Method for breaching ice dams on the roof of a house

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-09-08
PETROFF CHRISTOPHER
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022] An even further object of the present invention is that the low cost configuration does not require an external power supply.
[0023] Even still another object of the

Problems solved by technology

The ice dam usually forms at the lower edge of the roof because the thermal contact between the heat emanating from the building and the roof is not as good there as the rest of the roof.
It is common knowledge that ice dams can cause damage to the building structure.
Water damage to the interior can then ensue.
Roofing barriers are expensive and often aren't included in new construction.
Zig-zag electric heating wires require going onto the roof to install, require connection to house current and are expensive to operate.
They require installation before ice is on the roof, and are considered unaesthetic by many.
Consequently they are not very widely used, even in geographic areas that are subject to frequent formation of ice dams.
Ice tenaciously binds to roofing shingles and i

Method used

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  • Method for breaching ice dams on the roof of a house
  • Method for breaching ice dams on the roof of a house
  • Method for breaching ice dams on the roof of a house

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, in its general form, the preferred embodiment consists of an apparatus 101 that is laid across the ice dam 102, parallel to the pitch of the roof 103. Through heat or chemical action it melts the ice beneath it. By its own weight, it melts down though the ice dam 102 until it rests on the roof 104. A drainage path through the ice dam 102 is thus created directly underneath it. The liquid water 105 behind the dam 102 is thus allowed to drain and leakage of the water 105 into the house 106 is averted. Alternatively, the present invention 101 can prophylactically be placed on the roof before the ice dam 102 forms. In that case, a drainage path will be maintained and a dangerous buildup of liquid water 105 will not occur.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, in one low cost embodiment, an ice melting chemical 201 is used. In one embodiment, the chemical is enclosed in a sheath 202. This embodiment is generally cylindrical. Its length 203 can vary. It does not need to be...

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PUM

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Abstract

An apparatus and a method for its installation are described for melting breaches in ice dams. The apparatus is spherically or cylindrically shaped, filled with salt, another ice melter or a resistance heater. It is laid on the ice dam along the roof pitch to create a path for the drainage of water behind the ice dam. The method of installation uses grippers or hooks attached to a pole for remote placement.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for preventing water buildup behind ice dams on a roof. More particularly it pertains to melting channels in the ice dam to allow the water to drain. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Ice dams are created when accumulated snow on a pitched roof melts, flows down the roof and then refreezes when it reaches an area of the roof that is below freezing. The snow melts in the areas of the roof where the roof surface temperature is above freezing because of heat emanating from the building. If the ambient temperature is below freezing, sections of the roof can be below freezing and the liquid can refreeze and create an ice dam. The ice dam usually forms at the lower edge of the roof because the thermal contact between the heat emanating from the building and the roof is not as good there as the rest of the roof. [0005] It is common knowledge that ice dams can cause damag...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E04D13/00
CPCE04D13/103
Inventor PETROFF, CHRISTOPHER
Owner PETROFF CHRISTOPHER
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