Roof & Gutter Heating
Prevent Roof & Gutter Snow & Ice Build Up
Effective and thorough preparation for winter can prevent freezing pipes and damage to plant that would be financially costly and result in lost production – in previous Heat Tracing Blogs we have discussed the application of heat trace cables to provide frost protection to water pipework.
In this Blog T&D look at roof and gutter heating: the problems that poor planning can lead to and how to overcome and prepare for winter challenges with the use of heat tracing cables for the alleviation of ice and snow build-up on roofs and in down gutters.
ASK YOURSELF…..
If the answer is No to any of these questions, contact T&D to discuss your key action steps.
Snow build up on a roof can serious problems to both the roof itself and the building fabric inside as a result of thawing melt water. These are typically divided into the problems from the added weight and then the issues that arise once the snow has begun to thaw.
T&D distribute snow and ice prevention systems that reduce the build up of ice, snow and the dangers posed by heavy snow building up on roofs which can lead to structural damage. Typically these are electrically powered trace heating systems comprising of heating cables which are installed in critical areas of the roof, eaves, valleys, gutters and downspouts.
Heat tracing systems are specified to activate automatically by strategically located thermostatic and moisture detection control units that switches on the heat source whenever the ambient temperatures fall below a set point.
When snow falls and settles on the roof of a building it adds extra weight – roofing structures and designs are not typically designed to cope with all of this sudden extra weight and this can cause them to dip or bow.
This in turn adds pressure to the walls of the building.
A report from insurance provider Aviva Plc discussing “Property Precautions – Weight of Snow”, highlights the effect that added weight from snow has on the structure of a roof. These points include:
The same report from Aviva Insurance states:
“To protect against the likelihood of snow related damage to your property, it is important to develop a timely prevention and maintenance program before the winter weather commences, during and after the winter period. These simple practical measures should form part of your building maintenance program”.
The added weight of snow on a roof is far from the last of the problems caused from harsh winter weather. The next issue comes from the thawing of the snow build up.
This thaw water can quite easily overload drainage systems and cause large floods.
If freezing temperatures prevail however, the thaw water can easily re-freeze, especially at night, causing ice dams in gutters and drainage systems which in turn leads to water ingress causing internal damage to the building.
It is therefore vital that gutter heating systems are taken into account when preparing for winter.
Aviva insurance goes on to talk about Snow and Ice Roof Melting Systems stating:
“There are a range of snow and ice prevention systems available from specialist installers that can reduce the build up of ice, snow and the dangers posed by heavy snow building up on roofs which can lead to structural damage.
Snow Build Up On A Roof Over A Gutter Edge Showing Water Ingress – Caused Through Lack Of Roof Or Gutter Heating
Typically these are electrically powered heat tracing systems comprising of heated mats and cables which are routed and positioned in critical areas of the roof, eaves, valleys, gutters and downspouts etc.
Such systems are designed to activate automatically by strategically located thermostatic and moisture detection that switches on the heat source whenever the ambient temperatures fall below a set point”.
Roof and gutter heating systems are integral to preserving not only the structural integrity of buildings but also ensuring business continuity.
Thorough winterisation preparations can not only prevent damage to buildings and potential accidents involving plant workers and machinery operators but also provide a great return on investment by removing plant downtime from winter weather.
To ensure your plant or business does not fall victim to poor winter planning, T&D offer a comprehensive range of winterisation products ranging from heat tracing cable to heaters for hazardous and non-hazardous areas.
Clearing Roofs & Gutters From Snow & Ice Using Heat Tracing Systems
The most effective solution in terms of results and financial implications is to install roof and gutter trace heating cable as the cables create a flow path for the water allowing it to drain away correctly.
Key benefits of roof and gutter heat tracing installations include:
Roof & Gutter Heating Cable Layouts: 1. Roof Overhang Only. 2. Gutter and Downspouts Only. 3. Roof Overhang Plus Gutter & Downspouts
T&D are able to offer a full roof and gutter heating system design and specification, including controls and electrical loading information along with our heat tracing teams that are on hand to carry out roof and gutter heating installations.
Eltherm Gutter Heat Tracing Installation Prevents Ice Build Up & Blockages
Snow & Ice Build Up Destroys Roofs
The heat trace cable ranges stocked and supplied by Thorne & Derrick International includes electric heating cables for process temperature maintenance, pipe and vessel freeze protection and roof and gutter de-icing applications where snow and ice removal is required – cables and systems are available for commercial, industrial safe area (non-hazardous area) and hazardous area heating applications with ATEX certification.
Electric heat tracing is a cable based system used to maintain, raise temperature and protect process pipework and vessels against freezing temperatures and associated frost damage – heat tracing cables mitigate and counteract cold weather effects as part of a Winterisation strategy for industrial and process applications against low (sub-zero) ambient temperatures on both onshore and offshore locations.
Heat tracing systems utilising self-regulating, constant wattage and mineral insulated (MI) heating cables are available to provide the optimum electrical heating system for your application – we provide a trace heating system design service.
