Snow Melt Systems for Snow Drift on Existing Roofs?
Snow Melt Systems for Snow Drift on Existing Roofs?
(OP)
Hello,
Do any of you have experience using radiant heat cables or other means of eliminating snow drift loading on an existing building roof? Does it work? Do Codes allow this? Any links to websites?
I'd like to use this type of solution, if possible, to avoid extensive joist and deck reinforcement of a very large area with many interferences.
Thanks.
-JCali
Do any of you have experience using radiant heat cables or other means of eliminating snow drift loading on an existing building roof? Does it work? Do Codes allow this? Any links to websites?
I'd like to use this type of solution, if possible, to avoid extensive joist and deck reinforcement of a very large area with many interferences.
Thanks.
-JCali






RE: Snow Melt Systems for Snow Drift on Existing Roofs?
You can melt the snow to avoid drifting that blocks views, exposes windows to snow, etc., but not to avoid the load structurally. This makes sense because in a severe snowstorm you run the risk of power loss and subsequent overload of a non-drift capacity roof.
RE: Snow Melt Systems for Snow Drift on Existing Roofs?
RE: Snow Melt Systems for Snow Drift on Existing Roofs?
RE: Snow Melt Systems for Snow Drift on Existing Roofs?
RE: Snow Melt Systems for Snow Drift on Existing Roofs?
RE: Snow Melt Systems for Snow Drift on Existing Roofs?
RE: Snow Melt Systems for Snow Drift on Existing Roofs?
When adding on to a building, sometimes we have been able to get the architect to have the addition macth the existing roof height for a distance equal to the drift length and then increase the height of the new roof. That way all of your snow drift stays on new construction.
I agree with JAE. If you rely on snow melt, there is an excellent chance you will lose power when you need it the most. I doubt you would get approval from a building official.
RE: Snow Melt Systems for Snow Drift on Existing Roofs?
RE: Snow Melt Systems for Snow Drift on Existing Roofs?
-JCali