Yes, it is possible to heat a roof to melt snow. This can be an effective way to remove snow and ice without having to manually shovel the roof. There are a few different methods that can be used to heat a roof and melt snow:
- Electric roof heating cables – These are cables that are installed directly on the roof underneath the shingles or other roofing material. When powered on, they heat up to melt snow on contact.
- Electric heat tape – This is a removable heating “tape” product that can be temporarily attached to the roof edge and plugged in to melt snow and ice dams.
- Heated roof panels – Some metal roofing panels have built-in conductive heating elements that can be plugged in to heat the entire roof surface.
- Propane or natural gas powered roof heaters – These portable outdoor heaters direct warm forced air upwards onto the roof to melt snow.
Heating cables and tapes are good for preventing ice dams on roof edges and valleys, while heated panels and propane heaters are better for removing snow from the entire roof surface. When using any roof heating method, thermostats and sensors should be used to regulate the temperature and prevent overheating.
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Factors to Consider
When deciding whether to install a roof heating system to melt snow, there are several factors to take into account:
- Climate – Frequent heavy snowfalls make roof heating more beneficial.
- Roof type – Pitched or flat roofs are more prone to snow accumulation.
- Roof material – Metal and other slick surfaces tend to shed snow while shingles allow snow to stick.
- Accessibility – A high or difficult to reach roof makes removing snow more challenging.
- Roof size – Larger roofs require more energy to heat.
- Budget – Installing a permanent heating system costs more than temporary solutions.
- Effectiveness – Roof heat may not always fully clear heavy packed snow or ice dams.
Areas that get regular winter precipitation are the best candidates for installing roof heating systems. The roof type and material also play a role. Heating costs can be a drawback, so it helps if the roof is easily accessible by outlets to plug in temporary heat tapes.
Electric Roof Heating Cables
Electric heating cables provide an efficient way to melt snow on roofs. Here is an overview of this roof heating method:
- Heating Elements – Cables contain internal resistive wiring that heats up when energized.
- Installation – Cables typically attach under shingles and along roof edges, valleys, and trouble spots using clips.
- Temperature – Cables heat up to around 200°F, enough to melt snow and ice on contact.
- Roof Types – Compatible with shingle, metal, tile, and flat roof types.
- Cost – DIY kits start around $200. Professional installation averages $3,000.
- Energy Use – Runs 10 to 15 watts per linear foot. A timer or sensor turns it on/off as needed.
- Safety – Built-in thermal sensors prevent overheating and fire risks.
Heating cable systems require professional installation for proper wiring and placement. They can be an effective method for keeping roof edges and other areas clear of dangerous ice dams on snowy roofs.
Electric Heat Tape
For temporary snow melting, electric heat tape provides a removable option:
- Portable – Tape plugs into outlets and can be moved as needed each season.
- Application – Applied to roof edges, eaves, valleys, and trouble spots prone to ice dams.
- Easy Install – Self-adhesive and flexible, heat tape sticks to most roofing types.
- Temperature – Heats surfaces up to around 150°F to melt snow and ice on contact.
- Cost – DIY kits average $50 to $150 for materials.
- Energy Use – Typically uses around 13 watts per linear foot when turned on.
While not as durable as permanent heating cables, heat tape offers an inexpensive and temporary deicing solution that can be used on demand for problem roof areas.
Heated Roof Panels
Heated metal roofing incorporates concealed heating elements:
- Built-In Heating – Panels contain electric resistive wiring or heated cores.
- Full Coverage – Heats the entire roof surface rather than just edges.
- Under Roofing – Installed and wired underneath metal roofing material.
- Temperature – Heats up to 50°F above the ambient temperature.
- Cost – $10 to $20 per square foot of roofing installed.
- Energy Use – Draws around 5 to 10 watts per square foot.
- Benefits – Clears snow/ice over full roof. Melt water can drain freely.
Heated roof panels provide seamless snow melting coverage for the entire roof. However, the roofing must be replaced with compatible heated metal panels. This is one of the most effective but costly roof heating options.
Gas Roof Heaters
For temporary snow removal, propane or infrared gas heaters can be used:
- Portable Heaters – Manual or automated propane heaters on stands.
- Infrared Heaters – Mounted tubular heaters that use natural or propane gas.
- Heated Air – Warm forced air is propelled upward onto the roof surface.
- Temperature – Heats the roof area 10°F to 50°F above ambient temperature.
- Energy Use – High, around 25,000 to 150,000 BTUs per portable unit.
