Radiant Solutions Heat Tape Products
Buying Guide
Heat Tape for Standing Seam Roofs
Protecting Your Standing Seam Roof from Ice Dams
First Step:
Identifying Your Standing Seam Roof
The primary defining characteristic of standing seam roofs is that panels are installed with hidden fasteners. That means you should see few (if any) screws on your roof. Each panel is formed with vertical seams that typically range from 1”- 3” high, with a flat metal panel between. The seams range in thickness from 3/16” to as much as 2” wide.
Understanding what kind of standing seam roof you have will determine the type of installation mount / clips are used, so it is imperative that this is predetermined before you purchase your installation system.
What Type of Roof do You Have?
Using these close-up views of seam and panel profiles, try to identify the style of roof you have:
Heat Tape Pro
For Your Standing Seam Roof
Heat Tape Pro is the #1 Heat cable system in the world to protect your standing seam roof from ice dams. It is UL-Listed for use on all metal roof types. There are many heat tape brands being used that are NOT approved for metal roofs so this is an important distinction. Heat Tape Pro can come in direct contact with any metal surface without risk of shorting out or causing damage to the surface below. Our heat tape has an industry-best 10 year warranty and a team of heat tape & ice dam experts, ready to help you with your installation.
When used with our extensive ecosystem of installation roof clips, Heat Tape PRO™ is unmatched when it comes to ice dam prevention on standing seam roof systems.
Heat Tape Installation Systems
For Your Standing Seam Roof
Installing heat tape on standing seam roofs is one of the few cases where specific clips and clamps are used that are designed exclusively for this roof type.
Depending on specific seam-type, budget and desired affect, there are 3 main options for clips that we recommend when installing heat tape on your standing seam roof. Each option has a unique approach to securing your heat tape. See below for more.
S-5 System of Clips and Clamps
S-5 is a proprietary system for mounting heat tape to your standing seam roof. It utilizes an S-5 mounting clamp, with our patented S-5 SR clips mounted on them.
GVG Standing Seam Clips
The GVG is an all-in-one standing seam clip with a cradle on each side, that is used in conjunction with butyl pads, sheet metal screws, or a combination of both.
DDK Oversized Clips
Featuring either a single-cradle or a double-cradle version, the DDK Oversized clips use a large surface area and a roof clip adhesive to secure clips adjacent to seams.
The S-5 System - Clamps & Clips
The Clamps
S5 Roof Clamps are robust blocks of aluminum with heavy duty set screws designed to mechanically clamp onto standing seams without creating damage. S-5 Clamps feature a bolt to mount 1 or more heat tape clips onto it. S-5 Clamps are removable and re-positionable, and don’t put holes in your roof. We sell two varieties of S-5 Roof clamps:
- S-5-S Standing Seam Clamp
A standing seam clamp that fits many different seam profiles and thicknesses, the S-5-S has a squared profile for straight, vertical seams. - S-5-N Standing Seam Clamp
For standing seam roofs that use the popular 1″ nail strip, the S-5-N has a unique shape to fit the nail-strip seam profile.
The Clips
Shop All Clamps and Clips in the S-5 System
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S-5 Universal Standing Seam Roof Clip
$16.95 -
S-5N Standing Seam Clamp
$9.50 – $239.95 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
S-5 SR Clip Standing Seam Roof Clip
$16.95 -
S-5-S Standing Seam Metal Roof Clamp
$9.50 – $239.95 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
GVG Standing Seam Clips
Shop GVG Clips and Butyl Pads
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Roof Clip Adhesive Surebond SB-190
$12.99 – $149.99 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Standing Seam Metal Roof Clips
$24.50 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Butyl Pads – Clip Sealing Pads
$7.50 – $15.95 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
The Clips
GVG Standing Seam Clips are a great alternative if the cost of the S-5 system is prohibitive, or you need a more permanently affixed clip on your standing seam roof. GVG Standing Seam Clips are available in 3 thicknesses to accommodate different standing seam widths:
The Sealing Pads
Using Butyl Pads with your GVG clips, will provide an extra seal for any fasteners perforating the side of the seam however, be sure to note: the thickness of the Butyl Pad may change the GVG width you need for your roof’s seams.
DDK Oversized Clips
The Clips
DDK Roof Clips are a universal oversized glue-down clips that work on standing seam applications that no other clip can handle. Likewise, it uses a different strategy for securing your heat tape altogether: clips are glued to the main roof surface on either side of the standing seam. DDK Roof Clips come in two versions: The Single-Cradle DDK Clip, and The Double Cradle DDK Clip.
The Adhesive Sealant
Because the DDK Roof Clip is affixed to the main roof surface, no fasteners should be used. Instead, we use Surebond SB-190 Everseal Adhesive Sealant. The DDK’s large surface area, combined with the adhesive provide a strong grip to multiple surface types.
The Installation
Use the DDK clip to secure your cable at the top and bottom of each side of the seam. The smaller Nail-On Roof Clip (IDP-113) can be glued to the fascia to secure the bottom of each loop.
Shop DDK & Buyl Pads
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Roof Clip Adhesive Surebond SB-190
$12.99 – $149.99 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Single-Cradle Oversized Heat Tape Clip
$19.95 -
Double-Cradle Oversized Heat Tape Clip
$21.00 -
Butyl Pads – Clip Sealing Pads
$7.50 – $15.95 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
What About Gutters?
Protecting Your Gutters & Downspouts
Regardless of what type of roof you have, you may have gutters installed. If you are using Heat Tape to mitigate a problem with ice buildup on your roof, you will also need your heat tape system to allow the water from the melted snow and ice to flow away from your roof.
By using heat tape in your gutter, you create a channel that allows this water to escape your roof and down your downspouts. Learn more about gutters, heat tape and ice dams via the links below.
Snow Retention Systems
Heat Tape with a Snow Retention Installed
Often times, metal roofs –and in particular standing seam roofs– will have a component installed a few feet about the roofs edge that is designed to prevent an avalanche of snow from sliding off the roof and potentially causing damage or harm to something/someone below.
If your roof has a similar component, considerations should to be made for your heat tape installation so the effectiveness of either part is not compromised.
