Ice Dam Problems? We Install Heat Cable Systems That Actually Work
Our crews travel the country installing the stuff, so if you happen to life near the Twin Cities, you’re in luck! Kuhl’s Contracting is the largest installer of ice dam prevention heat tape systems in Minnesota. We install the Heat Tape PRO™ Ice Dam Prevention System, the world’s most advanced self-regulating heat cable paired with a line of patented, roof-safe roof clips and accessories that keep your home safe and free of ice dams for TEN YEARS, guaranteed!
Want to see more of our work? Jump down to our gallery
Kuhl installs the highest quality ice dam prevention heat tape systems under the sun. Okay, under the snow.
We’re not messing around
The collective expertise of three Kuhl companies is brought to every one of our heat cable projects. We apply 35 years of residential and light commercial construction experience into the design and installation of cable systems you can count on.
One more thing you can count on is our respect. We’ve built a sterling reputation in our community because we sincerely care about what we do. Ask your neighbors.
Our 4 Step Process for Roof and Gutter De-icing Systems
Step One: One of our experienced estimators visits your home to discuss your concerns. You talk, we listen. We identify the trouble spots, take photos and measurements and bring the info back to the mothership to design the best solution for your ice dam problems.
Step Two: We quickly generate the most impressive estimate you’ve ever seen. Fair numbers, clear scope of work, detailed descriptions of what you are getting and what it costs, broken out zone by zone along with any itemized options we discussed during our time with you.
Step Three: The work is completed, quickly and professionally. This isn’t our first rodeo. Our techs will walk you through system operation (i.e., here’s where it’s plugged in, etc.).
Step Four: Kick back and forget about ice dams. You’ve got more important things to worry about.
The Best Heat Cable System Available for Roof and Gutter De-Icing
Reliable, efficient and safe to install and operate on your home or business, the Heat Tape PRO™ heat cable de-icing system consistently ranks as the top-choice in national surveys. Some of the benefits to you include:
Roof-Safe
Kuhl heat cable systems are installed with state-of-the-art accessories, designed to prevent roof system damage. All shingled roof cable applications are done with nail-free roof clips. No nails means no damage.
Versatility
Flat or steep, the Heat Tape PRO™ self-regulating heat cable system is certified for use on any roof material, including rubber membranes, metal, wood, asphalt, synthetic, tile, slate, concrete and more. Kuhl has installed heat tape on every imaginable roof, gutter, pipe and drain in the market.
Repairable
Things happen. Cables can get damaged and when they do we offer inspection and repair services to fix what’s wrong. Heat Tape PRO™ cable can easily be repaired to extend its’ lifespan. Cheap constant wattage cable systems have to be thrown away if they get damaged. We're talking to you EasyHeat and Frost King.
Controls
Kuhl offers a variety of heat cable control systems ranging from the simple ThermaCord™ (left) to more sophisticated controls that sense both temperature and moisture.
Reliability
Heat Tape PRO™ is the only heat cable system in the world with the patented GlowCap™, a simple, reliable way to always know your system is operating perfectly.
How much does a heat tape system cost?
Good question. Most of our systems range between $925 and $2,800, depending on the details. Heat tape systems in Minnesota reflect national averages, with the final cost being determined by a few important variables.
Pricing
Key factors that determine the cost of your heat cable system:
How many feet are we installing and in how many sections? We normally install ice dam prevention heat cable in more than one area, but every project is a response to the particular problems found.
Kuhl only works with the finest quality cable, Heat Tape PRO, which is a self-regulating, commercial-grade heat cable with a 10-year warranty. You can find much cheaper cable at the hardware store but we won’t touch it. (See info on Constant Wattage heat cable below).
Heat tape installed on a basic asphalt shingle roof will cost less per foot than one installed on a metal roof due to the complexity of the work and cost of installation accessories.
If the work area is super high or otherwise difficult to access, the cost of installing your heat cable may be slightly more.
Most of the heat tape systems we install are simply plugged into nearby outlets. On occasion we need to pull in our electrician to install a new outlet, circuit or wire up a sophisticated control system. Electrician involvement will increase the cost of heat cable installation projects.
Yes, you get what you pay for when it comes to working with heat cable contractors. We work on every conceivable roof type, height and slope. Wood roofs, metal roofs, rubber, flat, synthetic, slate, tile, torch down, asphalt and more. If it keeps water out of a structure, we understand how to install de-icing cable on it.
