Winter brings more than snow-covered rooftops, it brings risk. For property owners and facility managers, ice dams are one of the most common and costly cold-weather problems, often leading to water damage, structural issues, and unexpected repair bills.
Drexan’s roof and gutter de-icing systems are engineered to prevent these issues before they start by keeping water flowing, roofs protected, and buildings performing all winter long.
What Causes Ice Dams?
Ice dams form when:
- Snow melts on warmer sections of a roof
- Meltwater flows down toward colder eaves
- Water refreezes at the roof edge, forming a barrier.
As this cycle repeats, ice builds up and traps water behind it. With nowhere to go, water can seep under shingles and into the building envelope.
The result: Leaks, insulation damage, mold growth, and costly repairs.
How Drexan De-Icing Systems Prevent Ice Dams
By installing self-regulating heat tracing cables along roof edges, in gutters, and inside downspouts, Drexan”s trace heating systems:
- Maintain open drainage pathways for melting snow
- Prevent refreezing at critical roof areas
- Reduce heavy ice buildup along eaves and gutters
- Ensure consistent water flow safely off the roof.
Rather than trying to melt all the snow on your roof, Drexan’s cables and connection systems are designed to control where melting occurs eliminating the conditions that create ice dams in the first place.
Why Self-Regulating Trace Heating Cables Matter
Drexan’s self-regulating cables automatically adjust their heat output based on surrounding temperatures, providing:
- Energy efficiency: Heat is only applied where and when it’s needed
- Reliable performance: Consistent protection during fluctuating weather
- Reduced maintenance: Systems operate without constant monitoring.
It’s a smarter, more efficient way to manage winter conditions without overconsumption or guesswork.
The Real Cost of Ice Dams
Without proper protection, ice dams can increase the likelihood of:
- Roof and shingle damage
- Interior water leaks and ceiling repairs
- Insulation and drywall replacement
- Mold remediation
- Gutter and fascia deterioration.
A properly designed de-icing system helps eliminate these risks turning reactive repairs into proactive protection.
Where Roof and Gutter De-Icing Systems Deliver the Most Value
Drexan roof and gutter systems are ideal for:
- Residential homes with recurring ice dam issues
- Commercial buildings with complex rooflines
- Facilities with critical operations that cannot afford downtime
- Properties in regions with frequent freeze-thaw cycles.
Whether it’s a home, multi-unit development, or industrial facility, maintaining proper drainage is key to long-term performance.
Take A Proactive Approach to Winter Protection
Ice dams don’t need to be inevitable. With the right system in place, they can be prevented entirely.
If you’ve experienced ice dams or want to prevent them before they happen Drexan can help.
Learn more about our Roof and Gutter De-icing systems.
Download our free Roof and Gutter /Snow Melting Design Guide.
