Trace Heating Solution For Crown Street Library
Diamond Controls was recently appointed to deliver the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of a roof and gutter trace heating system at Crown Street Library.
Read how we delivered a tailored trace heating solution ideally suited to the project requirements, resulting in a successful installation and a satisfied client:
The Brief:
The client required a reliable, low-maintenance solution to prevent the accumulation of ice and snow within roof gutters, ensuring safe and uninterrupted drainage throughout winter conditions. The system needed to maintain a clear meltwater flow path, minimise the risk of blockages and ice dams, and operate efficiently with minimal manual intervention.
In addition, the solution was required to integrate intelligent environmental control, meet current safety standards, and provide long-term reliability supported by comprehensive documentation and warranty provision.
To meet these requirements, we specified a Chemelex Raychem Ice Stop self-regulating heating cable paired with an SBS-R-EM control panel, delivering a dependable and automated solution for long-term winter performance.
The Solution:
Diamond Controls designed a targeted gutter trace heating system focused on maintaining effective drainage rather than full roof snow melting, delivering an efficient and cost-effective approach.
The system was installed in the gutter area, including coverage extending 300mm up each sloped roof and two heating runs within the central gulley. This ensured meltwater from snow and ice could be safely channelled away from the roof and into the downpipes.
Heating cables were securely fixed using aluminium hold-down clips bonded with specialist adhesive, avoiding roof penetration while maintaining long-term durability.
Power, control and monitoring were provided via a multi-circuit SBS roof and gutter control panel, incorporating air and moisture sensing. The intelligent controller activates heating only when freezing conditions and moisture are detected, optimising energy usage while ensuring protection when it is most needed.
Products Overview:
Chemelex RAYCHEM IceStop self-regulating trace heating cable provides roof and gutter de-icing, suitable for all standard materials of gutters and drainpipes. A modified polyolefin outer jacket was specified, offering a cost-effective solution suitable for the environmental demands of the site.
Cables were secured using Chemelex GMK-RC roof clip bracket kits, which are designed to securely fasten IceStop heating cables to roofs and gutters in snow and ice-melting applications. The clips were bonded using Raychem GM-Seal-02 adhesive, providing a strong, penetration-free attachment.
Chemelex RAYCHEM JB – box is a standard, temperature-resistant polycarbonate junction box. It may be used to make a power connection, splice, powered splice, powered tee or simple tee, for use with Chemelex RAYCHEM self-regulating heating cables.
Chemelex Raychem RayClic-CE-02 – Single Power Connection is a simple, fast and reliable connection device developed exclusively for Chemelex RAYCHEM XL-Trace LSZH, FS-A-2X, FS-B-2X, GM-2X and HWAT self-regulating heating cables. The easy-to-install RayClic system reduces installation time, lowering the total installed cost of the heating cable system.
Chemelex RAYCHEM SBS-R-EM control panel provides an integrated solution for the control of Raychem self-regulating heating cables and constant wattage heating mats for roof & gutter de-icing and surface snow melting applications. The control panels monitor the surface temperature and surface moisture and switch on the snow melting system only when required.
Servicing and Maintenance:
Diamond Controls has a dedicated servicing and maintenance team that performs manufacturer-approved checks to ensure your trace heating system remains reliable throughout its lifetime.
This thorough annual inspection includes a full condition and audit of your system and thermal imaging survey, identifying factors that can impede your system’s performance.
If you are experiencing ice or snow issues on your roof, or need specialist advice on trace heating systems, please contact us at sales@diamondcontrols.co.uk
