Winter Safety & Convenience: A Snow-Free Walkway in Ferrisburgh, VT

This project transformed a new 86 sq. ft. concrete walkway in Ferrisburgh,VT, from a winter hazard into a safe, maintenance-free path. The homeowner faced the challenge of consistent heavy snowfall and the risk of slips and falls, as well as the burden of daily shoveling. WarmlyYours solved this by embedding a 240V Snow Melt Cable system directly into the concrete. This provides 4,000 W of heating power to automatically keep the path clear, ensuring safety, eliminating labor, and preserving the walkway from corrosive de-icing salts.

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

Snow Melting Cable

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.

Aerial-Mounted Sensor

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.

Project Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to run heated snow melting floors in a walkway?

The operating cost for this specific 86 sq. ft. system is estimated at $0.56 per hour, based on a 4.0 kW draw and a $0.14/kWh electricity rate. The actual cost will depend on local utility rates and how often the system runs, which is typically only during snow events.

Can electric radiant heating be used to clear a full driveway or just a walkway?

Yes, electric radiant heating can be installed in full driveways, large patios, and other outdoor surfaces, not just small walkways. The Snow Melt Cable system used here is scalable and can be designed for any size or shape of outdoor area to provide full de-icing coverage.

What type of flooring or surface works best with the WarmlyYours snow melting system?

The WarmlyYours Snow Melt Cable is designed for installation in concrete (like this project), asphalt, and pavers set in a mortar bed. It is ideal for new construction or renovation projects where the cable can be properly embedded into the new surface material.

Is electric radiant snow melting energy efficient compared to other methods?

Yes, it is very efficient, especially when used with an automatic control and sensor system. The system only operates when necessary, preventing wasted energy. Furthermore, the cost of running the system is often offset by the savings in labor, salt, and the cost of property damage caused by shoveling or freeze-thaw cycles.

Quotes

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