Facts About Heating Cable Systems

Quick Facts About Self-Regulating Heating
Cable Systems In Layton, Utah

A Simple Guide To Roof Heating
Cable Systems For Your Home

Heating cable systems in Layton, UT are products that keep ice dams at bay. They are installed by professional home exterior companies along the edges of your home or where they will do the most good.

RGS Exteriors loves installing these cable heating systems to keep homes in Davis County safe. Our options are self-regulating, so you don’t have to worry about keeping them at the right temperature all of the time. But there are a few quick facts that are interesting to know.

Heating Cable Systems Are Great
For Gutters, But That’s Not All

Heat cable systems work well along gutters, which is the most common spot for them, as they keep the ice off of your gutters and are easy to install along downspouts. However, that is not the extent of their usability. You can easily install heating cables anywhere where you have issues with ice or snow building up. That’s why they’re such a “hot” item: they are extremely flexible. Your cable installation team will evaluate your home and decide the best place to install your cables.

Heat Cable Systems Vary In Life Expectancy

Heating cable systems generally last three to five years. Some may only last one year, while others can last a decade. This all depends on the type of cable you have, how much you use it, and if you store it safely during the warm months. Some systems may come with warranties, but there are also workmanship warranties that cover anything that happens due to a faulty installation.

Heating Cable Systems May Use
Less Electricity Than You Think

Roof heating cable systems use around 5 watts of electricity per foot per hour. So, 100 feet of cable uses 500 watts per hour, and chances are, you won’t use more than a few hundred feet of cable. The temperature doesn’t affect this usage greatly, so the math for this is a wonderful rule of thumb to figure out your energy use.

To put this into perspective as far as heating goes, a standard space heater will use around 1500 watts an hour. This lets you know that your average cable doesn’t use a lot of electricity in comparison, so adding it to your winterizing routine is very beneficial.

Heat Cable Systems Average
Around 200 Degrees

The temperature range for a heating cable system is grand, and thankfully, self-regulating cables take care of themselves in this regard. Some may stay at around 150 degrees as long as they’re on, while others may need to be at 500 degrees or higher for short bursts to limit snow and ice build-up. Davis County gets frigid in the winter, but the range will fluctuate for your heat cables depending on the temperature outside.

You Shouldn’t Leave Your Cable
Heating System On 24/7

Cable heating systems can operate for hours, but it’s best not to leave them on all winter long. You can turn them on a couple of hours before dark on nights when it will be below freezing, but it’s best to turn them off during the day.

Ideally, you should ask your heating cable installer about the recommended usage for your heat cable system. The brand, the temperature, and where you have the cables make a huge difference in how long you should be able to leave them on.

Sometimes Panels Are Better
Than Cable Heating Systems

Heating panels are great alternatives to cables in certain situations. These panels cover the edge of your roof to around 12 inches. Because they come in many different colors, you can blend them in seamlessly to match your roof and make them hardly noticeable.

It’s even possible to cover the entire roof in these panels, but it’s a rare occasion that it’s necessary or recommended. Chances are, your roof will do well with a single row of panels or cables.

RGS Exteriors offers exceptional cable heating systems for your roof in Layton, UT. For a free quote on your heating cable system, call us today at (801) 997-6616.

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