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About “Zig-Zag” Heating Cables
Zig-zag type heating cables perform best in a limited part of the country.
While they are best for Class “3” areas (light snow accumulations of up to 6″) most snow country in North America needs more.
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10 reasons why NOT to use zig-zag cables
- Cables can’t keep up in moderate and heavy snow conditions.
- Susceptible to ultraviolet wear, get brittle, crack, and get damaged from wind and sliding ice and snow.
- Accumulate leaves and pine needles and create a fire hazard
- Unsightly appearance
- Usually installed improperly, leading to poor performance, excessive energy consumption, and risk of fire.
- Many cable brands cannot touch another cable or be activated above 50* temperatures without fire risk.
- Attachment clips are unsightly and can leak.
- They DO NOT prevent icicles and ice dams, and can often make ice conditions worse.
- Can consume more than twice the electricity than Summit’s products.
- Require constant maintenance: re-setting, cleaning, inspections, and eventual replacement
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10 Reasons Why Summit Ice Melt Systems are Better
Than Heat Tape
- Maintains the aesthetic appearance of your roof.
- Focuses the heat right where you need it, so operating costs are a fraction
- Prevents icicles and ice dam formations.
- Costs much less to operate, saving big dollars year after year.
- Weatherproof installation
- Debris does not accumulate
- Suitable for light, moderate, heavy, and extreme snowfall areas.
- Cables are hidden from view and protected from the elements
- No danger of damage from sliding snow or winds pulling them off the roof.
- Summit Ice Melt Systems are maintenance free.