pros and cons of using electrical roof heating cables like to prevent ice and snow build up on roof ?

Answer 1

If they're of good quality and installed properly, they do the job they're supposed to do quite well. I used them just along the edge of the roof and along the eavestrough. I had a long roofline (67 feet) and used two cables, with the cords together in the middle. I drilled a hole through the outside wall under the eaves and brought the plug ends in close to an outlet so that I could control the power usage from indoors. I plugged up the hole with caulk both inside and outside to seal it. This setup worked very well.

The cons? The cables running along the bottom of the eavestrough made it a little more difficult to clean the leaves out of it, but not impossible. (Good water pressure and a good hose nozzle are a must.)

If you have a strong roof and good insulation in your attic, you don't need to cover the whole roof with cable, just the edge which hangs over and the eavestrough. The cable shouldn't get hot enough to damage plastic eavestrough, but check when you go shopping for it.

Answer 2

I'd agree with TitoBob....I run mine in a zig-zag pattern along the first foot or so width of the roof and inside the gutter and drainpipe. Only drawback is looks and the mounting clips can tear up the shingles or loosen over time. And setting up how to turn them on if no outlet is nearby. I wired an exterior outlet to a switch inside the house with a pilot light to remind me the heater is on.

Answer 3

I don't know why but i don't find this story funny... as for ur question, i think it's possible to survive a fall in some cases but if it's a really tall building then the chances are really less.