This heart warming project in Hudson, Massachusetts, transformed winter mobility for Rob Butts, a quadriplegic homeowner. By replacing a hazardous 25-year-old brick ramp with a modern, electric snow melting system, WarmlyYours and a dedicated team of contractors ensured Rob has safe, reliable access to his home and van regardless of the weather.
Project Details
- Location: Hudson, MA
- Heated Space Type: Outdoor Walkway/Patio (Full Coverage)
- Surface Type: Paver
- Square Footage: 214 sq. ft.
- Watts: 10,018 W
- Volts: 240 V
- Amps: 42 A
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Operating Cost Per Hour: $1.20
- Per Day: approx $4.80 (assuming 4 hours of operation per snow event)
- Per Month: approx $144.00 (assuming 30 hours of operation per month during winter)
- Products Used: Snow Melt Cable, Snow Melt Plaque, Small Relay Panel, Value Snow Melt Control
The Hudson Walkway: A Permanent Solution to New England Winters
This project was more than just a home upgrade; it was a mission to restore safety and independence. For years, Rob and his father struggled with a steep, icy brick ramp that made reaching their van dangerous during New England winters. WarmlyYours joined forces with a team of generous local contractors to donate and install a state-of-the-art snow melting heating system, completely removing the physical and mental burden of snow removal.
The 3-day installation involved laying a specialized sand bedding and securing the Snow Melt Cables at a precise 3-inch spacing for maximum performance. To add a unique touch, the team used "Patriot Place" pavers—repurposed from the New England Patriots stadium—to create a smooth, eco-conscious surface. The result is a direct, barrier-free path that melts snow automatically, ensuring that even record-breaking snowfall can't stand in Rob's way.
Featured Products
Snow Melt Cable (WHCA-240-0428) A twin-conductor heating cable perfect for custom and large areas like this walkway. It is embeddable under pavers, concrete, or asphalt, providing up to 50W/sq. ft. for powerful snow and ice melting. Ideal for complex layouts at 3-inch spacing.
Value Snow Melt Control (SCV-120) A configurable, automatic aerial snow-melting controller. It activates the system only when moisture is detected below a set temperature (default $38 F), ensuring energy-efficient heating and providing a manual override option.
Small Relay Panel (RLY-4PL) A necessary intermediary for larger systems, this panel manages the 42-Amp load by safely switching the high-amperage power to the heating cables, extending the life of the control unit.
Snow Melt Plaque (SMP)A durable cast brass plaque, required by the NEC (National Electric Code 426-13), to mark the surface as electrically heated, adding a professional finish.
