Patent Publication Number: US-2011047927-A1

Title: Method of Securing a Cable to a Roof

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/852,676, filed Aug. 9, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/765,140; filed Apr. 22, 2010, currently pending, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/686,578; filed Jan. 13, 2010, currently pending, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/547,227, filed Aug. 25, 2009, currently pending, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates to a cable raceway that forms a channel for accommodating a cable at an edge of a roof, in a valley of a roof, and adjacent a raised seam on an roof. The raceway may accommodate a heating cable that melts snow and ice on a roof and otherwise prevents ice from accumulating on roof eaves. Although the disclosure is more focused toward a heating cable application, the raceway may also be used for other low voltage wiring applications like running security or audio wires. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further detail of the disclosed embodiments follows in the detailed description below and is shown in the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic drawing showing a roof edge cable raceway comprising an edge attachment assembled with an overhanging drip edge mounted on an edge of a roof of a structure to form an open channel for housing a heating cable; 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the overhanging drip edge of  FIG. 1  with slots; 
         FIG. 1B  is a front view of the overhanging drip edge of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic drawing showing an alternate embodiment of a roof edge cable raceway comprising the edge attachment of  FIG. 1  and an overhanging drip edge with a second channel formed in a roof engagement portion of the overhanging drip edge for housing a second heating cable; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic drawing showing an alternate embodiment of a roof edge cable raceway mounted on an edge of a roof of a structure with a monolithically formed open channel for housing a heating cable; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic drawing showing an alternate embodiment of roof edge cable raceway mounted on an edge of a roof of a structure with a J-shaped cross-section adapted for housing a heating cable; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic drawing showing an alternate embodiment of a roof edge cable raceway comprising an edge attachment secured to existing facia flashing provided on a structure to form a channel adapted for housing a heating cable; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic drawings showing a partial edge view of a channel formed along an edge of a roof of a structure using any one of the roof edge cable raceways shown in  FIGS. 1-5  with a heating cable disposed therein; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic drawing showing a partial edge view of a channel formed along an edge of a corrugated roof of a structure with a curvilinear roof edge cable raceway with a heating cable disposed therein; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic drawing of a clamping mechanism used to secure a heating cable to a point on a seam of a metal roof; 
         FIG. 8A  is a partial perspective view of a structure with a roof with converging roof surfaces with heating cable installed thereon; 
         FIG. 8B  is a top elevational view of a structure with converging roof surfaces with a heating cable installed thereon; 
         FIG. 8C  is sectional top view of flashing used in area where two roof structures converge; 
         FIG. 8D  is a side view of the flashing section of  FIG. 8C ; 
         FIG. 8E  is a sectional side exploded view of a flashing assembly comprising a cover and the general arrangement of the flashing section of  FIG. 8D , with an end portion of the cover shown in section to illustrate its preferred cross sectional arrangement; 
         FIG. 8F  is a cross sectional view of a raised seam metal roof showing an arrangement where the heating cable is positioned atop the raised seam with a cover; 
         FIG. 8G  is an alternate configuration to that shown in  FIG. 8F  where one run of heating cable is positioned on a first side of the raised seam and a second run on heating cable is positioned on an second side of the raised seam within a cover; 
         FIG. 8H  is an alternate configuration to that shown in  FIG. 8F  where a cover has extended flank portions on each side of the raised seam and one run of heating cable is positioned on one of the flank portions and a second run of heating cable is positioned on the opposite flank portion; 
         FIG. 8I  is an alternate configuration to that shown in  FIG. 8H  where a cover comprises two generally “L”-shaped portions with one “L”-shaped portion on each side of the raised seam and one run of heating cable is positioned adjacent one “L”-shaped portion and a second run of heating cable is positioned adjacent the other “L”-shaped portion; 
         FIG. 8J  is an alternate configuration to that shown in  FIG. 8F  where two runs of heating cable are positioned on one side of the raised seam within a cover; 
         FIG. 8K  is an alternate configuration to that shown in  FIG. 8F  where two runs of heating cable are positioned on one side of the raised seam with one run on an exposed lower edge of a cover and the second run below the exposed lower edge of the cover; 
         FIG. 8L  shows an alternate arrangement for a cover; 
         FIG. 8M  shows an alternate arrangement for a cover; 
         FIG. 8N  shows an alternate arrangement for a cover; 
         FIG. 8O  shows an alternate arrangement for a cover; 
         FIG. 9  shows alternate embodiments of radiuses for sides of the channel or end edges of any of the edge attachments described herein; 
         FIG. 10  shows a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an edge attachment which may be used to form the roof edge cable raceway of FIGS.  1 , 2 , and  5 ; 
         FIG. 11  shows a cross sectional view of the edge attachment of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows a partial front view of the edge attachment of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a further alternate embodiment of an edge attachment which may be used to form the roof edge cable raceway of FIGS.  1 , 2 , and  5 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a cross sectional view of the edge attachment of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  shows a partial front view of the edge attachment of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  shows one embodiment of an application of a roof edge raceway as described herein; 
         FIG. 17  shows an alternate embodiment of an application of a roof edge raceway as described herein; 
         FIG. 18  shows an alternate embodiment of using a portion of roof edge raceway as described herein in connection with a raised seam on a roof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Often, ice dams form in very cold climates on the roof of a structure. The heat from inside the structure combined with ambient heat from sunlight will cause snow and ice from the upper roof to melt and drain as water to the roof overhang. Oftentimes, the roof overhang is colder than the upper roof because the underside of the roof overhang is not heated and sees no direct sunlight. This causes the melting snow and ice from the upper roof to refreeze at the roof edge causing an ice dam. An ice dam often causes the draining melting snow and ice to pool. Often, the pooling water backs up behind the ice dam and leaks into the structure causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical systems. The water can also lead to environmental issues such as mold and mildew. Often, an ice dam causes the formation of icicles an edge of a structure that cause a hazard. 
