The hard, smooth surfaces of slate and tile roofs tend to be more prone to major ice slides than standard shingle roofs. The inherent smooth surface of slate and the rigid structure of tiles create an ideal environment for ice to accumulate and slide rapidly.
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As the roof warms during the day, the bottom layer of snow at the surface melts, then re-freezes at night when the temperature falls. After several melting/re-freezing cycles, the unmelted top layer of snow and ice can break away from the bottom layer, sliding off the roof onto whatever lies beneath.
There are several types of snow guards that can prevent ice damming.
Individual snow guards, fabricated from copper and bronze that are fitted in with the slates or tiles in a certain density appropriate for the roof area. The ice forms around the snow guards, which are secured to the roof and will not slide.
A rail type, fitted along the lower edge of the roof with 3 brass pipes mounted in bronze brackets. The pipes stack vertically in the brackets and create a barrier to hold the ice formations above.
Roof heat cables, also known as de-icing cables, can be strategically installed along your roof’s edges, gutters, and downspouts. These create a controlled heat source that helps melt snow and ice, allowing water to flow freely and break up ice dams.
