Protecting Your Home and Electrical System from Ice Melt

Winter may bring beautiful snowy landscapes, but it also brings a serious threat to your home: ice melt.  At Butler Electric, we’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by melting and refreezing ice, leading to costly water damage, broken electrical circuits, and emergency repairs. 

As snow and ice accumulate on your roof, fluctuating temperatures cause them to thaw and refreeze.

Ice Melt and Electrical Damage

Many homeowners don’t realize that ice melt can be just as damaging as heavy snowfall. As snow and ice accumulate on your roof, fluctuating temperatures cause them to thaw and refreeze. This cycle creates dangerous ice dams, which trap water on the roof and force it under shingles, seeping into walls and ceilings. The result? Water damage, mold growth, and even electrical issues.

We’ve had to perform emergency repairs where water intrusion shorted out circuits, damaged wiring, and created fire hazards. And unfortunately, many older homes lack proper insulation, making them even more vulnerable to these problems.

The Role of Heat Tape

One of the best solutions to prevent ice dam formation is installing heat tape, a specialized wire that runs along the edges of your roof. Heat tape works similarly to a heated bathroom floor, by passing a small electrical current through the wire, it generates resistance, which creates enough heat to keep ice from forming. This simple yet effective solution helps ensure water can drain properly, reducing the risk of ice buildup and potential structural damage.

Custom Homes and Ice Melt Challenges

While custom-built homes often boast stunning architectural features, they don’t always account for ice melt concerns. We’ve worked on beautiful properties where ice accumulation became a major issue, requiring extensive heat tape installation around the entire structure to prevent damage. In some cases, icicles grew so large they became a safety hazard, threatening to fall and injure anyone below.

Protect Your Home This Winter

If you’ve experienced ice dams, water leaks, or electrical issues caused by ice melt, don’t wait for the next storm to strike. Butler Electric specializes in assessing and installing heat tape systems to keep your home safe and dry. A little prevention now can save you from major repairs later.

Have questions about protecting your home from ice melt? Contact Butler Electric today for expert advice and installation services!