How to Create a Heated Driveway with a Snow Melting System

Hello, thank you so much for joining us. My name is Lynn, and I am a customer service representative here at WarmlyYours. Today, I am joined by Scott, who is also from WarmlyYours. We appreciate everyone for coming. Today, as indicated, we will be discussing the installation of heated driveways. We will cover our snow melting systems and review some example projects. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. You can type those in the sidebar chat or in the ask a question module at the bottom of the screen. We will make sure to address them by the end of the presentation. If you are watching this on Facebook Live, we have someone monitoring the live chat, so feel free to chime in there as well.

As mentioned, we will be focusing on our snow melting systems and discussing installation methods for asphalt, concrete, and pavers. Our electric snow melting systems are designed to be embedded in pavement, such as concrete or asphalt, or in the mortar or sand that lies beneath. These systems are engineered to evenly heat the surface area, ensuring that any snow or ice melts and evaporates without the risk of refreezing. We will also explore options for automating the system versus manual controls, allowing for customization based on your specific needs.

We received a question from Mark L. asking whether the system can be installed with HBP quarter-inch chip. If this refers to a chip seal where the surface is chipped and then sealed, the answer is no; this product is not designed for that application. It is also not compatible with gravel driveways, as gravel does not meet code requirements. The system must be protected by a hard surface that will not wear away over time. Gravel can erode, leading to ruts that may expose the heating cables, which is why it is not a suitable option. Thank you for that great question, Mark.

Scott, could you explain how to test the snow melting system to ensure it is functioning correctly? The last thing anyone wants is to install a system that doesn't work. Ideally, you should test it beforehand. To do this, you will need a megohm meter and an ohm meter. A megohm meter sends voltage down the wires to check the insulation between them, functioning as an insulation tester. It ensures that no power leaks from the heating wires to the ground. The heater contains three wires: two for the heating circuit and one for grounding. It is crucial to confirm that no voltage ever leaks to the ground, which the megohm meter checks by sending 500 volts down the line and measuring any power that might flow into the ground.

At WarmlyYours, we offer SmartPlans, which are layouts of the space you want to heat, showing how our products fit and how they will be cut and turned to achieve the desired coverage. A SmartPlan provides detailed information, including electrical specifications such as total wattage, required breakers, and operating costs. For example, an asphalt job requires an over-temperature sensor to prevent the slab from overheating and becoming soft in extreme heat, which is not a concern with concrete. However, some states have electrical codes that mandate monitoring slab temperature to avoid overheating. If you are building in states like New York or Rhode Island, be sure to inform us, as we can automatically account for these requirements in your project.

The SmartPlan also answers common questions about power requirements, breaker sizes, and how to fit the heating mats. Instead of trying to figure out the layout on your own, simply provide us with the dimensions, and we will assist you in determining the best configuration. This plan also includes an electrical layout for your electrician, making it easy for them to understand what is needed for the installation.

Now, let’s discuss asphalt installations. We have a cross-section that illustrates each layer required for an asphalt installation. Scott, could you explain what we are looking at? This installation requires two layers of asphalt. A common question we receive is whether the cables can be placed directly on gravel with a single layer of asphalt on top. The answer is no; gravel cannot be relied upon to protect the cables. Instead, you must lay down a base coat, often referred to as a binder coat, that is at least two inches thick. This layer should be compacted using a machine before placing the heating product on top, followed by a top layer of asphalt that is at least one and a half inches thick, although we recommend a two-inch layer.

Starting with a solid foundation is crucial, as the system's effectiveness relies on a well-prepared base. The gravel layer should be evenly spread and at least four to eight inches thick. For high-traffic areas, such as commercial installations, consider increasing the gravel layer to about 12 inches. The binder coat should also be at least two inches thick, and the top layer should be no more than two inches to avoid complications.

When using paving machines, it is important to note that they should not directly contact the heating cables. Instead, the binder coat should be laid down first, and then the asphalt can be poured over it. The heating cables should be pre-cut and placed according to the SmartPlan to ensure a smooth installation process. The last thing an asphalt company wants is to wait for you to make cuts or lay out loose cables, as this can delay the project and potentially compromise the quality of the asphalt.

