SYSTEM COMPARISON :
HOTEDGE VS OTHERS
HotEdge® Systems Vs. Aluminum Metal Track Concept
Aluminum Metal Tracks Mounted To A Roof Edge Is A Flawed Concept For The Following Reasons:
Design
(stacking vs. separating heat trace cables).
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Heat Transfer
(indirect vs. direct heat transfer).
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UL Approval
(approved vs. not approved for safety and compliance).
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Design
(metal track designs require tightly spaced heating cables, hence, less energy efficient).
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HotEdge® Systems Vs. Zig Zag Heating Cable Concept
Laying Heat Cable On A Roof Edge In A Zig-Zag Pattern Is A Flawed Concept For The Following Reasons:
- If you follow heat cable manufacture instructions for recommended installation, it requires 75% more heat cable than HotEdge system. Click Here For Energy Usage Calculator
- It cannot heat a roof edge on a CONTINUOUS basis, hence, icicles will develop. Click Here For Photos.
- Because the cable is continually exposed to UV and snow-pack sliding off roof in the Spring, maintenance is a major concern.
- Most homeowners do not appreciate the appearance of heat cable laying on a roof edge.
- Since installation requires that roof clips are used to secure the heat cable, roofing manufacture warranties are voided since roof clips penetrate the roof deck.
HotEdge® Vs. Manual Methods
It is important to understand that all manual methods represent a temporary or “band-aid” approach towards roof ice problems. In other words, manual methods have to be used repeatedly throughout a winter season and every winter season until an investment is made into installing a solution. A quick statement about the most common manual methods are provided below:
1.) Hire Services To Remove Snow-Pack/Ice From Roof : The major drawback with this approach is that when ice peeks and shovels are used, the result is always damage to roof deck! This damage will invite snow melt water to leak into an office or home. The restoration expenses related to removing mold, mildew, and rot are very high. Click Here For Photos.
2.) Use Of Calcium Chloride Socks : The major drawback of this approach is that it is difficult to strategically place the socks for results. Assuming you place the socks properly, anything the calcium chloride touches will be discolored or die, i.e. landscaping, etc. Click Here For Photos.
3.) Use Of A Roof Rake: The drawback about this approach is that it can be very dangerous and it can make roof ice problems worse! Do not forget, snow-pack on a roof deck insulates snow melt water until it reaches the roof edge. Click Here For Photos.