A Clear and Safe Winter Welcome: This Ohio Terrace Beats the Snow

An Ohio homeowner invested in a beautiful, multi-level paver terrace and staircase, but faced the annual challenge of harsh winters making the space unsafe and inaccessible. The primary goal was to eliminate the danger of icy stairs and the back-breaking work of shoveling, without using corrosive salts that could damage the new pavers. WarmlyYours solved this by designing a powerful, automated snow melting system that keeps the entire 578 sq. ft. area clear, safe, and welcoming all winter long.

Project Details

Location: Moraine, Ohio
Heated Space Type: Paver Terrace & Stairs
Square Footage: 578 sq. ft.
Watts, Volts, Amps: 27045 W, 240V, 112 A
Operating Cost Per Hour: $4.33 (while actively melting)
Products Used: Snow Melt Cables, Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control (SCA-DUAL), Aerial Snow Sensor, Large Relay Panel

A Safe and Effortless Outdoor Space

A brand new, expansive paver patio and staircase is a major home investment. In a climate like Moraine, Ohio, heavy snowfall and freeze-thaw cycles can quickly turn these beautiful outdoor living areas into hazardous ice rinks. The homeowner's primary challenge was ensuring safe access for their family and guests, especially on the stairs, while also protecting their paver investment from the damage caused by shovels and chemical de-icers.

The experts at Lawn Innovations were brought in to integrate a robust, invisible solution. They expertly installed 578 sq. ft. of WarmlyYours 240V Snow Melt Cable within the paver base. This powerful radiant heating system is designed for high-performance melting, delivering a steady 50 watts per square foot to handle even heavy Ohio snowfalls.

The true convenience of this project lies in its automation. The system is paired with an Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control and an aerial-mounted sensor. This "brain" constantly monitors outdoor conditions. The moment the sensor detects the combination of freezing temperatures and moisture (snow or sleet), it automatically activates the system. The terrace and stairs remain clear, dry, and safe all winter long, providing total peace of mind and eliminating winter maintenance for the homeowner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you install a snow melting system under pavers?

Yes, electric radiant heating cables are an ideal solution for paver patios and driveways. The cables are secured to the sub-base (or a concrete slab) and then covered with sand or stone dust according to the paver manufacturer's guidelines. This creates an invisible and highly effective melting system that won't damage the hardscaping.

2. How much does it cost to run an outdoor snow melting system in Moraine Patio?

The operating cost depends entirely on the system's size (total wattage) and your local electricity rate. This 578 sq. ft. project costs about $4.33 per hour while running. The key to efficiency is that the system is not always on; its automated sensors only activate it during a snow or ice event, saving energy.

3. Do I have to turn the snow melting system on and off manually?

No. The best part of a WarmlyYours system is its full automation. By using an advanced control and a moisture/temperature sensor (like the aerial sensor in this project), the system "knows" when it's snowing. It will turn itself on to melt the snow and then turn itself off once the area is clear and dry.

4. Is a snow melting system worth the investment?

For homeowners in snowy climates, a snow melting system provides immense value. It delivers: Safety: Prevents dangerous ice buildup on stairs and walkways. Convenience: Eliminates the time-consuming and physically demanding job of shoveling. Protection: Protects your investment in pavers or concrete by avoiding damage from corrosive salts, chemicals, and snowplows.