Competitive Prices | International Delivery | Safe & Hazardous Areas | Contact Us Today
In 2021 Thorne & Derrick, the UK’s largest supplier and distributor of heat tracing cables supplied a customer with their 3,000,000th (yes, millionth) metre of frost protection cable.
3 million metres; that’s equivalent to twelve trips to the Moon or 5,000 times up and down The Shard, a 72-storey skyscraper and the UK’s tallest building that we trace heated in 2009.
2009-10 was also the coldest UK winter since 1978–79.
Coined The Big Freeze by British media, the country blanketed in snow endured polar temperatures inflicting widespread transport disruption, school closures, power outages and freezing water supplies to thousands of households, businesses and factories.
While we cannot control the weather, we can protect against the impacts – simply, heat trace cables provide guaranteed frost protection of water pipework in Winter.
Since 1985 we have prepared for the annual Beat the Big Freeze challenge, so this year we have introduced record stock levels across our range of heating cables.
3 million metres of frost protected pipework later, we continue to provide next day delivery at the most competitive prices from the largest UK stocks.
Water is Life. But it can be both a blessing and a curse…..
Pipeworks are the veins of buildings distributing water to the point of use.
But at freezing point (32°F – 0°C) water expands and changes state from a liquid to a solid (ice) – the provision of continuous water supply for people and processes is vital all year round. Frozen and burst pipes cause significant supply interruption to a wide range of commercial buildings and industrial plants. However, the annual Winter woes of ice and frost related damage caused by burst pipes can be avoided. Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have protected pipework integrity against Winter weather damage, whether potable or process, chilled or hot water – this includes design and supply off complex multi-kilometre, major-project systems to custom heat trace cable kits for temporary site cabins.
All from the largest UK heating cable stock-holdings.
We can also support you with:
Each trace heating kit can be supplied ready to install with step-by-step instructions – simply attach the cable, linearly, to the length of the water pipe, insulate and plug in to the mains supply. Controlled by an air sensing thermostat that will activate when the ambient temperature falls below 5° Celsius the pipe heating cables will gently heat the pipe, thus preventing any standing water from freezing – our friendly and expert team of Sales Engineers or just a call away if you’re in doubt.
In the Ground & Up on the Roof
As well as protecting pipework for mechanical building services, Thorne & Derrick have the expertise to similarly Design & Supply from stocks electric trace heating systems to provide snow-melting and ice clearance for building infrastructure access and safety, including ramps and roof gutters.
Project Application | Roof & Guttering Heating | Wimbledon Centre Retractable Roof
UK Stocks | International Delivery | Zone 1 (21) & Zone 2 (22) Light Fittings From Stock
Spartan Linear Generation II
Thorne & Derrick on behalf of Raytec are delighted to announce their widely anticipated second generation of SPARTAN Linear luminaires. A natural evolution from their existing Linear luminaires the Generation II now offers more performance, even greater levels of durability together with a host of new features and variants to suit all your hazardous area lighting requirements in a range of different applications.
SPARTAN Linear Generation II is a globally certified (ATEX, IEC Ex & UKEX) range of LED light fittings designed for all new Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area installations or to retrofit existing fluorescent installations.
Linear is the most popular product in the SPARTAN range so Raytec decided to build on the most important key features and carry out a comprehensive review on the design, performance and current product offering creating the Linear Generation II.
Raytec SPARTAN Linear Generation II Light Fittings is a globally certified (ATEX, IEC Ex & UKEX) range of LED light fittings designed for all Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area lighting environments – LED luminaires designed for all new Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area installations or to retrofit existing fluorescent installations.
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More Performance
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Choice of Optics
More beam angles = fewer luminaires per installation |
Generation I
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Generation II
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Certification
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Branding
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Alongside all the new features and benefits of the second generation of SPARTAN Linear, Raytec have also retained all the key elements which were so important to the original luminaire, such as
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A unique modular design with interchangeable key components |
Retrofittable
Equivalent dimensions, fixing centres and cable entries to traditional fluorescents |
Intelligent Emergency
Self-testing intelligent emergency system with up to 100% output |
Linear Generation II products replace all existing variants, meaning you will no longer be able to order SPARTAN Linear to the existing specification (unless otherwise agreed with Raytec).
The Linear Generation II has been designed to ensure many parts are backwards compatible, and for those which are not we will ensure the supply of these will continue for a period of 10 years.
Please note – longer lead times are to be expected on legacy products.
SPARTAN Linear SPX-WL168 Generation II
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are Preferred Distributors and Stockists for the Raytec SPARTAN range of ATEX lighting using LED technology for the illumination of hazardous area locations and potentially explosive atmospheres.
See how Raytec have been working closely with UK notified body, Eurofins CML to ensure certificates are constantly updated to the latest edition of the standards for all hazardous area lighting in their range in the following Blog.
UKCA Certified Hazardous Area Lighting from Raytec SPARTAN
Did you Know? Thorne & Derrick using latest software provide a FREE LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICE for the specification and supply of ATEX & IECEx Certified light fittings to provide safe and reliable lighting in explosive atmospheres and hazardous area locations.
