OK. When it’s icy out, you know what to do so people don’t trip and fall. You throw salt on the ground.
But your driveway and stairs are not the only place ice collects and can cause damage. How about your roof? Water can seep into the cracks of your roof. When it gets cold, that water freezes and expands. That makes the cracks bigger and could potentially cause leaks.
Roof de-icing systems help reduce the buildup of snow, ice and icicles on your roof. Here are some of the many advantages of these systems.
Protect your roof and home. These systems can make your roof last longer by providing a direct path for ice and snow to melt off the roof. Also they prevent leaks that can cause water to enter your home, causing extensive damage.
Safety. They reduce ice and snow from forming on the gutters and downspouts as well – ice and snow that can fall and hit people.
Easy installation. Most roof de-icing systems are easy to install, although we still recommend you hire a professional to install them.
Automated. Automated sensors detect precipitation and temperature so that they are activated only when needed. These sensors then activate the heating elements, warming the roof and gutters. When not needed, the system shuts off.
Energy efficient. Since these systems are automated, they are extremely energy efficient. It only costs about 35 cents an hour to heat 300 square feet.
Space-saving. These systems take up very little space. The system is controlled by a small box that is mounted on a wall.
Low maintenance. These systems require little to no maintenance.
Here are a few other considerations.
- These systems are not a substitute for an improperly constructed roof. They will not prevent leaks due to faulty construction or existing roof problems.
- Only install self-regulation cables, and not heating or parallel resistance cables. Self-regulating cables can be cut to any length, are more energy-efficient, and can overlap without the risk of overheating.
- Turn the system on when the first precipitation accumulates on your roof, and leave it on until you are confident there will be no more snow. If you turn it off earlier, you may forget to turn it back on.
