Navigating slippery stairs and walkways in a harsh Chicago-area winter was a major safety concern for this Evanston, IL homeowner. To eliminate the back-breaking labor of shoveling and the corrosive effects of rock salt, installation company JD Wieland Incorporated chose a high-performance, automatic electric radiant snow melting system from WarmlyYours. This solution not only ensures a clear and safe path for guests and residents but also preserves the beautiful paver surface, adding immense value and effortless luxury to the home.
Project Details
- Location: Evanston, IL
- Heated Space Type: Walkway and Stairs (Outdoor)
- Square Footage: 139 sq. ft.
- System Specs: 6,509 Watts, 240 Volts, 27 Amps
- Flooring/Surface: Paver
- Cost/hr (Based on local utility rates): $1.04
- Per Hour: $1.04
- Per 8-Hour Snow Event: Approximately $8.32 (Based on an 8-hour run time)
- Per Month (Est. 10 Events): Approximately $83.20 (Assuming 10 separate 8-hour snow events per month)
A Permanent Solution to Winter Danger
In a climate like Evanston, IL, where snowfall is frequent and freezing temperatures persist, keeping a main walkway and set of stairs clear of ice and snow is a constant, labor-intensive chore. The homeowner's challenge was to find a safe and maintenance-free way to protect their beautiful paver surfaces and ensure year-round accessibility.
JD Wieland Incorporated addressed this by installing a custom-designed WarmlyYours electric radiant snow melting system. The project covered 139 square feet of walkway and steps, utilizing flexible Snow Melt Cables to contour perfectly to the unique shape of the stairs and path. For paver installations, the cable is typically secured using an attachment grid and then embedded in a layer of sand or mortar beneath the pavers. This ensures the heat is transferred effectively and evenly to the surface.
The outcome is a completely autonomous solution. Controlled by an advanced Value Snow and Ice Melt Control, the system detects both moisture and freezing temperatures, activating only when needed. This automated operation removes the need for shoveling, salting, or plowing, providing peace of mind, enhancing safety, and preserving the aesthetic and structural integrity of the pavers, adding long-term value to the property.
Featured Products
Value Snow and Ice Melt Control - 100-240VAC (SCV-DUAL) : An automatic controller that uses an external sensor to detect moisture and temperature, activating the snow melting system only when conditions require it. This ensures efficient and automated operation.
Snow Melt Cables : Durable, robust heating cables designed to be embedded in concrete,
asphalt, or under pavers. Ideal for custom shapes, stairs, and small
areas where the flexible application is required.
Snow Melt Embeddable Attachment Grid : A mesh grid used in paver and retrofit concrete applications to secure
and maintain the correct spacing for the Snow Melt Cables during
installation.
