K-Guard® of Central Ohio

Do Gutter Heaters Work?

We’re all feeling the chill in the air, especially after a recent snowstorm dumping several inches earlier this month. Though our winters here in Central Ohio are beautiful when a storm blankets our area, there’s a lot of prep before and maintenance following a winter storm. You’ve probably spent some time laying down icemelt, shoveling, dusting snow, and scraping ice off your car at least a handful of times this winter. 

Winterizing the exterior of our homes is another step we take each winter to protect outdoor components. From disconnecting the garden houses to inspecting our chimneys, getting ready for winter is a chore every homeowner has. Have you ever considered caring for your gutters in the harsh winter months? Though they’re always exposed to the elements and are built to collect and drain snow and ice melt away from the home, they can also suffer damage from winter storms.

Many homeowners consider adding gutter heaters to help melt snow and ice that collects on the roof and gutters rather than relying on Mother Nature to heat and melt it alone. Depending on the type of gutter system you have, gutter heaters might be a good idea. However, they come with risks and pros and cons – keep reading to learn if gutter heaters work for homes in Central Ohio.

 

What are Gutter Heaters?

Columbus and surrounding cities in Central Ohio get around 26” of snow annually, so homeowners need a solution to keep up with snow and ice accumulations following repeat snowstorms. Gutter heaters, or heat cables, are cables placed along the roof to heat snow and ice in and around the gutters to speed the melting process and avoid overaccumulation. 

Gutter heaters are usually professionally installed in a triangular or zig-zag pattern along the edge of a roof to melt snow and ice on the roof so meltwater can make its way to the gutters and be diverted away from the home. They can help prevent ice dams, those thick pieces of ice that occur frequently here in Central Ohio. Our fluctuating temperatures cause a continuous freeze-thaw cycle, allowing ice to form on the gutters and grow as the winter continues. Ice dams are dangerous, potentially causing injury and damaging your gutters, roof, soffit, and fascia.

 

Pros & Cons of Gutter Heaters

Like most home components, gutter heaters have pros and cons. Below are just a few:

Pros

Melts Snow/Ice

One pro to installing gutter heaters is that they will melt snow and ice along the roof’s edge where it meets the gutters. Because the cables warm up to a temperature higher than the snow/ice, it’ll melt whatever is near the cable.

Quick Installation

Gutter heaters are quick to install, with some homeowners opting for DIY installation. If you hire a professional, they can install them quickly and easily. However, the installation method is critical for the heater to work effectively. Therefore, ensure you install them correctly or hire a professional to help.

 

Cons

Not Very Effective

Though gutter heaters melt ice and snow surrounding the cable, they aren’t very effective, especially in colder climates where overnight temperatures frequently dip below freezing. Even if they melt snow/ice during the daytime, that meltwater will refreeze if the heating cables are turned off.

Increases Energy Bills

Gutter heaters are powered by electricity and melt snow/ice when switched on. Therefore, turning them on after each winter precipitation event can get costly, skyrocketing your energy bills.

 

Forget Gutter Heaters & Install K-Guard®

Yes, gutter heaters can work, but they’re ineffective in our climate and increase energy bills. Ditch installing gutter heaters on your roof and opt for installing K-Guard® Gutters. It’s a complete system with multiple components working together to collect and drain water away from the home, complete with a curved hood that keeps all debris out of the gutters and downspouts. That means no more seasonal gutter maintenance, giving you precious time back you’d be spending to clean traditional half-round gutters.

K-Guard® Gutters are best for Ohio homes for many reasons: they last much longer than other gutter systems (for the life of the home!), are so durable that they withstand all severe weather, including snowstorms and ice storms, add curb appeal with their beautiful and seamless appearance, and come with multiple transferable life warranties. 

Unlike other gutter systems, K-Guard® Gutters are made from heavy-duty aluminum that will never dent, chip, sag, or tear away from the home, regardless of the severity of the weather. Our gutters are seamless, with no bolts and screws tying each piece together, eliminating leaky gutters. Our gutter product is a complete system with multiple components that work together to prevent clogs and keep water moving freely through the system quickly.

Another great advantage to installing K-Guard® is that it lasts a lifetime, with a transferable lifetime warranty that protects your investment. We promise our gutter product will never fade, chip, clog, or require gutter repair or cleaning, and our installation will never void your roof’s warranty. We’ll ensure the pitch and downspout placements are correct, avoiding all other gutter installation mistakes.

Contact our team today if you’re ready to switch to the K-Guard® System. We’re happy to schedule a free estimate, provide a detailed analysis of your current gutter system, and a quote for installing our K-Guard® Gutters!