Roof heating cable installation costs $1,400 on average, with a typical range of $900 to $1,800. You’ll pay more if you run the system continuously or have a large roof.
Roof heating cable installation costs $1,400 on average, though it can range as low as $500 for smaller homes with easy-to-access roofs. Those with larger houses and high-angle roofs can pay up to $4,600 or more.
Roof heating might seem like a luxury, but homeowners need to consider the repair costs of ice damming—a winter phenomenon that can cause serious damage. Roof heating cables are often installed just above the gutters and are not spread across the entire roofing surface.
The type of heating cable (sometimes called heat tape) you choose will largely come down to your budget and whether you want to monitor your roof closely. For those who want a hands-off solution, self-regulating heating cables make more sense as they adjust their power based on the ambient temperature. This means they kick on and turn off—while adjusting heat output—based on weather patterns.
On the other hand, you can always have a system either on a timer or one you flick on when snow is forecasted. These are constant power systems and while they are less expensive initially than self-regulating, they cost more over time because the heat never adjusts. It’s either on or off—and that means high electricity bills.
| Heating Cable Type | Features | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Self-regulating | Adjusts heat based on outside temperature | $2–$5 |
| Constant power | Generates consistent heat whenever turned on | $1–$3 |
An average roof is around 1,600 square feet, although heating cable pricing is based on the length of your roof’s perimeter.
| Roof Size in Square Feet | Average Cost for Constant Power Cables | Average Cost for Self-regulating Cables |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | $600–$900 | $900–$1,300 |
| 1,000 | $800–$1,300 | $1,200–$1,900 |
| 1,600 | $1,300–$1,700 | $1,900–$2,400 |
| 2,300 | $1,900–$2,600 | $2,700–$3,700 |
| 2,800 | $2,100–$3,000 | $3,000–$4,600 |
A local roofing professional is a good place to start when considering heating cable installation. However, not all roofers have this type of expertise. If you do find a qualified roofer to handle this project, expect to pay them $30 to $90 per hour in labor fees.
You may decide to hire an electrician near you to do the work, and that’s a safe bet. Electricians will charge between $40 and $180 per hour for this kind of work—even more if your roof is high or you decide to start this project in the fall or winter. It's less common for electricians to charge a total project fee but if they do, expect to pay around 30% of the project cost.
Local general contractors have extensive experience with electrical work and often have a master electrician or local handyperson on their team or on call. General contractors charge an hourly fee similar to an electrician and offer project quotes between 15% and 35% of the total project cost.
By nature of their purpose, heating cables will only be installed in locations that regularly see snow. Geography plays a part in total cost as the more expensive the cost of living (COL) is for a certain area, the more this project will cost. Keep in mind these prices fluctuate based on the season, labor availability, and expertise of the professional you hire.
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Boston, MA | $1,300–$2,100 |
| Fargo, ND | $800–$1,400 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,200–$1,700 |
| Denver, CO | $1,100–$1,800 |
| Rochester, NY | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Omaha, NE | $900–$1,400 |
| Detroit, MI | $900–$1,300 |
| Anchorage, AK | $1,200–$2,100 |
| Burlington, VT | $1,300–$2,000 |
The cost to run heating cables each month is $40 to $200 or more. This number largely depends on the type of cable you install and how often you run it— electricity will be higher in Alaska than it would be in Michigan due to the increased cold and snowfall. Constant power cables cost more per month than self-regulating ones as they can’t change the amount of heat they put out. While these numbers may seem high, remember that you don't need to run these year-round.
You shouldn't need to do any demolition work and most of the prep you do just involves cleaving the roof. If you want to pay a pro to do this, expect to pay $20 to $80 per hour depending on who you hire.
You will most likely need a permit for roof heating cables. These permits ensure that your cables are installed safely. However, permits depend on your city so discuss it with your local government or with your pro before buying any materials. If required, you’ll spend about $250 to $900 on the cost of a permit for installing heating cables.
We strongly recommend against DIY roof heating cable installation. These are large cables that carry a substantial electrical current. Not only is getting on your roof dangerous, but wiring the cables into your existing electrical system isn’t like plugging in a lamp. Without considering the safety aspects, you likely won’t save that much money on labor anyway, as this project doesn’t take multiple days of work to complete.
In most cases, it’s better to replace heating cables rather than repair them. The cost of diagnosing individual sections and replacing them is akin to checking every tiny bulb on a Christmas tree. Assuming the issue is in the cables themselves and not in the electrical hookups, it makes sense to replace the cabling. It will cost substantially less than the initial setup and ensure even heat across the roof.
Because you need to hire a professional to install the cables, you can’t save any labor by DIYing. Since it oftentimes requires hundreds of linear feet, some time spent shopping can go a long way to lowering your material costs.
Some general tips to keep costs low are:
Interview and gather quotes from multiple pros.
Use any discount codes and coupons when purchasing materials.
Hire in the summer offseason.
Only use them when necessary to lower electricity costs.
Buy in bulk.
The answer to this question depends on the definition of value. If you are selling the house, you may not see an increase in the numerical price but the addition of heating cables—and protection it offers—could help entice buyers in colder climates.
Other buyers may view the cabling as unsightly, unnecessary, and a drain on their electric bill. Unlike most home improvement projects, installing roof heating cables doesn’t directly affect home value. That being said, there are still plenty of good reasons to go ahead with the installation.
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While both work, heated gutters are a more popular choice as they don’t affect the aesthetic of the home. Roof cables are powerful, but some consider them a bit ugly. That being said, heated gutters cost less than heated cables, so the decision really comes down to budget and desired appearance.
Yes, and they do it exceptionally well. Heated roof cables have two purposes: melting snow and preventing ice buildup. Ice damming happens when ice forms on the roof (usually where the roof meets the gutter) and melts stubbornly slowly, causing moisture to enter the roof itself and, therefore, the home.
Heated roofs are a preventative measure and don’t have an outsized effect on your home’s value, so there is no definitive answer to this question. If you diligently monitor your roof in colder months, ensuring there is never snow or ice buildup then no, maybe they aren’t worth it. However, who really watches their roof every day or goes out in freezing weather to rake the roof? For most people worried about roof damage in the winter, heated roofs are a good investment.
Roof heating cables will last less than the roof itself and will need to be replaced every two to 10 years. This is an extreme variance and largely depends on the climate you’re in, the type of cable installed, and the risk of physical damage to the cables. Constant preventative maintenance will help to extend their life span.
There are several ways to remove snow from your roof: using a snow rake, salting the roof with calcium chloride, using a rope (cautiously), and using heating cables. It’s important to mention that pretty, fluffy, sparkling snow weighs a great deal, and when physically removing snow from a roof, you should be aware of large snow slabs breaking off. These can weigh hundreds of pounds and are a real danger, so be extremely careful anytime you’re doing this type of work.
