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ROOF DEICING

The Benefits • Roof Deicing Options • How It Works • The Installation • Projects / Applications

How It Works

At a Glance:

Zmesh is rolled out over the area to be heated and uses resistance to heat the roof mass.

A control unit heats the element underneath the roof to melt snow and ice. Dimensions: 17"x12"x8".

An activation device automatically turns on the roof deicing system. Click on photo to enlarge.

A Closer Look:

The low-voltage, radiant roof deicing systems contain four main components:

Rough-in Kit - This kit includes cold lead and a backplate for hanging the control unit. The backplate is attached to two wall studs and is heavy duty for hanging the 90+ lb. control unit.

Heating Element - Zmesh is used for melting ice and snow under shingle roofs. Our 9"-wide Zmesh is used for roof deicing. The Zmesh is installed underneath the shingles and sandwiched in between layers of ice and water shield. In some cases, however, Tuff Cable is used for roof deicing. The roof heating cable is place in what's called a Heat Sink Kit. Heat Sink is similar to concrete board, and it has grooves pre-cut for the cable. The cable heats the surrounding mass which in turn heats the roof. Our specialists can help determine which roof heating element will be best for your application. Images of these roof heating elements can be viewed on the Installation page.

Control Unit - The control unit contains the brains of the system, along with the step-down transformer, which converts the line voltage (220 V.) to the low voltage (60 V. or less). The control unit uses the same 17"x12"x8" box for each system that will heat 45 to 460 sq. ft., and uses a different sized transformer, depending on the size of the area to be heated. The advanced circuitry in the control units regulates the system assuring safe, accurate, and optimal performance.

Activation Device - There are three different activation devices to choose from. A 12-hour timer, a gutter-mounted snow switch, and a temperature sensor. Depending on whether system automation is important to your application, one of our specialists can help you select which activation device will be best for you.

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