How To Install Heat Tape In Gutters And Downspouts

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

How to install heat tape in gutters and downspouts. We typically have to install an exterior outlet in the soffit to plug the heat cable into. Choose a preassembled cable available in lengths between 6 and 100 feet which plugs into a standard grounded outlet. When installing heat tape there are many things to consider. It s not the icicles that cause the damage it s the ice and water you can t see that will cause you the most problems.

If you install heat tape on a leaky gutter you could be risking further damage to the. Look for leaks breaks and more. We also need to consider the amount of electricity the heated cable will draw. Installing heat tape for gutters will keep the damage to your house at a minimum.

Run tape inside the gutter. Heat trace cable is safe for metal plastic or wooden downspouts and gutters and it will not overheat even if overlapped. Attach to breaker box. Reinforce with electrical tape.

So a single story downspout is calculated as 15 feet of heat tape a 2 story is calculated as 25 feet of heat tape and a 3 story is calculated as 35 feet of heat tape. These numbers are multiplied by the quantity of downspouts to arrive at the amount of heat tape you ll need to cover your downspouts. How to install heat tape deicier cable on your roof for eaves and gutters and downspouts for snow and ice removal. Installing gutter heat tape is meant for the prevention of the ice dams not for getting rid of them once already formed.

If you don t have gutter heater system sometime during the winter you ll notice water leaking from the attic into your living room. The gutter heat tape or cable is run in special patterns across roofs in gutters and along downspouts where ice usually forms collects and eventually creates what are known as ice dams. Cable is available in both 120 and 240 voltages. One aspect you need to consider is spacing depending on the pitch of the roof and the length of the soffit.

How to install heat tape.