What is the difference between heat tape and heat cable? In short: nothing. The terms heat cable and heat tape are used interchangeably to describe a special class of wires that use electrical resistance to generate heat. Heat tape and heat cable are the most common variations
The Problem with Ice Dams Ice dams cause damage by trapping water on the roof and forcing it into places it was never meant to go. That water works its way under shingles, through nail holes, into soffits and wall cavities, leading to stained ceilings,
Components of a Typical Roof & Gutter Heat Tape System Some heat cable installation projects involve a handful of basic parts. Cable, GripClips™, ThermaCord™, CableGuard™. Done. There are many projects that involve a variety of roof materials and site conditions that involve much more, however.
Heat Tape in Gutters & Downspouts Typical gutter downspouts on residential homes are either 2″ x 3″ or 3″ x 4″. It’s acceptable to install a single or a double run of Heat Tape PRO™ self-regulating heat cable in the standard downspout (See 1 in
This is the first in our series outlining the installation of roof de-icing cable on flat roofs. For the purpose of this discussion, ‘flat’ roofs will include the two primary membrane systems in North America; EPDM (commonly referred to as ‘rubber’) and TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin).
We’ve discovered there are many contractors around the country who call themselves heat tape ‘experts’ despite the fact that they know very little about the topic. If you are hiring someone to install heat cable on your home, here are some tips to ensure the
One of the most common questions we get asked is about how hot heat cable gets. People are naturally concerned about whether or not heat cable will pose a potential threat to a wide variety of things, including roofing material, plastics, dry leaves and more
Best Heat Tape for Downspouts to Prevent Ice Dams Frozen gutters and downspouts can be a hidden cause of winter leaks, both near the roof and around your foundation. When water can’t exit your gutters it can back up into the eaves and get into
Ice dams are one of the most common and costly winter problems for homeowners in cold climates. This guide explains what they are, why they form and the best ways to prevent them, from architectural fixes to more budget-friendly solutions like self-regulating heat tape. What
What is a Valley? First things first. Let’s clear up the obvious question. A valley is simply a drainage line between two intersecting roof planes. A roof valley is no different than a valley in a mountainous landscape. It’s a low spot between two or
