If you live anywhere where it snows regularly, you probably rely on heat cable to keep snow and ice at bay. But like any tool in your home, heat tape doesn't last forever. Knowing when to replace it can save you in costly repairs and water damage in the colder months.

So how do you know if you need to replace it? Here is what you need to know.

What is Heat Cable/Tape?

Heat Cable, also referred as Heat Tape or Heat Trace, is an electrical cable designed to prevent parts of your roof, gutters, or pipes from freezing in the winter months. It can either be self-regulating (adjusting the heat output based on outdoor temperatures) or constant wattage (delivering a steady level of heat).

The lifespan of the cable can vary based on type, quality of the product, and the overall usage of the system. Some lower end constant wattage cables only last 3-4 years; higher end self-regulating heat cable can last 20-30 years. Knowing the kind of cable and how frequently it has been used can be a good indication of when to start looking into replacement. Generally, cables installed in snowier climates will have a lower lifespan compared to those areas with only a few good snowfall events per year.

Signs it's time to replace IMMEDIATELY:

- Brittle or crumbling outer jacket.

- The cable appears wavy or bumpy.

- Internal wires are exposed.

-Burn marks or melted insulation.

-Other noticeable physical damage.

Physical damage or the physical status is going to be the biggest factor in whether or not the cable needs to be replaced. It is recommend to inspect heat cable biannually to both physically inspect the cable and the internal integrity. A resistance test can be performed with a megameter to help in determining if there are any internal issues. The minimal reading on most heat cable should be at least 1000 megohms. If the test falls below, the cable should more than likely be replaced.

A history of resistance readings can be useful in spotting moisture ingression into the cable.

Signs that it may be time to replace:

- The cable does not heat up when powered.

- Unable to read the cable information printed on the cable.

The cable is 15-25 years old.

- The heat cable was improperly installed.

Cable that is not heating up is not always a bad cable problem, sometimes it's another electrical issue. Too much cable on a circuit or other internal electrical can be a cause for heat failure. It's important to contact an expert or even an electrician to determine what is the problem. It is entirely possible that the cable has reached the end of its life and it's time to replace.

Printed on the cable is information about the cable. It contains product name, product type, wattage, and voltage information. Newly installed heat cable will be completely visible to read. As the cable endures winters, it will fade, especially in the most water prone areas. If you are unable to read any or only some information about it, contact an expert for an inspection to determine if a replacement is needed. Being able to read this information is not vital to the operation of the cable, but can used be a good tool in determining when it needs replacement.

There are a lot of companies, roofers, contractors, and sometimes even electricians in the market for heat tape, and frankly, there are a lot of them who are unqualified to install it. While there are those who professionally install, it is not uncommon for a client to have heat cable installed, only to have issues later down the road. Drilling into roofs, messy layouts, and missed vital areas on the home are signs that the cable may be improperly installed. Sometimes these systems can still be fixed, sometimes it warrants replacing the cable in its entirety. Re-roofing is also a big event that cause the cable to be damaged when it is removed. If a roofer is planning on removing the cable, ask them about their experience with heat cable to determine whether they are qualified to remove and re-install. Re-roofing is probably the best time to replace older systems as this will save money and time in the long run.

Ready to get started? Contact Nordic Solutions for a free quote and professional advice on keeping your roof snow and ice-free all winter long.