How Do Roof Heating Coils Work

This self adhesive coil makes it very easy to install especially for a diyer who has some comfort on a ladder.

How do roof heating coils work.

It s just another way of saying heat cable or heat tape. Roof deicing cables come in a variety of forms including a particularly user friendly version commonly called ice tape. Before the melted snow runs off the roof however it refreezes right near the edge over the eaves. Heat cables work best when installed inside of the gutter.

As with other names roof heat wire gets its name from the perception of its intended function. Hvac systems usually include an evaporator coil in the indoor unit. They form when snow melts in warmer areas of the roof sending water running down toward the edge. When heat cables are installed on the roof s edge a few additional challenges are created and the same problem remains that when the melted snow hits the cold gutter it will likely refreeze and build on top of your gutter.

Heat cables and radiant panel roof ice melt systems should generally be energized between 10 and 34 degrees. Heat cable heat tape heat wire they re different names that mean the same thing. Like many products deicing cables are only effective if installed properly. As more and more water melts down the roof and refreezes at these locations ice builds up and forms a blockage or dam.

These are the temps at which ice dams form and the heat cables will work best of course best is a relative term in connection with hardware store heat cables. The coils are what increase or decrease the temperature and pressure of the coolant gas or liquid before passing it to another section of the hvac system. When it reaches the eaves where the temperature of the roof is colder the water refreezes. Once a rooftop ac unit is installed cool low pressure refrigerant arrives at the compressor as a gas and then compresses into a hot high pressure gas as it flows into the condenser coil.

There the metal fins on the coil absorb and disperse the heat and the condenser fan blows the exhaust away from the building. They re hot wires that run up and down your roof to melt snow and prevent ice buildup on your overhangs and in. Warmed by heat rising up from below accumulated snow on the roof begins to melt.