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.
Heat tape gutters install.
We typically have to install an exterior outlet in the soffit to plug the heat cable into.
Installing gutter heat tape is meant for the prevention of the ice dams not for getting rid of them once already formed.
We also need to consider the amount of electricity the heated cable will draw.
The type of heat tape used on roofs and gutters to prevent ice buildup is properly called heat cable.
Heat cable is a similar product but it is designed for installation on the edge of your home s roof near the eaves.
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.
Gutters are not the only place needing heat tape.
Roof and gutter de icing cables prevent ice from sticking around during sub zero temperatures.
To simplify comparisons calculate the cost of each cable per foot.
One aspect you need to consider is spacing depending on the pitch of the roof and the length of the soffit.
Roof edges are a very important part of heat cable install.
They take electricity to operate.
Where is the heat cable suppose to be installed.
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.
Disadvantages of installing heat cables.
When installing heat tape there are many things to consider.
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.
Heat cables for roofs and gutters have widely varying price points primarily depending on the length of the cable.
This allows you to fairly compare prices of an 80 foot cable with a 90 foot cable.