An ice dam is a ridge of ice at the edge of your roof or in your eavestroughs that stops melting snow from draining. A roof de-icing cable, also called a heat cable or heat tape, is a quick fix that melts a channel through it. Here are four top-selling cables, plus what Natural Resources Canada and the Insurance Bureau of Canada say about ice dams.
Quick answer
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Seal and insulate your attic first, and use a cable as a quick fix. Natural Resources Canada says the best prevention for ice damming is to seal all attic air leaks and insulate thoroughly. It describes electric heating cables as a quick fix that can melt channels in the ice but use a significant amount of electricity.
A simple place to start: the HEATIT HIRD 120 ft cable, ranked #1 in De-Icers, Mats & Salt Spreaders when we checked. The product page says it is a constant wattage cable with ETL and CSA certification, a 6 ft cord with a plug, and clips and spacers included. Want a cable that adjusts its heat to the temperature? Look at the YeloDeer 60 ft self-regulating kit.
Four roof de-icing cables, by type and run length
| Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| HEATIT HIRD 120 ft roof and gutter de-icing cable | Best if you want a plug-in constant wattage cable with certification marks named on its page. The product page lists ETL and CSA certification, a 6 ft 18/3 cold lead with plug, and clips and spacers. It says the cable suits metal or plastic gutters and downspouts and inclined roofs with noncombustible shingles, such as asphalt, that meet national building codes. #1 in De-Icers, Mats & Salt Spreaders when we checked. | See price |
| HEATIT HIRD 100 ft de-icing cable, 5W/ft | Best for a slightly shorter run of the same type. The product page lists constant wattage at 5 watts per foot, ETL and CSA certification, a 6 ft cold lead with plug, and clips and spacers. #4 in De-Icers, Mats & Salt Spreaders when we checked. | See price |
| YeloDeer 60 ft self-regulating roof and gutter heating cable kit | Best for a short run when you want a cable that adjusts its heat to the temperature. The product page lists 6 watts per foot at 50 °F (10 °C), a pure copper core, and clips and spacers in the package. It lists flat, metal, asphalt, rubber, slate, stone, ceramic and composite roofs. The feature list does not name a certification mark. #11 in De-Icers, Mats & Salt Spreaders when we checked. | See price |
| H&G lifestyles 8W/ft self-regulating roof heat cable, 100 ft | Best for a long run on a large roof. The product page lists 8 watts per foot, says it holds that output on runs from 100 to 140 ft, and lists a 5.4 ft power cord. It has no built-in thermostat, and the page says you can add a plug-in thermostat outlet, sold separately. The feature list does not name a certification mark. #15 in De-Icers, Mats & Salt Spreaders when we checked. | See price |
Features come from the retailer’s product pages and can change, so check the current page before you order.
Do you need a de-icing cable, or a different fix?
Natural Resources Canada says ice dams form when heat from the attic melts the snow touching the roof, and the meltwater refreezes at the cold overhang. It adds that uninsulated attics usually do not have ice dams, and that the best prevention is to seal all attic air leaks and insulate thoroughly. It lists air leaks through chimneys, vents, plumbing pipes and electrical boxes as a source of substantial heat loss.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada names three things that contribute: inadequate attic insulation, poor attic ventilation, and heavy snow with blocked eavestroughs. Its prevention list includes clearing eavestroughs, checking insulation and roof ventilation, using roof rakes, installing heat cables, and regular roof maintenance. A cable helps with the symptom, not the cause.
What should you look for in a roof heat cable?
- A certification mark. Health Canada says not to buy or use electrical products that plug into an outlet without a certification mark, and gives CSA, cUL and cETL as examples. The two HEATIT product pages name ETL and CSA certification. The feature lists on the other two product pages don’t name a mark, so check the label on the cable and the plug.
- Constant wattage or self-regulating. The HEATIT cables are constant wattage. The YeloDeer and H&G product pages say their cables adjust their heat output to the surrounding temperature.
- The right length. Measure the roof edge and the gutter run you want to cover. These four cables run 60, 100 and 120 ft, so match the length to your roof.
- Your roof type. The HEATIT pages describe inclined roofs with noncombustible shingles, such as asphalt. The YeloDeer page lists several roof types. Check your roof against the product page and the instructions.
- How it switches on and off. The H&G page says it has no built-in thermostat and that a plug-in thermostat outlet can be added. Check how any cable you pick is controlled.
How do you check a cable before you install it?
The HEATIT product page says to uncoil the cable completely so it does not touch, cross or overlap itself, and not to plug it in until it is fully uncoiled. Plug it in, and in about 5 minutes it should feel slightly warm to the touch. Then unplug it. Follow the instructions that come with your cable.
Common questions
Will a heat cable fix an ice dam? Natural Resources Canada says electric heating cables can melt channels in the ice, but they use a significant amount of electricity and are an eyesore on most roofs. It says the best prevention is to seal attic air leaks and insulate.
Does home insurance cover ice dam damage? The Insurance Bureau of Canada says standard home policies typically cover sudden, accidental water damage from ice dams. Ongoing or repeated damage is a long-term maintenance issue and may not be covered, and coverage varies by policy.
What if water is coming into the house? The Insurance Bureau of Canada says to contact your insurer right away, because unaddressed water can lead to mould, and to bring in a professional to correct the problem.
Before you buy
- Seal attic air leaks and check your insulation first. See Natural Resources Canada above.
- Look for a certification mark such as CSA, cUL or cETL on the cable and plug.
- Measure the roof edge and gutter run, then pick a length.
- Check that the cable suits your roof type.
- Cold house? See our draft-proofing guide. Clearing snow too? See our snow blower guide.
Sources: Natural Resources Canada, Keeping the Heat In, Section 5: Roofs and attics; Insurance Bureau of Canada, Stay protected: understanding and helping prevent ice dams; Health Canada, Electrical product safety. Product details come from the retailer’s product pages, so check the current page before you order.
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