Hint: it’s not snow guards
When it comes to ice dams, there are a number of options on the market to get rid of them once they occur, but these short-term solutions aren’t sustainable. Ice dams can be extremely dangerous and the last thing you want is for someone to get hurt by a roof avalanche before or during any attempts to address the buildup of snow, ice, and icicles.
Not to mention, snow avalanches can wreak havoc on the integrity of your roof and gutters, which means you’re not only spending money repeatedly to address the ice dams, but you could be spending money on a new roof or gutters far before you would typically need to due to damage from heavy snowfall. Avoid the headache of falling snow by choosing a product that can:
- Be easily installed on the existing structure of your home or business
- Provide a solution with a modern appearance
- Offer a number of options to match the aesthetic of the structure
- Improve energy efficiency
- Meet all building code and industry requirements
There’s one product on the market that meets all these needs, but first, a refresher on what causes ice dams to occur in the first place.
What are ice dams?
If you live in a climate that gets a lot of snowfall your home or business may be susceptible to ice dams. While ice dams produce idyllic, icicle-coated rims around your home, their beauty isn’t worth the risk they pose.
Ice dams form when snow falls, doesn’t completely melt, and then refreezes. This is usually the result of a warm attic that heats the snow on the roof, which begins its descent toward the ground, but reaches the edge of the roof and refreezes due to the sudden drop in temperature since there typically isn’t any installation in these areas. The dam begins to build up and the icicles soon follow.
HotEdge: The most cost-effective ice dam solution
What is HotEdge and why is it superior to other products, including snow guards and other snow retention systems? HotEdge is a roof ice melt system that prevents ice dams from forming in the first place by solving the problem of the temperature difference between the roof and the edge of the structure.
By installing panels with heating cables to the edge of your existing roof, HotEdge prevents the cycle of thawing and refreezing, giving the snowmelt a clear path off of your roof.
Why HotEdge is superior to metal roof snow guards
Versatility with installation
A snow guard is a snow retention system meant for metal roofs, including a standing seam metal roof, which is the first downside. Unlike snow guards, HotEdge can be applied to:
- Composite asphalt roofs
- Metal roofs
- Synthetic slate roofs
- Wood shake roofs
- Concrete tile roofs
- New construction roofs
HotEdge won’t cause damage to the roof surface
Snow guards go by many names, including snow fence, snow cleats, continuous snow guards, and many styles, including pad-style snow guards and bar-style snow guards. But no matter what you call them, they all serve the same function as snow retention devices.
Installing snow guards involves affixing several units to the structure that stick out from the metal roof profile. There are several ways to attach snow guards, including mechanically fastened, set screws, clamps, and adhesive. With each of these options, you run the risk of your roof being damaged.
If the metal roof systems aren’t installed precisely to manufacturer specifications, taking into account roof pitch and snow loads, you run the risk of the system failing, causing a sudden release of rooftop avalanches.
Snow guards have a less modern appearance
Even the best snow guards installed on any style of home can take away from the beauty of the roof. They are distracting and stick out, especially in the sun. HotEdge products, on the other hand, are applied to the existing roof without seams, brackets, or metal, blending in while providing exceptional functionality at the same time.
HotEdge can be applied to any area prone to snow movement
Whether it’s a roof valley, a shingle roof, or an area that’s tough to access, HotEdge can be easily installed to ensure heat is evenly distributed so that snow melts in small amounts in order to protect people, pets, landscaping, or anything else that may lie below. Certain snow guard styles, including a bar-style snow guard, won’t give you as many options.
HotEdge products are energy-efficient
HotEdge’s heating cables are strategically placed within all products to use less energy than similar products on the market. They melt more snow at a lower cost to you, making them both cost-and energy-efficient.
HotEdge: the best solution for ice dams
If you’ve been searching for the best solution for recurring ice dams, look no further than HotEdge. With a wide-ranging line of products to address the unique needs of many types of roofs, HotEdge is trusted by everyone from homeowners to building managers. You can even find our products in sports arenas, hospitals, colleges and universities, and countless other buildings across the country. HotEdge is easy to maintain and more durable than other options on the market.
Our team of experts is happy to discuss your needs and answer any questions you may have about a HotEdge installation for your property. Call us at (303) 578-4989 or email us at support@hotedge.com to get started on a free quote for your project today.
Sources
- Metal Roof Snow Guards: Does Your Roof Need A Snow Retention System Retrieved from https://www.westernstatesmetalroofing.com/blog/metal-roof-snow-guards
- Will Snow Guards Damage My Metal Roof? Retrieved from https://blog.s-5.com/blog/will-snow-guards-damage-my-metal-roof
- Solved! How to Prevent and Remove Ice Dams Retrieved from https://www.bobvila.com/articles/ice-dams/