This Winnetka homeowner faced a common challenge in Illinois: heavy winter snowfall turning their beautiful stone patio into a slippery, labor-intensive hazard. By installing a powerful WarmlyYours snow melting system, they eliminated the need for shoveling and salting, preserving the integrity of their stone surface. This project demonstrates how outdoor radiant snow melting system transforms a frozen entryway into a safe, dry path, adding both luxury and functional value to the home.
Project Details
- Location: Winnetka, IL
- Heated Space Type: Outdoor Patio / Entry
- Total Installation Size: 195 sq. ft.
- Flooring Surface: Tile, Marble, or Stone
- System Used: Snow Melt PowerMat
- Electrical Specs: 240 Volts, 9750 Watts, 40 Amps
- Operating Cost: $1.56 per hour (approx.)
No More Shoveling in Winnetka
Living near Chicago means dealing with harsh, unpredictable winters. For this homeowner, clearing snow off a nearly 200-square-foot patio was a back-breaking chore that had to be repeated throughout the season. The goal was simple: install a snow melting solution that would keep the area clear automatically, ensuring safety for family and guests without lifting a finger.
The solution involved installing WarmlyYours Snow Melt PowerMats embedded directly in the substrate beneath the stone finish. This system is designed for high performance, utilizing 240V current to generate 9750 watts of heat. This high wattage density ensures that even during rapid snowfall, the flakes melt upon contact. The installation included a specialized Snow Melt Timer Control and a heavy-duty Relay Panel to handle the electrical load efficiently.
The results were immediate and impressive. The homeowner reported that even with snow on the ground in the morning, the system cleared the accumulation within two hours and prevented new buildup entirely. An unexpected bonus? The homeowner noted, "Added benefit is that the birds are drinking the water from the melted snow," proving that a warm patio can be a haven for local wildlife, too.
Featured Products
- Snow Melt PowerMat (WHMA-240-0315 & 0310): These mats feature heating cables taped to a mesh backing for fast, easy layout. In this project, a combination of 3x15' and 3x10' mats provided full coverage.
- Snow Melt Timer Control (SCM-DUAL): A reliable controller that allows the homeowner to set the system to run for a specific duration, ensuring energy isn't wasted once the snow is gone.
- Relay Panel (RLY-12PL-CC): Essential for larger systems, this panel manages the high amperage switching to ensure safe and reliable operation.
