Have you ever wondered what those zig-zags in the snow on people’s roofs are? That’s the question we’re answering in this episode. We’ll discuss the dangers of icicles and how to prevent thousands of dollars worth of repairs.When snow piles up on your roof, the warmth inside your home can melt the bottom layer. That water runs off the roof until it reaches the cold eves, where it freezes again. If that happens enough times, a dam of ice can start to trap water in pools. Then the water can find its way under your shingles.Those zig-zags are there to help prevent that. They’re called Heat Tape or Heat Cable, and they ensure the water can leave your roof. Heat tape melts a path through the snow and ice off the edge of your roof and down your gutters and downspout. That way the ice dams don’t form and water drains how it should.
Installing heat is often not a project you want to tackle yourself. That’s because even though the concept of what they do is simple, the application can get complicated. There’s a long list of options for heat tape to choose from, too. It can be manual or self-regulating. Or It can turn on with a switch, temperature sensors, or temperature and moisture sensors. It’s a good idea to have a professional explain your options so that you can make an informed decision. It’s also important to know the electricity requirements to keep your home safe.If you’re considering installing heat tape for your home, Any Hour Services would be happy to help. You can give us a call or schedule an appointment online.
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