It is becoming increasingly important for architects to focus on the conservation and renovation of older buildings, as opposed to designing and creating new ones. Preserving historic architecture and the beauty that comes with it is a top priority for many projects and both architects and engineers want to be able to complete any renovations while keeping the original aesthetics in place. However, winter weather can pose a threat to these pieces of history. Roof ice melt systems can offer an energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing solution.
The Challenges of Retrofitting Historic Buildings
Significant challenges arise when beginning to renovate or retrofit historic buildings with modern technology without losing any architectural integrity. Despite their beauty, charm and history, the reality is that most historic buildings were built long ago. Designers of the past didn’t consider the technology we have in the modern world. The capabilities of both technology and buildings today would have been unthinkable to designers during those times.
One quality many historic buildings weren’t built with is the installation of proper and effective winter protection solutions. Architects designed these historic buildings with a roof that relied on snow and ice melting naturally. While this does happen, the risk lies in potential hazards to the infrastructure and appearance of the building. Not to mention people both inside and out. With freezing winter conditions comes the risk of damage to all aspects of a building – but especially a roof. This is due to it being exposed to the elements around the clock.
How Roof Ice Melt Systems Can Help
So how do modern designers renovate historic buildings to handle winter conditions without sacrificing any historical aesthetics of a building? The answer lies in Roof Ice Melt (RIM) Systems.
As leading manufacturers of RIM Systems, nVent RAYCHEM has installed its solution in historic buildings in all environments. nVent RAYCHEM’s RIM System consists of panels that use high wattage self-regulating cable to provide high power outputs required for heavy snow load areas. A good roof ice melt system can protect the heating cable and are permanently attached to the roof using screws and provide continuous ice free roof edges. RIM Systems are perfect for eaves, valleys, channels, rakes and flat roof sections.
And while the technology is cutting-edge, nVent RAYCHEM RIM Systems are built to be aesthetically pleasing to maintain the beauty and allure of historic buildings. After all, part of the charm of historic buildings is the architecture of past generations and keeping that in place is vital to any renovation they may take on. Fortunately, installers can incorporate nVent RAYCHEM RIM Systems in even the most unorthodox roof designs. These systems are mounted so that cables cannot be seen, helping maintain their significant historic value.
Learn more about how nVent RAYCHEM RIM Systems conserve historic buildings at our Roof Ice Melt System landing page today.
