Winter-Proofing a Home in Clarendon Hills, IL with Smart Roof Deicing

Winter weather in Illinois can be unforgiving, but this homeowner in Clarendon Hills took proactive steps to protect their property. By installing a robust WarmlyYours Ice Shield system, they eliminated the risk of dangerous ice dams and frozen gutters. This project highlights how radiant heating technology extends beyond the floors to protect the very structure of your home, offering automated efficiency and peace of mind during the coldest months.

Project Details

Location: Clarendon Hills, IL
Application Type: Roof & Gutter Deicing
Surface Material: Asphalt Shingle
System Size: 303 linear feet
System Specifications: 120V, 3500 Watts, 29 Amps
Operating Cost: ~$0.56 per hour (during active snow/ice melting)*
Controls: SCA-DUAL Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control with Aerial & Gutter Sensors

Eliminating Ice Dams and Winter Damage

For homes in the Midwest, ice dams are a serious threat. When heat escapes through the roof, it melts snow which then trickles down and refreezes at the cold eaves, forming a dam. This traps water, forcing it back up under shingles where it can cause significant interior water damage. The homeowner of this Clarendon Hills residence needed a solution that would keep their asphalt shingle roof clear and ensure their gutters remained free-flowing, regardless of the freezing temperatures.

The solution was a comprehensive WarmlyYours Ice Shield Roof & Gutter Deicing system. Using 303 linear feet of self-regulating cable, the installation covered the roof edge and tracked through the gutters and downspouts. Unlike constant wattage cables, the Ice Shield self-regulating cable automatically adjusts its heat output based on the ambient temperature—increasing heat where it's cold and decreasing it where it's warm. This makes the system incredibly energy efficient.

To ensure the system is truly "hands-off," it was paired with an SCA-DUAL Advanced Control and specific sensors (Aerial-Mounted and Gutter-Mounted). This smart setup detects both temperature and moisture. The system only activates when snow or ice conditions are actually present, ensuring the homeowner isn't paying for electricity when the sun is shining or the roof is dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is roof deicing expensive to run?

While the system is powerful, it is designed to be cost-effective. By using self-regulating cables and smart sensors, the system only turns on when moisture and freezing temperatures are detected. For this project, the cost is roughly $0.56 per hour of active melting time—a small price compared to repairing water damage from ice dams.

2. Can I install deicing cables on asphalt shingles?

Yes. WarmlyYours provides specialized aluminum clips and double-sided tape pads specifically designed for asphalt shingles. These accessories allow the cable to be secured in a "zigzag" pattern along the roof edge without compromising the integrity of the roof materials

3. Does the deicing Systems run all winter long?

No. Thanks to the SCA-DUAL controller and sensors used in this project, the system is fully automated. It stays in "standby" mode until it detects precipitation (snow/rain) combined with freezing temperatures. Once the threat is gone, it shuts off automatically.

4. What is the difference between deicing Systems and floor warming systems?

While both use radiant heating principles, Ice Shield cables are specifically engineered for outdoor exposure, UV resistance, and waterproofing. Unlike indoor electric floor heating mats, these cables are self-regulating, meaning they can overlap without overheating, which is essential for gutter and downspout applications.