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A heated gutter may sound like a luxury item, like heated car seats, but in cold climates, it’s not a luxury.
Often, clients do not fully understand how a heated gutter system works, what it costs, or whether a heated gutter is “worth it.”
Winter weather can take a toll on your home, and one area that often suffers is the gutter system. When gutters are clogged with ice and snow, they can become heavy and potentially fall off the side of your house. This not only damages your gutters, but the flooding that results can also cause damage to your home’s foundation. When water pools around your home and freezes or pieces of ice build-up on the roof’s edge, it can even create a safety hazard.
To prevent these problems, many homeowners invest in a heated gutter system. These systems use heat cables, also known as heat tape or roof de-icing cables, to keep gutters from freezing over. This allows water to flow freely through the gutters, preventing ice and snow buildup or ice dams that can lead to clogs and damage.
A proper heated gutter system is created by enclosing the heat cable inside the gutter underneath the protection of a gutter guard. This protects the cable and allows it to warm the entire gutter enclosure. Simply running unprotected heat tape on top of the shingles is ineffective.
Below are some factors that affect the cost of a heated gutter system:
One factor that can affect the cost of a heated gutter system is the size and material of the gutters themselves. The size of the gutters can affect the cost of the system. Gutters are typically 5” or 6” wide, depending on the capacity needed. While there are some exceptions, the larger size is usually more expensive.
Gutters are also most commonly made from durable and cost-effective aluminum. However, other materials, such as copper or galvanized steel, are available at a higher cost.
Another factor that can affect the cost of a heated gutter system is the heat cable used. There are two main types of Heat cables: self-regulating and constant wattage.
Self-regulating heat cables are designed to automatically adjust the amount of heat they produce based on the temperature outside. This makes them energy-efficient and can save you money on your energy bills. Self-regulating cables are typically more expensive upfront than constant-wattage cables but will save you money in the long run. For energy savings and safety, we only use premium self-regulating heat cables At The Brothers that just do Gutters.
Constant wattage heat tape, on the other hand, produce a constant amount of heat regardless of the outside temperature. They are cheaper but less energy-efficient than self-regulating cables. With rising energy costs, constant wattage cables will be more costly in the long run when factoring in operating expenses.
Another component that can affect the cost of a heated gutter system is the gutter guard. Gutter guards are installed on top of the gutters and help to prevent debris, such as leaves and twigs, from clogging the gutters and interfering with the heat cables.
Gutter guards are typically made from a mesh material that allows water to pass through while blocking debris. They can help to extend the lifespan of your heated gutter system and reduce the need for maintenance and repairs, but they can also add to the overall cost.
In summary, the components of a heated gutter system, including the size and material of the gutters, the type of heat cable used, and the presence of gutter guards, can all affect the upfront cost. The Solutionists at The Brothers that just do Gutters can evaluate your home, discuss your options, and provide a free quote.