ET-94-PRIMER Frequently Asked Questions

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Can the heating element be cut to length or shortened?

Our self-regulating heating product is designed to be cut to length at the jobsite by an installer where it can then be end-capped with accessories (sold separately).
However, our constant wattage kits contain heating elements that cannot be shortened or altered in any way.
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Do radiant heating products have polarity?

Electric-resistance heating cables and systems have no polarity. This includes all current WarmlyYours heating elements.
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Can the cable be left on in warm weather or all year long?

We do not recommend leaving the cable on all year long. It's an unnecessary use of energy to run the cable during warm weather and it could actually cause the heating cables to overheat if they're left on during very warm weather. 
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How do I estimate the roof and gutter deicing cable length needed?

 Cable length needed depends on the sizes and areas of the roof that need to be deiced (roof with gutter, downspouts, valleys, and/or dormers). Our best recommendation is for you to give us a call (1-800-875-5285) and we can help you identify what measurements will need to be taken. Alternatively, you can
measure the dimensions of the aforementioned areas and refer to the installation manual to get an idea of how much cable you'll need. 
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Can the cable be installed to remove already formed ice dams or to clear existing ice or snow from a roof?

It is not recommended to install this product to remove ice dams that have already formed or for the purpose of clearing the roof of existing ice and snow.
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Can I overlap the cable over another run or have the cable touching some other portion of it?

Overlapping cable is not a problem at all for our self-regulating cable product as its able to regulate its heat output to prevent overheating and damaging the cable. 

However, for our constant wattage cable kits, the cable cannot overlap itself or come in contact with itself or any other operating constant wattage heating cable at any time or it could overheat and fail.

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Does a roof and gutter deicing cable system need a thermostat or controller?

Our self-regulating cable product does require the use of a control and/or a sensor to operate. WarmlyYours offers a variety of controls ranging from a basic manual control to our premium option that provides the ultimate in convenience and hands-off operation.

Our constant wattage cable kits do not require a thermostat/controller and can be connected to an outlet throughout an entire winter, during a single snow event, or whenever deicing is needed. An optional plug-in thermostat can be used if desired.
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What kinds of roofs can I use an Ice Shield Roof and Gutter Deicing Cable on?

Our self-regulating cable product can be used with almost any commonly used roofing material, though you should always check with the roofing material's manufacturer guidelines to confirm. 

Our constant wattage kits can't be used on flat roofs, with wooden gutters or downspouts, or on roofs made of the following: slate, stone, metal, ceramic, wood, rubber, or composite (tar and gravel). 
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What type of roofs can I use WarmlyYours Self-Regulating cable on?

WarmlyYours self-regulating cable is suitable for use on standard asphalt or wood shingles, angled cedar, tile or terra cotta, slate, flat membrane-type (rubber or EPDM) roofing, and metal roofing. For attaching, the same clips are used for both slate and cedar roofing. Always check local codes for approved methods of heating roofs and gutters.

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Can I install a roof and gutter deicing system on a 'ribbed' metal roof?

WarmlyYours does not recommend installing de-icing systems on ribbed metal roofs. This is because ribbed metal roofs typically aren’t flat enough for attachment of the mounting pads or proper contact of the cables with the roof.
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Can I run Roof and Gutter Deicing Cable off an extension cord?

NEVER use an extension cord. If you do not understand the electrical requirements needed regarding the electrical receptacle plug, contact your local electrical inspector or a licensed electrician.

The reason for this is due to safety and performance of the system. Extension cords are often not properly selected and will degrade, potentially leading to electrical shorts or other hazards such as fire. Roof de-icing cables are designed to be connected directly to a properly rated outlet, and the length and type of extension cords may not be rated for the same power load, leading to insufficient power supply, potential damage to the cables, and further safety risks including their ability to prevent ice dams on your roof.
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Can WarmlyYours self-regulating cable go in liner drains in the driveway? In front of the garage and the end of a driveway?

WarmlyYours self-regulating cable can rest in the bottom of the drain. Some people put them on the AIR-STAT to control operation.
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Can WarmlyYours self-regulating deicing cable be used inside a drain pipe or trench?

Yes, WarmlyYours self-regulating deicing cable may be used in a drain opening or in a trench. It cannot go inside a pipe.
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Can self-regulating cable be installed on EPDM or rubber roofs?

WarmlyYours self-regulating roof and gutter de-icing cable can be used on rubber or EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene terpolyMer) roofs.

The primer that WarmlyYours sells is specifically for adhering clips to EPDM or rubber roofing.
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How do roof melt tablets or other chemical deicers compare to heated roof cables?

Chemical roof melt has some serious downsides to consider. Not only are the chemicals potentially harmful for animals and plants, but they're difficult to apply accurately (while staying safe) which means you might not eliminate all of the ice dams. Roof melt's effectiveness, compared to roof melt cable, is more influenced by the ambient temperature and it is possible for the harsh chemicals to damage shingles or other roof components.
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How far apart are the triangles spaced from one another at the roof edge near the gutter for WarmlyYours self-regulating deicing cable?

Triangles are spaced 24" apart.
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I have leaf guards installed on my gutters. Can I attach the deicing system to the side, or underside of my gutters?

No, typically leaf guards need to be removed for the deicing cable to be installed in the gutter to work effectively.
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Is self regulating cable good for clearing snow off my roof?

Self Regulating cable is not designed for snow load removal. It is designed for deicing in scuppers, roof overhangs, gutters, downspouts, trench drains, etc.
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Once we installed the Self-Regulating cable and plugged it in, we noticed it was heating. Doesn't this self-regulate and not turn on until is is cold?

Self-regulating cable heats to the specified watts per linear foot when energized
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What are some considerations to note about WarmlyYours roof and gutter deicing self-regulating cable versus constant wattage cable?

  • Overlapping WarmlyYours self-regulating cable is possible because self-regulating cable regulates heat output to prevent overheating and damaging the cable.
  • Overlapping WarmlyYours constant wattage cable is not possible because it is on all the time and cannot come in contact with itself or any other constant wattage heating cable, as it will overheat and fail.
  • Self-regulating cable requires the use of a control and/or a sensor to operate. WarmlyYours offers a variety of controls ranging from a basic manual control to our premium option that provides the ultimate in convenience and hands-off operation.
  • Constant wattage cable does not require a thermostat/controller and can be connected to an outlet throughout an entire winter, during a single snow event, or whenever deicing is needed. An optional plug-in thermostat can be used if desired.
  • Self-regulating cable is designed to be cut to length at the jobsite by an installer where it can then be end-capped with accessories (sold separately).
  • Constant wattage cable cannot be shortened or altered in any way.
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What is the difference between Self-Regulating and Constant Wattage Cabling?

As the names imply, constant wattage cable uses fixed wattage output per linear foot and does not automatically adjust in response to temperature changes. Self-regulating cable is manufactured with a resistance matrix placed between its 2 buss wires that varies the ohms resistance per linear foot to automatically adjust in response to temperature changes. Learn more about this in our blog Self-Regulating vs. Constant Wattage Heating Cables.
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What is the lifespan of WarmlyYours roof and gutter deicing cables?

WarmlyYours roof and gutter deicing self-regulating cable loses its power ramp-up ability at about 5-10 years, but it will still work at its rated wattage for years. Properly installed WarmlyYours roof and gutter constant wattage cable usually lasts well beyond its warranty period.
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