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Deicing Systems for Accessibility Ramps


Deicing Systems for Accessibility Ramps

Accessibility ramps must remain clear and safe at all times—snow and ice are not just an inconvenience, they're a serious safety hazard.

Our electric snow melting systems install directly in concrete, asphalt, or beneath pavers to automatically keep ramps clear throughout winter.

Follow our detailed guide and learn how to install an accessibility ramp with a snow melting system that will increase safety for everyone.

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Why Heat Your Accessibility Ramps?

ADA Compliance Ensure your accessibility ramps remain usable and compliant year-round.
Prevent Injuries Icy ramps are extremely dangerous for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges.
Essential for Facilities Medical facilities, nursing homes, and public buildings require clear access at all times.
Eco-Friendly Eliminate harmful chemical melting agents that can damage surfaces and harm people.
Automatic Operation Systems detect snow automatically and activate—no manual intervention required.
Affordable to Operate Systems only run during snow events, keeping operating costs low.
10-Year Warranty Our snow melting cables are backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
Reduce Liability Minimize slip-and-fall risks and potential lawsuits on your property.

What is Snow Melting?

Have you ever seen snow fall on an already warm car? It melts instantly. This is the essential idea behind snow melting systems—a heating element is embedded in your ramp and it melts the snow that falls on it.

Like any outdoor surface, an accessibility ramp can benefit from installing a WarmlyYours snow melting system (available in both mats and cables).

Designed to install directly in concrete, asphalt, or in mortar beneath pavers, our systems ensure safe passage for everyone.

Learn More About Snow Melting

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Get a custom installation plan for your accessibility ramp in just 1 business day.

Rae Radiant - Your Heating Guide

"I'll design a custom snow melting layout for your project, complete with cable spacing, electrical requirements, and a full quote."

When to Install a Snow Melting System

Because the snow melting system is embedded within the surface itself, the best time to install is when a ramp is being created for the first time, redone, or expanded.

These projects are typically undertaken from late spring to late fall when ground temperatures are above freezing and you can avoid icing conditions during concrete installations.

The snow melting heating elements must be installed approximately 2-3" beneath the finished surface to ensure optimal warming for ice protection.

The thinness of our cables (1/4") means minimal impact on the overall ramp depth.

Finished heated accessibility ramp

Installing the Snow Melting System

For a snow melting system to function properly, it must be located 2-3" from the finished surface throughout the entire heated area. This means your system must match the slope of your ramp.

Follow these steps for a successful accessibility ramp installation:

  • Step 1: Slope and rise
  • Step 2: Laying wire mesh
  • Step 3: Laying out cables
  • Step 4: Handrail preparation
  • Step 5: Pouring concrete
  • Step 6: Embedding splice
  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5
  • Step 6

Step 1. Slope and Rise

Your snow melting system must match the slope of your ramp to maintain the proper 2-3" depth from the finished surface throughout.

Tip: Use bricks and rebar as an elevating base to set the wire mesh at the proper angle.

Controls for Ramp Snow Melting

WarmlyYours offers a wide variety of controls—from manual options with timers to automatic controls that activate when they sense snow is falling.

For accessibility ramps, we strongly recommend automatic controls to ensure the ramp is always clear when needed. Controls use slab sensors (to measure surface conditions) or aerial sensors (to detect snowfall).

For more information, check out this comparison chart.

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Snow Melting Products for Accessibility Ramps

Cables are typically preferred for ramps as they offer maximum flexibility for sloped installations and custom layouts.

snow melting cable

Maximum Flexibility at a Minimal Cost


WarmlyYours Snow Melt Cables offer a high heat output solution to keep your driveway, walkway, or patio snow-free. Embeddable in concrete, asphalt, or under pavers, these cables provide a flexible and cost-effective alternative to mats. Choose from a variety of voltages and lengths to suit your outdoor heating needs, ensuring safe, dry surfaces all winter long. Benefit from our 10-year warranty and 24/7 customer support for peace of mind.


  • High Heat Output: This embeddable electric heating cable provides 12-watts of heat per linear foot (nearly 50-watts per sq. ft.)
  • Embeddable in Concrete, Asphalt, or in Mortar Under Pavers: Installing a cable-based snow melting system within a new driveway, walkway, or patio means you can enjoy snow/ice free outdoor surfaces all year
  • Cost-Effective and Flexible: Snow melting cables are an less expensive (but more time consuming) alternative to snow melting mats and they provide maximum flexibility to cover round driveways, cornered patios, or outdoor stairs
  • Wide Variety of Voltages: We offer snow melting cables in 120, 208, 240, and 277 voltages and in a range of different lengths
  • Installation Support: WarmlyYours offers free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty
snow melting

Maximum Heat Density for Heavy Snowfall (3" spacing)


Ideal for heavy snowfall regions (60+ inches annually) or high-traffic commercial areas. The 3-inch cable spacing delivers maximum heat density (~50 watts/sq.ft) for the fastest snow melting performance. Best for: Northern climates, steep driveways, loading docks, emergency exits, and areas requiring rapid clearing.


  • Maximum Heat Output: Approximately 50-watts per sq. ft with 3" cable spacing for fastest snow melting
  • Best for Heavy Snowfall: Recommended for regions with 60+ inches of annual snowfall or when rapid melting is critical
  • Even Heating: Pre-attached heating elements in a serpentine pattern with consistent 3" spacing ensures uniform coverage
  • Fast and Easy Installation: Cut-and-turn design makes installation faster than cables while providing maximum heat density
  • Installation Support: Free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty
snow melting

Optimal Performance & Energy Balance (4" spacing)


The versatile choice for moderate snowfall regions (30-60 inches annually). The 4-inch cable spacing provides an optimal balance of melting performance (~39 watts/sq.ft) and energy efficiency. Best for: Most residential driveways, walkways, and patios in typical winter climates.


  • Balanced Heat Output: Approximately 39-watts per sq. ft with 4" cable spacing for optimal performance and efficiency
  • Best for Moderate Snowfall: Recommended for regions with 30-60 inches of annual snowfall—our most popular choice
  • Even Heating: Pre-attached heating elements in a serpentine pattern with consistent 4" spacing ensures uniform coverage
  • Fast and Easy Installation: Cut-and-turn design makes installation faster than cables while balancing cost and performance
  • Installation Support: Free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty
Consult with a Snow Melting Expert

Have questions about heating your accessibility ramp? Our experts will respond within 1 business day.

Typically respond within 1 business day