Every winter, Chicago homeowners face the hazardous chore of clearing packed snow and slick black ice from outdoor steps. To eliminate the constant physical strain and avoid the corrosive damage caused by chemical deicers, this property owner chose a permanent, automated solution. By retrofitting their concrete staircase with a high-performance electric snow melting system, they secured reliable safety and effortless convenience all season long.
Project Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Space Type | Outdoor Stairs (Retrofit) |
| Flooring / Surface Type | Concrete (Resurfaced) |
| System Type | Electric Snow Melting System |
| Total Square Footage | 62.75 sq. ft. |
| Technical Specs | 240V / 3,000W / 12.5A |
| Wattage per Sq. Ft. | ~47.8 W/sq. ft. |
| Cable Spacing | 3" OC (On-Center) |
| Products Used | WarmlyYours Snow Melt Cables, Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control (SCA-DUAL), Aerial-Mounted Sensor (AIR-SS-2), Small Relay Panel (RLY-4PL-CC), Snow Melt Plaque (SMP) |
| Operating Cost | $0.42 per hour |
| Professional Installer | B&M CHICAGO SERVICES INC. |
Engineering Invisible Warmth: A Retrofit Staircase Overhaul
The Problem
In freezing climates, outdoor stairs represent a severe winter safety liability. Slips and falls on icy entryways are a constant concern for property owners, yet traditional maintenance relies on tedious manual labor and harsh chemical salts that eventually pit and erode concrete. The owner of this Chicago home needed a proactive way to keep their steps clear without undergoing a costly, full-scale demolition of the existing concrete structure.
The Solution
B&M CHICAGO SERVICES INC. tackled this challenge with an efficient retrofit strategy. Instead of tearing out the staircase, the installation team cut shallow channels directly into the existing concrete to house the heavy-duty heating cables. By spacing the cables precisely at 3" on-center, they optimized heat distribution across every step. Once securely laid, the cables were embedded and covered with a fresh layer of durable concrete resurfacer, restoring a clean appearance while integrating hidden warmth.
The Outcome
The completed system provides total peace of mind through automation. By pairing the embedded cables with an intelligent aerial sensor, the system detects freezing temperatures and moisture simultaneously, turning itself on only when a winter weather event occurs. The homeowner no longer worries about sudden overnight freezes or early morning shoveling, enjoying permanently dry, safe, and clear steps all winter long.
Featured Products
- WarmlyYours Snow Melt Cables solved the issue of accumulation by delivering targeted thermal energy directly to the stair treads, completely eliminating ice formation before it can bond to the surface.
- Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control (SCA-DUAL) prevents energy waste by serving as the brains of the system, activating the heating elements exclusively during active precipitation events.
- Aerial-Mounted Snow Sensor (AIR-SS-2) improves efficiency by instantly measuring outdoor ambient temperature and moisture levels, ensuring the system never runs needlessly on clear, dry winter days.
- Small Relay Panel (RLY-4PL-CC) ensures safe electrical distribution by managing the voltage power loads required by the heavy-duty heating cables.
- Snow Melt Plaque (SMP) satisfies National Electrical Code (NEC 426.13) requirements by permanently alerting utility workers and future owners to the presence of an embedded deicing system.
