Fil Chauffant Toiture

Installation of roof heating wire

Winter is harsh in Quebec.
Freezing cold, snow and frost…
So many things put the inhabitants, but also the infrastructures, to the test during this season.
The roof in particular needs special attention.
Accumulated snow or ice can cause major damage.
We offer you a simple and effective preventive measure: roof heating wire.
How can this device help you?
We tell you all about it.

Why protect your roof in winter?

Falling snow accumulates on the roof.
At least some of it, if you have a pitched roof.
This accumulation is already dangerous for the structure, which may not be able to bear the weight.
It could weaken, sag or even collapse.
Water infiltration can also be a problem.
We explain the phenomenon.

Sometimes there’s a big difference in temperature on the roof surface.
One area is warmer because of fumes coming from inside.
This is usually due to poor insulation.
It’s a problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible!
In any case, the lower part of the snow piled up on the hottest area melts.
The water then runs off naturally into the gutters.
Unfortunately, if the outside temperature is too low, the water sometimes solidifies before it reaches its destination.
This is how ice dams form.
They prevent meltwater from the warm roof zone from reaching the overflow channels.
As a result, it passes through the roof shingles.
Hence the problem of water infiltration.

How can roof heating wire help protect your roof in winter?

Heating wire emits heat to melt snow and ice dams.
It is often installed at roof edges and gutters.
These are critical areas where the risk of freezing is high and potentially dangerous.
The device ensures that the flow remains fluid through the drainage channels.
This prevents the damage described above.

Going one step further, roof heating wire saves you money.
In fact, it helps prevent damage that can be costly to repair.
It also extends the life of your roof.
What’s more, it helps you avoid work at height, such as snow removal.
These operations are also dangerous.
The roof is slippery with snow and ice, and you run the risk of falling.

What precautions should you take when using a roof heating wire?

Roof heating wire runs on electricity.
As a result, it protects your roof well, but can inflate your bills.
Fortunately, there’s no need to leave it plugged in all the time.
That’s right!
It’s important to know that this device is most effective between -9°C and 2°C.
Below -9°C, water solidifies very quickly.
The risk of an ice dam forming, despite the cable’s operation, is therefore high.
Above 2°C, melting occurs naturally.

Furthermore, heating wire is not suitable for metal roofs.
This material is far too conductive.
There’s a significant risk of overheating, the consequences of which can be disastrous.
It’s also important to note that heating cable is only a preventive device.
It prevents snow accumulation or the formation of ice dams.
It does not, however, remove existing snow.
What’s more, it cannot be installed in winter.
We therefore advise you to start work in the spring.
Or early autumn at the latest.
Finally, remember to check the condition of the system regularly.

How to install a roof heating wire?

Installing a roof heating cable seems simple at first glance.
All you have to do is lay the cables over the roof edges and gutters.
However, the work is much more complicated.
For example, you need to find the “critical zones”.
The ideal spacing between zigzags must be determined to guarantee optimum efficiency.
A number of standards have to be met to limit the risk of incidents.
There are so many factors to take into account.

Leave the installation to a professional!

That’s why we advise you to entrust the installation of a roof heating wire to a professional.
They have the knowledge and experience to ensure maximum system efficiency.
We offer you just such a service.

Get a free quote

Fast response in less than 48 hours!

438-802-7705