     Generally speaking, correct roof drainage requires about a three-quarter inch additional overhang of roofing material from the structure front face (facia board) to ensure drainage water flows into a gutter positioned adjacent to an edge of a roof of a structure. If the overhang is too short, melting snow and ice, and rain water will flow behind the gutter leading to rotted wood sheathing and facia, stained siding, soil erosion at the foundation below and, potentially, flooded basements. In some construction techniques, asphalt roofs often have a three-quarter inch overhang of shingles to drain water into the gutters. In some construction techniques, shingle or shake roofs have a metal drip edge that acts as a support for the extended shingles or shakes, and the shingles or shakes completely cover the metal drip edge. 
     The roof edge cable raceway with an associated heating cable installed therein as described below prevents the formation of ice dams while improving the visual appearance of the structure in which the apparatus and heating cable is installed. The roof edge cable raceway described below may be used with many roofing types, including metal, raised seam metal, corrugated metal, shake, and conventional asphalt shingles, and may be used on residential housing, industrial buildings, bridges, electrical transformers, outdoor cabinets, enclosures and other structures. As described below and shown in  FIGS. 1-7  and  10 - 15 , the roof edge cable raceway forms a channel that extends along an edge of a roof of a structure. When a heating cable is installed in the channel, the effect of heat transfer from the cable to a heat conductive portion of the drip edge heats the edge of the roof sufficiently to prevent or melt any ice dams, thereby enhancing drainage of melting snow and ice and preventing the formation of icicles. As described below and shown in  FIGS. 1-7  and  10 - 15 , the roof edge cable raceway may comprise an edge attachment fitted to a drip edge, for instance, an existing overhanging drip edge already installed on an edge of a roof of a structure, or may comprise a drip edge, or an overhanging style drip edge, with an integrally formed (if not monolithically formed) open channel structure. 
     The roof edge cable raceway and open channel structure may be configured to house a resistance-type heating cable, or a self-regulating heating cable, or other low voltage style cabling applications, for instance, cables used for lighting, security cameras or audio speakers. Generally speaking, in a heating cable application as described below, the heating cable must have a snug fit in the channel to maximize heat transfer from the heating cable to the roof. Although not necessary, the entire roof edge cable raceway may be formed from a heat conductive material to simplify construction. In the alternative, the side of the channel adjacent the edge of the roof, and the portion of the roofing materials in contact therewith may be formed from a heat conductive material to allow heat transfer to the area adjacent the roof edge, or in an alternate use where heat transfer is not critical, i.e., low voltage style cabling applications, the raceway may be formed of plastic or PVC materials. 
     As an example, and not in any limiting sense,  FIGS. 1-5  show various embodiments of a roof edge cable raceway  20  used to form an open channel structure along an edge of a roof of a structure in which a heating cable is housed. The heating cable transfers heat directly to a heat conductive portion of the roof edge cable raceway preventing ice build-up at the drip edge and the formation of ice dams on the roof edge. Heat from the cable is concentrated at the drip edge. The open channel structure allows ready replacement and inspection of the heating cable. The channel is defined by channel sides that preferably extend along the length of the channel and define an opening into the channel. The channel may extend along the entire length of the roof edge or a portion of the roof edge desired to be heating. 
       FIG. 1  shows a roof edge cable raceway  20  comprising an edge attachment  22  assembled with mechanical fasteners  24  to an overhanging drip edge  26  to form a channel  28  for housing a heating cable  30 . The channel  28  has a first side  32  positioned adjacent a roof edge  34  and a second channel side  36  spaced therefrom. Together, the channel sides  32 , 36  define an opening  38  for the channel  28 . The open channel  28  allows replacement and inspection of the heating cable  30  through the opening  38  from a position in front of the channel opening. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the second channel side  36  may be formed by mounting the edge attachment  22  at a position sufficient to allow the cable  30  to be visible in the opening  38  of channel from a position in front of the channel while allowing the sides of the channel to be urged against the cable with a snug fit to removably secure the cable in the channel. The second channel side  36  may comprise a radiused outer edge  39 . The radiused outer edge provides additional resiliency to springably retain and/or removably secure the heating cable in the channel. The radiused outer edge also assists installation personnel in installing the heating cable in the channel. Although the radiused outer edge  39  is shown in  FIG. 1 , the distal edge of the edge attachment may also be flat without a radius. 
