- What problems can a roof deicing solve?
Your roof deicing system will prevent ice dams.
On warm days, the snow will start to melt. If the temperature drops below 32°F (evenings or freeze/thaw cycles), the melt water will refreeze along the edge of your roof and create an ice dam. Ice dams can also occur if you don't have enough ceiling insulation and your indoor air temperature warms the underside of your roof.
A roof deicing system will create a heated drain path for melt water. For best performance, install heating cables (with drips into the gutter) along the roof edge, up the valleys, inside of the gutters, and looped inside of the downspouts.
- What is the difference between a MPS and an DTC120-G control?
The MPS control uses our single-sided RG moisture sensor with an attached thermistor. The MPS control panel monitors conditions at the sensors every 75 minutes. The roof deicing system will start when ambient temperature falls below 40°F and moisture is sensed on the RG sensor. When one of the conditions at the sensors ceases, the roof deicing system will continue to operate for 75 minutes, and then shut off.
The DTC120-G control uses our OTS-F5 ambient thermostat and up to four separate dual-sided GS moisture sensors. The DTC control panel monitors conditions at the sensors every 35 minutes. The roof deicing system will start when ambient temperature falls below 40°F and moisture is sensed on one of the GS sensors. When one of the conditions at the sensors ceases, the roof deicing system will continue to operate for 35 minutes, and then shut off.
- Both controllers require a 120 volt input and can be wired to one of the Delta-Therm panels.
- The MPS control panel contains a 24 amp N.O. relay and is housed in a NEMA 4X enclosure.
- The DTC control panel contains a 20 am N.O. relay and is housed in a NEMA 1 enclosure.
- All wiring to the sensors is low voltage.
- Will the system melt all of the snow on my roof?
A roof deicing system will create a heated drain path for melt water to drain off of your roof. A roof deicing system is not designed to relieve snow loads and will not melt all of the snow off of your roof.
- Are there any temperature limitations that I need to be aware of?
Yes. M.I. roof deicing cable assemblies have a maximum sheath temperature of 140°F and self-regulating roof deicing cables have a maximum sheath temperature of 189°F. The sheath temperature of self-regulating cable may melt some rubber membrane materials. Please check with the rubber membrane roof manufacturer for maximum exposure temperature of the material before ordering.
- What type of roof materials can I install the roof deicing cables on?
Asphalt, copper, standing seam metal, slate, rubber membrane, and terra cotta tiles. We do not recommend installing roof deicing cables on cedar shake or wooden materials.