Snow melt system for metal roof

[Bigrhamr]

Here's the scenario: 4-12 pitch metal roof over OSB, vented and un heated attic space. I'm wondering if it's possible or practical to put some runs of pex under the OSB for snowmelt. It seems like you wouldn't need a lot of heat, if there was just enough to start melting the bottom of the snow it would slide off. Is this ever done?

 

[Gary S]

I think you are wasting your time. Steel roofs are slippery. Expect the snow to slide off by itself anytime the sun shines on it. If it doesn't, leave it in place. Snow is one of the best insulating materials you can have on your roof. A properly designed roof will handle up to 2 feet of snow before it is a risk from the weight. (I know because I had that much on my garage roof last January.)

 

[Bigrhamr]

This is more of a theoretical question for me. I overbuilt so don't expect any problems. Even so last year with record snowfalls in a short time in my area a lot of buildings came down and a lot of people worked around the clock shoveling snow off roofs, and a few died from heart attacks in the process. So it seems there might be some value to it, just wonder if it would work.

 

[72Tunaboat]

I havent seen it done before, but it should be possible.

One thing to factor in though. Since the tubing will not be in an uninsulated space. you will need to run Glycol in the system to keep the tube from freezing.

Seems to me that it would be a fair amount of work for something thats not really necessary. Just my opinion though.

 

[rsanter]

what about using that thin electric heating elements like used under a tile floor.
install between the osb and the metal roof. you should only need to turn it on for a little bit and the snow should slide right off

bob

 

[CraigFL]

I think you would be better off just changing the pitch to 12:12

Freeze-thaw on the roof will create ice dams. Let gravity be your friend...