When winter weather descends on Milwaukee, it’s important for homeowners to keep their roof in good shape. Experts recommend that homeowners inspect their roof twice a year; once in the spring and once in the fall. Addressing any problems can prevent significant roof damage and costly repairs from water damage in the future.
Ice dams are the most common problem for causing water damage in homes. Ice dams are a result of heat in the attic warming the roof and causing snow on the roof to melt. When the runoff reaches the edge of the roof, where no warm air has heated the eaves, it refreezes, causing a ridge of ice to form. This ridge prevents additional melting snow from draining off the roof. As this process is repeated, the ice dam grows in size. The water that builds up behind the dam can seep into tiny cracks in and under the shingles. As that water refreezes and expands over time it can threaten the integrity of the roof. Eventually, water can then penetrate those cracks and leak into the home, causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.
Water damage can remain undetected for months, well after the damage has taken place – and sometimes after mold has formed. Unfortunately, personal property insurance typically does not provide protection for damage of personal belongings caused by ice dams. The key is to prevent ice dams from occurring.
Many Wisconsin homeowners revert to ladders and roof rakes to clear roofs of snow and keep ice dams from forming. This can help to prevent the formation of ice dams, but can take a lot of time and cause damage to roof shingles, not to mention the safety issues and physical demands. It is also recommended to make your home’s ceiling as air tight as possible and ample attic insulation is in place to limit warm air from entering the attic. You may want to consider increasing the amount of insulation.
One surefire way to keep roof valleys, edges, gutters and downspouts free from snow and ice buildup is with an automated roof de-icing system. Self-regulating heat trace cable can be installed in gutters and downspouts to facilitate runoff, while low-voltage polymer heating panels can be installed discreetly under the shingles to keep roof eaves clear of snow and ice dams.
Warmzone’s low-voltage roof heating systems is an industry leader for good reason. The thin, self-regulating polymer heating element can be installed under the roof shingles (as well as under metal roofs) to provide effective roof de-icing. Because the 9 and 12-inch wide heating elements are low voltage, they can be nailed and stapled through, and cut onsite. This system has proven itself to become a favorite among roof professionals. If you’re looking for a roof de-icing solution, contact Warmzone today at 888.488.9276. We may be able to recommend an experienced installer in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area.
Self-regulating heat trace cable is often used to facilitate runoff and keep roof edges clear of ice dams. The heating cable can be installed in gutters and downspouts to prevent ice buildup, which can lead to gutter damage. Self-regulating heat trace cable may also be combined with other recommended Warmzone systems, such as the RoofHeat STEP® de-icing system, to create an optimal solution for you.
Expert roof heating system designers carefully evaluate each project to determine the optimal solution. Designers and electrical experts work together to create a customized system to best meet your specific snow melting needs as well as your budget. Warmzone roof heating solutions have proven to be among the best in the industry. Contact a roof heating expert today to learn more about the options available, and never have to worry about ice dams and ice-damaged gutters again.
Warmzone radiant heat experts have been around a long time, and we understand what it takes to design and install an effective roof heating system. Several options are available and each option can be easily customized to provide snow and ice melting for just about any type of roof and configuration. We’ll work with you to evaluate your project and challenges and recommend the best solution for your specific budget and roof de-icing needs. Call a radiant heating expert today at 888.488.9276 to learn more about your options. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have – without any pushy sales pressure.
888-488-9276
info@warmzone.com
