Heat Tape
FAQs
Q:
Can I us an electric heat tape to
prevent ice build - up in my rain
gutters?"
A:
Yes, but you should use the type that is
thermostatically controlled so that it
doesn't run all the time. However,
according to This Old House general
contractor Tom Silva, ice build-up in
gutters is often a symptom of a larger
problem that you should take care of.
Think of it this way: If the snow on
your roof doesn't melt, water won't
trickle down to your gutters and then
freeze. Silva's solution is increased
ventilation, which will keep the roof
surface cold and thus prevent (or at
least reduce) heat loss that melts the
snow.
Q:
Having large amounts of snow and ice on
my roof last year I have decided that I
need to install heat tape in the rain
gutters. Heat tape companies state that
you should run the tape in the gutters
and in a zig-zag pattern along the eaves
but that adds up to a LOT of tape and a
much higher electric bill. Should
I run the zig-zag pattern?
A:
The right product to use is called
Self-Regulating Heat Cable. "Self
Regulating" means that the cable will
get warmer, the colder it is outside.
That saves energy when it's 30 degrees
as compared to when it's 10 degrees. The
stuff at the box stores is just a one
temp element that goes to it's maximum
temperature no matter what the outside
temperature is.
The zig
zag pattern that someone referred you to
is what you would do with the cable when
applying it to your roof. When you are
installing it in your gutters and
downspouts the best application is a
double run. The cable will melt any snow
or ice that is in contact with it and
(generally) within 1" around it. If you
have a heavy snow fall, it will igloo in
the gutter and then re-freeze over the
top. So, a double run will keep the
gutter clear. You do the same thing down
the downspout.
Q:
Do you know where I can purchase
heat tape? Also, is there a company that
installs heat tape?
 A:
Before investing in heat tape, consider
having a roofing or insulation
contractor inspect your roof. It might
be more expensive to deal with the
problem this way, but it will be better
in the long run. Having an updated roof
and a properly insulated attic are more
thorough ways to protect your home.
If you
can't invest in a new roof a contractor,
such as Heat Tape of Oregon, will be
able to install heat tape. |
