Preventing Ice Damage with Radiant Heat: A Guide for Pros on Residential & Commercial Applications

Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to our webinar. My name is Mary, and I am the sales manager at WarmlyYours. I am joined today by our technical support engineer, Anatoliy. Thanks so much for joining us. Today we're going to be discussing our de-icing applications for roofs and gutters, specifically aimed at preventing ice damming with radiant heating. We will cover applications for both residential and commercial settings. We have received some questions in advance, and we will address those as we go along. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to send us a message, and we will answer them at the end of the presentation.

In today's overview, we will discuss roof and gutter de-icing applications, roof and gutter controls, pipe freeze protection, and pipe freeze control. While these topics are similar, they do have distinct differences, so stay tuned to learn more. Roof and gutter de-icing is crucial because it protects roofs and gutters from snow and ice damage, prevents ice damming caused by poor drainage, and shields vulnerable areas such as gutters, downspouts, overhangs, and valleys. We have visuals that will help illustrate these points more clearly.

As we look at the images, we can see both the obvious and hidden damages that ice damming can cause. The visible damage is clear, but the hidden issues, such as water leaks into drywall and wall cavities, can lead to even more significant problems. The typical ice dam forms when precipitation, such as snow, accumulates on the roof. Under certain conditions, or due to air leaks that heat the roof, the snow begins to melt. This melted snow cascades down the roof and reaches the gutter overhang area, where there is little to no heat. As a result, the water refreezes, leading to ice accumulation and the formation of an ice dam. This trapped water will eventually find its way down through cracks and gaps, causing damage.

Our goal with these de-icing applications is not to melt all the snow on the roof but to create a safe path for melted water to flow through the roof, into the gutter, and down the downspout, safely away from the house. To achieve this, we offer two types of heating cables: constant wattage cables and self-regulating cables. The selection of cable depends on the application and the roof material, and each type requires different styles of clips for installation. The constant wattage cable features a plug that connects directly to an outlet, while the self-regulating cable requires a power connection kit or plug adapter.

The constant wattage product is a predetermined size that comes in various lengths and cannot be trimmed or altered. This makes it an excellent solution for typical asphalt shingle roofs where you know the exact length needed. On the other hand, the self-regulating cable is cut to length, allowing for more flexibility in larger applications, such as roofs with overhangs, downspouts, and gutters. This adaptability is particularly useful when treating larger houses or complex roof structures.

When examining the constant wattage cable, you will notice its construction includes an outer PVC jacket, a braided ground, an insulating sheath, and the actual heating wire along with a bus wire. However, this type of cable is not suitable for use on metal roofs, slate, stone, ceramic, rubber, tar, gravel, or wooden shingle roofs. Therefore, it is primarily used for asphalt shingle roofs, which are the most common application.

The constant wattage cable heats up to a constant power output as soon as it is plugged in. It is essential not to overlap two cables, as this can lead to overheating and potential damage. Following the installation instructions carefully will ensure that the cable is applied correctly without overlaps.

In contrast, the self-regulating cable features a black outer thermoplastic jacket and a braided inner tinned copper braid. Its semi-conductive core regulates the temperature, allowing it to be overlapped or crisscrossed without the risk of overheating. This core reacts to temperature changes, generating more heat in colder areas and less heat in warmer areas. This self-regulating feature makes it an eco-conscious choice, as it only uses the necessary power to heat the areas that require it.

When measuring for a roof de-icing system, it is crucial to provide accurate dimensions of the roofline, including the distance of the overhang from the eave to the side of the building. This information helps determine how high to install the heating cable. Additionally, it is important to account for any dormers or valleys, as these areas are prone to ice damming. Including photos with your request form can also aid in providing an accurate quote.

We will also need to know the pitch of the roof and the type of roofing material. Our goal is to provide you with a precise estimate and design, ensuring that you do not overestimate the amount of cable needed. We have a simple form available for these applications, which can be filled out online or in PDF format. Once you submit your request, our design team will create an exact cable layout based on your dimensions, ensuring efficiency in installation.

Typically, we can turn around a quotation within 24 hours, which will include a SmartPlan detailing all electrical requirements and breakers needed. It is also helpful to indicate where your power connection or outlet will be located, as this information can facilitate the installation process.

As we move on to the installation process, it is important to note that the installation of snow retention systems should occur before the heating cable is installed. This order of operations ensures that the cable is not damaged during the installation of snow guards. Snow guards are essential for preventing snow and ice from sliding off the roof and potentially damaging the heating cables.

When it comes to installation, the typical electrical cable can be installed without an electrician, but we recommend having an electrician assist with the connections. The constant wattage cable is more DIY-friendly, especially for those who have easy access to an outlet. However, for self-regulating cables, it is best to consult with an electrician to determine the best locations for power connections.

Regarding controls and sensors for roof and gutter systems, we offer several options, including premium controls, timer controls, economy controls, Wi-Fi controls, and outdoor thermostats. These sensors can detect moisture and temperature, ensuring that the system activates when needed. Having both aerial and gutter sensors can provide optimal snow detection, as they can trigger the system based on different conditions.

In residential applications, our systems are ideal for roof edges and heavy snow areas, reducing icicles and supporting drainage while extending the roof's lifespan. The visuals we provide demonstrate how effectively the constant wattage cable can melt snow and prevent ice damming.

For commercial applications, it is essential to plan for electrical load and circuit capacity. Larger projects may require multiple start and stop points for the heating cables, depending on the size and shape of the building. The self-regulating cables are sold by the spool, allowing for flexibility in installation and ensuring that you can adapt to any last-minute changes.

In summary, if you are planning a de-icing system for your roof or pipe freeze protection, now is the time to act. We have the products in stock and are ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for joining us today, and we look forward to helping you with your radiant heating needs. Please feel free to reach out to us at info@warmlyyours.com, and we hope to see you at our next webinar.