Protect Your Chicago Home from Costly Ice Dams

Chicago winters are famously harsh, and with them comes the serious threat of ice dams. For this property, GVP Development needed a robust, automated solution to protect 430 linear feet of roofing and gutters from costly ice-related water damage. WarmlyYours delivered a 5000-watt Ice Shield self-regulating heat cable system, providing automated, energy-efficient protection that preserves the building's integrity and provides total peace of mind.

Project Details

Location: Chicago, IL
Project Type: Roof & Gutter Deicing
Roof Type: Asphalt Shingle
Size: 430 linear ft.
System Specs: 5000 Watts, 240 Volts, 40 Amps
Operating Cost: Approximately $0.85 per hour (when active)
Products Used: Ice Shield Self-Regulating Cable, SCA-DUAL Advanced Snow Melt Control, GTR-SS Gutter Sensor

Protecting a Property from Winter's Worst

The Challenge: GVP Development was managing a property in Chicago, where heavy snow and freeze-thaw cycles create a constant risk of ice dams. These dams occur when snow melts, refreezes at the roof's edge, and blocks water from draining. This can lead to severe water damage to the roof, insulation, and interior walls, not to mention hazardous falling icicles. They required a "set it and forget it" system that was both powerful and efficient.

The Solution: WarmlyYours designed a complete "SmartInstall™" solution featuring 430 linear feet of our Ice Shield self-regulating roof and gutter deicing cable. This durable 240V cable is installed on the roof eaves and inside gutters and downspouts. Its "self-regulating" technology allows it to automatically adjust its heat output along its entire length—providing more warmth in cold, wet conditions and reducing power as it warms up, which maximizes energy efficiency.

The Outcome: To make the system fully automatic, it was paired with an SCA-DUAL Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control and a GTR-SS gutter-mounted sensor. This "brain" of the system only activates the heat cables when it detects both freezing temperatures (below 38°F) and moisture. This smart automation ensures the system only runs when it's actively needed, preventing wasted energy. GVP Development now has 24/7 protection that safeguards their investment from the costly and destructive cycle of winter weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to run a roof deicing system in Chicago ?

Operating cost depends on the system's total wattage and your local electricity rate. This 5000-watt system in Chicago costs about $0.85 per hour while running. Because smart controls only activate it during storm conditions, it's highly efficient and costs far less than the repairs it prevents.

2. How do roof and gutter heating cables prevent ice dams?

The self-regulating cables are installed on the roof eave and inside gutters and downspouts. They generate just enough heat to create continuous drainage paths, allowing melted snow and ice to flow safely off the roof instead of refreezing at the edge and forming a damaging dam.

3. Can I install roof deicing cables on an asphalt shingle roof?

Yes. The Ice Shield system is designed for most common roof types, including asphalt shingle. It uses specialized, non-invasive clips (like the VHB pads and aluminum clips seen in this project) that hold the cable securely without damaging the roofing material.

4. Is an electric roof heating system energy-efficient?

Modern systems are very efficient when paired with smart controls. This "self-regulating" cable reduces its own power output as it warms up. Furthermore, the SCA-DUAL control ensures the system only activates when it's both cold and wet, preventing wasted energy during cold, dry days or mild, wet days.