What Roof De-icing Systems are Best for Heating Shingle Roofs?

When it comes to home maintenance, perhaps nothing is as important as the condition of your roof. While roofs are generally very sturdy and built to last, over time extreme weather or accidents can chip away at the integrity of a roof. That’s why professional roofers suggest that you inspect your roof every spring and winter. Performing inspections might alert you to trouble spots, whereby you can take action to prevent possible problems and save yourself from expensive water damage and major repairs in the future.

Ice dams pose the single greatest threat to roofs in cold climate areas, and often it’s difficult for homeowners to recognize that issues may be developing under the ice dam. Unfortunately, many times the problem isn't discovered until serious water damage has occurred. Ice dams develop when warm air escapes into the attic where it provides just enough warmth to melt the bottom layer of snow that’s on the roof. The water trickles down to the eaves, but because of the overhang, no warm air can reach the eaves and the water refreezes. Eventually more runoff reaches the eaves and soon a ridge of ice forms, causing water to pool behind it. The pooled water typically refreezes at night and then melts again in the day. Water can find the tiniest crack or imperfection in the roof, and as it refreezes, it expands, amplifying the existing problem. Over time water may even enter the home, seeping between walls - and in worst case scenarios, cause mold and mildew to develop.

Roof de-icing systems are designed to eliminate ice dams so that runoff reaches the gutter and flows harmlessly away from the home. Warmzone^® offers a variety of trusted roof de-icing systems that can eliminate ice dams from roof eaves, as well as keep valleys, gutters and downspouts free of snow and ice buildup. Call and speak with a roof heating expert at Warmzone today at 888-488-9276 and learn more about the options and what solution would be best for you.

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Options for Heating Shingle Roofs

Low-voltage RoofHeat™ STEP® Warmzone's low-voltage RoofHeat STEP roof de-icing system is an excellent roof heating option for efficient roof de-icing under shingle roofs. The thin, semi-conductive polymer heating element can be discreetly secured under the shingles or roofing surface. The flexible heating element can be nailed or stapled through, making installation quicker and easier than other traditional roof heating systems. 10-Year Warranty Low-voltage operation Self-regulating Thin, flexible polymer element Easy installation (can be nailed/stapled through) Available in various widths	Self-regulating Heat Trace Cable In addition to being the ideal solution for heating gutters and downspouts, Warmzone's rugged and affordable self-regulating heat cable is commonly installed along shingle and shake roof edges. The heat cable is "zigzagged" along the roof eaves to prevent ice dams from forming by providing a channel for runoff. Because of the cable's self-regulating properties, it is very efficient and does not overheat. 10-year warranty Does not overheat or burn out, even when touching or overlapping Service voltage: 110-120 V, 208-277 V Approvals: cULus; hazardous, CSA, ATEX, IECEx	SnoFree™ Roof De-icing Panels Warmzone’s SnoFree™ roof eave heating panels are very effective for keeping roof eaves clear of snow and ice dams. The attractive panels are available in a variety of finishes, in sizes ranging from 6 to 48-inches. The solid aluminum panels are pre-engineered with channels for the heat cable and lend an aesthetically pleasing look while keeping a more efficient and cleaner method for eliminating ice dams. Can be installed to heat eaves and/or valleys Sheet metal pieces come in 6 to 48-inch widths Panels feature a 30-year protective Kynar finish Easy installation Extremely energy efficient An economical and attractive roof de-icing option
Constant Wattage Heat Cable The constant wattage heat cable offers an affordable, user-friendly roof de-icing solution designed for quick, easy heating of shingle roof eaves, gutters and downspouts. The PLCW constant wattage heat trace cable comes pre-assembled and ready to install. The cable can be used to keep water flowing on roofs and gutters in temperatures as cold as -40°F (-40°C). PLCW cables operate on 120 volts AC, with an optional energy-saving thermostat available. Comes pre-assembled for quick, easy installation CSA listed in U.S. and Canada Operates in temperatures as cold as -40°F (-40°C) CW kit includes roof and gutter clips 3-year cable limited warranty	Pre-terminated Cable with Power Plug Warmzone pre-terminated self-regulating heat cable has proven to be the ideal, convenient solution for a variety of roof de-icing and heat trace applications. The pre-terminated 120 volt self-regulating heat cable is available in 50, 75, 100, and 150-foot lengths. The pre-assembled ‘plug and play’ kits come with the option of a 6-foot standard power plug or a power plug with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Optional 6-foot standard or GFCI power plug Does not overheat or burn out, even when touching or overlapping Automatically varies its power output in response to temperature changes Easy to install / can be cut on site Corrosion protection and flame retardant outer jacket	Heat Existing Shingle Roofs Warmzone’s RetroRoof™ de-icing system is an advanced ice dam prevention solution that features thin, innovative heating panels that are designed to be installed under the shingles of existing roofs. When installed, they remain discreetly under the asphalt shingles. The heating panels are waterproof, and available in various standard lengths, and can be daisy chained together to accommodate all types of configurations. For new and existing roofs Prevents ice dams Completely concealed under shingle Easy to install No nailing required Maintenance free 15-year limited warranty