Can anyone recommend products that can be used in a cold, snowy climate to prevent snow from sliding off a metal roof? Because of the construction manner of this particular home, snowguards can not be used. Are there other products/manufacturers available to remove/melt the snow so that it drips off the roof rather than sliding off? The slide off is occuring on the cold side of the house and sitting next to the exterior wall, where all the incoming water lines are located. Needless to say, the water lines are freezing. Any suggestions for keeping polybutelene water supply lines from freezing? All help or suggestions are welcome. Thanks D. Balcom [email protected]
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D. - More info on why no snowguards needed. Snojax, for instance, are clear plastic and adhesive-applied and they work. There are other solutions - please tell us more about why snowguards won't work.
T. Jeffery Clarke
Jeff,
Why no snowguards? The homeowner's father built the house early 1960's and the homeowner feels that quite a few liberities might have been used in the father's construction methods, translation: the roof probably wouldn't hold the wait of the accumlated snow/ice. I don't totally agree, but as they say "the customer is always right" so I am investigating other solutions. The snow on the roof is only one element to the problem of the freezing pipes, but the solutions to the other elements have already been addressed adequately. Have you got an address or phone number for this manufacturer of these Sno-Jaks you mentioned? Maybe they carry other products that might be used under these circumstances. Thanks for you reply and by the way, my latin is very rusty, how about a translation of your last comment.
D. B.
The snow should not be freezing the water lines. Snow normally keeps the ground from freezing, acting like a blanket of insulation. Around here snowless winters are the times that give plumbers fits. Your water lines need to be deeper or better insulated.
Thanks for your input. You are correct. The snow is not the primary cause of the water pipes freezing. But it is an item that needs to be addressed. Currently the water pipes are about 3 to 4 feet deep, which is the depth required in our area. Unfortunately the cutoff box to this house sits directly in line with the area where the snow slides off, melts and then forms one hugh block of ice that remains until late spring. (it was April 15th this year before it finally disappeared). The ice melts slowly into the cutoff box and the ground around it, wets the insulation and then freezes the insulation causing more problems. These additional problems are being taken care of, but the roof situation needs to be addressed also. Got any sources who might manufacture products that might solve or reduce the problem? Although I do not totally agree with the customer about not using snowguards, I must respect his wishes and seek alternative solutions.
D. at NM88317
DB - Click here for more info. I only use these on commercial projects, but they are easy to apply and work well. The aesthetics are not residential, even though they claim to be 'invisible.' Just an example. Regarding snow load, if the house was designed to meet code then it should handle the minor amount of surcharge weight from backed up snow.T. Jeffery Clarke
Quidvis Recte Factum Quamvis Humile Praeclarum
Jeff,
Thanks for the info on snowjaks.
D at NM 88317
The water line should not freeze if it comes from below the frost line to a stop and drain valve. If your house is unheated when you are away then you can drain your pipes to prevent freeze damage.
If you don't want to use something like "Snojax" or something similsr then consider a comp roof. They are less prone to unload and if your roof is engineered to handle the load then comp is a good heavy snow country roof. The home must be designed for a metal roof. Entries must be on gable ends so you don't have to shovel when the roof unloads. Valleys are a no no with metal roofs. The snow builds up in valleys and crushes the ribs on the roofing panels. That means simple box shape gable roofs without gable dormers. Shed dormers are OK with a metal roof.
Mike
Myci,
Thanks for the info.
D at NM 88317