Roof Heat Tape Installation Instructions

Winter conditions can really cause havoc on your home's roof. One of the biggest problems associated with winter is the ice dam. Ice dams form when snow on your roof melts, flows toward the gutter where it refreezes. Over time, the ice will build up to a depth of several inches and may even allow water to creep back up under the roofing material due to capillary action. You can only imagine the damage that might result under these conditions. Roof heat tape melts the snow and ice before ice dams can form and cause damage to your home. Installation takes just a little time and can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Heat cable kit with shingle and gutter clips
Extension ladder
Tape measure
GFCI rated outlet

Instructions

- 1
  Start on one end of your roof. Attach the heat cable to the first row of shingles above the gutter with the manufacturer provided shingle clips.
- 2
  Run the cable at an angle up to approximately the third row of shingles from the gutter. Attach to the shingles with a shingle clip. The distance between the low and high point should be approximately 1 foot if measured in a straight line along the roof.
- 3
  Finish the zigzag pattern across the entire roof attaching shingle clips at each high and low point.
- 4
  Run another heat cable along the entire length of the gutter and attach with the manufacturer provided gutter clips.
- 5
  Slip a length of cable down each of your downspouts all the way to the bottom. This will keep them free of ice and provide an exit point for the melted water.
- 6
  Plug each of the heat cables into a GFCI rated outlet. They will automatically turn on when below freezing weather is detected and then turn off when the temperature returns to above freezing levels.

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