consider:
- Make sure the system not only covers the roof, but the eaves and gutters as well.
- You can select a cable color that blends or comes close to blending with the color of your roof.
- While these systems are billed as DIY, you are playing with electricity so you should strongly consider hiring a professional electrician to configure and then install the system.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing for Roof De-icing Systems
Ravinia Plumbing can help you with roof de-icing systems. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 96 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