Heat Cable Project Cost Analysis – Minneapolis Minnesota
Gigantic, highlighted, bold print, red text disclaimer… In the table above we are providing the actual cost of some of our recent heat tape installations here around the Twin Cities. This table shouldn’t be construed as a promise about what your heat cable job will cost. Every job is different. The point here is to give you an approximate sense of what ice dam prevention heat cable systems cost. If you twisted our arm and forced us to tell you what an ‘average’ project costs, we would tell you somewhere between $925 and $2,800, but we’ve done many jobs wildly outside that range. Here’s one thing we can promise. You won’t get a better heat cable system installed for less than what we charge. That’s why we do so much heat cable installation work.
Comparing the two main types of heat tape
Not all heat cable is created equal and knowing the difference is important before you choose the system you have installed on your home.
What is the Best heat tape for roof and gutter de-icing?
We have installed a variety of heat cable (i.e., ‘Heat Tape’) over the past 30+ years. Today, no serious professional would install the heat cables commonly available at big box stores (known as constant wattage cable). Sold under the brand names of Frost King, Easy Heat and Wrap-On, these products are cheaply made, with warranties not much longer than fresh produce.
We are proud to install the Heat Tape PRO™ Ice Dam Prevention System, made by Radiant Solutions Company. This is the most innovative, reliable and long-lasting self regulating heat cable available in North America today.
In addition to poor efficiency, the difference in construction quality between these two types of cable is obvious when you see them side by side. Regardless of what company you choose as your heat cable installer, make sure they use self-regulating cable from a good manufacturer.
The Difference Between Constant Wattage Heat Cable and Self-Regulating Heat Cable
“Constant wattage” means the cable operates at full power continuously. Once plugged in, it’s always running at maximum capacity, leading to high energy consumption. Over the course of a winter season these energy costs can add up quickly.
If you thought you were saving money by opting for cheap constant wattage heat tape, think again. The higher operating costs, combined with reduced energy efficiency will result in spending far more than anticipated. In addition to poor efficiency, the difference in construction quality between these two types of cable is also obvious by looking at the dissection, left.
How does self-regulating heat tape work?
As the name suggests, self-regulating heat cable responds dynamically to changes in outdoor temperatures, using as much as 40% less energy on warm winter days than cold winter days. Smart stuff, but how does it work? In short, specialized polymers in the conductive core of the cable ‘ask’ for more electricity as temperatures drop and less electricity when temps rise. Constant wattage heat cables demand the same energy regardless of surrounding temperatures.
Comparing the two main types of heat tape used for roof and gutter de-icing
Not all heat cable is created equal and knowing the difference is important before you choose the system you have installed on your home.
Constant Wattage
- 1 or 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- Contact with leaves presents risk of fire
- Overlapped cable creates risk of fire
- Uses 100% power at all outdoor temperatures
- Can NOT be used on metal roofs, rubber roofs, wood roofs or flat roofs
- Unsafe if left plugged in above 50°F
- Can NOT be repaired if damaged.
- Will not work at temperatures below 15 degrees.
- Installed with light-day, unreliable clips.
Self-Regulating
- 10-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- Safe to be in contact with leaves
- Cable can safely be overlapped
- Maintenance free and repairable
- Automatically adjusts power consumption with changes in temps
- Can be used on any roof material at any slope
- Safe if accidentally plugged in above 50°F
- Effective for melting ice below 15°F
- Intelligent LED cable end cap
- Commercial Grade cable construction
- Installed with heavy-duty clips
Seven Questions to Ask Your Heat Cable Installation Contractor
Important considerations when hiring a heat tape installer
Don’t underestimate the importance of qualifications when hiring a contractor to install a heat cable system on your roof or in your gutters. Keep in mind that when these systems fail, they tend to fail catastrophically, resulting in potentially severe damage. Leaks from ice dams are no joke. With that in mind, here are some questions you can ask anyone planning on installing a system on your home.
What heat cable system are you installing? Avoid constant wattage brands including EasyHeat, FrostKing, Wrap- On or any cheap products bought online. Only install a long-lasting, self-regulating heat cable. Always ask for the technical documents relating to the heat cable being proposed.
How long is the manufacturer’s warranty on the cable you are installing? Constant wattage heat cable systems are warrantied for a maximum of only 1-2 years. Heat Tape PRO™ carries a 10-Year warranty. Ask for the warranty information in writing.
Is your cable safe to install on my home? Constant wattage heat cables are not UL approved for installation on flat roofs, rubber roofs, wood, metal or any material other than sloped asphalt shingles. Ask your installer to see the cable manufacturer’s installation manual before work begins.
