Are our heat cables necessary to prevent ice dams?

May 20

Heat cable is often referred to as a "shady" option in the prevention of ice dams. Most people are not familiar with heat cables and how they should be installed. This three-part series covers heat cable. It will be explained in detail, including where it works and what it shouldn't. What to buy and avoid. How to design and install heat cables by roofers within the New Orleans area.

A dam made of ice

Minnesotans are haunted by terrible memories of early 2019, as the snowflakes that fell in October brought back horrible memories. Many Minnesotans have terrible memories of early 2019 after the snowflakes in October caused impassible streets and flooded basements. An ice dam is a ridge or ring of ice on roofs that causes meltwater to enter your home. If you ignore them, they can create mini-glaciers in your home that can cause major damage. Minnesota, welcome!

Insurance companies typically cover repairs to ice dams, but they do not cover future costs. Many homeowners are left wondering how to avoid this expensive and annoying problem. As a result of ice dam claims, some insurance companies require homeowners to pay costly modifications to prevent future damage to ice dams. Failure to make these modifications could result in future ice-dam-related claims being denied.

ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTIONS FROM ICE DAMS

Industry experts agree that ice dams can be prevented by improving the architecture of your house. This includes insulation, ventilation, and sealing air leaks that allow heat from escaping where it shouldn’t. Remember that meltwater from melting snow refreezes on the roofs, which feeds the ice-dam cycle. We have completed hundreds upon hundreds of home improvement projects in the last quarter-century. The average cost ranged from $10,000 to $35,000 on average. The video below gives an overview of the project's scope.

These aren’t the usual air-sealing projects. This dirty and difficult job usually involves the demolition or partial reconstruction of the interior or exterior of the home. This can be a significant house improvement, which reduces the possibility of ice dams as well as improves energy efficiency. Incorrectly done, it can cause ice dam problems and be a waste. Bummer.

SHOVELING THE ROOF IN ICE DAM PREVENTION

Roof shoveling is an effective method to prevent ice dams when you follow some very important guidelines. First, remove all snow from any roof affected by ice dams. Contrary to popular belief, removing snow from your roof below the roofline can cause a second ice dam, or worse, the creation of an ice dam on the roof.

Dam on 2 levels

Double dams are very difficult to get rid of and can cause major damage if not treated promptly. The roofs that have been impacted can be up to two- or three stories tall or other inaccessible. Roof raking from the roof or using a ladder to lift the snow to the top isn't able to remove all of it.

Snow removal can be done at home.

This requires someone to climb up the ladder, which isn't a good idea. For many homeowners, this is the only way to avoid paying high-priced professionals.

PREVENTION of ICE DAMS with HEAT TAP

Tape to keep your warm

All forms of ice dam prevention heat tape have the same idea. These cables use electricity to generate heat, melting the snow and ice on roofs. These channels allow water to flow away from the roof, rather than back into the home. The heat cable's only purpose is to produce relief channels through snow/ice, and not to keep eaves clear.

Installed heat cables

A high-quality cable with the right quality can provide 10 years of reliable ice prevention if it's placed by someone who understands what they are doing. Heat cables may not always be the best option to prevent ice from forming. We frequently find these houses in our inspections. Even so, some industry skeptics believe heat wires have no utility.

New Orleans Roofing Expert

1948 Industrial Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 285 7180