Maintaining a 1,350 sq. ft. driveway in the Michigan winter is a grueling task. This project for Potoroka Concrete utilized a sophisticated multi-zone radiant floor heating system to ensure a clear, safe entrance regardless of the snowfall intensity
Project Details
- Location: Macomb, Michigan
- Heated Space Type: Concrete Driveway
- Square Footage: 1,350 sq. ft.
- System Specs: 60,108 Watts | 240 Volts | 250 Amps
- Operating Cost: ~$10.82 per hour of active melting
- Average Michigan Utility Rate: ~$0.18 per kWh
- Products Used: Snow Melt PowerMats, ZoneBraker™ Multi-Zone Controller, Aerial Snow Sensor
The Cedar Bend Concrete Transformation
The primary challenge for this Macomb residence was the sheer scale of the driveway. At 1,350 square feet, a standard heating configuration would put an immense load on the electrical panel. To solve this, Potoroka Concrete installed a multi-zone system that allows the in-floor heating to manage power distribution intelligently. By using the WarmlyYours Power Modulator, the system can prioritize specific zones, ensuring the entire surface reaches melting temperature without exceeding the home's electrical capacity.
The installation involved embedding heavy-duty Snow Melt PowerMats directly into the new concrete pour. This radiant floor heating solution is specifically engineered to withstand the weight of vehicles and the chemical environment of curing concrete. Now, when the aerial sensor detects moisture and freezing temperatures, the driveway activates automatically, melting snow on contact and keeping the surface dry and accessible 24/7.
Featured Products
- Snow Melt PowerMat: These heavy-duty mats are designed for direct burial in concrete, providing consistent 50W per sq. ft. to melt snow as fast as it falls.
- ZoneBraker™ Multi-Zone Controller: The "brain" of the system, featuring a touchscreen interface to manage large-scale snow melting across multiple areas.
- Aerial Snow Sensor: A smart weather sensor that detects both falling snow and freezing temperatures to activate the system only when necessary.
- Outdoor Snow Melting Junction Box (SM-JBOX-IG-L): A rugged, in-ground large junction box designed to house and protect electrical connections in harsh outdoor environments.
- Snow Melt Plaque (SMP): A durable brass plaque used to meet NEC requirements, clearly indicating the presence of an electric snow melting system embedded in the concrete.
- Large Relay Panels: High-capacity panels that safely handle the 250-amp load required for a project of this scale.