- Cost – Heater purchase and rental typically ranges $150 to $500.
- Convenience – Provides temporary snow clearing without roof modifications.
The main benefits of gas roof heaters are that they are portable and provide on-demand snow melting. However, they can be expensive to operate and labor intensive to move into place and monitor.
Snow Melt Comparisons
Here is how the main roof snow melting options compare:
| Method | Temp | Cost | Coverage | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating Cable | Up to 200°F | $$$ | Partial | Professional |
| Heat Tape | Up to 150°F | $ | Partial | DIY |
| Heated Panels | Up to 50°F above ambient | $$$$ | Full roof | Professional |
| Gas Heaters | Up to 50°F above ambient | $$ | Partial | Temporary |
As this comparison shows, permanently installed systems like heating cables and heated panels provide the best coverage but at a higher initial cost. Temporary methods like heat tape and gas heaters are more affordable but offer only partial snow clearing.
Heating Cable Systems
To provide effective snow melting, electric heating cables should be professionally designed and installed. Here are some tips for a successful roof heating cable system:
- Hire an electrician experienced with installing roof heating cables.
- Cables should be certified for exterior use with weatherproof connections.
- Use clips to securely fasten cables in place under shingles/roofing.
- Focus cable placement on roof edges, valleys, and other trouble spots prone to ice dams.
- Include an automatic control system with sensors to regulate cable heating.
- Install cables over a weather barrier but under roofing for best heat transfer.
- Cables require GFCI circuit breakers and proper outdoor electrical wiring.
Correct materials, placement, and installation practices are critical to creating an effective and safe roof heating cable system. Trying to DIY install cables risks moisture damage, electrical hazards, and poor performance if not done properly.
Operating Costs
Operating costs for roof heating systems depend on:
- Size of the roof area being heated
- Type and wattage of heating cables/tapes
- Cost per kWh of electricity in your area
- Amount of time the system runs
As an example, consider a roof with 400′ of heating cable at 15 watts/foot, costing around 15¢ per kWh to run.
– 400′ x 15 watts/ft = 6000 watts (6 kW)
– Running for 8 hours uses 6 kW x 8 hours = 48 kWh
– At 15¢ per kWh, 48 kWh would cost $7.20 to operate for 8 hours.
So for this scenario, it would cost around $7 per day to run the system to melt snow for 8 hours. Costs ultimately depend on run time and electric rates. Using sensors or timers to minimize operating time saves energy.
Installation Costs
Installing electric heating cables, tapes, or panels on a roof has significant upfront costs for materials, labor, and wiring. Here are typical price ranges:
- Heating cables: $200 – $500 DIY kit, $3000+ professional install
- Heat tape: $50 – $150 DIY kit
- Heated roof panels: $10 – $20 per square foot installed
- Electrician – $40 to $100 per hour
A professionally installed, code compliant heating cable system for an average home is around $3000 – $6000. Larger roofs, increased wattage, and more complex wiring raise costs. DIY kits provide some cost savings but may lack safety features and warranties. Heated metal roofing has the highest upfront cost but also the best performance and coverage.
Snow Melt Safety
While heating cables, tapes, and panels can effectively melt snow on roofs, proper installation and use is crucial for safety:
- Overheating could cause fire hazards if controls fail.
- Exposed cables may suffer water and physical damage.
- Electrocution is possible with damaged wires.
- Built-in thermal sensors on cables prevent overheating risks.
- Wires and connections must be weatherproof and outdoor rated.
- Proper grounding provides shock protection from damaged cables.
- GFCI outlets or breakers should be used for added electrical safety.
- Signs/markers should note presence of roof heating components.
Safety certifications like UL, CSA, or ETL help validate quality products that meet electrical safety standards for roof heating systems. Proper installation by a licensed electrician ensures electrical risks are addressed. Homeowners should routinely inspect cables and connections as well. With precautions, roof heating can safely and effectively clear snow.
Conclusion
Roof heating systems provide an effective method for snow and ice removal in winter climates. Heating cable kits offer an affordable DIY option, while heat tape can be used on demand for temporary melting. For full roof coverage, heated metal panels provide the best performance but at a higher cost. Gas heaters allow flexible roof snow melting as needed. With professional installation and proper safety precautions, roof heating can help manage snow buildup risks. The initial purchase and operation costs must be weighed against the benefits of easier snow removal and mitigating ice dam water leaks. For the right climate and roof type, heating systems are a smart way to clear snow and ice.