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Heat cable8/29/2023 ![]() ![]() Heat tape for ice dam preventionThe purpose of heat cable is ONLY to create relief channels through snow and ice, not to keep the eaves completely free of snow. But roofing safety isnt the only concern related to this de-icing method. So are roof heat cables dangerous? They absolutely can be. According to a Washington Post Safety notice citing a Consumer Product Safety Commission report, roof heat cables are responsible for around 2,000 structure fires every year and over 100 injuries. Think about it you are putting heated pieces of wire on top of your roof. Most folks expect to see a nice bare zig zag pattern along the edge of the roof with the ice gone around the tape. When they are used properly, they can be somewhat effective. I have had mixed results with heat tapes. An ice dam can be the quickest way to force water under the roof shingles even on a roof in good shape. I’m a contractor in Maine and we certainly have a lot of experience with ice dams. So if you live in a similar area or know someone who does I’d love to hear your point of view. I live in the “snow belt” region of Ohio. I’ve heard various pros and cons from friends and family about these heating wires and just wanted to get opinions from the fine folk here as to what they think of this system. When spring rolls around I’m considering putting up a roof heating wire along the gutter and up the first 5-6 feet of roof on both sides of the house. Īnywho to make a long story even longer, it’s winter here and I’ve got some ice dams in the gutters and icicles hanging off the roof. I had always suspected my roof had poor ventilation, most notably when I wound up with a 200 lb chunk of ice going from roof to ground, so when the roofing contractor repaired the roof I had him install a ridge vent and ventilation system along the back wall. Had some roof work done last year after mother nature abused my house by way of an errant tree branch. ![]() Recommended Reading: How Far Apart Should Screws Be On Metal Roof What Are The Pros And Cons Of Installing A Roof Heating Cable From cold spots to water blockage, this system addresses all associated problems of ice dams in an effortless way. After these systems are installed on your property, their emanating heat can prevent any ice dams from forming at freezing temperatures. With heating cables for roofs and gutters, you no longer have to worry about these walls of ice. This causes problems such as roof leakage and sagging from standing water. Ice Melting Systems For RoofsĪlong with adding excess weight at the edge of your roof, these ice dams also stay true to their name and block melted snow water from passing through. The limitations of constant wattage systems far outweigh their only advantage, cheap prices. To a large extent, it doesnt matter which cable system you use as long as it is self-regulating and made by a reputable company. We install Heat Tape Pro exclusively, but Raychem Winterguard is another excellent self-regulating heat cable our installers have used in the past. Read Also: How To Install Skylight On Metal Roof Which Heat Cable To Use For Ice Dam PreventionĪs I described in great detail in Part Two of my ice dam prevention series, there are only two classes of heat cable one can use for ice dam prevention: Constant Wattage, or Self-Regulating. Heat Cable Problem #4: The warranty is a joke in most cases. Heat Cable Problem #3: It melts snow that can just refreeze. Thats no better on your wallet than it is on the environment. Heat Cable Problem #2: Its an energy-drainer.Įven very good heat cable may add about 20% to your energy bill all depending on how often you power it on. Your energy auditor may also tell you to double down on your insulation, or to improve your ventilation, or both These areas that allow air-leaks into your attic are called attic bypasses. Youll probably be urged to seal up spaces where warm air is sneaking into your attic like around light fixtures, outlets, etc. Heat cable doesnt fix the root cause of the problem: too much snow on a roof thats overheated because warm air is leaking into your attic.ĩ0% of the time that problem is fixable, and it all starts with a quality home energy audit from someone who understands insulation, ventilation, and ice dams. Heat cable has its place in the world, but I usually dont recommend it to my customers, for a few reasons: Heat Cable Problem #1: Its often a Band-Aid. Theyre hot wires that run up and down your roof to melt snow and prevent ice buildup on your overhangs and in your valleys. Heat cable, heat tape, heat wiretheyre different names that mean the same thing. Heat cable has its place in the world, but I usually dont recommend it to my customers, for a few reasons. Should You Install Heat Cables To Prevent Ice Dams ![]()
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