Question 1

How much does heat cable cost to operate?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on four things: The length of cable you install, the watts per foot of that cable, the outdoor temperatures and how many hours per day it runs. The formula is simple: Cost = Cable length in feet × watts per foot ÷ 1000 × hours of operation × your electricity rate. Heat Tape Pro is a self-regulating roof and gutter de-icing cable, which means it adjusts its output based on temperature. At 50°F, it draws about 6 watts per foot, at 32°F, it’s around 5 watts per foot and in deep cold it draws closer to 8-9 watts per foot. Let’s do some basic math on a 75 foot de-icing cable running 24 hours a day in 25ºF. At $17.47/kWh (current national average) this cable will add about $1.85 per day to your bill. Not bad when compared to the cost of a roof leak.

Question 2

How much Heat Tape Pro do I need for my roof?

Accepted Answer

Measure the roof edge where ice dams form, plus any gutters and downspouts you want to keep clear. Our Heat Tape Calculator will tell you exactly how much cable and how many clips you’ll need.

Question 3

Can Heat Tape Pro be installed on my type of roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Heat Tape Pro works on asphalt shingles, metal, cedar shake, slate, Spanish tile, synthetic roofing and flat or low-slope roofs. The only difference is which clip or accessory you use to secure it. We make roof-safe attachment options for every surface.

Question 4

How hot does Heat Tape Pro get?

Accepted Answer

Our self-regulating heat cable runs between 60–85°F. That’s warm enough to melt paths through ice and snow, but much safer than constant-wattage cables sold in big box stores that can overheat.

Question 5

Can Heat Tape Pro self-regulating heat cable overlap or touch itself?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Heat Tape Pro is self-regulating and safe to overlap. It won’t short out or create a fire hazard if overlapped, unlike constant-wattage cables

Question 6

What’s the warranty?

Accepted Answer

Heat Tape Pro carries a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, the longest in the industry. Many competitors top out at 2–3 years.

Question 7

Does Heat Tape Pro turn itself on and off?

Accepted Answer

No. The cable adjusts output based on temperature. It uses more power when it’s cold, less when it’s warmer. To fully turn the system on and off automatically, add our ThermaCord controller. It saves energy and handles the switching for you.

Question 8

Can I install heat cable myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes. About half of our customers install Heat Tape Pro Plug-in ready cables on their own. It’s pretty easy work. Our patented Grip Clip system makes it easy to secure the cable without putting nails through your roof. Grip Clips are sold separately.

Question 9

What accessories do I need?

Accepted Answer

At minimum, you’ll need the right heat tape roof clips for your roof material. We make more than 20 clip types for different roof styles. Other popular add-ons include Cable Guard for extra protection in vulnerable areas and the ThermaCord controller for automatic operation.

Question 10

How long will Heat Tape Pro last?

Accepted Answer

Heat Tape Pro is designed to last decades when installed correctly. If it ever gets damaged it can be repaired in the field with our kits.

Question 11

Can I run Heat Tape Pro through my gutters and downspouts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Heat Tape Pro is designed to run through gutters and downspouts to keep water flowing and prevent ice from blocking drainage. Always pull the cable through to the very end of the downspout so meltwater has a clear path out.

Question 12

Will Heat Tape Pro stop ice from forming on my entire roof?

Accepted Answer

No. Heat Tape Pro doesn’t clear your whole roof (nor do you want that). It creates melted pathways so water can drain off the roof instead of backing up into your house. It solves the problem by controlling where the ice forms, not by removing all snow.

Question 13

Can Heat Tape Pro roof deicing cable damage my roof?

Accepted Answer

No. When installed with the correct clips it Heat Tape Pro WILL NOT harm your roof. Remember, Heat Tape Pro doesn’t get hotter than your forehead so it’s quite safe in terms of being in contact with any material on your home.

Question 14

Do I need to remove heat cable in the summer?

Accepted Answer

No. Leave it installed year-round. Just unplug it when winter is over. The cable is UV-stable and built to withstand outdoor conditions.

Question 15

Can I hardwire Heat Tape Pro instead of using a plug?

Accepted Answer

We do not recommend hardwiring our plug-in-ready heat cables. Instead buy our spool cable and connection kits that are designed specifically for this type of application.

Question 16

How soon before winter should I install it?

Accepted Answer

Install before freezing temperatures arrive. Once ice dams have already formed it’s harder to run the cable where it needs to go. Early installation ensures your roof is protected from the first snow.

