These areas that allow air-leaks into your attic are called “attic bypasses.” Your energy auditor may also tell you to double down on your insulation, or to improve your ventilation, or both Heat Cable Problem #2: It’s an energy-drainer.Įven very good heat cable may add about 20% to your energy bill – all depending on how often you power it on. You’ll probably be urged to seal up spaces where warm air is sneaking into your attic – like around light fixtures, outlets, etc. Heat cable doesn’t fix the root cause of the problem: too much snow on a roof that’s overheated because warm air is leaking into your attic.ĩ0% of the time that problem is fixable, and it all starts with a quality home energy audit from someone who understands insulation, ventilation, and ice dams. Heat cable has its place in the world (more on that in a minute), but I usually don’t recommend it to my customers, for a few reasons: Heat Cable Problem #1: It’s often a Band-Aid. They’re hot wires that run up and down your roof to melt snow and prevent ice buildup on your overhangs and in your valleys.
A local home energy auditor or local roofer can help tell you the best ice removal or prevention option for your home.Heat cable, heat tape, heat wire…they’re different names that mean the same thing. But when traditional methods fail, heat tape is an option.
Heat cables for roofs install#
It can be a fire hazard if installed incorrectly.Ī pro can add insulation to your roof or improve ventilation to prevent ice buildup the cost to install insulation runs between $1,400 and $6,300. You must remember to turn it on and off as needed. Heat tape may increase your energy bill by $40 to $70 per month. This process prevents ice dams but it has some pitfalls, such as: When to Install Heat Tapeĭe-icing tape warms up snowy, icy roofs to melt accumulation. Installing heated cable in existing gutters can cost as low as $475 for 200 linear feet, making it far less expensive than building brand new gutters with heating capabilities. With new gutters, you will also pay for installing downspouts, which are located every 35 feet or so and cost between $5 and $8 per linear foot for vinyl or aluminum. Gutter installation costs an average of $1,100 for 200 linear feet for simple vinyl gutters, but that price can go up substantially if you opt for aluminum, steel, or copper. That wide range is due to many factors, including whether you need to install a brand new gutter system. Most roofing installers can complete a job within a day or two.Ī heated gutter system can cost anywhere from $475 to $4,000, depending on your home. The cost to install a thermostat-controlled system is higher than a manually controlled system. Steep roofs or difficult-to-access areas can bump up the price of installation. This cost varies depending on the difficulty of the project. Heat wire costs between $12 and $20 per linear foot to install. Some heat cables run on a thermostat this type will cost more than a manually controlled system. A heat cable is a simple device and there’s not much difference between brands.
Heat cables for roofs manual#
Manual cable: Also known as a constant wattage cable, this type emits the same amount of heat no matter the external temperature. Self-regulating heat tape: This type adjusts its own heat output based on the outdoor temperature. There are two types of heat tapes-self-regulating and manual.
Heat cables for roofs professional#
“It’s important to make sure you hire a professional when installing these cables to make sure that you not only get the best use from your investment but also that these cables are installed in a safe manner that will preserve your property for years to come,” says Eric Gonzalez, Expert Review Board Member and president of Regions Commercial Roofing, with locations in five states. The larger your roof, the longer the cable required and the higher the price. The biggest factor in determining the price of your heat cable is the size of your roof. Self-regulating heat trace costs more than basic, manual options. Resource Centerĭe-icing cables cost anywhere from $1 to $6 per linear foot. Find hiring guides, material costs, expert advice, how-to's and more.
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