MaxPark
Registered Users
Posts:8
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| 07/15/2008 1:19 PM |
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| I am in the middle of an extensive remodeling project on an older home. The roof is the next area I'd like to tackle. I get heavy snowfall in my area, so I'd like to install a radiant system in the eaves to melt snow. Can I put radiant heat under a metal roof? |
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BadgerBoilerMN
Registered Users
Posts:69
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| 07/15/2008 1:28 PM |
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You can put radiant heat under a metal roof, but it is rarely necessary. Unless you have a snow retention device or a shallow slope I can't think of a good reason to melt snow.
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MA
www.badgerboilerservice.com |
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warmsmeallup
Registered Users
Posts:76
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| 07/16/2008 8:44 PM |
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| Sure you can. It isn't cheap but it's the only system that works from under the metal. Just search google for "metal roof snow and ice melting". Heatizon is the manufacturer and hey have distributors around the country. |
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Comfort Radiant Heating |
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radiantbarrier
Registered Users
Posts:28
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| 07/17/2008 7:50 AM |
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| You might want to try installing a radiant barrier on the inside of the attic first. attach it to the bottom of the rafters. Let the sun and the metal do the work for you. It would be much less money. www.GreenInsulationProducts.com |
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HandyHammer
Registered Users
Posts:32
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| 07/17/2008 11:55 PM |
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I have talked to Heatizon in the past and was advised NOT to put their product under metal roofs. They said Zmesh has the potential of creating fire hazards if their product accidentally touches the flashing or any other metal I suppose. That was enough to make me look elsewhere. My liability insurance is high enough just to climb a ladder and stand on a roof. Not sure what would happen to my rates if I started a fire.
MaxPark: I would suggest a good insulation and quality roofing materials. If you need heat shop around. There are also some solar ideas that might work. Even a small on-demand electric boiler with a mini hydronic loop might do the trick. |
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warmsmeallup
Registered Users
Posts:76
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| 07/18/2008 3:17 AM |
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"handy"
You are correct, Zmesh is NOT for under metal roofs. Never has been. However, apparently you haven't spoken to them in the past... I don't know, 3 years! They do have a system for under metal. It uses their Tuff Cable element and a heat sink system, not Zmesh and it works better than any other system for it's intended purpose. I'd direct you there or to our site for actual jobsite pictures but it's against site rules.
A little more homework, a lot less condemnation. |
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Comfort Radiant Heating |
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BadgerBoilerMN
Registered Users
Posts:69
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| 07/18/2008 7:31 AM |
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| I would look at your operating cost before using ANY electric snow melting system. Mine are 90% hydronic here in MN, operating at 1/3 the cost of my electric systems. |
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MA
www.badgerboilerservice.com |
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BigIrishInstall
Registered Users
Posts:3
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| 07/18/2008 12:05 PM |
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Metal roofs can definately get a little tricky. From the comments above I do know that the Heatizon system using Tuff Cable and heat sink works pretty well for roof deicing but all in all can be an extemely expensive venture. Panels are bulky and do raise the roof around 5/8" but nonetheless does work. I know there is another product out there similar to Bylin called "Roof Heat". If you are replacing a metal roof or would like to retro fit with a top mount product I have had great luck with this system. They can color match your current roof or will custom design a complete heated metal roof system. I dont think there is ever an inexpensive way to tackle a roof but definately are many options available if your budget is there. Genrally, if gutters and downspouts are free of ice and snow you can eliminate the majority of your problems. Some metal roofs spec. gutters some dont.
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Brandon Weaver
Registered Users
Posts:3
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| 07/18/2008 4:51 PM |
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| There are alo to f ways to skin a cat. Metal roofs do present an unique problem. Zmesh is a great product but can not be used under metal roofs. The cable works, but requires you to raise the roof to accommodate the material to embed the tuff cable. BigIrishInstall is correct in mentioning the Roof Heat product. This product is a metal encasing that has heating cable inside. It can be powder coated to match your existing roof. Also, you can use our T-Zone system, which IS a metal roof with the heating cable encased in the ribs or seams. Once again, this can be powder coated to match your existing roof. Go to www.warmzone.com for details. |
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Brandon
www.warmzone.com
888-488-9276 |
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warmsmeallup
Registered Users
Posts:76
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| 07/18/2008 8:10 PM |
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Maxpark
The answer to your question is still Yes, you can heat under metal roofs. You are being given the wrong information in some cases here so I will still advise you to do your own homeowork on both products, Heatizon and Bylin and decide for yourself. |
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Comfort Radiant Heating |
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HandyHammer
Registered Users
Posts:32
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| 07/18/2008 9:42 PM |
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Wrong information? It sounds like everyone here is speaking from experience and research.
Please explain?
Everyone here respects opinions and first hand experiences using a variety of products and solutions.
Express your views and facts as a professional NOT as an evangelist. :)
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warmsmeallup
Registered Users
Posts:76
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| 07/18/2008 11:26 PM |
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I said in the beginning that an under-metal roof snow melting system isn't an inexpensive option, but it works to stop the problem that the owner is looking to acheive.
However, if you ( and only you, of course) insist:
Heatizon's under metal kit raises the metal roof surface 1/4", not 5/8". That's a better than 100% over "exaggeration".
The product being touted as something cheaper actually often costs more psf then Heatizon's system.
The self regulating cable that uses line voltage to melt snow used inside the metal box that makes up the design only carries a 10 year warranty and it has to be meggar checked and submitted to Bylin for inspection on installation before obtaining the warranty. I may be wrong about this part, I'm sure you'll correct me with the facts, but I believe that a yearly meggar recheck is required to maintain the 10 year warranty. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any part of this.
Heatizon's is 25 years, non-prorated, no meggar checking required.
Heatizon's system IS and under metal roof system and has absolutely no effect on the laying of the metal designed roof over the system, short of preventing snow from building at all.
Bylin's product is a metal roof edge replacement product so, naturally, color choice is required to match the existing roof's color choice.
What else would you like to know the facts about? |
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Comfort Radiant Heating |
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MaxPark
Registered Users
Posts:8
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| 07/21/2008 5:37 PM |
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| thanks to all of you for the great suggestions. I definitely need to do a lot of research before I get started on this project. You've given me a great place to start and a lot of things I should consider first. |
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