Is Roof De-Icing Cable good for the roof?
Providing the constructed building was properly insulated to code and spec, adding environmental impact, nothing beats a ladder and shovel to clear snow.  Cleared gutters and eavestroughing after the leaves drop every fall and if ice damming does occur, purchase de,ice pucks from a hardware and supply center. Most chains carry it. Simply toss a puck every few feet apart up onto the roof. They de ice and clear out eaves.  Ice dams also are pretty good indicaters of an improperly vapor barriered or insulated roof.  DO NOT RUN HEAT TAPES!  Thats asking for trouble.  Jon, AB, CAN