Roof De-icing

ProLine Self-regulating Heat Trace Cable

In recent years, ProLine Radiant has nearly doubled its production of heat trace cable. In addition to the track record and performance capabilities of the heat cable, building professionals have come to appreciate the ease of working with ProLine’s professional team of radiant heat system designers, trainers, and technical support staff. With each system, customers are able to rely on a team of experts who stand beside their customers throughout the installation process

ProLine’s versatile heat trace cable has proven to be ideal for a variety of roof de-icing applications (as well as pipe freeze prevention systems). Because of its ease of installation, effectiveness, and affordability, self-regulating heat trace cable systems have been a favorite among home and business owners. The heat trace systems can prevent a host of roof de-icing problems. While these de-icing systems don’t usually keep entire eaves free of snow and ice, they successfully provide channels for the runoff, thereby effectively eliminating ice dams, and allowing a path for the water to reach the roof gutters.

For more details about ice dams, visit ProLine’s roof de-icing web page that explains how ice dams are formed. Understanding how ice dams form helps homeowners know what steps to take to minimize or eliminate the factors that contribute to their development. Preventing problems from occurring is a whole lot easier and more affordable than dealing with the aftermath of a problem (such as structural or water damage).

Heated roof edges with self-regulating heat cable.
Self-regulating heat cable installed along roof edges.

A few years after I moved into my first home, I noticed one area on my roof where ice dams tended to develop. I know how destructive roof ice dams can be. They don’t look too threatening along the roof eaves, but underneath that pretty white snow lurks a quiet, surprisingly destructive force.

As warm air escapes from the home into a poorly insulated attic, it rises and gradually begins to warm the roof itself. Slowly, the underlying snow begins to melt. The water trickles down the roof toward the gutters. But, because the warm air doesn’t reach the roof eave, the roof is much colder, especially at night. When the runoff reaches the eaves, it eventually refreezes. When this process repeats, a wall of ice forms, and water begins to pool behind the “dam”. That water can seep into the tiniest cracks and imperfections on the roof. At night, when the water behind the ice dam refreezes, it expands. This can affect the existing anomalies and increase the size of the imperfections. The repeated freeze/thaw process can eventually threaten the integrity of the roof and shingles.

Needless to say, I didn’t want to deal with roof or water damage, so I looked into a way where I could eliminate the problem without spending a lot of money. Self-regulating heat cable was the answer.

ProLine system designers created the ideal solution for me. It was simple, easy to install, and very effective. The heat cable eliminated the possibility of ice dams, so now I don’t have to worry about any issues in those FORMER trouble spots.

Self-regulating heat cable installed along roof eave.
Self-regulating heat cable installed along roof eaves to prevent ice dams.

The self-regulating cable’s outer jacket features UV-stabilized thermoplastic elastomer to protect the irradiated conductive core. The self-regulating property allows the conductive core to increase heat output as the temperature falls and decrease output when the temperature rises. This feature ensures energy-efficient operation, and prevents the cable from overheating, even if the cables touch.

ProLine offers free installation training, system design, and technical support for installers. This is rare for a wholesale provider to offer these services. But that’s why contractors and professional builders repeated use ProLine. Not only are they assured of received top quality products at wholesale prices, but they receive the support they need to ensure their success, and that their customers are satisfied.

For more information

ProLine offers a variety of industry-leading roof de-icing products and solutions. For more information about ProLine’s self-regulating heat cable, contact a roof heating / pipe trace professional today. Call 866-676-9276 today.