Why Fall is the Right Time to Think About Heat Tape

heat tape installation

The weather is finally cooling off, but in Utah, the fall days are still sunny and mild. So, why is it time to talk about heat tape, when the snow is still a way out? The answer is simple: preparing for winter now will prevent you from having to deal with problems later. As the weather freezes, snow and ice will begin accumulating on your roof, forming icicles. Icicles can be dangerous, unsightly, and potentially damaging to your roof and gutters, and can even cause leaks that could damage walls, ceilings, insulation, and more. Installing heat tape now can help you solve the winter icicle problem by preventing these icicles from forming on your roof.

heat tape ice dam on house

First, let’s talk about how these icicles form. They form when snow on the roof melts, collects, and then freezes in the gutters. The snow melts because heat rises from inside your home, warming the roof. However, the areas of your roof over the eaves remain cold, causing the melting snow to freeze. As this ice accumulates, it forms ice dams that prevent melting snow from draining off the roof. The dam grows as more water runs from the roof and freezes, creating ridges of ice that encourage icicles to form.

These icicles, which might look sparkly and lovely in the winter sunlight, could be hiding some dark secrets underneath. You see, when this melting snow reaches the dam of ice in the gutters of your home, the water is kept liquid by the warmth of the roof. Eventually, the water finds cracks in the roof covering and seeps into the attic, where it could damage the ceilings and interior walls.

heat tape on house

Heat tape is an excellent way to prevent these ice dams from forming. The heat tape creates a boundary of warmth that keeps the snow near the gutters melted and draining properly. If you wait until your roof is damaged, it might be too late. Additionally, if you wait until your roof is frozen over, you may have to pay an additional defrosting fee to clear your roof for installation. So don’t wait! If you’d like to learn more, one of our licensed electricians can explain whether heat tape is a good idea for your home and provide you with an estimate.

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If you're interested in getting heat tape/heat cable installed on your house, click on the button below or call us to schedule an appointment.

I know it sounds too good to be true but it's not. If you think you might be interested and want to learn more, it doesn't cost anything to meet with one of our HVAC supervisors. They will come to your home, answer your questions, and give you a no-pressure, no-obligation, quote. This promotion is only for a limited time and fills our schedule fast, so don't wait to schedule your free estimate. Call today and schedule an appointment. Offer ends November 15, 2021.

Book Online   801-692-0455

 


Author: Amber Smith-Johnson
Copyright © 2020 by Any Hour Services

 

Oct 21st 2021

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