Gutter and downpipe systems in Polish climate conditions require protection against snow and ice. Low temperatures in autumn, winter, and often in spring contribute to gutter freezing, which can cause them to become blocked and water to flow down the façade. How to protect gutter systems from freezing? We invite you to review the available solutions.
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Consequences of not protecting gutter systems from snow and ice
Proper protection of roofs against snow and ice accumulation affects the condition of the building and the safety of its users. Snow that thaws and refreezes gradually destroys the roof covering and slides down in whole blocks, which poses a serious threat to people staying near the property. Similarly, icicles falling off the roof, balustrades and gutters.
Freezing gutters lose their permeability, which causes meltwater to flow down the façade, which leads to the slow destruction of the walls and ceilings of the building. While natural melting is a beneficial phenomenon, as it prevents the destruction of gutters by sliding snow and ice, meltwater can refreeze in gutters, which contributes to the formation of blockages and the deformation and damage of individual elements. Of course, the effects of the lack of protection of gutter systems against snow and ice will depend on local climatic conditions.
However, most gutter system designers and installers recommend installing gutter heating – despite the relatively mild winters in recent years. It is also worth remembering that manufacturers of modern gutter systems often require the installation of heating to meet the conditions of warranty protection.
Types of Gutter Protection in Winter
Special electric heating cables, mounted on the inside of gutters and downpipes using dedicated brackets, are used to effectively protect gutters against the secondary freezing of meltwater and against accumulating snow and ice.
There are constant resistance heating cables with constant power and self-regulating cables available on the market (read more about this in the next paragraph). They should be connected to the electrical installation using a power cable and a sleeve.
The heating cable is structurally similar to an electric floor heating cable. However, it is protected against external factors and UV radiation. External heating cables can be used for gutters and downpipes made of both plastic and metal, with a semicircular, square or any other cross-section.
It is worth equipping the installation with an appropriate sensor and controller, which will allow for automatic control of gutter heating. When the sensor detects a drop in air temperature below the set value, excessive air humidity or icing, the heating system is activated. In order to provide gutters and pipes with maximum protection against freezing water, the electric heating system should be combined with high-quality, properly made thermal insulation.
Constant resistance cables and self-regulating cables
In systems for protecting gutters and pipes from freezing, similarly to underfloor heating systems, self-regulating heating cables or constant resistance heating cables are used. Self-regulating heating cables have the ability to automatically limit and regulate the heating power along their entire length depending on external conditions.
They therefore provide an optimal temperature range for heated surfaces. They do not pose a risk of overheating or burning. They are a more modern and technologically advanced solution than the commonly used constant resistance cables, but also - as you might guess - more expensive. Constant resistance electric systems heat evenly along their entire length.
We encourage designers, installers and service technicians of gutter systems and rainwater management systems to familiarize themselves with the offer of the Onninen wholesaler. Our assortment includes, among others, plastic gutters and heating cables and mats in many different variants, includingexternal heating mats . In case of questions, qualified technical and sales advisors are available to help professionals.