Heated Walkway & Stairs with Snow Melt Cable in Concrete

Automated Snow Melting System Ensures Access and Prevents Ice Hazards on Concrete Stairs and Walkway.

MALAGA, WA
Heated Walkway and stairs with snow melting cables
Size: 428 Voltage: 240V Wattage: 5009 W Amps: 21 A Flooring: Concrete (new) Cost/hr *: $0.68

This project transformed a high-traffic concrete walkway and stairs in Malaga, WA, from a winter liability into a safe, maintenance-free asset using an electric radiant snow-melting solution. The homeowner's primary challenge was the persistent hazard of snow and ice accumulation, which was eliminated with the installation of the WarmlyYours Snow Melt Cable. This energy-efficient heating system provides instant, automated snow removal, adding significant safety, convenience, and value to the home.


Project Details

  • Location: Malaga, WA
  • Heated Space Type: Outdoor Walkway & Stairs
  • Square Footage: 428 sq. ft.
  • Watts, Volts, Amps: 5009W, 240V, 21A
  • Operating Cost Per Hour: $0.68 Based on 0.1366 per kWh in WA
    • Per Day (avg. 4 hours run time): $2.74
    • Per Month (avg. 10 heavy-snow days): $27.40
  • Flooring/Surface: New Concrete
  • Products Used: Snow Melt Cable, Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control, Aerial Sensor

    Project Information: Safe and Accessible Walkway in Malaga

    The property owner in Malaga, WA, faced a common and dangerous winter challenge: a long, exposed walkway and a set of concrete stairs that were prone to heavy icing and snow accumulation. Manual shoveling and salting were time-consuming, ineffective against ice, and a constant safety risk. The client sought a permanent, hands-off solution to guarantee safe access to and from their home throughout the harsh Washington winter.

    WarmlyYours provided a custom design using Snow Melt Cable, which was secured to the rebar and mesh before a new layer of concrete was poured. The installation also included the Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control, which automates the system's operation. When the aerial sensor detects precipitation and the temperature drops below freezing, the system instantly activates, ensuring the 428 sq. ft. area is consistently clear. This electric radiant heating upgrade provided a definitive solution, ensuring the walkway is always clear of snow and ice, eliminating the need for hazardous manual maintenance and increasing the home’s winter-readiness and overall value.


    Featured Products

    • Snow Melt Cable (WHCA-240-0428): Heavy-duty, durable heating cable specifically designed for embedding in concrete or asphalt to create a snow-free surface. It is engineered to withstand extreme temperatures and environmental stress.
    • Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control (SCA-DUAL): The "brain" of the system. This smart control uses sensor input (aerial and/or pavement) to automatically activate the system only when moisture is present and the temperature is below a set point, ensuring energy efficient heating and completely hands-free operation.
    • Snow Melt Aerial-Mounted Sensor (AIR-SS-2): A high-tech sensor that mounts to a post or wall, constantly monitoring the air temperature and moisture to precisely manage the automatic activation of the electric floor heating system.

    * This powerful 428 sq. ft. system costs approximately $0.68 per hour to run, based on local Washington electricity rates. This translates to an average of around $2.74 per heavy-snow day, offering premium safety and value by completely eliminating hazardous snow and ice from your walkway with cost-effective, automated electric radiant heating.

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    These quotes are linked to this showcase and include the products used in this project or recommended for a similar-sized project.

    Frequently Asked Questions


    The operating cost for this 428 sq. ft. system in Malaga is approximately $0.68 per hour when running. Because the advanced controls only activate the system during specific weather conditions, the total monthly cost is minimal. For an average snowy month, the system may cost around $27.40—a small price for reliable safety and convenience.
    Yes, electric radiant floor heating for snow melting is highly energy efficient. Unlike passive snow clearing, the system is managed by an advanced control that only powers the 5009 W heating cable when the temperature is freezing and moisture is detected. This precise, automated control prevents unnecessary operation, saving energy and running costs.
    The Snow Melt Cable is specifically designed for embedding in durable outdoor materials like concrete (as used in this project) or asphalt. Embedding the floor warming cables directly into the new concrete slab ensures the heating elements are optimally positioned for maximum snow and ice removal efficiency.
    Yes, for this application, the radiant floor heating system is the main and only heating system required. The electric floor heating is designed to provide sufficient heat output to melt the specific snow accumulation rate of the Malaga, WA region, making it a complete, hands-off solution for winter accessibility.
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