Although winter weather evokes images of warm fires, icy wonderlands, and snowball fights, it can also be highly destructive to roofs. Ice accumulation on the edge of roofs, also known as ice dams, can create a blizzard of problems for property owners, from minor inconveniences to severe structural damages. If left untreated, water from melting ice migrates and accumulates, which can cause leaks, mold growth, structural damage, and, in extreme cases, total roof collapse. The melted water then refreezes as temperatures drop, restarting the cycle again.

EasyHeat, an Emerson brand, is helping building owners avoid costly problems with its RG Trace Cable De-Icing System. Simple and inexpensive, the RG Trace Cable De-Icing System includes everything necessary for a complete, hassle-free installation:

• Cut-to-length RG Trace heating cables, delivering 12 watts per foot output needed to accommodate larger commercial gutters and downspouts;
• EasyHeat Controls to sense both moisture and temperature, optimizing power consumption;
• Downspout hangers, power connection kits, and end-seals are necessary to complete the system safely.

Being self-regulating, EasyHeat RG Trace Cables automatically varies its heat output as temperature changes. The cable’s outer jacket is both waterproof and UV resistant to withstand harsh weather conditions for years, while a tinned copper braid installed over two protective inner jackets provides a continuous ground path.

EasyHeat RG Trace Cable De-Icing System is available on reels up to 1,000 feet for cut-to-length convenience in the field. It is suitable for use on asphalt or wood shingles, metal roofing, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic, modified bitumen (“membrane”), and virtually every other type of roofing material.

AVOID REPAIR COSTS

Repairing a roof is expensive. Even a minor repair typically costs several thousand dollars. Larger repairs or work on membrane, slate, or metal roofs run exponentially higher. Industry estimates put roof replacement on a 10,000-square-foot commercial building at approximately $70,000. By safeguarding the roof line, gutter, and downspouts of buildings from damaging ice and snow accumulation, the EasyHeat RG Trace Cable De-Icing System is an investment that pays dividends every winter, year after year.

ICICLE DANGERS

As if ice dams aren’t enough to deal with in the winter, another danger often hangs over our heads: large icicles can fall from multi-story buildings, causing lacerations, broken bones, head trauma, or worse. Icicles have also been known to shatter the windows of cars parked nearby when they’ve broken free.

Icicles are visual evidence of ice dam formation and are the primary cause of leaky and overloaded roofs. EasyHeat RG Trace Cable Systems prevent icicles from forming, providing protection to property and people.

EasyHeat RG Trace Cables are UL and CSA-approved for roof application to existing structures and new construction.