Radiant snow melt in a roof application

Rich_3

I have a customer who requested some snow melt in a porch roof area. I do not like to re-invent the wheel, so I would like any opinions on control strategy, piping, etc.

My first thought is a plate heat exchanger and antifreeze, I am open for piping ideas.

Thanks for your help.

Respectfully,

Rich

Mark Wolff

Roof snow melt

The only snowmelt you would possibly want would be on the eaves if you have extreme snow loads in your area and are concerned about it falling on someone below. Snow will act as an insulator and can be beneficial in that regard.

There are electric snow melt units available for the roof at any of the big box supply houses. They would be most applicable in this situation.

heretic

radiant roof

After spending 3 hours shoveling my roof last week, I was thinking about this same thing. Local schools were closed an extra day so that the roofs could be cleared (by hand) to prevent collapse. Businesses had to close. One structure actually did collapse...

I think the control strategy is the least of the concerns.
Roofing materials used, placing the tubing, making sure there is no ice damming or clogged gutters...
These would seem to be the tougher issues.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Think you would also have to watch out for icicle formation. Start melting a bunch of snow off the roof in cold weather and I think you'd run the risk of creating some REALLY big icicles that could either tear off guttering or become a genuine and serious safety hazard.