Boston area roofs are designed to handle significant winter snow loads, but sometimes Mother Nature can still get the best of our roof shingles and gutters. With the challenges of ice dams in valleys and along roof edges — in addition to the typical winter icicles — it's remarkable what our roofs can endure. While residential roofs are built to deal with the harsh winter conditions, there are steps we can take to make things a little easier for the lid on our homes. Installing a roof de-icing system can enhance the lifespan of a roof and help to prevent problems (such as ice dams) that can lead to costly water damage in the home. As a homeowner, it’s important to understand the common challenges facing our homes, and do what we can to protect our homes' most vital feature - the roof.
Warmzone offers a wide range of de-icing systems for residential and commercial applications. Simple, affordable systems such as self-regulating heat cable can be installed along roof edges and gutters, as well as low-voltage heating panels under the shingles, along the roof eaves. Homeowners have a variety of options when it comes to protecting their home with a roof de-icing system.
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SELF-REGULATING HEAT TRACE CABLE Self-regulating heat trace cable systems offer the most affordable option for basic roof de-icing needs. The heat cable can be easily installed in roof gutters and downspouts to facilitate runoff, as well as zigzagged along roof edges to provide channels for runoff to prevent the formation of large ice dams. This popular solution can be used to heat roof valleys, edges, gutters and downspouts. |
LOW-VOLTAGE ROOF DE-ICING Warmzone's RoofHeat STEP® de-icing system features unique low-voltage polymer heating panels that are installed under virtually all types of roofing and shingles, providing safe, clean and discreet roof de-icing. This system can also be safely used to provide de-icing for metal roofs. The thin polymer heating element can be nailed or stapled through, helping to facilitate a quick installation. |
ROOF HEATING PANELS Warmzone's roof de-icing panels feature attractive aluminum panels with pre-engineered channels for the heat cable to be installed. The excellent conductivity of the panels efficiently provides maximum heat transfer. The panels are installed along roof edges (and valleys) to keep areas completely clear of snow and ice. The panels are coated with a durable finish to complement the aesthetics of your home. |
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SELF-REGULATING CABLE WITH POWER PLUG The pre-terminated, self-regulating heat trace cable offers homeowners a convenient, affordable solution for keeping problem areas free of snow and ice. The pre-assembled ‘plug and play’ de-icing kits come with the option of a 6-foot standard or GFCI power plug, and are available in 50, 75, and 100-foot lengths. The self-regulating cable is designed to not overheat or burn out – even when touching or overlapping. |
CONSTANT WATTAGE ROOF DE-ICING Warmzone's constant wattage heat trace cable offers an easy solution for those in need of basic roof de-icing or pipe freeze protection needs. Constant wattage cable features a parallel heating core that produces uniform thermal output across the entire length of the cable. The cable can be plugged into any nearby power outlet and used to keep water flowing on roofs and gutters in temperatures as cold as -40°F (-40°C). |
HEAT NEW OR EXISTING ROOFS Warmzone’s RetroRoof™ de-icing systems feature thin, innovative heating panels that are designed to be installed under the shingles of existing roofs to prevent ice dams from forming. Easily secured under the asphalt shingles, the roof heating panels can be used for new or existing applications to keep roof eaves free of snow and ice. The waterproof panels are available in a variety of standard lengths. |
In areas that receive a healthy dose of annual snow, ice dams are the most common — and potentially costly –
problem that homeowners deal with during the winter months. These ridges of ice form over time as a result of
warm air escaping from the home into the attic, which warms the roof slightly and causes the bottom layers
of snow to melt. The water then trickles slowly down the roof, but when it reaches the colder eaves it
refreezes, forming a small ridge of ice. As this process repeats, the ice ridge along the roof eave grows.
Over time, the ridge is significant enough that runoff starts to pool behind the dam. This is where
problems can occur.
When snow melts, water can seep into the tiniest cracks in the roof and shingles. At nighttime, when the temperature drops, the water that has seeped into cracks and seams freezes and expands. Needless to say, the integrity of the roof can be jeopardized as this continues. It may take years, but eventually this repeated stress can compromise the integrity of the roof and result in damaged shingles and water seepage into the house. The water may run down the inside of a wall, and the homeowner may not discover it for months (or longer). And the longer it goes undiscovered, the more costly it can be to repair, and the more likely it is that mildew and mold form. But this is the worst case scenario, and not overly common when it comes to ice dams. Still, it’s important for homeowners to do what they can to avoid the buildup of ice dams.
One such step is to ensure that the attic is well insulated. Sometimes, as ice dams develop, homeowners use roof rakes to scrape off the snow. But when doing this, great care must be taken to avoid damaging the shingles. The most effective and surprisingly affordable option is to run self-regulating heat trace cable in a zigzag pattern along the roof edges. It’s also a good idea to run the heat cable in roof valleys and gutters to facilitate runoff. The cable can be installed along the roof eaves to provide a channel for melted snow to reach the gutter. Warmzone also has an effective low-voltage heating element that can be installed directly under the shingles. The thin, flexible heating panel keeps the entire area free of snow and ice, and because of its superior performance, this popular system is more expensive than simply running heat trace cable up and down the eave.
For more roof heating options, call and speak with a roof heating expert today. We can customize your roof heating system to best meet your snow melting and budget needs. Call 888-488-9276 today.
Warmzone professionals have the experience of developing products and designing the best custom radiant heating solution for each application. Simple heat trace systems can be installed along roof edges and in gutters, low-voltage systems can be installed in roof valleys and along roof edges, or you can combine different heating elements for a comprehensive de-icing solution. Warmzone will work closely with you to determine the best roof heating system for your specific de-icing needs as well your budget.
As a leading provider of radiant heat solutions, Warmzone has set the gold standard for customer support services. In addition to providing a detailed layout of your system, we also include free installation training and technical support. Warmzone also maintains relationships with reputable installers in the Boston area, so when you're ready to install your roof de-icing system, we may be able to refer an experienced installer near you.
For more information, call a roof heating expert today at 888-488-9276 and learn more about your options. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have — and you won't have to deal with any sales pressure. You can also email us or fax us (801.948.7599) a plan or sketch of your roof, and we'll be happy to provide you with the best options for your budget. We will also include expert recommendations and a pricing estimate that is as accurate as possible. For any type of radiant heating project, please fill out our FREE quote form and submit your information.
888-488-9276
info@warmzone.com