     As described above, the edge attachment functions as a biasing member urging the heating cable upward in  FIG. 1  toward the channel first side. However, this may be reversed and the channel first side may function as a biasing member urging the heating cable downward in  FIG. 1  toward the edge attachment. In the alternative, the biasing member may be a separate resilient member that is inserted in the channel, for instance, below the cable to urge the cable upward in  FIG. 1  toward the channel first side. The separate resilient member may comprise a wave form elongated member disposed in the channel adjacent one or both of the channel sides; a foam rubber material disposed in the channel adjacent one or both of the channel sides; rubber, silicone, or plastic inserts that extend along the channel sides and/or engage one or both of the channel sides; or rubber, silicone, or plastic inserts periodically spaced along the length of the channel sides, for instance, in openings in one or both of the channel sides. The biasing member may be made from a heat conductive material to maximize heat transfer from the cable to the adjacent roof structure. The drawings show a relatively simplified construction of the raceway, involving less components, where one or both of the channel sides is formed to be resiliently deflected or springably moved to allow the heating cable to be removably secured in the channel. 
     The first channel side (i.e., the channel side adjacent the roof edge)  32  has a roof engagement portion  40  extending therefrom adapted to overlie and be secured to a portion  42  of the roof of the structure adjacent the roof edge  34 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the roof engagement portion  40  may also extend beyond the roof edge to form the overhanging portion of the drip edge. While the roof engagement portion of  FIG. 1  has an exposed lower part with shingles or shakes  43  covering an upper part of the roof engagement portion, additional row(s) of shingles or shakes may cover the lower exposed part of the roof engagement portion and may extend to or beyond the roof edge thereby covering a majority or all of the roof engagement portion, as may be desired depending upon the construction techniques used. Drain slots  441  ( FIGS. 1A-1B ) may be provided through the roof engagement portion, for instance, the lower portion of the roof engagement portion that forms the drip edge, and into the channel so that water may drain from under the lower shingles. The roof engagement portion  40  may fit in between the bottom rows of shingles  443 , 444  ( FIGS. 1A-1B ), so that the drip edge is formed as a slide-in slip sheet that fits in between the lower shingles and saves the expense of removing the last row of shingles in a retrofit application. A fascia mounting portion  44  may extend from the first channel side  32  in a direction generally transverse to the roof engagement portion  40 , and the edge attachment  22  forming the second channel side may be mounted thereto. 
     The overhanging style drip edge (or drip edge) may comprise a pre-existing installation on the edge of the roof of the structure, thus allowing one to secure the edge attachment to the overhanging drip edge to form the channel, for instance in a retrofitting type of application. In this regard, the edge attachment  22  may comprise a member with a generally L-shaped cross-section that is mounted below the overhanging drip edge with a space therebetween that forms the channel  28 . While  FIG. 1  shows the use of mechanical fasteners  24  to secure the edge attachment to the facia board to form the channel, other methods may be used, including providing the facia mounting portion of the overhanging drip edge with a system of locking tabs that cooperate with the edge attachment to secure the edge attachment in the proper location to form a channel suitable for housing the heating cable. 
     Using an edge attachment comprising a member having a generally L-shaped cross-section allows flexibility for the scope of work to be performed by on-site metal fabricators. For instance, on-site metal fabricators may form the edge attachment and install the edge attachment on the existing structure to form the open channel at the necessary dimensions to snugly fit the heating cable in the channel, and then the heating cable may then be installed in the open channel. To assist in mounting the edge attachment at the required spacing so that the channel accommodates the heating cable with a snug fit, the generally “L”-shaped edge attachment  22  may have a removable, and/or detachable (i.e., “knock-out” style) tab  29  projecting from its corner. In the alternative, the heating cable may be positioned adjacent the roof edge and then the edge attachment installed with the cable in place. As another example, the edge attachment may be mounted to an preexisting F-style overhanging drip edge installed on the structure. In the alternative, on site-metal fabricators may install the F-style overhanging drip edge and then the edge attachment. In the alternative, on-site metal fabricators may bend sheets of flat or rolled flashing materials as necessary to form and then install an overhanging drip edge and edge attachment. Various other combinations and sequences are also possible depending upon whether the work involves new construction, or remodeling or retrofitting of an existing structure. 
     Generally, the drip edges, such a F-style overhanging drip edges, comprise aluminum materials, for instance, extruded aluminum materials. Flashing generally also comprises aluminum sheets or rolls of aluminum. By closely mounting the edge attachment to the overhanging drip edge, the edge attachment and/or overhanging drip edge may be resiliently deflected or springably moved slightly to allow the heating cable to be snugly fit therebetween. As discussed before, forming a radiused outer edge  39  on the edge attachment provides additional resiliency for snugly retaining and/ore removably securing the heating cable in the channel. Additionally, when replacement of the cable is needed, the cable may be removed by pushing the channel sides to an apart position an amount sufficient to release the cable from the channel through the opening without mechanical deformation of the edge attachment or drip edge. A new heating cable may be then be readily installed using the existing raceway by moving the channel sides to an apart position to allow the new heating cable to inserted through the opening into the channel. Alternatively, mechanical fasteners holding the edge attachment in place may be removed (or loosened if the edge attachment is provided with elongated or “peanut-shaped” holes) thereby allowing the heating cable to be removed. A new heating cable may then be installed in the channel using one of the aforementioned methods. 
     The tight contact between the heating cable and the channel sides allows heat transfer through the heat conductive materials (i.e., aluminum) from the cable to a heat conductive portion of the roof edge cable raceway to a portion of the roof adjacent the drip edge, thus enabling the drip edge to be heated sufficiently to prevent ice formation at the edge of the roof of the structure. However, it is not necessary that the edge attachment be formed from a heat conductive material. Rather, the roof engagement portion and the channel first side may be made from a heat conductive material to allow heat transfer from the heating cable to the underside of the roofing materials for heating at the roof edge, and the edge attachment as well as the fascia engagement portion may be made from a different material. 
