Ice Shield Roof & Gutter Deicing Frequently Asked Questions

Don't see the answer you're looking for? Post your question

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.
9 people found this helpful.  Did you find this helpful? Yes No

Do radiant heating products have polarity?

Electric-resistance heating cables and systems have no polarity. This includes all current WarmlyYours heating elements.
9 people found this helpful.  Did you find this helpful? Yes No

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. 
6 people found this helpful.  Did you find this helpful? Yes No

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. 
6 people found this helpful.  Did you find this helpful? Yes No

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.
5 people found this helpful.  Did you find this helpful? Yes No

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.

2 people found this helpful.  Did you find this helpful? Yes No

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.
2 people found this helpful.  Did you find this helpful? Yes No

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). 
1 person found this helpful.  Did you find this helpful? Yes No

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.
Did you find this helpful? Yes No

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.
Did you find this helpful? Yes No

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.
Did you find this helpful? Yes No

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.
Did you find this helpful? Yes No

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.
Did you find this helpful? Yes No