ICE Dams

[pudgybear]

Does anyone have ideas for puting heating cables on the eaves to help prevent ice dams, do they work and how do you install them?

 

[Stuart in MN]

They will work, and they should come with installation instructions. However, if you already have ice dams, I don't think trying to install them after the fact is going to work - you may need to get the dams removed with steam or by other means first.

Go to this website: http://www.pentairthermal.com/products/heating-cables/self-regulating/ and click on IceStop on the left side of the page, it will bring you to a section on roof and gutter deicing cables. Once you're there you can click on design guides and installation manuals on the right side of that page.

 

[pudgybear]

Thanks STUART that's what i was looking for

 

[P_I_Torque]

Are the ice dams due to lack of insulation in the attic? If so that may be worth saving up for. Attic insulation pays you back year round.

Stuart - that's a great link. New to that company but it looks like quality stuff.

 

[66HertzClone]

We have been struggling with this, a section of the roof of the addition seems to be very prone to it. The venting and insulation is all in order, the section in the upper left has had severe ice damming. We have had consistant below freezing temps for some time and plenty of snow, it did warm up a couple of times so there was some rain.

We think part of the problem is that it isn't insulated below like the other walls, insulation yes, but interior structure no. Because of the way this extends out we will be using rain chains on this end and at the opposite side of the front. Having a heat cable extend some length down the chain seems wise.

 

[theoldwizard1]

... if you already have ice dams, I don't think trying to install them after the fact is going to work - you may need to get the dams removed with steam or by other means first.

Thaw out your garden hose and hook it up to the hot water tap for the washing machine. I emptied the tank 4 or 5 times, but got rid of an ice dam that had to be 8" thick to the bottom of the gutter.

Are the ice dams due to lack of insulation in the attic?

Almost ALL ice dams are caused by excessive heat escaping through the roof.

In my case a valley directs a huge amount of area into a small section of guttering. If I don't rake the roof after a heavy snow fall (SE MI is already at #2 all time record snowfall) I will get an ice dam, primarily from the sun melting the snow on the roof.