       FIG. 2  shows an alternate embodiment of a roof edge cable raceway having the same basic arrangement of that of  FIG. 1 . In that regard, elements appearing in  FIG. 2  that are related to those of  FIG. 1  will be indicated with a (&#39;). As with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the edge attachment  22 ′ is assembled with mechanical fasteners  24 ′ to the fascia mounting portion  44 ′ of the overhanging drip edge  26 ′ to form the channel structure  28 ′ for spingably retaining and/or removably securing the heating cable  30 ′, and the channel has a first side  32 ′ positioned adjacent the roof edge  34 ′ and a second side  36 ′ spaced therefrom defined by the mounted position of the edge attachment  22 ′. The second channel side  36 ′ may have a radiused outer edge  39 ′. Together the first and second sides  32 ′, 36 ′ define an opening for the channel. As with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the channel first side  32 ′ has a roof engagement portion  40 ′ extending therefrom up the roof  42 ′ and beyond the roof edge  34 ′ to form the overhanging portion of the drip edge. Also as with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , shingles or shakes  43 ′ do not extend to the roof edge and a lower part of the roof engagement portion is exposed. Also, as with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a fascia mounting portion  44 ′ may extend from the channel first side in a direction generally transverse to the roof engagement portion with the edge attachment  22 ′ forming the second channel side may be mounted thereto. 
     However, in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , a spacer  45  is integrally formed on the edge attachment  22 ′ to assist in locating the edge attachment at the proper spacing to form the channel opening  38 ′ to accommodate the heating cable, rather than the tab of  FIG. 1 . Although not shown in the drawings, the generally “L”-shaped edge attachment of  FIG. 1  may be similarly configured with an integrally formed spacer. Also, in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the roof engagement portion  40 ′ is provided with a second channel  46  having an opening  48  at an upper portion  50  of the roof engagement portion. The opening  46  of the channel  48  may be formed by overlapping the upper portion  50  of the roof engagement portion  40 ′. An additional section of flashing material  52  may interlock with the upper portion  50  in the second channel  46  and may extend under the roofing materials  43 ′ (i.e., shingles, shakes, etc.) (not shown) a further distance up the roof  42 ′ from the edge  34 ′ of the roof of the structure. The second open channel  46  a houses a second heating cable  54  to increase the area of snow and ice that may be melted at the edge of the roof of the structure. Channel sides  56 , 58  define the second channel opening  48 , and at least one of the sides  56 , 58  of the second channel is sufficiently resilient to allow the heating cable  54  to be inserted through the opening into the second channel  46  in manner to allow the heating cable to be secured in the second channel with the heating cable being visible through the opening from a position in front of the opening of the second channel. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the second channel first side  56  may have a relatively large radiused edge  59  to assist in providing added resiliency for the second channel first side to springably retain and/or removably secure the second heating cable  54  in the second heating channel. This radius feature may be reversed and provided on the second channel second side. Although  FIG. 2  shows the added flashing  52  interlocking with the roof engagement portion  40 ′, it should be appreciated that the second channel  46  may be monolithically formed with the roof engagement portion of the overhanging drip edge and/or monolithically formed with the added flashing. Additionally, it should be appreciated that a biasing member may be provided in a manner as previously described in one or both of the first and second channels to assist in removably securing a cable therein. 
       FIG. 3  shows a roof edge cable raceway  60  with a monolithically formed channel  62  that is pre-formed for a heating cable  64 . The channel  62  has a first side  66  positioned adjacent a roof edge  68  and a second side  70  spaced therefrom. Together the channel sides  66 , 70  define an opening  72  into the channel  62 , and one or more of the channel sides may be sufficiently resilient to be springably moved to allow insertion of the heating cable  64  through the opening  72  into the channel  68  in a manner to allow securing the heating cable in the channel with the heating cable being visible through the opening from a position in front of the opening. The resiliency of the channel sides also allows replacement of the heating cable without deformation of the channel. The channel second side  70  may have a relatively large radiused edge  73  to assist in providing added resiliency for the channel second side to springably retain and/or removably secure the second heating cable  54  in the second heating channel. It should be appreciated that a biasing member may be provided in a manner as previously described in the channel to assist in removably securing a cable therein. The roof edge cable raceway  60  may comprise a roof engagement portion  74  that is adapted to overlie and be secured to a portion  76  of a roof of the structure on the channel first side, and a facia engagement portion  78  extending from the channel second side. The roof engagement portion may also extend beyond the roof edge  68  to form an overhanging roof edge. Preferably, the roof engagement portion  74 , the fascia engagement portion  78 , and the channel sides  66 , 70  are monolithically formed. In the alternative, the roof engagement portion and the channel first side may be made from a heat conductive material to allow heat transfer from the heating cable to the underside of the roofing materials  79  for heating at the roof edge, and the fascia engagement portion may be made from a different material. The embodiment of  FIG. 3  may also be provided with a second channel (not shown) on the roof engagement portion similar in arrangement to that of  FIG. 2  or a second channel monolithically formed with the roof engagement portion in the manner mentioned previously. Also, the embodiment of the roof edge cable raceway of  FIG. 3  may be extruded as a monolithic member or may be formed on-site by metal fabricators bending flashing as needed into the form as shown  FIG. 3  in the manner mentioned previously. 
