People want their lives to be beautiful. All animals want to live perfectly. People do many things to make their lives easier, to adapt to all weathers.
It snows in many places in the world during winter. As a result, trees, roads, and houses are all covered with snow. Hence, heat wires are installed so that the roof can’t be damaged due to snowfall.
If you install a heat cable, there will be no ice on the roof and at the same time, it will heat the inside of the house. If you read this article, you will learn how to install a heat cable on a metal roof.
The heating cable is installed on its metal roof so that ice does not freeze inside and out. At the same time, it keeps the inside of the house warm. Now let’s find out how to install heat wire on a metal roof.
How The Heating Cable Works
The heating cable is usually used to protect the water pipe, drain line from freezing. Also, it is used for roof and gutter protection.
The heating cable has many layers such as an outer jacket, copper braid, insulation jacked, bus wire, and conductive core where self-regulating action takes place.
The conductive core is made of special plastic infused with millions of microscopic conductive electrical cells or pathways. At low temperatures, the core moves closer and turns the core into a resistive heating element.
Again, when the temperature is high, the core expands and lowers the temperature.
Which Of The Two Heat Cables Is Perfect For A Metal Roof?
A self-regulating heat cable is used for the metal roof. On the other hand, a constant wattage heat cable is used to protect the floor or pipe from freezing.
Here we will discuss how to install self-regulating heat cable on the metal roof.
How To Install Heat Cable On Metal Roof Step-by-step
Self-regulating heat cables can be installed on different types of roofs such as asphalt, metal, shingle, tiles, and more. Here you can learn how to install on the metal roof.
Step 01: For cable installation in the standard way, you have to attach the cable along the edge of the roofline in a serpentine way with roof clips. So, mark in a serpentine way.
Step 02: Separation and placement changes according to the type of roof. Secure the roof clip well on the metal roof.
Step 03: roof clips from one side of the roof to the other in a serpentine way. Now insert the head on one side of the self-regulating heat cable into the serpentine way in all the roof clips.
Step 04: If the power supply is nearby, create a drip loop in the cable so that the water does not flow down the cable and the electric outlet.
Step 05: When inserting it through each of the roof clips, you have to use pliers to tighten the clip to secure the cable. When the heating cable is installed on the metal roof, then the cable has to be extended all the way to the opposite end of the gutter and into the downspout.
Step 06: When the heating cable is lying in the gutter, then UV resistance will apply to connect to the serpentine loof. If the heating cable goes to the downspout, use a special hanger bracket so that there is no mechanical damage to the cable.
Step 07: Now let’s connect the connection end of the heating cable. The heating cable will have an inline GFCI device which shows us that the heating cable is under power. This is the way to install a heat cable on the metal roof.
FAQ
How Many Types Of Heat Cables And What Are Their Functions?
There are two types of heat cables available. One being self-regulating and the other two cables are used for the same purpose.
What Does Self-regulating Heat Cable Do?
A cable that can regulate heat on its own is called a self-regulating heat cable. This cable can change the wattage per linear foot as required. These cables have a special type of core that is able to respond to cold or hot temperatures.
What Does Constant Wattage Heat Cable Do?
A cable that has a constant wattage everywhere is called a constant wattage heat cable. This heat cable is not affected by the environment. It generates a constant amount of heat through a control system.
Conclusion
You have read the above article carefully, and surely you now know “how to install a heat cable on a metal roof”.
A heat cable usually lasts 3 to 5 years. There is a difference between heat cable and heat tape, so carefully buy from the store.
Hopefully, now you can install a heat cable on the roof of your own house.
Best of luck.
