Snow Melt for Stairs & Walkways

Hello and welcome to our webinar this month. It's still September, and September is a great time to talk about snow melting because, whether we want it to or not, it may start snowing here in the near future. I'm Scott, and this is Anna Tully, and we are from WarmlyYours. We thank you for joining us today. We'll go ahead and get started because there's no reason to fiddle around. If you have any questions during the presentation, just enter them into the white area to the left of the screen, and we'll be glad to answer your questions as they come up.

Today’s webinar will focus on snow melting systems, specifically discussing walkways and stairs, and finally, how to power the system. A snow melting system is only effective if it has enough power to operate. Without sufficient power, you might find yourself stuck shoveling snow again, which is what we want to avoid.

Let’s take a look at stairs and walkways in winter. For those who live in snowy areas, this scenario is all too familiar. Walkways and stairs can be some of the most dangerous areas during winter. Shoveling snow may remove a lot of the accumulation, but if the snow is wet, it can seep into the grain of the steps. When it freezes, it creates a solid layer of ice beneath the surface. Electric heating systems can eliminate this issue by preventing snow and ice from forming in the first place.

Electric snow melting systems come in two types: electric snow melting heating cables and mats that have the cable embedded and pre-spaced. When comparing these products to hydronic systems, it’s clear that 99% of the energy consumed by electric systems is transferred directly into snow melting. In contrast, traditional hydronic systems can lose heat as hot water travels to the stairs or walkways.

One important consideration for hot water systems is that if they are outdoors, they require glycol. Glycol can pose a problem if there is ever a leak. Additionally, as soon as water leaves the boiler, its temperature begins to drop. The water entering the beginning of the tubing will never be as warm at the end as it is at the start. In contrast, electric systems experience minimal line loss, meaning the heating product at the beginning of the cable is the same temperature as at the end.

Electric snow melting systems are available in various voltages, including 120, 240, 208, and 277 volts. The cable product is specifically available in 208 and 277 volts, while the mats are offered in 120 and 240 volts. Each order comes with a customized install plan that details the layout and how to install the cables or mats, especially for larger areas. The system typically includes a control device, which can be automatic or timed, and a relay panel to manage the load.

For automatic systems, a sensor is included to turn the system on and off as needed. The spacing of heating cables is crucial; the closer they are together, the more watts per square foot are delivered. Our mats are based on a three-inch spacing, which simplifies installation. Installing rolls of mats is much faster than attaching individual cables to rebar while maintaining the correct spacing. The cable itself is only a quarter of an inch thick, allowing for easy installation in various applications.

It’s also important to note that a bronze notification plaque is required by the National Electric Code to identify areas with electric heating cables. This plaque is included to ensure compliance with regulations.

Testing is a critical part of the installation process. Since the system is permanently installed in concrete, asphalt, or under pavers, it must be periodically tested before, during, and after installation. A digital mega ohm meter, or insulation tester, is used to send a 100-volt signal down the line to identify any insulation damage or shorts in the system. Testing should begin as soon as the product arrives, rather than waiting until installation day.

When you receive the product, test each component using both an ohmmeter and a mega ohm meter. The mega ohm meter is essential because it uses a higher voltage to detect issues that a standard ohmmeter may miss. If any components test poorly, contact us immediately for a replacement.

Now, let’s discuss the installation of walkways. Before planning the system, it’s crucial to identify where the expansion joints will be, especially for concrete projects. The design team must ensure that individual heating elements, whether mats or cables, are placed in each section without crossing the expansion joints. Crossing these joints can lead to cable damage.

For a walkway that is five feet wide, we offer two-foot and three-foot wide mats for installation. If the dimensions do not divide evenly by two or three, snow melting cables will be necessary. To estimate the amount of cable needed, take the square footage of the area and multiply it by four, as the cable is spaced every three inches.

We provide a SmartPlan with every project, which includes detailed information about the installation. Each run of cable is spaced three inches apart, and the plan indicates the start point of the cable, electrical specifications, and breaker sizes required for the project.

It’s essential to understand that expansion joints are critical in the design to prevent damage to the cable. The heating elements should never cross these joints, ensuring that they remain isolated in their respective slabs.

In our concrete walkway cross-section, we start with a compacted gravel base of four to twelve inches. Concrete blocks or other supports can be used to hold the rebar in place, ensuring that the heating cable is suspended two to three inches above the gravel before the final concrete pour.

If you have existing concrete stairs or walkways that need to be retrofitted with snow melting systems, there are options available. For instance, portable mats can be laid over the surface to melt snow, or infrared heaters can be installed above the stairs.

When installing snow melting systems in stairs, it’s important to consider the risers. If the risers are open and allow visibility through them, they cannot be heated with our product and would require infrared heating from above.

The placement of heating cables is crucial, especially around expansion joints. When submitting plans, it’s important to mark where these joints will be located to ensure proper cable positioning.

In summary, the installation process involves careful planning and consideration of various factors, including expansion joints, cable spacing, and the overall design. By providing accurate dimensions and working with our team, we can help ensure that your snow melting system is effective and efficient.

As we conclude this webinar, we encourage you to reach out with any questions or for further assistance. Thank you for joining us today, and we look forward to seeing you at our next webinar.