       FIG. 4  shows an alternate embodiment of a roof edge cable raceway  80  comprising a open J-style channel. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , a channel  82  is formed monolithically with a first side  84  of the channel adjacent a roof edge  86  and an opposite, second side  88  of the channel having a facia engagement portion  90  extending therefrom. Together, the channel sides  84 , 88  define an opening  92  extending along the length of the channel  82 . The channel first side  84  may engage roofing materials  94 , for instance, a metal roof. As described previously, one or more of the channel sides  84 , 88  may be sufficiently resilient to be springably moved to allow insertion of a heating cable  96  into the channel  82  through the opening  92 , while retaining the heating cable in the channel with a snug fit sufficient to allow heat from the cable to transfer to the channel and roof to prevent the formation of an ice dam. The channel second side may be provided with a large radiused outer edge  97  to assist in providing added resiliency for the channel second side to springably retain the heating cable  96  in the channel. The J-style open channel also allows the heating cable to be removably secured in the channel thereby allowing inspection and/or replacement at a later date as needed. It should be appreciated that a biasing member may be provided in a manner as previously described in the channel to assist in releasably securing a cable therein. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the channel and fascia engagement portion are monolithically formed. However, it should be appreciated that the first channel side may be made from a heat conductive material to allow heat transfer to the roofing materials with the second channel side and/or fascia engagement portion made from a different material. Also, the embodiment of the roof edge cable raceway of  FIG. 4  may be extruded as a monolithic member or may be formed on-site by metal fabricators bending flashing as needed into the form as shown in  FIG. 4 . The roof edge raceway of  FIG. 4  may be secured to the structure being using mechanical fasteners  98  at the fascia engagement portion  90 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an alternate embodiment of a roof edge cable raceway  100  wherein an edge attachment  102  is assembled with existing facia flashing  104  provided on a structure in a manner to form a channel  106  at an edge  107  of the roof of the structure for accommodating a heating cable  108 . As with embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the edge attachment  102  of  FIG. 5  may be provided with a spacer  109  to assist in locating the edge attachment at a spacing corresponding to the size of the heating cable. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the fascia flashing  104  comprises a generally “L”-shaped member with a roof engagement portion  110 . The edge attachment  102  may also comprise a member having a generally L-shaped cross-section that may be secured to the structure and/or fascia flashing  104  with mechanical fasteners  112 . In the alternative, the fascia flashing and edge attachment may have a system of cooperating tabs and notches to allow the edge attachment to be positioned on the fascia flashing in a manner to create a channel sufficient to house the heating cable in a manner as described previously. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the roof engagement portion  110  of the existing fascia flashing  104  forms a channel first side  114 , and the mounted position of the edge attachment defines a channel second side  116 . Together, the channel sides define an opening  118  for the channel  106 . The first channel side  114  may engage roofing materials  120 , for instance, a metal roof. At least one of the sides of the channel, for instance, the side of the channel formed by the edge attachment, may be sufficiently resilient to allow it to be springably moved to allow insertion of the heating cable in the channel in a manner to allow securing the heating cable in the channel with the heating cable visible from the opening. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the channel second side may be provided with a large radius edge  119  to assist in providing added resiliency for the second side in snugly retaining the heating cable in the channel. The spacer  109  assists in setting the spacing to allow the heating cable to be snugly fit in the channel. The open channel of  FIG. 5  also allows the heating cable to be inspected and/or replaced at a later date as needed, using one or more of the methods discussed above. Again, a snug fit ensures maximum heat transfer to the flashing and the roof structure to provide adequate melting at the roof edge. However, it should be appreciated that a biasing member may be provided in a manner as previously described in the channels to assist in releasably securing a cable therein. In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the engagement portion  110  of the fascia flashing may be made from a heat conductive material and the edge attachment may be made from a different material. 
       FIG. 5  also shows a cover  130  that may be provided to cover the opening of the channel and also a biasing member  132  to urge the heat cable upward in the channel. The cover  130  and biasing member  132  shown in  FIG. 5  may be added to any of the channels of the preceding Figures. After the heating cable is installed, the cover  130  may be fitted into the channel so the biasing member  132  fits under the cable and pushes the cable against the roof engagement portion. Preferably, the biasing member provides a tight fit for the cable against the roof engagement portion thereby maximizing heat transfer to the roof engagement portion and drip edge. Preferably, the cover  130  and biasing member  132  are made from a heat conductive material so as to maximize heat transfer to the roof engagement portion and drip edge and to reduce the effects of air being trapped between the cable and the roof engagement portion and drip edge that may otherwise reduce the rate of heat transfer. 
       FIG. 6  shows a schematic drawing of roof edge cable raceway  200  with an open channel structure  202  with a heating cable  204  disposed therein and channel sides  206 , 208  springably urged against the cable  204  to removably secure the cable in the channel. 
       FIG. 7  shows a corrugated roof  250  with a raceway  252  formed on its edge for housing a heating cable  254 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , corrugated roofing materials  256  that have curved features that match the corrugated roof  250  of the structure are secured to the structure below the edge of the existing corrugated roof with a space  258  sufficient in dimension to house the heating cable  254  therebetween. 
