Forget the Shovel: This Melrose Park Driveway Clears Itself with Radiant Heat

A large-scale residential project featuring a 2,024 sq. ft. electric snow melting system embedded in new concrete.

MELROSE PARK, IL
Snow Melt SmartInstall for Heated Driveway wide aerial shot MELROSE PARK, IL
Size: 2024 sq. ft. Voltage: 240V Wattage: 71108 W Amps: 296 A Flooring: Concrete (new) Cost/hr *: $12.09

When Rossi Contractors took on this new construction in Melrose Park, Illinois, they needed a reliable, powerful solution to keep the massive 2,024 sq. ft. driveway clear and safe during harsh Chicago winters. Shoveling or plowing such a large area would be a constant, labor-intensive chore. WarmlyYours delivered a robust electric snow melting system, embedding durable heating cables directly into the new concrete pour, creating an automated, efficient solution that adds significant value and convenience to the property.


Project Details

  • Location: Melrose Park, Illinois
  • Heated Space Type: Driveway (New Concrete)
  • Square Footage: 2,024 sq. ft.
  • Power: 71,108 Watts (71.11 kW), 240 Volts, 296 Amps
  • Operating Cost: ~$12.09 per hour (while actively melting)
  • Products Used: WarmlyYours Snow Melt Cables, Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control (SCA-DUAL), Aerial Snow Sensor (AIR-SS-2), Relay Panels

A Smart Solution for Chicago Winters

For large properties in climates like Melrose Park, IL, a heavy snowfall isn't just an inconvenience—it's a major logistical problem. The challenge for this new residential project, managed by Rossi Contractors, was its expansive 2,024 sq. ft. driveway. Keeping this surface clear of snow and ice would require significant time, physical labor, or expensive private plowing contracts, not to mention the corrosive damage from salt and chemical de-icers.

The homeowner and contractor opted for a modern, permanent solution: an electric snow melting system from WarmlyYours. During the driveway's construction, our engineers specified a layout of durable 240V Snow Melt Cables, which were laid out and affixed to the rebar before the new concrete was poured. This embeds the powerful radiant heating system directly into the slab, ensuring efficient heat transfer.

The entire system is fully automated thanks to the Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control and an aerial snow sensor. When the sensor detects moisture and freezing temperatures, it automatically energizes the cables, heating the concrete from within to melt snow and ice on contact. The result is a permanently safe, clear, and accessible driveway all winter long, eliminating the need for shoveling or chemicals and preserving the pristine look of the new concrete.


Featured Products

  • Snow Melt Cables: These durable, 240V cables are designed to be embedded directly in concrete, asphalt, or under pavers, providing powerful radiant heat to melt snow and ice.
  • Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control (SCA-DUAL): This "set it and forget it" control is the brain of the system. It pairs with a sensor to automatically activate the system when needed, ensuring efficiency.
  • Aerial Snow Sensor (AIR-SS-2): This high-tech sensor detects both temperature and moisture, triggering the control only when conditions are right for snow or ice formation.
  • Relay Panels: For a large, high-amperage system like this, heavy-duty relay panels are used to safely manage the electrical load.

* Based on current Illinois residential electricity rates (approx. $0.17 per kWh), this powerful 71.11 kW system costs about $12.09 per hour to run.

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Quotes

These quotes are linked to this showcase and include the products used in this project or recommended for a similar-sized project.

Frequently Asked Questions


The operating cost depends on the system's size (wattage) and local electricity rates. This 2,024 sq. ft. system costs about $12.09 per hour while active. A smaller, 300 sq. ft. driveway might cost only $1.50 to $2.00 per hour of operation.
It's easiest to install in a new concrete or asphalt pour, like in this project. However, systems can be "retrofit" into an existing driveway by cutting channels for the cable and pouring a new overlay, or by installing them within a new paver surface placed on top.
Yes. When paired with a snow sensor and an automatic control (like the SCA-DUAL used here), the system is fully automated. It turns on when it senses precipitation and freezing temperatures and turns off once the surface is clear and dry.
A large system requires significant power. This project used 296 amps at 240V, which necessitates dedicated circuits and professional planning with an electrician. WarmlyYours provides a complete, custom engineering plan to ensure a safe and effective installation.
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