Once the base layer is in place, you can lay out the snow melting mats. These mats should be pre-cut and configured to facilitate a straightforward installation. The asphalt company will appreciate having everything ready to go, as they need to work quickly to prevent the asphalt from cooling in the truck. It is essential to have your electrician present during the installation to conduct tests and ensure that the cables remain undamaged.

In terms of installation, the heating cables must be protected by conduit, as specified by the National Electric Code. The conduit must be rigid and at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter. Local codes may vary, so it is crucial to consult with your electrician to ensure compliance. The heating cables should never be exposed, and the non-heating lead must also be protected in conduit as it exits the slab.

The junction boxes must be accessible for future maintenance and troubleshooting. They should not be buried under dirt or obscured in any way, as this could hinder access if repairs are needed. The junction box should also be located within 20 feet of the heating cable, as the non-heating lead is only 20 feet long.

Now, let’s transition to concrete installations. The cross-section for concrete will differ slightly. The foundation begins with a compacted gravel base, typically between four and twelve inches thick. Scott, could you elaborate on what we should keep in mind for concrete installations?

Concrete contractors generally find these installations straightforward, provided they are aware of the requirements. It is essential to inform them that the concrete mix must contain sub-three-quarter-inch aggregate. This ensures that the heating wire can be properly embedded within the concrete. The heating cable should be positioned in the middle of the pour, which can be achieved using concrete blocks or chairs to prop it up.

When pouring concrete, you can choose between a single-step or two-step process. A single-step pour is the simplest, where the heating cable is placed in the middle of the pour, and the concrete is poured all at once. In contrast, a two-step pour involves pouring a base layer first, allowing it to cure, and then placing the heating cable on top before adding the final layer of concrete.

It is crucial to avoid stepping on the heating cables during installation, as this can cause damage. Marking the locations of factory splices with construction flags can help prevent accidental contact. Additionally, it is important to maintain proper spacing between the heating cables, as this will ensure even heat distribution and prevent overheating.

Now, let’s discuss paver installations. The cross-section for a paver installation will look different from that of asphalt or concrete. In this case, the snow melting mats are laid out between a layer of crushed gravel and sand. When installing pavers, it is vital that the pavers do not sit directly on the heating cables. Instead, the cables should be embedded within a layer of sand that is approximately one to one and a half inches thick.

If you are only heating tire tracks, it is advisable to use mortar to secure the pavers in place. This will help prevent sinking and ensure that the cables remain properly positioned. The attachment grid can be used to hold the cables in place during installation, allowing for quick and efficient setup.

As with other installations, it is essential to ensure that the heating cables do not overlap or touch each other. Maintaining a minimum spacing of three inches is critical to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance. The minimum bend radius for the cables is two and a half inches, so be mindful of this when planning your layout.

When it comes to controls and sensors, it is important to review the electrical requirements outlined in your SmartPlan. This will help you determine whether you have enough space in your breaker box for the installation. If your breaker box is full, you may need to consider upgrading your service to accommodate the additional load.

Our snow melting controls offer various options, including automatic and manual controls. Automatic controls can detect temperature and moisture, allowing the system to activate when snow is present. Manual controls require you to turn the system on and off as needed. Wi-Fi options are available for those who prefer remote access, but keep in mind that these are still manual controls unless integrated with a weather service.

The Zone Breaker is a unique feature that allows you to heat larger areas than your power supply can handle by turning on different zones sequentially. This means that while it may take longer to melt snow across a larger area, it enables you to utilize the system effectively without overloading your electrical supply.

Finally, it is essential to ensure that all junction boxes and splices are accessible for maintenance. The National Electric Code requires that these connections be easily reachable, so plan accordingly during installation.

Thank you for joining us today. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out. We are here to help you with all your snow melting and heating needs. Don't forget to take advantage of our April promotion for 15% off snow melting systems. We look forward to seeing you at our next webinar on May 11th, where we will discuss installing electric towel warmers. Have a great day, and remember to stay warm and be radiant!