In the winter, homeowners struggle with frozen roofs and gutters in Minneapolis. Maintaining water flow through downspouts is essential to preventing ice dams from forming on roofs and causing damage to your home.
What Is An Ice Dam?
Ice dams form when the snow melts off the sunnier parts of a rooftop. The runoff refreezes at the eave edge, creating an ice dam that blocks more melted snow from draining away. This prevents water from draining properly into gutters.
Over time, these pools of water weaken the structure underneath the shingles, allowing leaks or even causing total roof collapse. Ice dams also build up thick icicles under gutters, which can lead to cracked or damaged gutters.
What Are De-Icing Cables?
De-icing cables are insulated electric heating wires that are specifically developed for use on roofs and gutters. They are designed to keep gutters free of ice and snow to help prevent ice dams, which can cause rot or even damage the roof. They are durable and designed to provide long-term ice dam protection.
Gutter de-icing cables provide heat that travels from one end of the roof to another, melting away any snow or ice that may have formed into large icicles before they can block water from flowing freely through your downspouts.
If you live in an area where it gets cold enough for this kind of event, de-icing cables can be a good added layer of protection for your home’s roof and gutters. The wires are held in place for years and years by strong, lasting clips, and they’re essentially maintenance-free.
De-Icing Cables Installation Process
De-icing cables are generally used with asphalt shingles. Metal roofing requires special considerations. For proper installation, you must consider the size and shape of your roof. Solar orientation and prevailing wind direction are also environmental factors to take into account.
Finding a reliable contractor to install gutter de-icing cables is critical to the system’s efficiency and durability. With so many options available, it’s beneficial to work with someone who has prior experience to recommend the best system for your needs. A system that self-regulates is a good idea if you are concerned with energy savings. A DIY can result in costly mistakes.
Prevention Is Key
There are, of course, other measures you can take to safeguard your home. Insulation and ventilation in your attic, for example, can help slow snowmelt and, at the same time, provide a valuable barrier to mitigate water damage.
However, If you find yourself dealing with an ice dam despite your best efforts, installing de-icing wires is the most appropriate solution to target the problem. The best thing is to recognize the risk and proactively pursue a viable solution.
Ice Dam Removal In Minnesota? We’re Your Solution
If you live in Minneapolis, gutter de-icing cables can be a good added layer of protection for your home.
For more information about roof and gutter de-icing cables and how they work, contact the experts at Wayne’s Home Services!
