Heat cables are an increasingly popular product used by Utah home- and business owners in order to prevent ice dams and snow and ice damage to their property. Not all heat cables are made the same, though. There are two primary types of heat cable that Snow Melt Utah installs: constant wattage and self-regulating. While constant wattage heat cable is a good option for those areas of Utah that don’t see much in the way of snow and for shingle roofs, self-regulating heat cable can be installed anywhere on any roofing material.
At Snow Melt Utah, we install heat cable systems that will keep ice dams from forming on your eaves. We believe that not only should our services be top quality, our team expertly trained, and our equipment top-of-the-line, but also that our clients should know exactly what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. It’s your home we’re working on, after all. In addition to treating it with the same care as if it were our own, we want to ensure that you’re informed about the services we provide. In many cases, self-regulating heat cable is the superior choice for your heat cable installation.
What Self-Regulating Really Means
The name “self-regulating” can be deceptive. Self-regulating heat cables do not actually regulate themselves, but they do limit themselves. They are built so that they can’t overheat and cause damage to themselves. Self-regulating heat cables produce less electricity as they get hotter and hotter until they stop, so they don’t reach a temperature that could damage the cable. As such, you do still need a thermostat in order to use self-regulating heat cables.
The Benefits Of Self-Regulating Heat Cables
Self-regulating heat cables will only turn on after the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. While they use more power than constant wattage heat cables, they end up using less over the course of the winter, due to their self-regulating factor. In addition to keeping the cost of operating your heat cables down through this, there are other reasons why we may recommend you choose self-regulating heat cables over constant wattage for your home.
#1. Good For Heavy Snowfall Areas
While constant wattage heat cables are best suited for the parts of Utah that don’t see much in the way of snow, self-regulating heat cables can take it. This is because their heat output fluctuates based on the ambient temperature.
#2. Customizable
Self-regulating heat cables can be cut to custom lengths. This results in a more efficient and effective system for your specific roof.
#3. Can Be Installed On All Roof Types
Self-regulating heat cables can be installed on all roof types, not just shingle. If you have a wood roof, a metal roof, a shingle roof, or a membrane roof, it doesn’t matter. Self-regulating heat cables can be installed on it.
#4. Superior Lifespan
This type of heat cable is made to last. You can expect your self-regulating heat cables to last you over 20+ years. This makes the initial higher cost of self-regulating versus constant wattage more than worth it.
What To Expect When Working With Snow Melt Utah
Snow Melt Utah was made with the idea of putting you first and supplying exceptional services. Too many times, we’ve seen people have bad experiences with their heat cable installations. We strive to change that with our open communication and high quality work. When you work with us to install your self-regulating heat cable, we’ll help you understand your situation and the best options for you, listen to ensure that we perform the work you need, and treat your home with the same respect and care as if it were our own. Contact us today to learn more about our heat cable services!
