In terms of ice dam prevention there are no truly “cheap” solutions. Homeowners must choose from the lesser of three evils: 1) Spend a lot on architectural enhancements, 2) Spend a lot on professional roof shoveling or risk a lot doing it themselves or, 3) Spend a fair amount on heat cables.
Use this visual index to choose the right heat cable roof clip for your application. There’s more than one way to skin a cat and there is likewise usually more than one way to install heat tape on any particular roof system. Call us if you need help and don’t find the answer below
Ice dam basics. Let’s look at a cross-section to discuss the physics. This diagram illustrates the movement of water as it leaks through the roof system and into the home. We also introduce the concept of the “origin zone” (the leading edge of ice dams where leaks originate)
How high up the roof do you need to install heat cable to prevent ice dams on a standard sloped roof system? In this case study we explore the “6 inch rule” in addition to the basics behind standard Ice Dam formation. Heat cable, tracing height is all about soffit depth
Heat Tape PRO™ is a heavy-duty product designed to last many years under demanding conditions. When problems do happen, the vast majority of those issues can be diagnosed using our comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide for Roof & Gutter De-Icing Cable.
