[–] TeranNotTerran 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
That snow is a great insulator, but bad if the roof is not watertight, or if it collapses on someone. I wonder if there are roofs designed with "snow catches", maybe also like a rain channel. So maybe three feet perpendicular from the roof sticking out, in theory good for holding back three feet of snow.
[–] blumen4alles 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I doubt it, that adds quite a bit of complication, but an interesting idea nonetheless. To me it looks like a purely mechanical device, no heat being used. It relies on the thin sides slicing through (which as others said wouldn't work on packed snow) and there might be a coating on the sheet of plastic to make it slick.
[–] bourbonexpert ago
Yeah I’ve been thinking about getting some low temp heating coils to prevent heavy ice buildup on my patio...I gotta get some visqueen for the windows too.
[–] blumen4alles ago
To melt snow and ice you need about 40-50 W/sqft. With something like a patio you would probably be best off with a radiant heater (electric or gas). That way you could mount it for the season and store it when not in use. Would also feel really nice to stand under.
[–] Noctis_Labyrinthus 1 point -1 points 0 points (+0|-1) ago
That's pretty cool.