Every winter, icy walkways can trap individuals with mobility challenges inside their homes. But through the power of radiant heating—and a team of compassionate professionals—WarmlyYours helped one Massachusetts homeowner regain safe access to the outside world.
This project is a great example of how radiant snow melting system can improve wheelchair accessibility during snowy winters—providing safety and independence where it’s needed most.
Meet Rob Butts: A Life Transformed by Radiant Heat
Rob Butts, a 50-year-old quadriplegic living in Hudson, Massachusetts, often found himself trapped indoors each winter. Snow and ice made it nearly impossible for him to use the brick wheelchair ramp that led to his accessible van in the garage.
That changed after a life-long friend—licensed contractor and blogger Rob Robillard of AConcordCarpenter.com—stepped in with an idea that turned into a full-scale, pro bono installation project.
“Unlike winters past, this year the snow did not confine Rob to his home,” said Robillard. “It was a true team effort—and the timing couldn’t have been better.”
A Radiant Partnership Built on Generosity
After Rob Butts reached out to learn more about the snow melting system he had seen on Robillard’s blog, the conversation quickly evolved. Robillard knew a radiant heating system could provide Rob with safer, independent access year-round—but the cost was out of reach.
So Robillard called on his network. One of the first people he contacted was Julia Billen, President of WarmlyYours.
“I got halfway through my pitch before Julia said, ‘We’re in. What do you need?’”
WarmlyYours donated the snow melting system. The rest of the team soon followed:
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Lawn Barber Inc.: Donated masonry labor
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Ideal Concrete Block: Provided pavers
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Concord Lumber: Donated building materials
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Basil Costa: Volunteered electrical work
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Robillard’s crew: Installed the full system
Installing Accessibility: A Three-Day Transformation
The installation began by removing a 25-year-old brick ramp. Over three days, the team:
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Installed a WarmlyYours snow melting system with 3” cable spacing
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Added a sand layer and Patriot Place pavers (from the New England Patriots stadium!)
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Regraded the ramp to provide a smooth, direct path into the garage
“This project was all about compassion, generosity, and volunteering.”
Real-World Impact: Freedom for Rob and Peace of Mind for His Dad
Rob’s father, who had recently undergone heart surgery, no longer needed to shovel the long walkway to the garage. And for Rob, the heated ramp meant safety and independence.
“A heated walkway enables me to get to my van regardless of whether my father is home to do the shoveling. The system from WarmlyYours, that was installed with so many volunteer/donated efforts, is fantastic.”
Watching the system activate during the first snowfall was a powerful moment.
“It worked exactly how it was supposed to work.”
When the first snowstorm arrived, Rob Butts and his father stood outside to watch the system in action.
“As the snow started coming down heavier and heavier, we kept an eye on the system just to see how it would do, and it worked! It was amazing to see how it kept up with the snow, melting it and keeping the walkway clear,” Rob shared.
Project Showcase: Heated Wheelchair Ramp in Hudson, MA
Location: Hudson, MA
Type: Accessibility ramp retrofit
System: WarmlyYours snow melting cables (3” spacing)
Collaborators: Rob Robillard (A Concord Carpenter), Lawn Barber Inc., Ideal Concrete, Concord Lumber, Basil Costa
Installation Time: 3 days
Surface: Patriot Place pavers
Frequently Asked Questions About Heated Walkways and Accessibility
Can a heated walkway be used for wheelchair ramps?
Yes, radiant snow melting systems like the one used in this project are ideal for wheelchair ramps. By embedding heating cables beneath the surface, the system keeps paths clear of snow and ice—improving both accessibility and safety during winter weather.
How do snow melting systems work in extreme weather?
WarmlyYours snow melting systems activate automatically using temperature and moisture sensors. They work reliably even during heavy snowstorms by maintaining a consistent surface temperature, preventing accumulation and reducing the need for manual snow removal.
Is a heated walkway expensive to operate in winter?
The cost depends on factors like system size, electricity rates, and how long the system runs. For reference, a typical 300 sq. ft. heated driveway costs about $1.40–$2.50 per hour to operate during snowfall. Walkways and ramps are smaller, so operating costs are often much lower.
Want to Support a Charity Project Like This?
WarmlyYours is proud to support accessibility, safety, and community through donation-based radiant heating projects. If you know of a family, homeowner, or nonprofit in need—or you’re a contractor interested in collaborating—we want to hear from you.
👉 Contact Us About a Charity Installation Project
We’re always looking for the next story to warm.
View photos from the installation on Facebook.
Photos provided by Rob Robillard, A Concord Carpenter.
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