Snow and ice on your roof can cause major problems during the winter. Too much snow can actually collapse a flat roof, and ice buildup around the rim of the roof can block gutters and cause water to seep into your home. That's why some owners find it worthwhile to install heat mats and other products on their roofs to melt the excessive winter precipitation and allow the water to drain safely and gradually. Read on to learn more about heat mats and how they can protect your home.

Automatically Melt Troublesome Snow and Ice

When people think about their heat and air conditioning systems, they're usually thinking about their home interiors. But in the winter, you can also use strategic heating elements to help prevent problems with snow and ice buildup. One option is to put heat mats under your roof to keep the surface warm enough to melt snow or ice accumulation. Another trick is to run heat cables over the roof and along the gutters.

Since you have to take up the shingles to install heat mats, they are most economical when you are building a new home or are planning to replace the roof anyway. Cables are easier to install and are more flexible, so you have options like lining your gutters all the way down to the ground to prevent ice blockages. Many heat mats also come with sensors so they can switch on automatically when the temperature and moisture levels pass a certain threshold.

The Pros and Cons of Heating Elements on the Roof

Of course, you can always address excessive snow and ice on the roof by climbing up to remove it manually, but that can be a strenuous and dangerous process. Chipping ice off of a gutter could require standing in an awkward position on a ladder in cold, windy conditions, and if you walk on the roof itself, you risk slipping on the ice and sustaining a serious injury.

That's why some consumers find it worth the initial expense and effort of installing heating elements, especially in colder climates. There are also small ongoing costs associated with heat mats and cables since they do require low voltage power to function.

Rely on the Experts for Your Heat and Air Conditioning Needs

To look into getting heat mats or cables for your roof, or for any other heat and air conditioning needs, contact the HVAC experts today.