System specification

Every application is individually specified to ensure that the most suitable system is provided. Heat Mat offers the widest range of ice and snow protection systems in the UK, and whatever your requirements there is likely to be a suitable system to meet them.

Different heating systems

The main ice and snow melting systems required on roofs are used to ensure that gutters, valleys and other drainage channels remain clear and free-flowing during extreme conditions. Alternative systems can be used to ensure roof-based walkways and fire escape routes are kept free of ice and snow or to keep individual roof areas free of ice and snow. Heat Mat does not offer design services for mitigation systems for snowdrift melting and snow-loading reduction, but is able to supply heating cables and fixings suitable for these types of project if desired.

Trace heating vs. constant-wattage cables

Although trace heating cables are entirely suitable for heating roofs, 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 roof and gutter heating system that also has an expected life of more than 25 years.

Roof heating accessories

In addition to the roof heating cables, Heat Mat have a comprehensive range of fitting accessories, to allow the simple installation of the heating system. These accessories include specialist cable fixing bands and anchor points that can be firmly attached to the roof, with the specialist adhesives that Heat Mat supplies. For the gutter heating systems, Heat Mat provide gutter 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.

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.

The costs of operating a roof heating system vary considerably depending on how they are used. In many years there would be no requirement to power them up at all, unless significant snow was expected. In fact, a layer of snow on a roof acts as a great insulator, lowering the heating bills of the building below. 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 clear of water once they are first cleared.