Winter Weather Blamed for Toppling Bricks in Philadelphia

In January of 2015, bricks from a downtown Philadelphia building tumbled onto a neighboring roof and into the Lululemon Athletica clothing store, injuring three women. According to Philadelphia inspectors, the repeating process of water freezing and thawing likely weakened the structure, causing its collapse.

The “freeze-thaw” process is also what leads to ice dams, the culprit behind costly roof and water damage in homes and businesses throughout the country.

Skyscrapers in downtown Philadelphia
Skyscrapers in downtown Philadelphia.

While falling snow and ice presents a significant safety threat to pedestrians in cities like Philadelphia, ice dams pose the greatest threat to homeowners. As heat rises from the home, it can escape into the attic and warm the roof, causing water to trickle down near the roof’s edge. But the roof eaves are colder, causing the water to refreeze. As this process is repeated, water can build up behind the ice where it can seep into tiny cracks of the roof. Each night, as the water refreezes, it expands, paving the way for more water to seep into the cracks and eventually into the home. The resulting water damage within walls and ceilings can be expensive to repair.

Warmzone roof de-icing and gutter trace systems offer one of the best roof heating solutions available for preventing hazardous ice dams and heavy icicles from forming on roofs. The roof heating systems are easy to customize and install. Once installed the roof de-icing and gutter heating systems operate only when conditions warrant, keeping heavy ice from damaging roof gutters and preventing ice dams from forming along roof edges.

In addition to Warmzone’s large variety of industry leading roof de-icing systems, Warmzone radiant heat experts work closely with customers to determine the best and most affordable option for each roof.

Philadelphia during a snowstorm
Downtown Philadelphia during a winter snowstorm.

The most popular roof heating system features an advanced polymer heating element (RoofHeat STEP) that can be installed directly under roof shingles. This low-voltage system has proven to be a favorite roof heating solution among professional installers and homeowners throughout the Philadelphia area. Heat trace cable can also be installed to heat gutters and downspouts, or the systems can be combined to produce optimum results.

Warmzone professionals are experts when it comes to roof heating, and the customer service is second to none. In addition to providing complete system designs (AutoCAD), installers have access to free installation training as well as personal installation support. If installers encounter any issues or have any questions during the process, he/she can speak with one of the dedicated installation support staff to resolve the issue.

To learn more about Warmzone’s roof heating options, call 888.488.9276. Many home and business owners in Philadelphia are already enjoying the benefits of a Warmzone roof de-icing system. Call a Warmzone consultant to learn more – with no obligation or sales pressure. Or visit Warmzone online. As an industry leader, Warmzone offers one of the most informative radiant heating websites available. Visit warmzone.com and learn more about radiant heating systems and why some systems (and services) are better than others when it comes to heating specific projects.