Has anyone used de-icing cables?

Pros, cons? We had a big leak from an ice dam last winter and are trying to avoid it again. Hubby was planning on just using a roof rake, but we have a 2 storey semi and I'm worried that he wouldn't be able to get it or would hurt himself.

Laura

One year I managed to create an ice dam with one of those things and caused water to come in the house. The key I think is to only have it on when the snow is melting; in fact I think newer versions self regulate and can turn themselves on at the appropriate time.

Last year I used it only in the evestrough, including the downspout, in order to give water a place to go, and that worked out OK. But each year is different.

These cables are only a temporary fix, albeit a poor one.

You should be addressing why you are even getting ice dams. Either your loosing heat or the roof/attic doesn't have proper ventilation.

I use them. I have a side split house with a low roof pitch over the kitchen, dining room and living room. I have done all the things I can to prevent ice dam in the one area to no avail (new shingles, additional ice shield, insulation etc). The problem area is the north side of the house directly over the kitchen. Anyway, I have the wires and turn them on after certain amount of snow has accumulated. I leave them on for a few days or so and a "cave" is formed under the snow and ice. I can see the shingles. The key is to lay the wires in such a way as to cover all the areas that are a problem. When the snow and ice melts in the spring, I don't have leaks any more.

Our house is a semi-detached, and the ice dam forms where the two houses join.




The house is 5 years old, and last year was the first time we had any problems. We can't afford to do any renovations right now, so I was hoping to achieve some success with the cables if we can.


Laura