Best Heated Gutter Cables for Roof De-Icing
Ice dams form when snow melts on a warm roof and refreezes at the cold eaves. Water backs up under shingles and ends up in ceilings and walls.
Heated roof and gutter cables do not melt all the snow. They melt a path so water can drain off the roof and through the gutters and downspouts instead of backing up.
Here are well reviewed cable kits that homeowners can install themselves before the first big snow, plus the controls that keep power bills reasonable.
Best Overall: Easy Heat ADKS Roof and Gutter De-Icing Kit
Easy Heat's ADKS kits are a long time favorite for DIY roof de-icing. They come in lengths from 15 to 200 feet with a plug ready cord.
The cable runs in a zigzag pattern along the roof edge and down through gutters and downspouts, and the kit includes clips for shingles.
Pick a length based on your eave run plus the gutter and downspout length.
Easy Heat ADKS Roof and Gutter De-Icing Cable Kit
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1,000+ reviews
A plug in roof and gutter de-icing cable kit sold in several lengths with shingle clips included.
Shop on Amazon →Best Budget Kit: Frost King RC Roof Cable Kit
Frost King's RC series roof cable kits are an affordable way to tackle a problem section of roof, like a valley or a north facing eave.
They come with clips and spacers and plug into a GFCI outlet. Lengths run from 30 to 160 feet.
The cable runs at a constant wattage, so plug it into a thermostat outlet or switch it off when ice is not a risk.
Frost King RC Automatic Electric Roof Cable Kit
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3,000+ reviews
A budget friendly plug in roof de-icing cable kit with clips and spacers in several lengths.
Shop on Amazon →Best Self Regulating Cable: Heat Tape Pro
Heat Tape Pro is self regulating cable. It puts out more heat when it is cold and less as it warms, which is safer and more efficient than constant wattage cable.
It is cut to length, rated to overlap itself, and is the type of cable many contractors prefer for long eave runs.
It costs more and the controls are sold separately, but for big roofs with recurring ice dams it is the long term choice.
Heat Tape Pro Self Regulating Roof and Gutter De-Icing Cable
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1,000+ reviews
A self regulating roof and gutter heat cable that adjusts output with temperature and can be cut to length.
Shop on Amazon →Best Add On: Thermo Cube TC-3 Thermostat Outlet
Leaving heat cable on all winter wastes power. The Thermo Cube turns the cable on when temperatures drop near freezing and off when it warms up.
It plugs into an outdoor GFCI outlet, and the cable plugs into it.
Check that the cable's wattage stays within the Thermo Cube's rating, and use a weatherproof in use cover.
Thermo Cube TC-3 Thermostatically Controlled Outlet
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1,000+ reviews
A plug in thermostat outlet that powers heat cables near freezing and shuts them off as temperatures rise.
Shop on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Do heated gutter cables really work?
Yes, when installed in a zigzag along the eaves and through gutters and downspouts. They melt drainage paths so water does not back up under shingles.
How much does it cost to run roof heat cable?
Constant wattage cable uses about 5 to 8 watts per foot, so 100 feet draws around 500 to 800 watts. A thermostat outlet keeps it from running on mild days.
Should I leave heat cable on all winter?
Not with constant wattage cable. Use a thermostat outlet or turn it on before snow and freezing temperatures.
Can I use a roof rake instead?
A roof rake removes snow from the eaves and helps a lot. Many homes use both, raking after big storms and running cables for the ice that remains.
Tips for Installing Roof Heat Cable
- Install before snow. Put cables up on a dry fall day. Working on an icy roof is dangerous.
- Run it down the downspout. If the downspout freezes, water backs up again. Drop a loop of cable all the way to the bottom.
- Use a GFCI outlet. Heat cable must plug into a ground fault protected outdoor outlet.
- Fix the root cause. Cables manage ice dams, but attic air sealing and insulation stop them from forming in the first place.