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Heat trace cable systems can prevent ice dams from destroying roofs and gutters in winter and causing costly leaks. But Wasatch Heat Cable is warning Utah residents that if these systems are not maintained before the first storm hits, they could end up with a disaster on their hands.
“When these systems sit idle over the summer, rodents may gnaw away at them or they can get nicked by weed whackers or lawn edgers. That lets water into the system, which could cause it to fail,” said Eric Wimmer, President of Wasatch Heat Cable. “Once a roof is covered with snow and ice, it becomes very difficult to find and solve a problem that could have been easily addressed in moderate fall temperatures.”
Wimmer, whose company specializes in heat trace cable installation in Park City and the surrounding areas, said that homeowners can take some simple steps now to ensure that their system will function well throughout winter. “Homeowners should check for nicks and cuts in the cable and also check out the electrical system,” said Wimmer.
He explained the four steps involved in the electrical inspection:
- Check the electrical panel to make sure that the heat tape circuits are not in the tripped position
- Check the electrical heat tape switches (usually located in the front of the home in a coat closet or in the garage) to make sure that they are on
- Check the heat tape controller box to make sure that it is operating (watch for the LED light)
- Check the GFEP protection (also known as GFEP pigtails) to ensure that it is functioning and the light is on
Wimmer said that if homeowners have constant wattage heat cable systems, they should check into self-regulating heat cable. Constant wattage is cheaper, but it doesn’t work in temperatures below 20°F (which are common in Utah) or on complicated or metal roofs. It is also less durable than self-regulating cable (lasting no longer than 6-7 years vs. up to 20+ years for self-regulating).
In a state known for “the greatest snow on earth,” Wasatch Heat Cable specializes in custom deicing solutions. This includes the installation of self-regulating heat cable that keeps ice dams from forming on roof eaves. Ice dams lead to leaks and even roof collapses.
With each installation, Wimmer reminds people of the importance of regular maintenance. “You could have the best system in the world, but if you don’t do a yearly inspection before the winter weather starts, you could negate the whole purpose of the system. If you wait until that first storm comes and the ice is too thick to budge, you’ll end up paying for professional ice dam removal.”
In their 20 years in the heat cable industry, Wasatch Heat Cable has completed over 4,000 jobs. They are the only heat cable company on Utah’s Wasatch Front that specializes exclusively in deicing systems. To learn more about the company or get advice for getting an existing heat cable system ready for winter, call 801-866-1110 or visit www.WasatchHeatCable.com.
About Wasatch Heat Cable
Wasatch Heat Cable specializes in heat cable installation, snow retention systems, as well as snow & ice removal. Their team has completed over 3,900 jobs. They are the only heat cable company in the Wasatch Front that specializes in deicing systems.
