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Heat Cable Systems

When the temperature drops below freezing, gutter and roof leakage can occur as a result of an ice dam. Melt water can back up under the shingles and flashing and can leak into the interior or behind the fascia and into the soffits. The main origin of ice damming in an Ohio home or business is your attic is too warm and that area of roof is shaded while the other parts are receiving sun.

If the accumulation of snow is left on a roof too long and the temperature stays very cold the snow is melted from underneath (the attic) and refreezes as it goes to the lower area of the roof/gutter. When enough ice has formed at the soffit or gutter, it begins to dam the water from going off the roof, and then it backs up and under the flashing or shingles and can leak behind the fascia or into your home. To alleviate this problem we offer heat cable systems that heat your roof and gutters allowing the water to flow to the proper place.

What are Snow & Ice Retention Systems?

Snow and ice retention systems are devices atop the roof that allow snow and ice to drop off in small amounts or melt completely before falling to the ground. They prevent damage caused by avalanching snow and ice that is typical for sloped roofs that have a smooth surface; i.e.: metal roofs, standing seam metal roofs, slate roofs, etc.

Will Gutters Cause Ice Dam’s?

No, seamless gutters do not cause ice/dams. Significant amounts of money have been spent trying to solve the ice/dam problem. Ice dams occur when snow buildup melts during the day and refreezes when temperatures drop overnight. Snow melt on the roof is assisted by heat-loss through the attic. The water from the snow melt then refreezes when it reaches the cold surface over the soffit, where it begins to form a ridge of ice. After several days of this melting-freezing cycle, the ridge of ice can become significant enough to retain water on the roof behind it. Ice dams are typically the result of inadequate insulation and/or ventilation. Properly installed insulation will reduce the heat-loss into attic space from living-space, however, ventilation is the most often overlooked factor. Keeping the attic-space well ventilated will maintain a cool dry underside of the roof. This will discourage the melting of the snow on the roof from any heat-loss. A properly insulated and ventilated attic will not only prevent ice-damming, it will save money in heating and cooling costs.

If you are looking for a heat cable system or a gutter protection contractor for your Ohio home, please call us today at 419-532-3610 or complete our online request form.