Ice dams are actually formed when temperatures are at the level of snow melting, which is right around the freezing point. They do well in warmer situations, during less frigid weather. Pro- Functional in Certain Temperatures – Heat cables only function well under certain temperature conditions.
#Heat cables for roofs professional#
In order to speed up the process, a professional is likely more prepared to get a hat cable installation done quickly and efficiently.
#Heat cables for roofs install#
It is always to anyone’s advantage to install deicing cables before harsh weather sets in and ice has had a chance to build. If you think you are incapable of doing the installation yourself, just don’t have the time and patience, or are simply plain wary of ruining a set of cables, it may be in your best interest to hire a qualified contractor who has references and has regularly completed a number of heat cable installations.
If you are comfortable on a ladder, you can, with caution, easily install it yourself.Ĭon- Only as Effective as its Installation Again, heat or deicing cables are only as effective as their installation. One form, ice tape, which is actually an adhesive coil, makes for a less difficult installation.
Pro- Variety of Forms for Easy Installation – With heat or deicing cables available in a number of forms, installing certain varieties of cables can be less difficult. So, in spite of the initial expense, heat cables can rescue a roof from the constant presence of ice buildup. If ice dams are continually occurring, then appropriate placement of heat cables can be a wise investment as they can protect a roof and prevent potential damage to the interior of a home.
#Heat cables for roofs pro#
Pro – Savings can be made – In spite of increased electric bills, savings can be made when a roof is freed up from ice dams. Some systems do regulate themselves as they can produce heat as temperatures decrease, or they can be programmed to go on and off when needed, which is of some help with a utility bill, but these heat cable systems can be expensive to buy as well as install. They can’t be expected to perform miracle snow and ice removal over an entire roof.Ĭon- Increased Utility Costs – Since heat cables require electricity to produce heat, the process can be costly. Heat cables are not going to completely clear a roof of snow and ice. They should be placed on other trouble-spots on a roof, or alternative ways found to deal with those specific problem areas. With that in mind, additional heat cables will probably be needed. This is a positive action even if ice dams form as the flow of melted snow from a roof won’t be blocked from leaving the roof and the roof will remain protected.Ĭon- Not a Catchall for all Snow and Ice – Whatever the profile of a roof, ice buildup may occur in areas other than an overhang or the eaves. Pro- Properly Installed – When installed in the right way, heat or deicing cables can work well, but if you’re expecting to see every bit of snow and ice come gushing down your gutters, that usually isn’t the case, as these cables won’t completely melt all the areas of ice and snow, but they do clear out any that is in the immediate vicinity of the cables and will allow enough space for any water to empty into the gutter. Whatever the name, heat cables appear to be a good way to get rid of excess snow or ice buildup, and even ice dams, but are they all that great for getting rid of any major kind of buildup that can happen on a roof? Here are some of the pros and cons of heat cables that can help you decide just what they can and can’t accomplish, and whether it is worth the time, effort and expense to use them. Some of the other names you will see used for heat cables include: As the cables heat up, they form grooves or channels for any melted snow and ice to travel down and drain into the gutter system of a roof. These type of cables are categorized under various names, and in spite of their different titles, they basically do the same thing, which is to heat and melt away any major snow or ice that surround the cables on a rooftop area. Heat cables are designed for use in dealing with snow, ice and ice dams. Timberline Ultra High Definition® Shingles.
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