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, rotted wood, mold growth, and costly interior repairs. When ice […]
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. Below is a look at some of the most common […]
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 best outcome possible.
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
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
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 Are Ice Dams? Ice dams are ridges of ice that […]
There are two basic families of heat tape used for roof and gutter de-icing and pipe freeze protection in North America: Constant Wattage and Self-Regulating. We have laid out the primary differences below to help you understand the pros and cons of each system
Before developing our intelligent Heat Tape Calculator, we used to ask customers to do all sorts of math to figure out what length of cable they needed and how many roof clips to buy. Now, all you need to is plug a couple of simple numbers into the calculator.
