Working out exactly how much heat tape you need for your property isn’t always quite as simple as you might think.
We’ve used our expertise to help you determine exactly how much heat tape is needed to keep your home safe and warm.
We’ll break down the steps: measuring your roof eaves, overhangs, gutters, and downspouts, plus considering tricky spots like roof valleys and power connections.
Ready to ensure efficient heating and a winter-proof home? Let’s get started.
Measure the Roof Eaves and Overhangs
When determining your heat tape requirements, start by measuring the length of your roof eaves. This is the part of the roof that extends past your walls. Use a tape measure to get an accurate measurement of feet.
Next, measure how far your roof overhangs from its edge to the wall.
Now you must use a multiplier based on your overhang depth to determine the additional heat tape needed.
- For a 12-inch overhang, multiply by 4
- For a 24-inch overhang, multiply by 5.3
For example, if your roof edge measures 48 feet and you have a 12-inch overhang:
48 feet × 4 = 192 feet of heat tape is needed.