Unrestricted Access: Snow-Free Concrete Ramp in Elmhurst, IL

Accessibility is non-negotiable, and in harsh climates, a handicap ramp can quickly become a dangerous liability due to snow and ice. This showcase details a successful collaboration with ABCO Electric in Elmhurst, IL, to install a powerful WarmlyYours Snow Melting Cable system directly within a new concrete ADA-approved access ramp. This system ensures the ramp remains perpetually ice and snow-free, providing safe, effortless, and year-round access for all users, dramatically enhancing the building's functionality and safety value.

Project Details

Location: Elmhurst, IL
Heated Space Type: Exterior Ramp/Walkway (Concrete)
Heated Square Footage: 428 sq. ft.
Watts, Volts, Amps: 10,037W (Total), 240V, 41.82A (Total)
Estimated Operating Cost Per Hour: $1.51
- $12.08 per day (8 hours of operation)
- $362.40 per month (30 days of operation)
Products Used: Snow Melting Cable, Premium Snow and Ice Melting Control, Medium Relay Panel, Aerial-Mounted Sensor.

Conquering Winter for Year-Round Accessibility

The primary challenge for the Elmhurst Parking Garage was maintaining continuous, safe accessibility for their ADA-approved wheelchair ramp during heavy snow and icy conditions. Manual shoveling is often ineffective and can leave behind dangerous slick patches, defeating the ramp's purpose and creating a significant liability.

To solve this, WarmlyYours partnered with ABCO Electric to install a powerful Snow Melting Cable system beneath the newly poured concrete ramp. The cable was carefully laid at a 3.0-inch spacing to deliver concentrated heat, ensuring rapid and complete snow removal. The installation was straightforward, with ABCO Electric reporting a smooth and successful process, a sentiment shared by employee Curt Ljunggren who praised the comprehensive support and competitive pricing. The electric radiant heating system, controlled by a premium sensor, activates automatically when it detects freezing temperatures and moisture, guaranteeing the ramp is always clear, restoring full function, access, and safety regardless of Mother Nature's limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to run heated floors in a walkway/ramp?

The operating cost for an electric radiant floor heating system is highly dependent on the system's size and local electricity rates. For this 428 sq. ft. snow melting ramp in Elmhurst, IL, it costs approximately $1.51 per hour to run. While this is higher than indoor in-floor heating due to its higher wattage for snow melting, the system only runs during snow or ice events, providing tremendous value by guaranteeing year-round accessibility and eliminating manual labor

2. Is electric radiant heating energy efficient for a concrete ramp?

Yes, electric radiant heating is a very energy efficient heating solution for a ramp, especially with the use of a sensor control. The premium control unit activates the system only when the temperature is freezing and moisture is present, ensuring no energy is wasted. This precision makes it an effective and efficient way to prevent ice buildup on concrete, which is a major safety concern.

3. What type of surface works best with an exterior snow melting system?

WarmlyYours Snow Melting Cable is designed to work perfectly under the three main exterior surfaces: concrete, asphalt, and pavers. For this project, the cables were ideal for a new concrete pour, as they were secured before the concrete was laid, ensuring a reliable, long-term, electric floor heating solution for the handicap-accessible ramp

4. Can this outdoor snow melting system replace the need for manual shoveling?

Absolutely. The primary function of this commercial-grade floor warming system is to completely replace the need for manual shoveling or chemical treatments on the ramp. It provides a reliable, hands-free method to keep the concrete surface dry and snow-free, ensuring the ramp meets ADA safety requirements 24/7 during the winter months.