Ice protection
Gutter, roof, ramp and pipe heating: protection from ice and freezing
Self-regulating heating cables for gutters, roofs, ramps, stairs and pipes: how they work, where they are used and how they are installed in Montenegro.
On the coast and even more in the mountains of Montenegro, ice can cause real damage: frozen gutters, icicles on the roof, a slippery garage ramp or a frozen water pipe. For all of these we use the same principle – heating cables that switch on when it gets cold.
What a self-regulating heating cable is
A self-regulating cable has a semiconductive core between two conductors. When it is cold, the core conducts more current and the cable heats more; when it is warmer, output drops by itself. The cable heats more exactly where it is colder, cannot overheat even where it crosses itself, and saves energy.
Where it is used
- Gutters and downpipes – meltwater drains away instead of freezing and splitting the gutter.
- Roofs – prevents icicles and ice build-up at the roof edge.
- Ramps and driveways – cable is laid under asphalt or concrete, often only in the wheel tracks.
- Outdoor stairs and paths – less slipping and no salt.
- Water and drain pipes – cable runs along or inside the pipe to stop it freezing; ready kits of about 17 W/m with a supply cable are available.
- Tanks and industrial pipelines – holding liquid temperature and frost protection.
Control: thermostat and moisture sensor
Gutters and ramps use a controller with temperature and moisture sensors. The system switches on only around freezing point and when there is precipitation – exactly when ice forms – so it only heats when needed.
How we install
- site visit and measuring gutters, pipes or ramp area
- output calculation and cable selection
- installing the cable, supply cable and controller
- insulation testing and commissioning before winter
Industry
For industrial sites we design heat tracing for pipelines and tanks: process temperature maintenance, frost protection and heating of long pipelines. More on the industrial heating page.
The best time to install is autumn, before the first frost. Send us the length of the gutters or pipes and the location – we will prepare a quote.
