At a Glance Features

Fully automated prevention of dangerous ice and snow build-up in gutters
Ensure freely draining gutters in all weather conditions
Prevent gutters collapsing due to the weight of ice and snow
Ensure walkways and roads beneath gutters do not suffer from potentially dangerous falling icicles or snow
Avoid the expense of having to structurally strengthen old gutters, if new buildings are built abutting them, by preventing the risk of snowdrifts against the new wall
A wide variety of thermostat and control options suited to each system's individual requirement
A choice between highly cost effective constant Wattage heating cables for standard installations, and high-tech trace heating cables, for situations which require them
Save up to 80% on normal running costs by using our specific gutter moisture sensor, which prevents the system activating unless there is moisture present

Roof and Gutter Protection Factsheet

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Gutter Protection

Category: Gutter Protection

Category: Uncategorized

Heat Mat Ice and Snow Melting systems for Gutters

Scandinavian designed systems to protect people and property

A complete range of heating cables, thermostats and fitting accessories to provide fully automated protection against dangerous ice and snow build-up in gutters and roof drainage channels.

The gutter heating systems ensure that gutters and downpipes do not become blocked by ice and snow and allow melt water from the roof to drain freely. This prevents dangerous icicles or snow build-up forming, that could fall from the roof injuring anyone below, and could also collapse the building's gutters.

Custom made ice and snow melting thermostats monitor the air temperature and can control two separate zones independently to ensure the system works effectively. The addition of moisture sensors in the gutters will cut the running costs by up to 80% by ensuring that the system only heats when it is cold and there is moisture present. Heat Mat supplies a comprehensive range of fitting accessories to allow the simple installation of the heating cables into the gutters and downpipes, and can provide advice and guidance on the most suitable system for your property.

Although a fully automated gutter heating system is preferable in nearly all circumstances, Heat Mat can provide a variety of low cost options where required, and these are particularly suitable for smaller residential applications. One great value option is to install a Heat Mat PipeGuard heater into the gutter so that it creates two parallel runs of heating cable, separated by our gutter installation clips. This will ensure that the gutter is heated for the lowest possible system price and the thermostat on the Heat Mat PipeGuard unit will also ensure the system switches off again once temperatures start to rise.

Improved safety for vehicles and pedestrians below the gutters as the risk of icicle build-up is removed
Reduced maintenance costs from repairing the roof's fabric and replacing collapsed gutters
Automated clearance of ice and snow from gutters, ensuring that Health and Safety requirements can be met and that the first person on site does not have to make the area safe
A number of different sensors and timers can be combined, to ensure that the system only operates when it is required, minimising energy usage
Entirely maintenance free. Once the system is installed, there is no requirement for any maintenance work, and some systems include an automatic alarm, warning if the system fails for whatever reason
A tried and trusted system. These systems have been used in Scandinavia for more than a decade and have proved their worth in extreme temperatures and weather conditions

System specification

From a simple five metre gutter system, through to the gutters on a 20,000m² roof heating project, every application is individually specified to ensure that the most suitable system is offered. Heat Mat offers the widest range of gutter heating systems in the UK, and you can be assured that whatever your requirements there will be a suitable system to meet them.

Trace heating vs. constant wattage cables

Although trace heating cables are entirely suitable for heating gutters, and are occasionally the only option, quality trace heating comes with a premium price tag. To complement our trace heating cable Heat Mat has developed a constant wattage outdoor heating cable for roofs and gutters that is significantly less expensive than self-limiting cable, while remaining UV stable and highly protected against the elements. This provides a great value gutter heating system which also has an expected operating life of more than 25 years.

Gutter heating accessories

In addition to the gutter heating cables Heat Mat have a comprehensive range of fitting accessories to allow the simple installation of the heating system. These accessories include clips for holding the cables in the gutter and spacing them apart, and chains and suspension beams to ensure the downpipes are heated correctly to ensure the safe removal of the melt water. There is also a range of cable fixing bands suitable for fixing cables in drainage valleys and water hoppers.

System life and running costs

All of Heat Mat's roof and gutter heating systems have expected lives of more than 25 years, and there is no reason why they shouldn't operate for more than 50 years. The running costs of the system will depend on the control gear used (moisture sensors reduce running costs by around 80%), the local weather conditions and how much snow there is each winter. For gutter heating systems using a moisture sensor a running cost of around 70p per metre per year or less would be expected in most areas of the UK. Costs in particularly cold parts of the country will actually be less, as the snow will not melt each day therefore the gutters will remain free of ice and water once they are first cleared.

Large projects

For particularly large projects Heat Mat's Ice and Snow melting technical team can visit to work with you and your structural engineer/architect to decide on the most suitable system. This team includes specialists from our U.K. and Danish partners.