Rooftop Heat Cable Installation

"Heat Cable" is also commonly referred to as "Ice Melt Cable", "Heat Tape" and "Heat Trace Cable".

Several types of Heat Cable installation are available.  Prices vary depending on the quality and type of Heat Cable chosen. 

Please call for a consultation with an electrician regarding your Heat Cable needs.  More on technical options.

Please note:  Heat Cable does not completely melt the ice dams, but rather creates channels through which water may flow past the ice dam as it melts, rather than being trapped by the ice dam.  Heat Cable may be installed year round, but it is preferable to install during the warmer months, in advance of winter. 

Ice Dams grow as snow melts and refreezes on rooftops. The ice dams then cause water to pond on the roof, which eventually finds its way up under the shingles and into the interior of the building.  Notice the thick layer of ice under the snow in this picture, also notice how the ice is pulling the gutter down.

In the following picture notice the ice dam in the valley, which is over a foot high.  Roof valleys in Flagstaff are especially prone to ice dams and it is recommended to install heat tape further up the roof when encountering a valley such as this one:

Below is a picture of one of our Heat Tape installations at work. Notice the channels created for water to run off.  Heat tape is also installed in the gutter and downspouts to allow water to flow freely:

Below is another Heat tape installation.  Notice that the heat tape goes further up the valleys, creating large channels for water to escape:

Below is a picture of the channels created by heat tape doing its job:

Some larger heat tape installations require a dedicated outlet. A dedicated outlet, when combined with a timer, can also be used to automatically control Christmas lights.

Reputable home builders such as Highwood Construction and Remodeling and Sierra Enterprises will often incorporate remotely switched outlets under the eves in the original construction of a custom home.  However if your home did not come with this feature, call Nitro Electric today for a free estimate on the cost of installation and a consultation on your needs with a electrician. 
Note that the outlet box and conduit are paintable.

Commercial Heat Tape Installation

Properly installed heat tape will melt snow and ice on commercial roofs in order to keep roof drainage systems open.

We installed this electrical disconnect panel and heat tape control on a flat roof in Flagstaff:

It is best to install a remote panel for controlling large commercial heat tape installations:

Nitro Electric has developed highly effective commercial drain and scupper de-icing systems with proven results.
We can design a system for any roof size - call for more information.