While I agree limited use of heating cables may prevent excessive ice formation during unusual shoulder-season weather, they may still not be worth the effort. Tree litter can more easily get hung up on the plastic-coated wiring than the relatively smooth metal surfaces of the gutters and pipes.įor this reason, I would suggest removal and storage of any heat-trace wiring components after the spring thaw to prevent blockage during summer rain. It can be tough enough to prevent blockage of eavestroughs and downspouts by leaves, twigs and other debris without further jamming an electric cable inside the small spaces. The main problem, other than the costs associated with installation and operation, is possible blockage of the roof drainage system. There are few drawbacks to the targeted use of this system, as long as it is limited. So, those may be the only periods when it would be advantageous to use a heating cable in the metal eavestroughs and downspouts. A freeze/thaw cycle is normally only seen in our area during these times, or once or twice during a warming trend in the middle of winter. Your specific question appears to address a common issue that may occur in the shoulder seasons, late fall and early spring. Roofs that leak will allow damage to the eaves, roof sheathing, framing and, potentially, the interior of the home, if they are large enough.įor this reason, anything that allows the top of the roofing, or the underside, to be warm during our bitterly cold winters can cause major moisture intrusion and damage. This will reduce the life expectancy by up to half, greatly increasing the chances of leakage. This will cause the shingles to curl and dislodge the protective coloured granules embedded in the top layer. Heating shingles from the top in the winter will create a large temperature differential between the top and bottom of the roofing. The reason heat cables should not be used on typical asphalt shingles is that the heat will damage the roofing. In other buildings, mainly 1½- and 2½-storey homes, they are often used questionably, where improvements to air sealing, insulation and ventilation are the proper methods of prevention.Īlso, periodic removal of heavy snow accumulations on the roof will minimize the need for electrical snow melting. In those situations, periodic use on the roofing in the bottom of the valleys, in the transition seasons, may be acceptable. In some older homes with very poorly designed roof systems, electric heating cables may be the only way to prevent the formation of huge, dangerous icicles from hanging down from the eaves, particularly below steep valleys. I have little idea what the monthly cost in electricity is to run these gizmos, but it is not negligible. Most have an integrated thermostat, which only triggers the device when temperatures are below freezing. Heat-trace cables are electrical devices that provide a moderate amount of heat to help melt ice and snow during cold weather. Many of these are inexpensive to use and install, but others are mainly unnecessary, or downright harmful. Home centres and other retailers are frequently full of items that appear to be simple solutions for often difficult to understand home issues. While they may work for your suggestion in the eavestroughs, other maintenance efforts may negate the need for these questionable electrical devices. I would appreciate your viewpoint on this matter, as I agree with you about putting the heat cable on the shingles being a bad idea.Īnswer: Heat-trace cables are among those items I consider a Band-Aid or a last-ditch solution for more complex house issues. ![]() We do have lots of insulation in the attic, so I don’t think that is a cause. After that, these big icicles formed, hanging down from the troughs. That crazy weather didn’t allow much melted snow to drain out of the eavestroughs. We had rain, then freezing rain and then temperatures dropped well below freezing, all in a day and a half. Wouldn’t it be better installing the heat cable only in the eavestrough, and then running it via the downspout, not putting any of the cable on the shingles? Question: I’ve read your previous article on why you shouldn’t use heating cable on roofs.
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