Consumer Grade Hardware Store Heat Cable

Commercial Grade Self-Regulating Heat Cable

Wattage remains constant (at 100% power)

Wattage adjusts, increasing for lower temps and decreasing for higher temps

5 Watts/foot or lower

5,8 and 10 Watts/foot

Performs well in temps above 20F

Performs well in temps below 0F

Moderate

Moderate, Heavy, and Extreme (specify correct wattage per local conditions)

Higher due to short lifespan and need for replacement

Lower due to long lifespan

1-2 years

15-20 years (10 year warranty)

Hardware stores typically carry a consumer grade constant wattage heat cable. This type of cable is usually installed in a zig zag fashion on the roof edge and plugs into an external outlet on the house. While this cable seems to be cheaper in cost, the average lifespan only ranges between 1 and 2 years, so apart from a temporary solution, homeowners would need to purchase the cable again for long term protection.

Constant wattage heat cable does not adjust the output based on temperature and can be overwhelmed by low temperatures or snow depths over 6 inches. This type of cable is prone to hot spots that can make shingles brittle and even burn out if not installed correctly.

Commercial Grade Self-Regulating Heat Cable

All Edge Melt Systems use commercial grade self-regulating heat cable. This type of cable uses a core that becomes more conductive in colder weather. The cable heats up as temperature drops and cools down when temperature rises.

This means a cost savings to you because you only use the right amount of energy to accomplish de-icing when you need it most and use less of it when temperatures are moderate. This type of cable shines in extreme snow conditions. Commercial grade self-regulating heat cable is a better investment because it typically lasts longer than 15 years.

We recommend hard wiring our systems into your breaker box and using a thermostat controller to regulate the range of operating temperatures. Pairing self-regulating heat cable with radiant heat panels more effectively melts snow and ice whereas hardware store variety heat cable can easily become overwhelmed by low temperature and heavy snow conditions.

Our radiant heat panels can be color matched to become an aesthetically pleasing permanent addition to your home rather than an unsightly and yearly chore.