How do I protect rain gutters from ice damage?

[plowhog]

I have a metal building with deep gutters-- I think they are 8" deep. They span 60 feet of building with a downspout on each side. Last winter, ice tore the gutters up so badly they need removal and complete replacement. I am replacing them now.

Also, I have a downspout on a corner of my residence from a typical residential rain gutter. But, this downspout is always in the shade, so it ices up and becomes a hazard with a small "skating rink" beneath it.

Is electric heat tape a good option to prevent ice damage? I could envision wrapping some heat tape around a small downspout, seems pretty easy. But how would you install or use it to protect along 60 feet of large size deep gutter?

Need some ideas .... thanks!

 

[Peter 315]

Frost King 200 ft. Roof Cable Kit RC200 - The Home DepotYou need roof de-icing cables you run them in the gutter then down the down spout then back up let them hang out a foot or two at the bottom.....

 

[plowhog]

Thanks, I am looking at those. It looks like in the picture you wind them around on the top edge of the roof in addition to being inside the gutter?

 

[Peter 315]

Thanks, I am looking at those. It looks like in the picture you wind them around on the top edge of the roof in addition to being inside the gutter?

You can to prevent ice dams.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I have ice guard on my barn roof

 

[Dwellonroof]

I would install snow guards or snow bars. The idea is to keep the ice and snow on the roof so it gradually melts.

 

[plowhog]

Thanks. Any recommendation on how far apart to install them? I looked at these but there are no instructions ...

Hunter Green Commercial Bulk Pack Snow Guards, Perfect Seal Gaskets and Screw (50-Quantity) APMINI_HG_50 - The Home Depot

Stop snow and ice from sliding off your metal roof. Revolutionary to the industry, the Mini Snow Guard with Perfect Seal Gasket installs quick and easy. The Mini's dynamic design keeps snow and ice in

www.homedepot.com

 

[LouNY]

In my mind and experience one of the good things about a metal roof was the ability to shed snow and lighten the roof loading.
I have no desire to have slide stops on a metal roof.

 

[jyoutz]

In my mind and experience one of the good things about a metal roof was the ability to shed snow and lighten the roof loading.
I have no desire to have slide stops on a metal roof.

The roofing company put slide stops above the doors on my house when they installed the steel roof. Placing them strategically is important.

 

[bigtiller]

In my mind and experience one of the good things about a metal roof was the ability to shed snow and lighten the roof loading.
I have no desire to have slide stops on a metal roof.

10 years ago, my Morton Buildings sales rep said they want the snow to get off the roof quickly. So no slide stops are recommended.

But I see a few newer buildings with snow blockers. Maybe something changed.

When the snow slides, it makes enough noise - it's a warning to step a little faster out of the way.