Installation of heating wire / cable for roofs in Laval
It is common practice to install heating cables on the roofs of homes to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice. This device is widely used in areas where winters are particularly harsh, especially in Laval. Find out what the heating wire is for and how to install it.
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Role of the heating wire / cable
The heating cable is installed so that it forms a back and forth zigzag loop along the edge of a house’s roof and gutters. Its role is to heat and prevent snow and ice from accumulating on these areas of the roof to create an ice dam.
Ice dams that accumulate along roof edges or on gutters can cause significant damage to a home. This is because they can allow water to slowly seep inside the structure of the house, gradually damaging it.
The role of the heating cable is to ensure that snow and ice melt and are properly removed through the drainage system without the risk of accumulation and the appearance of ice dams.
How to install a heating wire / cable?
If you plan to install your heating cable yourself, be aware that this is a dangerous task, as it is performed at height. The operation requires experience in the field.
This is why it is strongly recommended that you use qualified professionals. Here are the different steps for this installation.
Materials needed
Here is the minimum material required for the installation of a heating cable:
- Quality heating cable (preferably approved and compliant with standards);
- A ladder covering the height of your house;
- A tape measure;
- Roof clips.
Technicians usually use a harness to attach to an anchor point for added security.
Installation of the heating cable
The heating cable is installed in accordance with a very precise procedure. This must be arranged in the form of triangles placed one after the other, the base of which is about 45 cm and the sides, 60 cm. The clips will serve as an anchor that will secure the cable to the roof.
Regarding the length of the cable, the calculation is quite basic. First, measure the width of the roof where the device will be installed. This value is then multiplied by a factor of 4.2. The latter takes into account the triangle layout. Then, you have to add the length of the descent of the gutter. A certain margin is essential during the measurement: one or two meters, maximum.
As for the electrical connection, the heating cable must be installed on an independent electrical circuit equipped with a 15 A circuit breaker. It will be placed between the electrical inlet and a junction box located under the edge of the whole . A switch is also needed to control the operation of the cable from inside the house.
Some useful tips
It is not recommended to leave the heating cable on continuously. Indeed, you will decrease its effectiveness and will also reduce its lifespan. In addition, this kind of device consumes electricity. You wouldn’t want to see your bill swell by leaving the system running all the time.
In order to optimize the use of the cable, it is advisable to turn it on when the temperature is between -9 and 2 ° C. If it’s too cold, you may speed up the freeze / thaw process of the water, which will increase the build-up of ice dams on your roof.
Finally, avoid installing a heating system on a metal roof. Indeed, this type of material constitutes an excellent conductor of heat, which risks causing overheating. This could cause more or less substantial damage to your home.
Call in the professionals for the installation of your heating cable
Nothing beats soliciting qualified professionals to install your heating cable. Indeed, you ensure the quality of the work and you do not risk having accidents from heights.
At Toiture Couvreur Laval, our team of technicians has the experience and know-how necessary to carry out an installation according to the standards and regulations in force. You can use your heating cable serenely as you wish.
Do you have a question?
Request a quote today
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Testimonials
from our clients
Daniel Bryan2021-09-18Just after the big storm that took place a month ago, we went online and filled the specific form that we have found on this company’s website. This was on a Saturday afternoon. The next day the manager called us and visited our house to evaluate the situation with the roof. The roof suffered grave damages, a condition that couldn’t go unfixed for many days since everyone feared the next heavy rain. The manager provided us with a reasonable quote and the next day they started working on our roof with professionalism and extra care.
Veronica Sullivan2021-09-17The team members working for this roofing company are all professionals and experts that have years of experience in the field of roofing. You can also see that they are very passionate about what they are doing and love it to the core. Do not hesitate to call them if you run into any trouble with your roof in the future. They intervene quickly and immediately and the work provided will leave everyone happy. This is a roofing company that is completely recommended.
Sammy Walker2021-09-16The reason we called your company was because we desired a makeover of our house and our roof. We also wanted to improve the insulation in our house. Your company suggested installing a glass wool mat and a HPV underlay system, a system that was installed in addition to the structure that was already there. Two years have passed since then and the insulation works greatly keeping our house warmer and cooler. If you want to make a long-term investment or you simply face issues with your roof, do not hesitate to contact them.
Paulette Rhoades2021-09-15We couldn’t be happier with the work performed in our roof last June. The interior and exterior of the roof along with the finishing touches are perfect and very qualitative. Also, the insulation installed gives to our house a sense of warmth and comfort that we did not have before. Overall, we are very grateful for everything this roofing company did on our roof and for its polite, experienced and professional crew. We will recommend it to anyone we know.
Audrey Mignone2021-09-14A roof in any house is, besides a functional part of the house, also part of this design and charm. This is why, when planning to renovate our house, we decided to use the service of this specific company for the renovation of the roof. Everything done by this company is highly appreciated and the end-result is of the utmost aesthetic, qualitative and practical aspect. Also, the placement of special insulation to the roof is hugely appreciated since we believe that it will help tremendously in the next winter with keeping the house warmer and reducing heating costs.
Carlos Pixley2021-09-13I received a quote from this specific company regarding a replacement on a roof. This concerned a property in the suburbs that I wanted to rent. The company completed a precise investigation and estimate within the next 2 business days. Every part of the team worked very professionally and helpfully throughout the entire process. The team manager offered me many solutions and advice and I chose the one that best fitted my budget and my needs. The result from then on is exquisite and of the utmost quality.
Reva Nash2021-09-12We recently bought a new house and we couldn’t be more happy and anxious to start enjoying it. But we had an issue: the roofing was outdated and needed to be renovated in its entirety. This specific company came highly recommended and this was the reason behind choosing it to assist us with replacing and fixing our roofing. Not only did they assist us but they offered to place a specific insulation system allowing us to spend 50% less in our yearly electricity and heating bills. Definitely a must!
Robert Hutchings2021-09-11I am a man of the same profession (a bricklayer) and trust me when I say that I have never seen such a professional and hard-working roofing company. The reason I hired them was to apply a waterproofing insulation in my terrace. The end-result is very well and after severe and heavy rains, not a single issue occurred. The tightness is excellent and everything works and fits perfectly. I will definitely count on this company again in the future if I ever need any work done on my roof.
Janna Manley2021-09-06Great professionals. Ratio quality-price that no one else can beat. We completely recommend them and we are so happy that our terrace roof got fixed. In addition to that, they provided waterproofing and flooring services in our attic. They employed a 10 people team in our house, everyone a serious and professional individual. The result is of the utmost quality and very clean. Work started when agreed upon and finished the same. The finishing touches are great and we are very happy. If we ever need any other repairs, we will definitely use them again without hesitation.
Jonathan Sessions2021-09-05This specific roofing company offered to waterproof our roof and terrace and we are extremely happy with the end-result. The insulation work was delivered within the time and cost we agreed and expected from the beginning. The owner of this company is a very professional and careful individual that knows exactly what he is doing. His constant concern is that everything is perfect and spotless. Not a single reproach!