Low Cost Steps You Can Take To Avoid A $10,000 Repair Next Winter

To prevent ice damming, yo should first clear gutters each fall after leaves drop into them. That's because gutter blockages increase the odds of ice forming when winter comes. If you can't do it yourself, then hire someone.

Install heat cables on your gutters and leaves to prevent ice damming. This electrical cable, which generates low-level heat, is narrow like a heavy duty extension cord and comes with a large number of small clips to attach to roof shingles, gutters and downspouts without causing damage. Expect to pay $75 for a 100 foot length and about an extra $100 in electric bills to power it on snowy days. These heat cables could save you an ice-dam repair bill of $10,000 or more. The cable can be left in place all year long. The companies that make the cables also make sensors that allow it to turn on only when needed. Easy Heat Roof Heat Cable is available at Lowes and Frost King De-Icing Cable is available at Home Depot.