How Long Does Roof Heat Tape Last

Thus the subjects of temperature safety and performance service life are of real concern in considering heating cable selections.

How long does roof heat tape last.

Interesting thing the contractor did for this last home he put the heat tape on it was the long metal type he put a loop of the tape up through the skirting i can hold the loop in my fingers to see if it is warm without removing the skirting which has been nice to be able to check so quickly if the tape is functioning on very cold days. Most heat tape manufacturers warn that you should replace your heat tapes every 3 years minimum. Heat tape has a near constant connection with both water and electricity and usually isn t protected well from the elements. Some are just better made than others.

That doesn t mean they won t keep the ice from forming they will it means they will last longer and are more efficient than some brands. It depends on what s in your area and to a certain extent how much you want to pay for them. Some i have used lasted 5 years and other have lasted 20 or more. This is a kit based around the popular and reliable speedtrace family of self regulating heating cables these cables are professional grade durable products and with good treatment we ve known them to last a decade or more in use.

Other noteworthy information about heat tape. Roof heat tape quality operating cost paying less will cost you more. Of course they all do the same thing. Big box heat tape is disposable plain and simple.

There are different brands of heat tape for gutters. They will last a season or two and cost an arm and a leg to operate during that time.