Project Details
- Location: Ferrisburgh, VT
- Heated Space Type: Outdoor Walkway (New Concrete)
- Square Footage: 86 sq. ft.
- Watts, Volts, Amps: 4,000 W, 240 V, 17 A
- Operating Cost Per Hour: $0.56 per hour*
- Daily Cost Estimate (4 hrs): $2.24 per day*
- Monthly Cost Estimate (20 days): $44.80 per month*
- Products Used: Snow Melt Cable, Advanced Snow & Ice Melt Control, Aerial-Mounted Sensor, Snow Melt Plaque
Project Information
The challenge for the Ferrisburgh, VT homeowner was clear: a newly constructed walkway was beautiful but presented a major safety and maintenance issue during the harsh New England winters. Instead of relying on manual shoveling, unreliable snow blowers, or corrosive rock salt, they sought a permanent, hands-free solution. The ideal outcome was a clear path, 24/7, without lifting a finger.
The installation involved laying the 240V Snow Melt Cable over the 86 sq. ft. path with a tight 3.0 in. spacing before the concrete pour. This full-coverage design ensures a powerful, uniform heat output of 4,000 W needed for effective de-icing in cold climates. The system is managed by an Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control and an Aerial-Mounted Sensor, which automatically detects precipitation and ambient temperature. This automatic operation highlights how the radiant system solved the specific problem of winter labor and hazard, providing unparalleled convenience and property value while protecting the new concrete from freeze-thaw damage and salt erosion.
Featured Products Section
A robust, twin-conductor cable designed to be embedded directly into concrete, asphalt, or mortar under pavers. The cable is rated to withstand construction stresses and provides 50 W/sq. ft. coverage for superior melting performance in heavy snow areas like Vermont.
Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control
The "brain" of the system. This control unit processes data from the sensors and automatically energizes the heating cables only when needed (temperature is below the set point and moisture is present). This ensures optimal energy efficiency and completely hands-free operation.
An essential component for automatic operation. This sensor is mounted outdoors and detects both temperature and moisture (precipitation). It signals the control to turn the system on or off, preventing wasted energy by only running when conditions require melting.