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What are Snow & Ice Restraint Systems?
Snow and ice restraint systems are rooftop devices that allow snow and ice to drop off in small amounts or melt completely before fallling to the ground. They prevent damage caused by avalanching snow and ice that is typical for sloped roofs that have a smooth surface; ie: metal roofs, standing seam metal roofs, slate roofs, etc.
Won’t Gutters Cause Ice Dam’s?
Ice dams occur when snow buildup melts during the day and refreezes when temperatures drop overnight. Snow melt on the roof is assisted by heat-loss through the attic. The water from the snow melt then refreezes when it reaches the cold surface over the soffit, where it begins to form a ridge of ice (see illustration below). After several days of this melting-freezing cycle, the ridge of ice can become significant enough to retain water on the roof behind it. Ice dams are typically the result of inadequate insulation and/or ventilation. Properly installed insulation will reduce the heat-loss into attic space from living-space, however, ventilation is the most often overlooked factor. Keeping the attic-space well ventilated will maintain a cool dry underside of the roof. This will discourage the melting of the snow on the roof from any heat-loss. A properly insulated and ventilated attic will not only prevent ice-damming, it will save money in heating and cooling costs.
Clean your gutters every year to allow them to function properly.
Why Should I invest in Rain Gutters?
The comfort of being able to enter and exit your home without getting soaked is the most obvious reason for getting rain gutters. But the advantages go much further than simple convenience. Let’s start from the bottom. Properly installed rain gutters will direct rain water run off way from the buildings foundation where it may leak into the basement, or cause damage to the foundation itself by causing it to heave or settle. Rain gutters will prevent damage to landscaping, steps, decks, and walkway pavers by eliminating the “sheet” of water that falls from your roofline. The damage caused to siding, doors, thresholds, and garage doors due to splash-back can be eliminated with a properly installed rain gutter system. The next benefit, until recently has been harder to recognize. When most people picture rain gutters, they see the old galvanized gutter with rusty bottoms and hanging sections, or plastic sectional gutters with pieces missing and leaking seams. Now, with the help of the seamless gutter machine, and Worth’s quality installation using only .032” aluminum in over 20 colors, and Copper gutters can now add to the look as well as the value of your home.
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