Heat Tape Gutters Install
The type of heat tape used on roofs and gutters to prevent ice buildup is properly called heat cable.
Heat tape gutters install. Disadvantages of installing heat cables. Roof edges are a very important part of heat cable install. Gutters are not the only place needing heat tape. This allows you to fairly compare prices of an 80 foot cable with a 90 foot cable.
Heat cable is a similar product but it is designed for installation on the edge of your home s roof near the eaves. We typically have to install an exterior outlet in the soffit to plug the heat cable into. To simplify comparisons calculate the cost of each cable per foot. Installing gutter heat tape is meant for the prevention of the ice dams not for getting rid of them once already formed.
One aspect you need to consider is spacing depending on the pitch of the roof and the length of the soffit. Heat cables for roofs and gutters have widely varying price points primarily depending on the length of the cable. If you live in a warmer climate like san antonio gutter heat tape is an easy solution to frozen gutters that can also increase the gutters lifespan. In addition to cleaning out your gutters and installing gutter accessories to keep drainage clear roof cables also called heat cables offer added protection from a buildup of rooftop ice dams.
Heat cables are a much cheaper solution than fixing the source of the problem by sealing air leaks in the attic installing adequate insulation and creating proper ventilation. Roof and gutter de icing cables prevent ice from sticking around during sub zero temperatures. Heat tape is a protected electrical cord that when used in gutters and pipes can stop them from freezing also known as gutter heat cables or gutter heaters heat tape helps to prevent ice dams from forming. The term heat tape refers to another product an insulated electrical wire applied to water pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting.
We also need to consider the amount of electricity the heated cable will draw. They take electricity to operate. When installing heat tape there are many things to consider.