     Each of the heating cables described herein may be used in connection with a roof clamp  300  in a system shown schematically in  FIG. 8 . Some roofs  302  have raised metal seams  304  that require protection from water leaking into the seam and penetrating the structure. Oftentimes, a heating cable  306  is extended from the drip edge up to a point on the roof past the interior wall to provide a drain path for melted snow or ice. For instance, a heating cable may extend around a fireplace or in the areas where different peaks of a roof converge. On raised seam metal roofs as shown in  FIG. 8 , the clamp  300  may be secured to the roof with mechanical fasteners  308 . On conventional shingle or shake roofs, the clamps may be adhered to the roof with glue. A cable loop  310  is secured to the clamp with a mechanical fastener  312  with the heating cable  306  passing through the opening of the loop. The roof edge cable raceway and heating cable described herein may be used in connection with one or more of heating cable clamps  300  in the illustrative example shown in  FIG. 8 . Accordingly, a portion of the heating cable may exit the roof edge cable raceway channel through the opening and extend up the roof to the clamp before returning down the roof to the roof edge and back into the roof edge cable raceway channel through the opening. Thus, it is not necessary that the entire heating cable be housed in the roof edge cable raceway channel. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  shows an application where a heating cable  320  is routed in the area  322  where different peaks  324  of a roof  302  converge. The cable  320  may be secured in position in the convergence of the roof peaks through a clamp  300  such as that shown in  FIG. 8 . Referring to  FIGS. 8C and 8D , to allow the installer to affix the clamp  300  in position to properly secure the cable in position in the convergence of the roof peaks, the flashing  326  installed in the convergence of the roof peaks may be formed with a raised seam  328 , thus allowing the clamp  300  to be secured to the roof vis-à-vis the flashing raised portion with a mechanical fastener  308 . The raised seam may comprise a generally “U”-shaped bend in a flat flashing piece  326  thus giving the flashing a “t” shape. The flashing may comprise a “valley pan” and/or additional flashing attached to the “valley pan.” The heating cable may run generally longitudinally along flashing for instance in the area  322  of  FIG. 8A  or  FIG. 8B . In this configuration, the heating cable extends from the roof edge to the clamp  300  to form a first run of cable, and then from the clamp  300  back to the roof edge to form a second run of heating cable. An additional clamp(s)  330  with two or more cable loops  310  such as that shown in  FIGS. 8C and 8D  may be used to run the cable  320  as necessary, for instance, to secure the first and second runs to the flashing. A generally “U”-shaped cable keeper  332  may also be used to secure the cable to the clamp instead of multiple cable loops. In the alternative, the bend in the flashing may extend along a width of the flashing to allowing installing the cable at other positions on a roof, for instance, adjacent the dormers shown in  FIG. 8A . A single loop and clamp may used where there the first and second runs of cable are spaced apart or if there is only a single run of heating cable. Instead of or in addition to the additional clamps  330  of  FIGS. 8C and 8D , a cover  340  may be used to cover a run(s) of heating cable. As shown in  FIG. 8E , the cover  340  may have a generally “U”-shaped cross section, and may attach to the clamp  300  through the common cable loop fastener  312  directed through a hole  342  in a top surface  344  of the cover or with another fastener connectable with the clamp. The cover may have side walls  346  to confine the cable runs within an interior  348  of the cover thereby protecting the cables and providing a more aesthetic appearance for the roof. The cover may also comprise a flat flashing member. 
     In addition to using a cover on raised seam of a valley pan as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8E , a cover  3340  may also be used in connection with cable runs extending adjacent raised seams of adjoining roof panels, for instance, adjoining metal roof panels.  FIGS. 8F through 8J  illustrate different embodiments of arranging a cable (preferably a heating cable) at or adjacent to a raised seam  3328  of a metal roof  3302 . In a heating or ice melt application, the heating cable  3320  heats the area around the raised seam  3328 , thereby preventing ice dam formation in and around the raised seam area. The heating cable (or runs of cable) may be covered with the cover to retain the heating cable(s) in abutting arrangement with the raised seam  3328  and to provide an aesthetically pleasing arrangement for the raised seam metal roof. Additionally, by providing a cover which is releasably attached to the raised seam, the cover may be removed as necessary to expose the cable for inspection and/or replacement. 
       FIG. 8F  shows an arrangement comprising a metal roof  3302  with a raised seam  3328  with a heating cable  3320  positioned atop the raised seam. The heating cable is held in place with a cover  3340 , which is pressed over the heating cable and raised seam in the direction of the arrow to provide an aesthetically pleasing arrangement for the metal roof. As stated before, the cover  3340  may have side walls  3346  and a top surface  3344  forming a generally “U” shaped cross section with an interior  3348 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8F , the interior  3348  forms an internal channel, and in the embodiment of  FIG. 8F  the internal channel is dimensioned to fit both the cable  3320  and also a portion of the raised seam  3328 . As stated previously, the cover  3340  may be releasably attached to the raised seam  3328  to allow the cover to be removed for inspection and/or replacement of the heating cable. In one embodiment, the cover may be provided with a plurality of internal barbs  3350  extending in a spaced fashion longitudinally in the interior  3348  along the side walls  3346  of the cover. The barbs springably extend from the side walls into the interior so as to be urged against and engage lateral sides  3351 A, 3351 B of the raised seam  3328  to hold the cover in place. The barbs may also frictionally engage the lateral sides of the raised seam. In the alternative to or in addition to, a clamp  300  as shown in  FIGS. 8C through 8E  may be used to secure the cover to the raised seam adjacent to or at the ridge portion of the roof. 
