Heat cable has a dubious reputation in the ice dam prevention world. It's a topic few understand in-depth, both in terms of what it is and how to install it properly. In this three-part series, I will ...

Heat cables look like heavy-duty extension cords. But instead of delivering electricity from one end to the other, they break a cardinal rule of wiring and bleed heat through the insulating cover.

Heat cable, heat tape, heat wire…they’re different names that mean the same thing. They’re hot wires that run up and down your roof to melt snow and prevent ice buildup on your overhangs and in your ...