I recently noticed that my house has these zig-zag roof heating cables installed. I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about how effective they are, and I've been getting conflicting advice on when to actually use them. So, I've just been switching them on for a few hours when the temperature is close to freezing, hoping to create some melt channels. I'm curious to hear from other homeowners who might have experience with roof heating cables. Do you think they really work, and how do you use them?
3 Answers
So, here's the deal – I put heating cables on my roof about three winters ago, and they kept the ice dams away, which was a relief! But be warned, they can really spike your electric bill. My neighbor puts them on a timer to save energy, only turning them on during expected snowstorms or when temperatures drop. Just remember – they’re not a magic fix. Keeping your gutters clean is crucial too. If they’re clogged, you’ll still have issues. It’s all about how well you manage your whole setup, really!
I've been using roof heating cables for a while now, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer in avoiding ice dams. The first winter in my new place, I didn't have the cables installed yet, and after 13 feet of snow, I spent hours chipping ice off my roof. Now that I have those cables, I let a home automation system control them based on the weather, and it helps keep that section of the roof and the gutters clear of ice and snow. It's been smooth sailing ever since!
I absolutely love my roof heating cables here in NJ! I was advised to use them when temperatures are between 15 and 35 degrees and during melting snow, and they’ve worked wonders. I added them to the south-facing side of my roof after dealing with a massive leak due to ice damming years ago, and since then, I've had no issues despite still seeing icicles. They really do help with water drainage!
Absolutely! I’ve noticed that keeping the gutters clear is just as important as having those cables. I guess it’s really a combined effort.