For ten winters, the Martinez family dreaded the first heavy snowfall. Their beautiful two-story colonial in Naperville had a recurring nightmare: ice dams that caused thousands of dollars in damage almost every year.
A Decade of Damage
Built in 1998, the home featured a complex roofline with multiple valleys—perfect for trapping snow and creating ice dams. Over the years, the Martinez family tried everything: roof rakes, calcium chloride ice melt, even hiring crews to steam off ice.
We spent at least $3,000 every winter on ice dam removal alone. That doesn't count the water damage repairs. Last year, we had to replace the ceiling in our master bedroom for the third time.
— Carlos Martinez, Homeowner
When their insurance company threatened to drop their coverage due to repeated claims, the Martinez family knew they needed a permanent solution.
Finding the Right Solution
After researching options, they discovered Turtle Shell Heater Cap—a self-regulating heated gutter system that integrates directly with gutter guards. Unlike the zig-zag heat cables they'd seen on other homes, this system would be virtually invisible.
Traditional heat cables run at full power constantly, wasting energy. Self-regulating cables automatically adjust their heat output based on temperature—using more power only when temperatures drop below freezing.
Installation Day
Our team arrived on January 8th for what would be a two-day installation. The home required 245 linear feet of heated gutter protection, covering all problem areas including the north-facing roofline and the valleys where ice dams consistently formed.
- 245 linear feet of heated gutter protection
- 6 problem valleys addressed with targeted heat cable routing
- 4 downspouts equipped with internal heating
- Smart thermostat installed for system monitoring
The Polar Vortex Test
Just five days after installation, the Chicago area was hit by a polar vortex that brought temperatures down to -15°F with wind chills of -40°F. Snow fell, then froze solid. It was the ultimate test.
The result? While neighbors were chipping away at massive icicles, the Martinez home had clear gutters with water flowing freely through the downspouts.
I actually went outside during the storm just to watch. There was steam rising from the gutters as the snow melted away. After ten years of fighting ice dams, I almost cried.
— Maria Martinez, Homeowner
After their first full winter with Heater Cap, the Martinez family reports their electric bill increased by only $45/month during cold snaps—far less than the $3,000+ they used to spend on ice dam removal services.
Project Summary
- Location: Naperville, IL
- Home: 2-story Colonial, built 1998
- Linear Feet: 245 ft
- Installation Time: 2 days
- System: Turtle Shell Heater Cap + micro-mesh guards
Ready to Solve Your Ice Dam Problem?
If you're tired of fighting ice dams every winter, we can help. Our team serves Naperville and the entire DuPage County area. Contact us for a free consultation and estimate.