Every once in a while it snows in parts of Florida.
"Snow" in Florida is not even considered as a real snowfall by people in most other places who get enough snow to own snow moving equipment! The only reason I have snow moving equipment is because I bought it to move dirt and none of it has ever moved snow!
Fair enough, but that's also what the gutters do. Except when they get torn apart by ice and snow, which I am trying to prevent.
If a building is built correctly for the snow load in the region where it stands, the snow does not need to slide off. That said, many incorrectly or poorly built buildings are still standing because metal roofing and/or poor insulation prevents the snow from building up too much.10 years ago, my Morton Buildings sales rep said they want the snow to get off the roof quickly. So no slide stops are recommended.
But I see a few newer buildings with snow blockers. Maybe something changed.
When the snow slides, it makes enough noise - it's a warning to step a little faster out of the way.
Thanks, but I think I will stick with the Morton Buildings recommendation. They have been around for a long time.
The recommendation of Morton Buildings and that of one of their sales reps isn't necessarily the same thing. No company like that worth it's salt is going to rely on snow sliding off of a roof to keep their buildings from collapsing. Too much risk of an unforeseen variable causing the snow to stay on. They wouldn't have been able to pass building codes in many places and they have too much of a widespread reputation to maintain to risk that, besides the probability of being sued out of existence if a poorly built building caved in and killed someone or caused significant financial loss.
That's a whole different subject, of course.
That was my only concern.
I misunderstood. I thought the concern was about roof collapse.
Certainly worthwhile. Just wanted to throw out the idea for the OP to consider. If a person plans to rely on a generator for such things, they should definitely do a few practice runs ahead of time to make sure it all works. I live off grid and do construction for many people who are also off grid, so figuring out the most efficient ways to use (or not use) electricity is something I deal with a lot.
Probably shouldn't be too much of a concern. When the power comes back on the heat tape will do its thing again. A few hours or even a couple days shouldn't hurt the gutters.
heattrak.com
It extends about 3 feet past the exterior wall, 4 in 12 pitch. The building sales person talked me into that configuration to make it more fit in with a "high end residential rural area" and I agree. I regret that decision to this day, for this issue and more.
My building is properly engineered for snow load for the area. And after LAST year, I know I am safe. We have an unbelievable winter that will likely never recur in my lifetime.
