Keep Ice & Snow from Damaging Your Property
 

What Is an Ice Dam?

 

Ice dam prevention starts with understanding the problem. Ice dams typically develop when snow and ice accumulate on a roof and then melt at different rates. Often the lower portion of a roof may be cooler than the upper portion causing the melting snow traveling down the roof to refreeze near the edge. The resulting ice dam captures water that refreezes and can create damage to not only the roof but also the entire structure.
 

Although there are several different approaches to ice dam prevention, BPR & Electrical Services usually installs gutter heaters and roof deicing cables to solve this problem. Considered relatively quick and cost-effective to install, these roof ice melt systems have resolved ice damming problems and prevented hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.

 

Typically the type of deicing system selected will vary depending on the conditions of each roof, however, it’s wise to have a basic understanding of each type of ice melt system:

 

Roof deicing cables – Installed at the edge of the roof, roof deicing cables are intended to eliminate snow before it has the opportunity to accumulate. Also known as roof heating cables, typically there are two types that can be used – integrated systems and self-regulated deicing cable. The integrated systems include the heating cable, a gutter sensor and a control unit, while the self-regulated roof deicing cable is an option that does not require constant monitoring.

 

Gutter heaters – Similar to deicing cables, gutter heaters melt snow before accumulating into ice dams, however, they are employed when the problem is within the gutter system as opposed to the roof. There are several different types of gutter heaters that can be used depending on the situation, including:

• Gutter heat tape – A tape that is applied to gutters and along the roof edge, gutter heat tape is affixed to the roof using clips and designed to plug into the main control. Typically, once the control system has been wired, gutter heat tape will be activated automatically by the control system once the temperature falls below 40 degrees.

 

• Gutter heating cable – Similar to the roof deicing cables used at the edge of a roof, gutter heating cables actually lay inside your gutters and may extend onto the roof. Typically, gutter heaters can be connected to either an automatic or manual power source that offers the freedom to use the system based on the homeowner’s preference.

 

• Gutter heating caps – Similar to standard gutter guards, gutter heating caps are heated gutter heaters that melt ice and snow before ice dams can form. Since the gutters are already protected, the resulting runoff easily flows away. Depending on the product, gutter heating caps can be attached to temperature sensors for automatic operation or plugged directly into a power source.

 

Gutter Heaters Prevent Damage & Injury

 

Since ice dams can cause tremendous damage to a home or business and trying to clear them to pose a serious hazard. Our team here at BPR & Electrical Services has found that prevention is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to see that you have a problem until an ice dam has already developed, so taking steps in advance will prevent damage and possible injury.

 

To learn more about our specialty services and what we can do to resolve your problems, schedule an appointment or contact our team today.