Deicing Systems for Accessibility Ramps
Accessibility ramps must stay clear and safe—snow and ice are serious hazards. Our electric snow melting systems install in concrete, asphalt, or beneath pavers to keep ramps clear all winter.
Why Heat Your Accessibility Ramps?
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 MeltingFree SmartPlan
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"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.
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
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.
Step 2. Laying Down Rebar or Wire Mesh
For snow melting cables, include a rigid framework for the cables to attach to. This ensures proper spacing and depth in the finished project.
Secure the framework so it lies flat, then attach cables with zip-ties.
Step 3. Start Laying Out Snow Melting Cables
Maintain 3" (76mm) spacing for free-form cables. Attach to the framework using wire ties to maintain proper depth and spacing.
Reference your free WarmlyYours SmartPlan for proper layout guidance.
Step 4. Preparation for Handrails
For ramps with handrails, install pre-sleeves for the posts to avoid drilling through the finished surface.
Route heating cable around sleeves—never allow direct contact with metal fixtures.
Step 5. Pouring Concrete
Use 1-stage or 2-stage pours. For 2-stage: pour base layer, lay framework while wet, then apply 2-3" top layer. For 1-stage: prop up framework and pour around it.
See the WarmlyYours installation manual for detailed instructions.
Embed the Manufacturer's Splice
A common mistake is leaving the splice outside of the concrete. This causes the splice to overheat and fail.
Always embed the splice in concrete, sand, or stone dust to prevent overheating. Your ramp is then ready—just add snow!
Snow Melting Products for Accessibility Ramps
Cables are typically preferred for ramps as they offer maximum flexibility for sloped installations and custom layouts.
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
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
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
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.
Shop ControlsExplore Snow Melting Applications
Snow melting systems work in a variety of outdoor surfaces and applications:
Featured Ramp Deicing Projects
Snow Melting Customer Reviews
We take pride in providing both exceptional service and great products. But don't just take our word for it, check out what some of our customers have had to say.
Consult with a Snow Melting Expert
Have questions about heating your accessibility ramp? Our experts will respond within 1 business day.
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