Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams that form at the eaves of your roof can create leaks, and snow can slide off the roof like an avalanche, bringing down gutters and even shingles. But there are devices to prevent this from happening. Joel shows how to install de-icing tapes, which are electrically heated cables that are installed along the edges (the eaves) of the roof and in the gutters and downspouts. They melt snow and ice so that ice dams won't form. He also installs snow guards, which hold snow in place so that it won't slide off the roof.

Tools needed: pliers, screwdrivers

Materials needed: control switch with pilot light, weatherproof GFCI protected receptacle, for un-grounded metal gutters/downspouts: grounding electrode, grounded electrode conductor

Products needed: roof and gutter de-icer kit, ice dam prevention cables

Resources
ice dam prevention cables - Blevins
Blevins Inc.
421 Hart Lane
Nashville, TN 37216
Toll Free Phone: 800-759-5910

roof and gutter de-icer kit - Easy Heat (Model #: 20-foot 100-watt model ADKS-100)
Easy Heat Inc.
31977 US 20 East
New Carlisle, in 46552
Phone: 219-654-3144
Toll Free Phone: 800-562-6587
Email: webmaster@easyheat.com
Website: www.easyheat.com