Why and How to Install a Roof & Gutter De-Icing System

Hello and thank you for joining today's webinar, "Why and How to Install a WarmlyYours Roof and Gutter De-Icing System," hosted by WarmlyYours Radiant Heating. I'm your moderator, Scott Rosenbaum, and I will take the next 20 minutes or so to discuss the benefits of installing our ice shield system and guide you through the installation process step by step. After that, we'll open the floor to any of your questions. Before we dive into the presentation, I would like to mention that if you have any questions throughout the webinar, you can submit them at any time by clicking on the questions and answers button located in the top left corner of your screen. I will address these questions at the end of the webinar.

Let's begin by discussing the benefits of roof and gutter de-icing. You may own a home or have visited a property where ice and snow trap water, leading to significant problems such as leaks inside the house, mold growth, roof collapses, and damage to the building's façade. Water running down the inside of windows is often caused by ice forming along the gutter. Roof and gutter de-icing systems melt snow and ice, channeling water safely away before it can cause damage. This product is cost-effective and safe, as it is CUL/US listed and comes with a three-year limited warranty.

Now, let's take a closer look at some key facts about the Ice Shield system. It is designed for roof and gutter installations and features self-regulating cable available in both 120-volt and 240-volt versions. The 240-volt cable can also be utilized in commercial settings that only have 208 volts available. However, keep in mind that 208 volts provide approximately 87% of the output compared to 240 volts. The self-regulating nature of this cable means that its output varies with temperature; the colder it gets, the warmer the product becomes. For instance, the 120-volt version supplies five watts per linear foot of cable and 9 to 10 watts per linear foot when buried in ice.

When the temperature drops, the matrix that separates the two bus wires inside the cable allows more power to flow through, while warmer conditions restrict the power. In the case of 208 volts, you can expect about four watts per linear foot when dry, while the 240-volt version provides five watts per linear foot dry and 9.2 watts per foot in ice. This variability in output is a key feature of the product. The Ice Shield system is a self-regulating cable that is hardwired and can be cut to length by the installer. This means that if you need to heat a 10-foot section, you simply cut off 10 feet of cable, making installation straightforward.

The flexible cable placement and positioning make it suitable for both commercial and industrial applications. According to our installation manual, if you have a 20-amp breaker, you can heat up to 215 linear feet at 120 volts and about 410 feet at 240 volts. It's important to note that self-regulating cable differs from constant wattage cable. When self-regulating cable turns on, it experiences an inrush that can spike, which is why it's essential to refer to the maximum circuit length chart in the manual when sizing a system.

Now, let's visualize the installation on a hypothetical house. On the left side, you will see a box located between the downspout and the window; this serves as the power source for the product. It can be positioned anywhere nearby, including on the side of the house. The wire exits the box, zigzags up to the roof, descends into the gutter, and then down the downspout. One of the advantages of this type of installation is that it does not have to be completed all at once. You can choose to install the gutter and downspout first and then tackle the roof later if budget constraints arise.

The primary purpose of this product is to facilitate the melting water from a snow-laden roof down to the ground. It is not intended to heat the roof itself but to create a pathway for melting water to flow down to the ground, preventing it from becoming trapped in gutters and downspouts, which can lead to the formation of large icicles. There are various control options available for the system, ranging from fully automatic to manual.

On the far right, you will find a manual timer and relay box, while the automatic controls, which require a relay panel, are outdoor-rated. The moisture sensors, often referred to as gutter sensors, detect the presence of water in the gutter. Some of these sensors also measure temperature, ensuring that the system does not activate above 38 degrees Fahrenheit, as freezing is unlikely at that temperature. The middle control option features an ambient air temperature sensor, while a basic thermostat simply activates the system when temperatures drop below 38 degrees.

For the premium control option, you will need either the Gutter SS or the Air SS products. Additionally, you can incorporate a remote control override, allowing you to activate the system from inside your home without needing to venture outside. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us or visit our website for more information.

Now, let's discuss the accessories that are essential for maintaining the UL listing of the product when used with the self-regulating cable. It is crucial to use the power kits and end kits; otherwise, the cable alone will not meet UL standards. The power connection kit is installed at the beginning of the product run, while the end seal kit is used for termination. Both of these components are made in the field, meaning you will need to attach them to the cable yourself. If you prefer to plug the unit into an outlet, the plug end kit provides everything necessary for that setup. The GFCI controller, which is not a thermostat, is included to protect against short circuits or cable damage.

Next, let's take a look at the installation video. Please note that this video does not cover the termination process, which is the connection at the beginning and end of the cable. However, those instructional videos are available on our website. In the video, I demonstrate how to install heating cables in gutters to prevent ice damming and ensure that melting snow can flow freely through the downspouts.

Before starting your installation, it's helpful to create a diagram of your roof layout, including the lengths of the downspouts and gutters. You can send this information to us, and we will provide a drawing to determine how much product you need. When routing the cable, it's essential to ensure that the entire eave trough melts, so the wire should run to the end of the gutter and down into the downspout.

To secure the cable in the gutter, clean the area thoroughly and use an adhesive strip to hold it in place. Once the cable is routed, connect one end to a waterproof junction box where the power meets the wire, allowing warmth to reach the gutter. This installation will significantly reduce the risk of water damage, as seen in a previous project where ice damming had caused extensive damage to the front of a house.

If you would like more information about roof and gutter de-icing, please visit our website at www.warmlyyours.com. This concludes our quick installation overview video. If you have questions about the connections at the beginning and end of the cable, those videos are also available online. For any inquiries or to request more information about our products, please contact your account manager. If you are unsure who your account manager is, you can find out by checking your online account or by calling us at 800-875-5285.

We are available 24/7 to assist you, regardless of the day or time. Now, let's open the floor to your questions. Please use the question and answers button in the top left corner of your screen to submit your queries. We often receive common questions that may provide additional insights. For instance, one common question is whether you need to install cable only in the gutters and downspouts. The answer is that it is crucial to install heating cable in both locations to ensure that melted water can flow out completely and not remain stagnant in the gutters.

Another frequently asked question is whether you can plug the cable into an outlet. If you choose to do this without installing a special breaker or controller, you can use the plug-in kit power connection, which is available in 120 volts and has a maximum cable length of 107 feet. Most outdoor plugs are 120 volts, so keep in mind that when plugged in, the system will remain on.

We also receive inquiries about pricing per linear foot, which is best discussed with your sales representative. They can provide you with the necessary information to share with potential clients. Additionally, yes, you can cut the cable to length, as it is self-regulating and can be terminated with the end seal kit.

Some customers ask about making T splices or T connections with the cable. We do not sell kits for T connections, as we prefer to minimize potential failure points in the system. Instead, we design individual runs without splices to ensure reliable performance throughout the winter.

Lastly, while the roof and gutter de-icing system helps manage melting snow, it is not designed for snow load control on flat roofs. If your customers have leaf gutter protection systems, please reach out to us with details, and we can advise on compatibility.

Thank you for your questions and feedback, which help us improve our services. I would like to announce our next webinar, scheduled for Thursday, September 24th at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. In this session, we will discuss our wide range of floor warming products and how they meet customer needs. To register, visit WarmlyYours.com/webinar-floor-heating.

You can also find previous webinars on our website by clicking on the "more" button, navigating to "videos," and selecting the "webinars" category. There, you will find a wealth of information on ordering products, Wi-Fi controls, and more.

Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 800-875-5285 or at info@warmlyyours.com. We look forward to assisting you. Until then, stay warm and be radiant.