Are you looking to install a heating cable on your roof located in Greater Montreal? You are in the right place!
The installation of heating wire in regions where it snows a lot is an advantageous initiative, even essential. Discover the main advantages and disadvantages of using this type of device on the roof of your home. Also, take the opportunity to learn more about this solution.
Here are the main strengths and weaknesses of installing and using heating cables on the roof of your home.
Whatever the structure of your roof, the risks of ice and snow accumulation exist. In too large quantities, this overcrowding can cause more or less significant damage to the solidity of your home. Ice sheets can also allow water to seep into your home.
By installing a heating cable along your roof, this device will prevent ice from accumulating, since snow and ice will melt and flow through the water drain. You also relieve yourself of the heavy task of de-icing and periodic snow removal from your roof.
In addition, investing in a heating cable is more economical in the long term, rather than considering having snow removed and then repairing the roof damaged by ice and snow.
There are no real disadvantages with respect to the use of this type of device. However, the heating wire must be installed before the start of the winter season. Indeed, it is not designed to melt snow and ice that is already present, but to prevent them from accumulating.
Last but not least, it is strongly forbidden to install a heating cable on a metal roof. In fact, metal is a better conductor of heat, compared to the other materials that make up a roof. Thus, overheating may be caused, which would lead to other disastrous consequences for your home.
Installing a heating cable system on a roof is a difficult task that requires experience and professional equipment. In addition, working at heights is dangerous, especially for people who have not been specially trained.
This is why we recommend using the services of professionals to install such a device. Not only are you reassured about the quality of the work, but you are not likely to fall from your roof by installing it yourself. Chez Montreal Roofing, we have a Team professional technicians who will take care of all the work concerning your roof and its maintenance.
Here is some information you need to know if you are considering installing a heating cable on your roof.
It is best to respect this temperature range to start up your heating cable. In fact, the ice sheet forms when the snow starts a process of rapid melting and freezing. Below -9°C, you risk activating the phenomenon of ice formation, by causing the snow to melt, while the temperature is still too low, which will cause the water thus formed to freeze almost instantly.
The installation diagram for a heating cable system is quite classical. You must ensure that your cables are connected to the edge of your roof and to your gutters so that they are also heated. In fact, if you neglect this detail, ice and melted snow will tend to accumulate in these areas if they are not heated. This may obstruct them and then damage them early.
As you will have noticed, a heating cable works thanks to electrical energy. Therefore, you must keep in mind that every time you turn it on, your electricity bills will increase. Fortunately, your consumption depends on several factors, including the length of the cable, the strength of the resistor, and the duration and frequency of use of the device.