Heat Line 101 – Protect Your Home From Ice & Water Damage

Heat Line 101 – Protect Your Home From Ice & Water Damage

A scenic winter landscape of the Alberta plains at dusk, featuring a house amidst the extreme cold temperatures, introduces the blog Heat Line 101.

Tips & Useful Info

Heat lines offer a reliable solution to winter, water damage, woes. In today’s blog, we’ll go over everything you need to know about heat line installation to ensure your roof stays in pristine shape not just this winter, but beyond! From the different types, to the importance of professional installation, we’ve got you covered. Let’s begin.

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Posted by Tricia | October 2, 2024

Heat line installation is crucial. In our cold prairie climate, homeowners often face the frustrating and costly issues of ice dams.

Ice dams occur when snow and ice accumulates on your roof, blocking drainage, leading to leaks, mold growth and even structural damage. Yikes!

Fortunately, heat lines offer a reliable solution to address these winter woes. In today’s blog the experienced roofing technicians at Guns N Hoses will go over everything you need to know about heat line installation. Ensure your roof stays in pristine shape not just this winter, but beyond!

Gun N Hoses has been offering quality, cutting-edge roofing solutions for almost 20 years. Contact us today for all your installation, repair and maintenance needs, including Heat Lines!

Let’s begin.

Alberta plains during extreme winter temperatures with scenic prairie views.

Powerful hydroelectric dam in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Snow-covered fields under a bright blue sky on the Canadian prairies during winter.

Ice Dams & Water Damage

Ice dams occur when the heat from your home causes snow to melt, only for the water to refreeze as it reaches the colder edges. Over time, this creates a buildup of ice at the roof’s edge, which prevents water from properly draining. 

As the water backs up behind the dam, it begins to seep under your shingles. This causes damage to the underlayer of your roof, gutters and potentially the structure of your home. 

Other common issues include stained ceilings, peeling paint, mold growth, yuck! Ice dams aren’t something you want to mess with. Thankfully, there are heat lines to help save the day!

Ice dam forming on a house roof due to freezing water.


Ice dam developing on a slate roof from cold weather and snow accumulation.

Water-damaged ceiling with visible stains from a roof leak.

Frustrated young man inspecting mold on a wall caused by ice dams.

What is a Heat Line? 

Heat lines are an effective solution placed along the edges of your roof to prevent the formation of ice. They’re particularly beneficial in areas where achieving proper insulation or ventilation is challenging. Such as roof valleys, around skylights, or overhangs.

Heat lines typically come in two different types – self-regulating and constant wattage. 

A self-regulating heat line adjusts its heat output based on the surrounding temperature. As the temperature drops, the heat line increases its heat output. As it warms up, the output decreases, making it energy-efficient and ideal for varying weather conditions.

In contrast, a constant wattage heat line provides a consistent level of heat output regardless of the temperature. While it’s effective in maintaining a steady temperature, it consumes more energy, as it doesn’t adjust to changing conditions.

The installation process for both is fairly simple, and our skilled roofing professionals are equipped to complete the job with both efficiency and safety in mind.

Though heat lines represent an extra expense beyond winter-rated roofing materials, combining both can greatly minimize the chances of water damage during colder months.

Close-up of a roof deicing system known as a heat line, with ice-melting cables installed above the rain gutter on an asphalt-shingled roof.

Attic insulation with foam coating serving as a cold barrier and insulation material.

Benefits Of Heat Line Installation

Heat line installation from Guns N Hoses provides essential protection against water damage by preventing ice dams from forming. By keeping water flowing freely, heat lines mitigate problems associated with leaks such as repairs, gutter replacements or, in extreme cases, a whole new roof.

Heat lines can also improve energy efficiency by helping with proper insulation, potentially lowering your utility bills in the winter months. 

Ok, you’ve gotta love that!

A high-angle aerial view of residential single-family homes in Alberta, covered in snow during winter.

A Guns N Hoses Roofing work truck parked at a service site, ready to provide heat line roofing services in preparation for Alberta winter, supported by skilled roofing professionals.

Heat Line Installation Tips & Considerations

Heat line installation is complex, so ensure both safety and efficiency with professional installation from the team at Guns N Hoses Roofing.

Here’s what you can expect:

Evaluation

Every installation begins with an evaluation. Your roofing contractor will inspect your roof to identify spots susceptible to freezing such as your gutters.

Your contractor will take into consideration your local climate and the frequency of freezing temperatures before taking comprehensive measurements of your roof and gutter areas to ensure proper protection.

Recommendation

All heat line recommendations are thoroughly explained and take into consideration your specific application and local environmental conditions.

Recommendations are also made to pair the heat line with appropriate insulation to maximize efficiency and prevent heat loss. 

A cost and time estimate will then be provided so you can appropriately plan for installation.

Installation

Once your quote has been approved, our team of certified professionals can get right to work.

The heat line will be efficiently installed along your gutters or roof edges to prevent ice dams and secure attachment is ensured. Once installed the system will be troubleshooted to ensure any potential issues have been addressed and it’s functioning properly.

Once the installation is complete, your contractor will conduct a final inspection to ensure quality workmanship. We’re proud to offer 5 year workmanship warranties and Leave No Trace Guarantees, at Guns N Hoses we stand behind our quality products.

DIY heat line installation can lead to improper set-up, which may cause your heat line to be ineffective and even damage your roof. Our professional installation gives you peace of mind, knowing your home is properly protected. So contact us today!

When it comes to protecting your home from the harsh side effects of winter, heat lines are the clear choice to help save you time, money and stress! With the help of our skilled roofing technicians, installing heat lines is a simple, effective solution to winter’s toughest challenges. Get ahead of water damage, today!

For almost 20 years, Guns N Hoses has been the top choice for roofing replacements, repairs and heat line installation in Southern Alberta. Our team of experienced, continuously trained professionals is committed to delivering high-quality, efficient service, with fully stocked trucks ready to handle any job. We’re proud to offer a friendly and reliable roofing experience you can count on. Give us a call, we’re very friendly!

Until next time!

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Written by Tricia Arsenault

Tricia’s first experience roofing was when she was a teenager, roofing with her dad in small-town Manitoba. Her dad was a farmer but they did construction in their spare time, and she was his right-hand woman. After highschool, Tricia graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Marketing and International business. She has worked in the travel and finance industry and then returned full circle to the construction industry when she started Guns N Hoses with Keith over 14 years ago. Fun fact: Tricia has traveled all over the world, lived in three different continents and traveled to fifteen different countries.

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