Prevent Ice Dams With Deicing Cables

Deicing cables can be a quick solution to ice dams that form on roof overhangs and above gutters.

by Brett Martin

From The Family Handyman

Q  I’m concerned about ice dams forming on my roof. Will deicing cables prevent ice dams and is there a downside to using them?

Philip Atwood, Benton Harbor, MI

A  Deicing cables should work. Ice dams result from repeated cycles of thawing and freezing, which cause snow and ice to melt, then freeze along the roof edge. This “dam” traps water, allowing it to work under the shingles. Deicing cables heat the roof edge and keep it free of ice.

Install the cables along the roof edge where ice tends to build up (photo above). Attach the cables following the manufacturer’s directions. Then simply plug them into a ground fault circuit interrupter receptacle after heavy snowfalls or when you see ice dams beginning to form. These cables are available at select hardware stores and home centers, starting at $35. Systems that include sensors that turn on automatically cost $100 and up. One brand is Easy Heat (800-537-4732, www.easyheat.com).

The only downsides are the cost of electricity (which is small for a standard cable used intermittently), and routing the draining water away so it doesn’t freeze and build up at the end of the downspout.

From The Family Handyman - February 2006

• • Exterior Projects
• • Exterior Maintenance
• • Home Repair

• Improve Attic Ventilation
• Improve attic ventilation to prevent ice dams and more.
• 
• Comparing Flat Roof Vents And Turbine Vents
• Choosing the right roof vents to cool the house in summer and prevent ice dams in winter
• 
• Repair Leaks Caused By Bad Flashing And Ice Dams
• Poor flashing details around soffits that intersect roofs can cause leaks and ice dams.
• 

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His residency complete, my friend's son, Dennis, thought about setting up practice in Great Falls, Montana. He liked the town but suggested his wife visit as well. Barely there a day, she came home and announced, "Let's move." Surprised at her snap judgment, he asked, "Did you look at some homes, or even go downtown?" "Nope." "What makes you so certain?" Dennis prodded. "I pulled over to the side of the road outside of town and popped my hood," she explained. "Within a half-hour a dozen people stopped to help."

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