Keeping your roof in good shape during New York winters is important. Roofing experts recommend that homeowners inspect their roof and clean out gutters a couple times a year. While debris and wind accounts for some roof damage, the most common culprit that leads to roof and water damage is the ice dam. These persistent pests develop along roof eaves and prevent runoff. In fact, they not only prevent runoff, but they cause pools of water to gather behind a ridge of ice.
In many homes, small traces of heat escape from the living space into the attic and rises, warming the roof and melting the snow. As the snow melts, the runoff trickles down to the eaves, but because no warmth can reach the overhanging eaves, the roof remains cold, and the water can quickly refreeze as it nears the roof's edge. Over time, more runoff reaches the eave and soon a ridge of ice develops. As the ridge gets larger, more and more water tends to pool behind it. These sitting bodies of water are the number one enemy to roofs. Water can find its way into every tiny crack and crevice, and when it refreezes at night, the expanding ice can threaten the integrity of the roof shingles and roof flashing.
While some residents try to cope with this menace by manually removing the snow, this isn’t the ideal solution. Climbing up on the roof during the winter is dangerous. Some homeowners avoid climbing onto the roof by using a ladder and a roof rake, but this too is less than ideal. In addition to the physical demands and safety issues involved, roof rakes can damage the shingles.
A simple, cost-effective solution can be to install a roof de-icing system. This can consist of simple self-regulating heat cable zigzagged along the roof eaves, or an advanced, low-voltage heating panel installed discreetly under the roof shingles. (The panels can also be installed to safely heat metal roofs.)
Self-regulating heat cable is an affordable option that is easy to customize. The heat cable can be run through roof gutters or routed along the roof eaves to provide channels for the runoff, eliminating the buildup of ice dams. The heat cable is UL recognized under the Appliance Wire Classification (file E 76498) and meets the requirements of the NEC (National Electric Code) Section 426. The rugged cable is designed to withstand New York's demanding winter conditions.
The industry's leading system for keeping roof edges and valleys free of snow and ice is Warmzone’s low-voltage RoofHeat STEP® de-icing system. This roof heating solution features a thin, self-regulating heating element that is installed directly under the roof shingle. (The panels can also be safely installed under metal roofs.) The heating element can be nailed or stapled through and cut onsite, facilitating quick and easy installation.
The low-voltage roof heating system has proven to be one of the most effective solutions for preventing ice dams from forming by keeping entire areas snow and ice free. The semi-conductive polyethylene heating element is polypropylene fused during fabrication to achieve water proofing and protection from alkaline or salt damage. Because the heating element is self-regulating, the electrical resistance increases when the ambient temperature rises, and the consumption of electricity decreases. This keeps the element from overheating and ensures energy-efficient operation. The system utilizes transformers to step down high voltage to low voltage (60 V or less).
In addition to offering the industry's most trusted roof de-icing products, Warmzone also offers free installation training for roof heating system installers. This valuable training can be completed online via web conference in less than an hour. Installers can stop and ask their instructor questions at any time, and every aspect of the installation will be covered. The training ultimately saves the installer and the homeowner time and money. Warmzone also provides professional system design services and free technical support. Despite the installation training, sometimes questions may arise during the installation. Installers can simply call a roof de-icing expert at Warmzone any time if they have questions during the installation. Warmzone is proud to offer its customers the most comprehensive service and support in the industry.
Warmzone can customize any roof heating system to best meet your roof de-icing needs – and your budget. Contact a roof heating professional today to learn about the many custom options. In addition to our many different types of systems, each of these can be easily customized to meet any type of roof and configuration needs. Our roof heating professionals will work with you to offer the best solution for your budget and roof heating needs. Call a roof heating expert today to learn more about your options. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have – without any pushy sales pressure.
Homeowners have many options when it comes to roof de-icing. Each roof heating system can also be customized to best meet the needs of each customer. Some options include:
To learn more about the many roof heating options that are available, call and speak with a roof de-icing expert today, at 888.488.9276.
888-488-9276
info@warmzone.com
