Illinois weather is no friend to roofs.
It can plague your roof with all kinds of issues, including icy buildup and dams. The fluctuating temperatures during winter lead to cycles of freezing and thawing, which exacerbate the problem. The good news is you can de-ice your roof and rid yourself of this headache once and for all.
Implementing effective de-icing methods not only resolves immediate issues but also helps prevent long-term damage caused by ice accumulation.
What is Ice Damming?
Ice damming occurs when melting snow on the top of your roof trickles down to the colder area along the eaves of your roof.
When this happens, the water freezes, creating a buildup of ice and snow along the eaves of your roof. This thawing and freezing can force snow and ice up and under your shingles, allowing water to get in.
What Causes Ice Damming?
Damming tends to happen when your roof lacks proper insulation or ventilation, allowing heat to escape from the attic and melt the snow.
It can also occur if your eavestroughs aren’t clean, so snow melt has nowhere to go. Crammed gutters develop large deposits of ice and cause icicles on your roof and gutter edges in colder weather that can also cause water damage to your roof.
What is Roof De-Icing?
If you find your roof is constantly frosting, de-icing helps prevent frost and icy buildup. De-icing cables are the best choice. They are installed across your roof and deliver heat that melts ice, creating clear paths for runoff to prevent ice dams.
How are De-icing Cables Installed?
De-icing cables are installed across your eaves in a zigzag pattern.
Although you can purchase DIY kits, it is a dangerous job best left to the professionals. Roofers have the proper safety equipment and know how to install the cables without damaging your roofing system. For the most part, the kits use a 120-volt circuit, and the cables are connected directly to a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) weatherproof outlet to ensure the system is properly grounded.
Professionals will also take the following steps to ensure home safety:
- Operating cables don’t overlap or touch to avoid overheating
- Cables aren’t altered, such as clipping them to fit
- Cables are not installed indoors (as a shortcut to make installation easier)
- Heating cables don’t interfere with exhaust vents
Do De-icing Cables Work on All Roofs?
Speak to your roofer to determine if de-icing cables are right for you. For example, they are often recommended not to be used on flat roofs as they can cause water pooling to increase the risk of leaks.
The Pros and Cons of De-icing Cables
There are pros and cons to de-icing cables for frost prevention, including:
Pros:
- They create a path for water run-off and help prevent damage related to ice dams
- They protect your roof from costly damage, including structural issues and serious leaks
- You can choose self-regulating systems to save energy so the cables cycle on and off based on the temperature
Cons:
- They run on electricity and can add to your energy bill (but they are far more affordable than the cost of a brand-new roof and water damage repairs!)
- They must be installed properly, i.e. by a professional, to work safely
- You can’t install them in the middle of winter if you suddenly discover an ice dam issue, so should be dealt with in the spring or fall
If you’ve experienced ice dams in the past, speak to a roofing expert about de-icing products to ensure you are ready before winter comes around.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
