How to Install a Snow Melting System for Asphalt Driveways

Hello, thank you so much for joining us for today's webinar. My name is Lynn, and I'm a customer service representative here with WarmlyYours. Today, I'm joined by Scott, who is also with WarmlyYours. How coincidental! Thanks for joining us, everybody. Yes, thank you so much. Today, we're going to be talking about installing snow melting systems under asphalt driveways. If you have any questions during the presentation, please feel free to ask. We received some questions ahead of time that we will discuss near the end of the presentation, but if anything comes up while we're going through the slides, just feel free to use the sidebar chat or the "Ask a Question" module at the bottom of the screen.

As I mentioned earlier, we will be focusing on snow melting systems for asphalt driveways. We'll cover some general information about our snow melting systems, go over a project example we completed a while back that involved a full coverage driveway heating system, discuss the installation steps, and review different control options. Finally, we'll show you an example project that features just tire track heating. Our snow melting systems are becoming increasingly popular; they are all electric and designed to be embedded in concrete, under asphalt, or in the mortar or sand underneath pavers.

We offer two different types of snow melting systems: snow melting cable and snow melting mat. Scott, can you tell us a little more about the differences between the two and how they work in general?

Certainly! It's the same cable; the difference is that one is attached to a mesh already, while the other is not. The one with the mesh is easier to install because you can simply roll it out, cut the mesh, and turn the product as needed. Many people ask if they can install this on a wooden deck, and the answer is no. This product is specifically designed to be embedded in mortar, asphalt, or sand under pavers. It must be installed according to the National Electric Code, which typically requires about four inches of non-combustible medium—an inch and a half on top and two inches below.

If you were to try to install this on a wooden deck, the deck might not support the weight of the concrete and sand needed for proper installation. This system is designed and spaced by our engineers to heat evenly. It can also be set to activate automatically when it snows, using a sensor that detects precipitation and temperature. When it stops snowing, the system will enter an after-run time to continue melting the snow after the snow event is over.

When discussing snow melting, it's essential to consider two aspects: the snow event and the after-run time. If you have a control that only turns the power on during the event—say for two or three hours—and you receive six inches of snow, once it stops snowing, the system would stop heating immediately without the after-run feature. This would leave you with a slushy mess on your pavement or stairs. Automatic controllers are designed to run for a certain amount of time after the snow event, which is crucial for melting the snow that has accumulated on your surfaces, whether they are stairs, walkways, or driveways.

We will also touch on the difference between full coverage and tire tracks. Many people initially inquire about heating their entire driveway, asking for a quote for every square inch. However, if you have a 20-foot wide driveway by 150 feet long, that could require more power than you have available. Tire track coverage allows you to safely navigate the space, especially at the bottom of a hill when entering a street or going up a hill to a house. You don't need to heat every square inch; just enough for the tire tracks to allow your vehicle to pass.

When considering heating for your driveway or walkway, you can calculate the necessary power by taking the square footage of the area and multiplying it by 50 watts, which is approximately the coverage needed. You can then divide that number by 240 to determine the amps required. You might find that the amperage is quite high, but don't worry; tire track coverage can significantly reduce the amperage while still providing sufficient coverage for safe passage.

Today, we will specifically discuss asphalt applications. When installing snow melting systems for an asphalt driveway or walkway, the system should be placed between two layers of asphalt to efficiently melt snow and ice. It's crucial to ensure that the snow melting system is located within about two inches of the surface of the asphalt layer. Scott, can you explain how the layers work and how the installation is carried out?

Certainly! We will have some diagrams coming up shortly, but according to the National Electric Code, the system must be at least an inch and a half deep, meaning you need at least an inch and a half of cover over the wire to comply. In the project we are discussing, they were able to do full coverage because it wasn't a very long driveway, and they had enough amperage to accommodate the entire area.

A question we received from Thea is whether you can have tire track coverage along with a path from the sidewalk to the front door for pedestrians. The answer is yes! This is a great point. You can create a hybrid system where you heat the first 12 feet outside of your garage for full coverage, then have a walkway to the front door, and tire tracks leading out to the road. Many people choose this option, especially if they want to ensure enough space in their double-wide garage for parking while still having tire tracks out to the road.

