Icicles are a sign of damaging roof dams.
Heat coils go by a variety of names, including heat tape and heat wire, and are long strips of wire that plug into an electrical outlet and emit heat. They are designed to eliminate roof dams, which are a buildup of ice in the gutters during winter snows. If the gutters fill with ice, the melting snow backs up on the roof and results in roof leaks. Installing heat coils is not complex, but can be hazardous because of the slippery ice.
Instructions
1. Locate an outdoor electrical outlet that is near one end of the gutter system and place the plug end of the heat coil at the location.
2. Place a ladder next to the end of the gutter closest to the electrical plug so you can easily access it. It's best to have another person steady the ladder since the ground, deck or sidewalk may be slippery. You should also wear non-slip shoes while performing the installation.
3. Stretch the heat coil up to the gutter and lay it on top center of the gutter, even if it is filled with ice.
4. Loop the coil onto the roof up to the point where the eaves stop and the actual roof begins. This varies by house, but can be anywhere from 5 or 6 inches up to 1 foot.
5. Loop the coil back down into the gutter so that it rests 24 inches from the previous section in the gutter.
6. Continue looping the heat coil up on the roof and then down into the gutter until you cover the entire length of the gutter. Space each loop 24 inches apart.
7. Install a roof clip on the upper portion of each loop and insert a screw through the hole using a power drill. After installing the clips, apply a dime- to nickel-size amount of exterior-grade silicone caulk over the entire screw head to waterproof it.
8. Climb down from the ladder and plug the electrical cord into the outlet to begin heating up the coil and melting the roof ice.
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