       FIG. 8G  is an alternate configuration to that shown in  8 F where one run of heating cable  3320 A is positioned on the first side  3351 A of the raised seam  3328  and a second run of heating cable  3320 B is positioned on a second, opposite side  3351 B of the raised seam  3328 . As stated before, a cover  3340  is placed over the runs of cable and the raised seam to provide an aesthetically pleasing arrangement for the roof while maintaining the cables in abutting contact with the raised seam. The cover in  FIG. 8G  may be provided without a system of internal barbs, and may be held in place with a clamp  300 . As with the embodiment of  FIG. 8F , the cover  3340  of  FIG. 8G  also has an interior  3348  that forms an internal channel, and in the embodiment of  FIG. 8G  the internal channel is dimensioned to fit both the cable runs  3320 A, 3320 B, and also at least a portion, and preferably all, of the raised seam  3328 . 
       FIG. 8H  shows an alternate embodiment to the arrangement of  FIGS. 8F and 8G  wherein the cover  3340  is provided with extended flank portions  3352  extending transverse to the side walls  3346  of the cover. Each of the extended flank portions  3352  of the cover have a raised portion  3353  forming an internal channel in their midsections sized to accommodate a heating cable  3320 A, 3320 B. The ends of the portions  3352 A, 3352 B may be angled upwards slightly. The angling allows the cover to be installed and the cable inserted into the raised portion as may be desired depending upon the installation techniques used. The angling also allows the cable to partially visible when the cable is seated in the raised portion  3353  with the cover installed thereby allowing the cable to be inspected after installation. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8H , the heating cables may be moved away from side walls of the raised seam and held in place with the cover in abutting contact with the roof  3302 . The cover  3340  of  FIG. 8H  may frictionally engage the side walls of the raised seam and/or may be held in place with a clamp as previously described. 
     While  FIG. 8H  shows a cover  3340  as a monolithically formed member with the flank portions  3352  extending transversely to the “U”-shaped cover sidewalls  3346 ,  FIG. 8I  shows an alternate embodiment where the cover  3340  may comprise a generally “L”-shaped piece. The generally “L”-shaped piece may have a configuration similar to that of the edge attachments described herein (i.e.,  FIG. 1 , “ 22 ”;  FIG. 2 , “ 22 ′”,  FIG. 5 , “ 102 ”,  FIGS. 10-12 , “ 400 ”,  FIGS. 13-15 , “ 500 .”). An upstanding portion  3354 A of “L”-shaped cover piece may be positioned adjacent a first lateral side wall  3351 A of the raised seam and an upstanding portion  3354 B of the second “L”-shaped cover piece may be positioned adjacent the opposite lateral side wall  3351 B of the raised seam. Portions  3352  of the cover  3340  have a raised portion  3353  forming an internal channel in their midsections sized to accommodate a heating cable  3320 A, 3320 B. In such an arrangement, the portions  3352  of the “L”-shaped cover piece may abut and contact the roof  3302 . The cover  3340  may be held in place secured to the raised seam  3328  with a clamp  3300  as previously described. The ends of the portions  3352 A, 3352 B may be angled upwards slightly. The angling allows the cover to be installed and the cable inserted into the raised portion as may be desired depending upon the installation techniques used. The angling also allows the cable to partially visible when the cable is seated in the raised portion  3353  with the cover installed thereby allowing the cable to be inspected after installation. 
     In  FIG. 8J , two runs of heating cable  3320 A, 3320 B are positioned on one lateral side  3351 B of the raised seam within a cover  3340 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8I , the cover may be provided with internal barbs  3350  on one side of the cover to engage the lateral side wall  3351 A of the raised seam opposite the side with the cables. The cover of  FIG. 8J  has an interior  3348  that forms an internal channel, and in the embodiment of  FIG. 8J , the internal channel is dimensioned to fit both the cable runs  3320 A, 3320 B, and also a portion of the raised seam  3328 . 
       FIG. 8K  is a further alternate configuration where two runs of heating cable  3320 A, 3320 B are positioned on one lateral side  3351 B of the raised seam. One run of heating cable  3320 A is positioned on an exposed lower edge  3356  of the cover and a second run  3320 B is positioned below the exposed lower edge of the cover. As shown in  FIG. 8J , the lower edge  3356  of the cover may be formed into an internal channel to contain one run of the heating cable. The cover  3340  may be biased downward against the surface of the roof  3302  such that the exposed lower edge of the cover biases the second run  3320 B of heating cable against the roof. Internal barbs  3350  provided on the cover may engage the side walls  3351 A, 3351 B of the metal seam roof and urge the cover downward to hold the second run of cable against the metal roof. In the arrangement shown in  FIG. 8J , the heating cables are exposed allowing them to be rapidly inspected as necessary. 
       FIGS. 8L and 8M  show an alternate arrangement for the cover  3340  previously described in connection with  FIGS. 8H and 8I . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8L and 8M , runs of the heating cable  3320 A, 3320 B are arranged on opposites sides of the raised seam  3328  of the roof  3302  and partially exposed to allow visual inspection from an area at the opening of the channel. In  FIG. 8L  the clamp  3300  is optional as the cover may be installed such that internal barbs  3350  hold the cover to the raised seam. 
       FIGS. 8N and 80  show an alternate embodiment for a cover  3340 . The cover has a bottom portion  3360  that may adhered to the roof  3302  adjacent the raised seam or other area of the roof. For instance, the bottom portion  3360  may be glued to roof flashing for heat transfer without roof penetration, as may be desire depending upon the application. The cover  3340  allows partial exposure of the ice melt cable  3320  for inspection or replacement. 
