Paladin for Roof is a self-regulating roof heating cable that can be used for efficient and reliable roof and gutter de-icing. Roof edge ice build-up, eave icing, icicles, and ice dams can all be easily eliminated. Paladin for Roof is suitable for use in gutters, downspouts, and drainage pipes.

One of the common questions we get involving roof de-icing is whether or not you need to freeze protect through the downspout and drain tile. In this video we discuss when to consider doing so and how to best complete the installation.

In many cases you may have to do so. If the drain pipe itself is not below the frost line, or if there is a low spot in that pipe where it does not drain out completely, it can certainly build up with water, ice, causing a freeze. So extending the length of the Paladin into that drain pipe, drain tile, can be a very wise idea. That will just ensure that that meltwater path is being provided.

The length of that heater most time should be based on taking it right to the discharge end of that pipe. That will just ensure that you will have a continuous meltwater path. At the same time if you know where the freezing is actually occurring, you don’t necessarily have to go all the way to the end if you feel it is not necessary, maybe it is because of a low spot and by just simply taking the heater beyond that point can solve that issue.

Meltwater channels are what’s important in roof de-icing and wether we’re directing that water off of a roof into a gutter and a downspout and if that is actually going to continue through a drain tile, you may want to consider freeze protecting that as well.

For further information please visit the Paladin for Roof page.