For homeowners in Chester, winter is more than a scenic season—it’s a physical battle against heavy accumulation. Recent weather data shows that local storms can drop as much as 17 inches of snow in a single 24-hour window, turning a beautiful stone entrance into a hazardous barrier. This project replaced the grueling "normal" of manual clearing and corrosive ice-melt with a sophisticated, electric radiant solution that preserves the integrity of high-end masonry while ensuring constant, safe passage.
Project Details
- Location: Chester, CT
- Heated Space Type: Outdoor Walkway
- Surface Type: Tile / Stone / Marble
- Square Footage: 265 sq. ft.
- Cable Spacing: 3" (Fixed spacing within PowerMats)
- Wattage per Sq. Ft.: 50 Watts per sq. ft.
- Voltage, Wattage, Amps: 240V, 13,259 W, 55 A
- Operating Cost:
- Per Hour: ~$2.12 (Based on average CT utility rates of $0.16/kWh)
- Per Event: ~$12.72 (Based on a typical 6-hour snow event)
- Estimated Monthly Usage: Highly efficient; triggers only during active accumulation.
- WarmlyYours Products Used: Snow Melt PowerMats(Multiple sizes), SCP-120 Premium Control, Aerial Snow Sensor, Medium Relay Panel.
Defeating the 17-Inch Storm
In the Northeast, homeowners have long accepted that a beautiful stone walkway is a liability from December through March. Traditional snow removal is more than just a chore; it’s a threat to the longevity of the masonry. Metal shovels scratch the surface, and chemical de-icers penetrate stone and grout, causing "spalling" or cracking over time due to brutal freeze-thaw cycles.
This Chester project highlights the necessity of automation. In January 2026 alone, this location saw a 20-inch monthly total, including a massive 17-inch surge on January 26th. Without a radiant system, such an event would require hours of manual labor or expensive emergency plowing. Instead, this system utilized Snow Melt PowerMats laid 3 inches below the stone.
Controlled by an SCP-120 Premium Control and an Aerial Snow Sensor, the system is fully proactive. It detects the first sign of moisture and freezing temperatures, activating the heating elements to melt snow on contact. Even during the high-accumulation periods seen in February 2026—where 11 inches fell in a single 5-day window—this walkway remained clear, dry, and safe, protecting both the homeowner’s back and their investment in premium stone.
Featured Products
Snow Melt PowerMat
Engineered for heavy-duty performance in sand or mortar beds, these mats provide a high-wattage output that can keep up with Connecticut's most aggressive storms, melting up to 2 inches of snow per hour.
SCP-120 Snow & Ice Melting Control
The "command center" of the installation. It ensures the system only draws power when the weather conditions actually require it, providing maximum safety with minimal energy waste.
Aerial Snow Sensor
By monitoring ambient temperature and moisture in real-time, this sensor allows for a "set-and-forget" experience. It ensures the system is already warm before the heavy snow starts to stick.