In this particular installation, they opted for mats to provide full coverage because the driveway wasn't excessively large, and they had sufficient amperage. If you're considering snow melting, it's a good idea to check your breaker box for available space. If your breaker box is full, you may need to upgrade your service from the power company to accommodate additional electrical products.

Moving on, we have already discussed the differences in coverage. The first project we will show you is full coverage, while the second will focus on tire tracks, demonstrating how they operate once installed and how they perform during snowfall. The key takeaway is not to assume that you have too large of a space or insufficient power; we are always happy to work with you to create a hybrid system that meets your needs for snow removal in critical areas.

Stefan asked a mathematical question regarding the calculation of power requirements. To determine the amps, you take the total square footage, multiply it by 50 watts, and then divide that number by 240. For example, if you have 800 square feet, that would yield approximately 167 amps. This figure is for full coverage, but remember, you can also opt for partial coverage or tire tracks.

It's important to note that heat only travels about two to three inches laterally from the wire. Therefore, if you only heat the center of an area, it won't melt the entire surface. This principle is similar to indoor floor heating, where heating the center won't warm the entire floor.

Now, let's look at the cross-section diagrams we mentioned earlier, which illustrate the installation layers. You start with four to twelve inches of compacted gravel. The depth of gravel required will depend on the traffic the area receives, so it's essential to consult with your asphalt contractor for the best approach.

Asphalt contractors today often prefer to do a single pour of three inches, which won't work with our system. Instead, you need to have a binder coat and a top coat. The binder coat can be applied with a paving machine, while the top coat should be placed by hand or with wheelbarrows. This ensures that the snow melting system is properly embedded between two layers of asphalt.

If you have any questions about the installation process or need assistance with your contractor, we are always available to help. We can provide guidance to your contractors if they are unfamiliar with our systems.

When installing asphalt, you will typically work with rolls of product attached to the mesh. This method allows for efficient installation without the need to route cables back and forth, which would be time-consuming and impractical.

Now, let's take a look at a full coverage job. We often receive questions about cost efficiency, but we can't provide specific figures without knowing the size of the installation. However, we do have calculators available on our website, and once we receive your project plan, we will provide you with detailed information, including amp draw, operating costs, and more.

For this specific project, they used a 240-volt mat to heat an area of 488 square feet, resulting in a total wattage of 21,250 watts and approximately 88.55 amps. We will always provide you with the necessary information regarding breakers, amperage, and wattage, along with estimated operating costs based on average electricity rates in your area.

It's important to note that the required breakers for outdoor snow melting systems are GfEP (Ground Fault Protection for Equipment) breakers, not GFI or GFCI. When discussing this with your electrician, ensure they understand the distinction and use the correct terminology.

The SmartPlan we provide is complimentary and typically delivered within one business day. It includes a drawing of the area you wish to heat, along with recommendations for product layout, cutting and turning instructions, and other essential details.

You can never cut or shorten the heating cable, and our product is available in Canada, where we have a significant customer base. The SmartPlan will indicate where to cut and turn the mats, and it's crucial to ensure that all mats start on the same side for proper installation.

The cold leads from the heating mats are designed to reach junction boxes, which should be accessible for testing and maintenance. It's essential to follow the guidelines for installation, as the cold leads are only 20 feet long and must connect to junction boxes for proper operation.

The temperature sensor should be placed between two heating elements in a conduit to prevent asphalt from entering. This sensor is vital for ensuring the system operates correctly and safely, especially during warmer months when you don't want the system to activate unnecessarily.

When discussing the testing of snow melting systems, it's important to emphasize that electricians should arrive in advance to prepare the installation. They need to size and bend the conduit, ensuring everything is ready before the asphalt contractors begin their work.

The electrician will also need to test the system using a megohmmeter to ensure proper insulation and functionality. This testing is crucial to prevent GFI issues and ensure the system operates as intended.

As we wrap up, remember that the longevity of the system is generally greater than that of the medium it is installed in. Proper installation and maintenance will ensure that the system lasts for many years, providing reliable snow melting capabilities.

Thank you for joining us today. We hope you found this information valuable and informative. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out. We look forward to seeing you at our next webinar, where we will discuss pairing electric floor heating with luxury vinyl tile. Until then, stay warm and be radiant!