Wiring Systems To Heat Gutters

The type of heat tape used on roofs and gutters to prevent ice buildup is properly called heat cable.

Wiring systems to heat gutters.

Additionally they may even exacerbate your ice dam issues with the constant melting and refreezing of snow in your gutters. 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 have a significant amount of snow accumulating in your modern gutters above 4 inches you may want to take preventative measures and use a shovel to get rid of excess snow on your roof. Heat cables for roofs and gutters have widely varying price points primarily depending on the length of the cable.

The least expensive way to go is a very simple system where a heat cable is applied to your gutters and then is run down the downspouts of your home preferably near an outlet. Heat cables can protect your gutters from filling with ice breaking off and harming your roof. They take electricity to operate. You may need to add insulation or ventilate your attic to control the heat loss problem.

One under the gutter cover one down the downspout. Another common junction box location is just below the roof eave. Wire placement some installations require only two lengths of heat cable. Check your attic to see where heat is escaping.

For deicing and to prevent ice from forming you can have electric radiant heat installed for your gutters. The heat cable will run up the downspout. For the helmets themselves figure around 25 per foot plus the cost of heat cable. This outdoor radiant heating cable system will allow melted snow and ice to drain as needed.

Heat tape for gutters will only be able to create a small melted tunnel around an immediate area. Exterior electric heat can save you money by preventing costly damage from snow and ice accumulation making the system a worthwhile investment. Approximately 30 per 30 square feet if installing yourself. This allows you to fairly compare prices of an 80 foot cable with a 90 foot cable.

If hiring a contractor to install either system you ll need to account for labor and mark up for company costs. Before a winter storm hits you plug it in and the wire throws off heat thereby melting any snow that would accumulate around it. Heat cable for pipe freeze protection 60 feet with built in thermostat and 16 feet of high temp installation tape heavy duty self regulating 120 volt 4 7 out of 5 stars 150 113 35 113. 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.

The power supply line can be placed inside the attic near one end of your gutters. To simplify comparisons calculate the cost of each cable per foot.