What is the installers primary line of business? Are they a licensed contractor? How many heat cable systems have they installed heat tape? Are they experienced in all types of roofing, flashing and gutter systems? Can they provide proof of insurance?
Do leaves need to be removed from around my heat cable after it’s installed? Constant wattage heat cables are not supposed to have prolonged contact with leaves or other combustibles. To avoid risk of fire, combustibles must be cleared away from the cable on a frequent basis. Read their manual.
Can my system be repaired if it is damaged? Constant wattage heat cables CAN NOT be repaired under any circumstance. The cable must be thrown away if even slight damage occurs (Squirrels!). Heat Tape PRO™ is a heavy-duty self-regulating heat cable that is simple and affordable to repair.
Will the accessories used for my heat cable installation threaten my roof warranty? If you have an asphalt shingle roof, membrane roof, metal roof, synthetic roof or wood roof, make sure you understand the heat cable accessories being specified for your project because roof manufacturers warranties can be affected by the use of improper devices.
We hired Kuhl’s Contracting to address a problem area on our garage roof that was prone to ice dams. They recommended a heat cable system as the solution, and the problem is solved. The work was done professionally, the crew was courteous, and any questions we have had have been answered promptly. I would definitely use Kuhl’s again!
Jim Vogl, Golden Valley Ice Dam Prevention and Heat Cable Installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers about heat tape systems
Generally, you should turn your cable on around the time of the first snowfall. The system can be turned on and off as needed
throughout the season.
Heat Tape PRO will reach 50-80ºF at its hottest and will not melt or otherwise damage any material it comes into contact with.
HTP carries a 10 year warranty (Raychem has a 2 year warranty). HTP has a minimum expected lifespan of 10 years but will likely last far longer.
Heat Tape PRO can be used on any roofing material, including: Asphalt, Rubber, PVC/TPO, Metal, Synthetic, Wood and Stone.
A licensed electrician is NOT needed to install a plug-in-ready heat cable or to install heat cable on roofs. Electricians ARE needed to hardwire the cable into a junction box, or run a new circuit if that is a project requirement.
Yes. Heat cable will use electricity whenever it is plugged in. We suggest that it is only be plugged in or energized during the snowy cold season.
“Self-Regulating” refers to the fact that the cable regulates it’s own energy consumption along its’ entire length. When it’s colder outside the cable demands more power, when it’s warmer outside, the cable demands less power, making it the most intelligent heat cable system available.
There are two main wires embedded in a carbon-infused polymer core. When outdoor temperatures drop, this core contracts slightly, drawing the two main wires closer and increasing the energy passed through the core. The opposite occurs when it’s warmer outside.
No. You can leave the cable plugged in during the months when ice dams and gutter ice are most likely. That said, the addition of a controller to turn power on and off completely can add efficiency. Controllers range from simple temperature sensitive,on/off models to systems that sense snow.
Yes. HTP can be left in position year-round. Removal and re-installation increases the likelihood of damage so it is generally not recommended.
The answer depends on cable length and outdoor temperatures. In short, HTP will consume 6 watts per foot at 50º and 9.6 watts per foot at 32ºF and below. Because it is self-regulating, warmer conditions will use less energy than colder conditions.
Heat Tape PRO™ can be overlapped without any risk of damaging the cable (untrue for Constant Wattage heat cable)
We recommend that the heat cable extend at least 6” beyond the plane of the exterior wall below. Therefore, on a home with 12” eave depths, the cable should run about 18” up the roof.
There are a variety of attachment methods depending on the style or metal roof you have. You can use our Sticky Clips to attach heat cable to any flat, smooth surface on a metal roof. Otherwise, you can use one of our other metal roof heat cable clips available on our website.
In an ideal world you would run the heat cable under the gutter guard, inside the gutter. This is somewhat labor-intensive because removing and reinstalling gutter guard can be a headache. At some point the cable will need to go down a downspout. If you install the cable on top of the leaf guard system, you will have to drill through the leaf guard to pass the cable down through the downspout. This has been done many times successfully but be very careful so as to protect the cable from the sharp edges of the holes you drilled through the leaf guard.
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Kuhl takes a systematic and methodical approach to how we look at every project. You'll see it when we meet.
We promise to treat you like you're in our family, because you sort of are. The Twin Cities is a small area and there's a very good chance we've worked for somebody you already know (and we love that).
We want you to become a customer for life.
- Call or email to schedule your inspection and estimate
- Information is gathered, costs are assembled, and your estimate is completed
- Your project is professionally scheduled and executed, no exceptions