SPARTAN is a full range of Ex LED luminaires and lighting approved for all ATEX and IEC Ex Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area environments, including UL /CSA C1D2 installations. The hazardous area lighting products are designed for the most extreme environments – Flood, Linear, Bulkhead, Bay and Crane luminaires with emergency and industrial lighting versions are also available from Thorne & Derrick International.
➡ Further Reading: UKCA ATEX & Hazardous Area Equipment Certification
Thorne & Derrick are leaders in the development and distribution of Product Innovations that deliver significant improvements to clients plant, people and operational safety in the explosive atmosphere industries.
Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas.
Your first-choice provider of innovative and competitive solutions to ensure ATEX & IECEx Compliance for Hazardous Area Electrical, HVAC & Process Instrumentation Equipment to UK and international projects.
Follow our Showcase Page on LinkedIn to receive hazardous area product innovations, industry news, whitepapers, videos, technical tips and training webinars for professionals involved in the explosive atmosphere industries.
VOTE NOW
Register Your Vote Now
Thorne & Derrick are thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted for a Hazardex 2021 Award in the Category of ‘Best Customer Service’.
Thorne & Derrick are proud to have been nominated alongside other highly regarded companies supplying products, services and systems within hazardous areas.
A total of 20 nominations have been shortlisted across four categories for the Hazardex 2021 Awards, designed to recognise excellence in the hazardous area sector.
CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THORNE & DERRICK
Voting closes 19th September
Best Customer Service – A company or corporate division that has provided excellent customer service in the sector over the last two years.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE NOW
The Winners will be announced at the Hazardex 2021 Conference and Exhibition Gala Awards dinner on October 6th, 2021.
Thorne & Derrick are excited to announce that once again we will be exhibiting at HazardEx 2021 Conference, Exhibition and Awards event in October alongside EXHEAT Industrial Ltd.
For further information on exhibitor participation, awards or attendance.
Contact Hazardex Event Director Russell Goater
Tel: +44 (0) 1732 359990
Control Panels | Plugs | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Lighting | Control Stations | Motor Starters | Heat Trace | Gas Detection | Flame Detection | Process Instrumentation | Process Heating | Ventilation Fans | Security Access Control
Competitive Prices | Extensive Stocks | Technical Support | Express Delivery
The Dynaco product range was selected as Highly Commended in the Contribution To Safety Category at Hazardex 2021. Pictured : Yves Degroote (Dynaco, Business Development Manager).
Thorne & Derrick are pleased to announce that their partner Dynaco where ‘Highly Commended’ for their ATEX High Speed Roll Up Door at the annual HazardEx Gala Dinner on 6th October 2021. On behalf of both companies we would like to congratulate all those nominated in the ‘Contribution To Safety’ Category and everyone who took the time to vote for Dynaco.
Thorne & Derrick are the Exclusive Distribution Partner for Dynaco and have helped to introduce their World’s First 3rd Party ATEX Certified High-speed Roller Doors into the UK market.
Over the past two years both companies have educated end users and specifiers to help them understand the risks of installing non-compliant doors providing safety, technical and compliance advice to a number of industries.
Terry McDonald said, “It was a great evening for both companies. I am proud Thorne & Derrick are partnered with Dynaco and have been able to assist with several specifications in the hazardous area industry. Together we will continue to dispel the common misconception that a standard ATEX door is suitable for use in an explosive atmosphere with an ATEX certified motor. Thorne & Derrick can help contribute to your facilities becoming ATEX compliant and increase your operational safety by supplying and installing the World’s First Fully Certified ATEX Doors.”
Thorne & Derrick are at the forefront of product development and distribution and the ATEX Doors deliver significant safety and reliability improvements to anybody working within the Explosive Atmospheres industries. Other benefits include using the high speed doors to improve workflow, reduce energy consumption and ultimately reduce operating costs.
Thorne & Derrick together with Dynaco are committed to providing the customer with economic benefits through reduced energy costs with carbon footprint reductions and Health & Safety improvements. Pictured: Yves Degroote (Dynaco, Business Development Manager) on their stand at HazardEx 2021
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are delighted to announce that we have been voted Winners of the Award for ‘Best Customer Service’ at the annual HazardEx Gala Dinner on 6th October. The competitive Award category at the prestigious event was for providing excellent customer service over the last two years.
Thorne & Derrick are leaders in the development and distribution of Product 
Innovations that deliver significant improvements to clients plant, people and operational safety in the explosive atmosphere industries.
Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas.
Your first-choice provider of innovative and competitive solutions to ensure ATEX & IECEx Compliance for Hazardous Area Electrical, HVAC & Process Instrumentation Equipment to your UK and international projects.
Over the last 2 years, Thorne & Derrick have introduced several products which have led to improved efficiency, reliability and productivity in the hazardous area and process industries.
Experts In Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres with ATEX & IECEx Certification
Published 13 Mar 2020
Press Release Date: 02.04.2020 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) World’s First Fully Certified ATEX Doors Thorne & Derrick International, the Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, today announce the signing of a Commercial Distribution Agreement...
Published 04 Jul 2019
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED...