Question 17

How do I know if Heat Tape Pro is working?

Accepted Answer

Look at the GlowCap on the end of the cable. If the green light is glowing, the system is energized and protecting your roof. Heat Tape Pro is the only cable with a built-in visual check. You can also feel the cable in freezing weather, it will be slightly warm.

Question 18

How do I know if Heat Tape Pro is working?

Accepted Answer

Look at the GlowCap on the end of the cable. If the green light is glowing, the system is energized and protecting your roof. Heat Tape Pro is the only cable with a built-in visual check. You can also feel the cable in freezing weather, it will be slightly warm.

Question 19

What is the best heat tape in available for roof and gutter ice problems?

Accepted Answer

The answer is Heat Tape Pro. Our cable is featured as a top choice in a wide variety of lists and rankings due to it’s superior quality, length of warranty, features including the LED indicator on the end of the cable and the longest power cord available (10 feet). It’s the last heat cable you will need to buy.

Question 20

How quickly can I get my Heat Tape Pro ice dam prevention cable?

Accepted Answer

We keep them in stock and ship same day from Minnesota, don’t ‘cha know (assuming you don’t order too late in the day!).

Question 21

Where can I find the specs on Heat Tape Pro self-regulating heat cable?

Accepted Answer

Easy. Click here to view the spec sheet.

Question 22

Does roof heat tape run all the time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As long as the cable is plugged in, it will be consuming power, however self-regulating roof de-icing cables like Heat Tape Pro adjust their power output based on outdoor temperature. They use more energy in colder conditions and less in milder weather. If paired with a controller like a ThermaCord, the system only runs when it’s cold enough to need protection.

Question 23

Can I use heat tape in my downspouts and valleys?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Heat Tape Pro is designed for roof edges, valleys, gutters, and downspouts. Running cable in valleys prevents ice buildup where meltwater naturally collects, and downspout coverage ensures water can escape the roof system without freezing.

Question 24

What happens if I overlap roof de-icing cable?

Accepted Answer

If you're using cheap, constant wattage cable, such as what you might find in a big box store, the answer is it can start a fire or short out. Heat Tape Pro is self-regulating won’t overheat if it touches or overlaps, nor does it create a fire hazard.

Question 25

Can I plug heat tape into an extension cord?

Accepted Answer

We don’t recommend it, but if necessary use the shortest, heaviest-gauge (10-12 AWG) outdoor-rated cord you can find. Long or undersized extension cords can cause voltage drop and can overheat. To be clear, we're not recommending the use of extension cords, but we do recognize that people do it all the time so we would like to give guidance if that's a decision you make.

Question 26

How long will roof de-icing cable last before I need to replace it?

Accepted Answer

Constant wattage heat cable, such as what you buy at big box stores usually carry a one year warranty for a reason. They don't last long. With proper installation, Heat Tape Pro will last well over 10 years. It’s commercial-grade, UV-stable and field-repairable if damaged. We back it with a 10-year warranty but most systems outlast that by many years.

Question 27

Can I repair roof heat tape if it gets cut or damaged?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Unlike cheap constant-wattage cable, Heat Tape Pro can be repaired in the field using our TSK-723 Splice and Tee Kiit. This avoids replacing an entire run just for a small cut.

Question 28

What’s the difference between self-regulating heat tape and constant wattage heat tape?

Accepted Answer

There are many many differences. Self-regulating heat tape automatically adjusts its output depending on temperature, making it safer, longer-lasting and more energy-efficient. It can be safely overlapped, come into contact with combustibles like leaves and pine needles, can be repaired if damaged and is designed to be effective at any outdoor temperature. Self regulating heat cable can be used on any roof material at any slope. Constant wattage heat tape stays the same temperature at all times, which can lead to overheating, shorter lifespan and higher electric bills. Other drawbacks of constant wattage heat cable include the fact that you are required to remove combustibles from around the cable throughout the heating season, it's not effective below 15°F, it cannot overlap or come into contact with itself without risk of fire and electrical shorting and has a one year manufacturers warranty. Constant wattage heat cable is not approved for use on any roof material other than asphalt shingles, including rubber, metal, synthetics, etc. Constant wanted heat cable is also not approved for use on flat or low sloped services of any type.

Question 29

How quickly can I get it?

Accepted Answer

Heat Tape Pro ships the same day from our Minnesota warehouse don’t ‘cha know. (Assuming you don’t order too late in the day!). Orders placed over the weekend will ship the next business day.

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