       FIG. 9  shows alternate embodiments of radius styles that may be provided on one or more of the sides of the channel for added resiliency to springably retain and/or removably secure the heating cable in the channel. The radius or hem style may also be provided on the edge of any of the edge attachments, fascia mounting portions, or roof engagement portions. For instance, the edge attachment comprising a generally “L”-shaped cross section may have a distal edge folded back onto itself with a radius in one of the exemplary styles  350 , 352 , 354 , 356 , 358  thereby forming a channel second side with added resiliency. As mentioned previously, providing one or more channel sides with a radiused edge facilitates installation, although one or more of the channel side may be flat. The distal end of the fascia mounting portion may also have a radius edge in one of the exemplary styles  350 , 352 , 354 , 356 , 358  to direct drainage away from the structure. 
       FIGS. 10-12  show an alternate embodiment of an edge attachment  400  that may be used in connection with the cable raceways of FIGS.  1 , 2 , and  5 . The edge attachment  400  may comprise a generally L-shaped cross section as described above and used with a roof drip edge having a slight pitch. The edge attachment may be extruded and made from a heat conductive material as described above.  FIG. 12  shows an embodiment where a system of vertically elongated adjustment slots  402  and pilot holes  404  may be provided on a vertical member  406  portion of the edge attachment. The vertical adjustment slots  402  allow an installer to mount the edge attachment  400  loosely to the fascia, for instance, through the drip edge fascia mounting portion or fascia flashing as the case may be, install the heating cable in the race way channel, and then make the final fit up and adjustment to springably retain the cable in the channel. A connection hole  408  (for instance, a vertical adjustment slot or pilot hole) may also be provided at each end of the edge attachment to allow adjacently mounted edge attachments to be overlapped and connected to the fascia with a common mechanical fastener. The pilot holes  404  allow the installer to lock each respective length of edge attachment in place against the fascia and thereby determine the final channel width. The pilot holes eliminate the potential for a length of the edge attachment to slip down the vertical elongated slot from expansion and contraction of the edge attachment and mechanical fastener located in the vertical elongated slot. As mentioned previously with respect to  FIG. 2 , a spacer  410  may be integrally formed on the edge attachment  400  to assist in locating the edge attachment at the proper spacing to form the channel opening to accommodate the heating cable as may be desired, for instance, after installation of the edge attachment, the cable may be inserted in the raceway. 
       FIGS. 13-15  show a further alternate embodiment of an edge attachment  500  that may be used in connection with the cable raceways of FIGS.  1 , 2 , and  5 . The edge attachment may be adjustable to allow the edge attachment to be used with a roof drip edge having many different roof pitches. For instance, the edge attachment shown in  FIGS. 13-15  may comprise a “V”-shaped member to allow it to be adjustable. Other cross-sectional arrangement may also be used. The “V”-shaped cross section comprises a web member  502 , a support member  504  that may abut the heating cable disposed in the raceway channel, and an adjustment member  506  extending between the support member and the web member. Preferably, the adjustment member  506  is resiliently deformable allow the “V” shaped cross section to be bent by the installer to fit each individual job or by the manufacture to order, thus allowing a manufacturer to have one shape in stock but meet many different applications. The “V”-shaped cross section as shown in  FIGS. 13-15  may be used with a range of roof pitches from 0:12 to 12:12. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the web member  502  may be generally vertically oriented, the support member  504  generally horizontal or transverse to the web member, and the adjustment member comprising at least one bend line  508  to allow the adjustment member to be resiliently deformed. Bending may occur at one or more of the bend line(s)  508 , the coterminous edge  510  of the adjustment member and the support member, and/or the coterminous edge of the adjustment member and the web member  512 . An installer may place the edge attachment in a conventional brake and rotate the adjustment member  506  and the support member  504  as desired along the bend line  508 , the bend line  510 , and/or the bend line  512  as desired depending upon the pitch of the roof. As with the embodiment of  FIGS. 10-12 , a system of vertically elongated adjustment slots  514 , connection slots  516  (i.e., an adjustment slot at an end of the edge attachment), and pilots holes  518  may be provided in the web member  502  of the edge attachment. Also, a spacer  520  may be integrally formed on the edge attachment  500  to assist in locating the edge attachment at the proper spacing to form the channel opening to accommodate the heating cable as may be desired, for instance, after installation of the edge attachment, the cable may be inserted in the raceway. 
       FIGS. 16-18  show embodiments of applications employing an edge  1000  attachment, such as that shown in  FIG. 15 . In  FIG. 16  the edge attachment  1000  forms a roof edge cable raceway  1002  as described herein, for instance, in reference to  FIG. 5 , on a metal roof  1004  to receive a heating cable  1006 .  FIG. 17  shows an alternate embodiment of an application where the edge attachment  1000  forms a roof edge cable raceway  1002  as described herein, for instance, in reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A,  1 B, on a conventional shingle roof  1014  to receive a heating cable  1006 .  FIG. 18  shows an alternate embodiment of using the edge attachment  1000  as a cover for in connection with a raised seam on a metal roof  1004 , for instance as described herein in reference to  FIGS. 8E  and/or  8 I. 
     While specific embodiments have been described in detail in the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed were meant to be illustrative only and not limited as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.