How to Retrofit a Snow Melting System for a Heated Driveway

Hello and welcome to today's webinar entitled "How to Retrofit a Snow Melting System." My name is Scott, and I am from WarmlyYours. Joining me today is Anatoly from our tech support and product team. We are excited to share valuable information on retrofitting a snow melting system for a heated driveway, as we frequently receive inquiries about this topic. If you have any questions during our presentation, please feel free to click on the "Ask a Question" section.

Before we dive in, we want to ensure that our audio is working properly. Olivia, our behind-the-scenes support, is checking the sound quality. Please let us know if either of us sounds unclear. Thank you for your patience as we work through this. It seems that the sound is good for some attendees, so we will proceed with the presentation.

Today, we will cover several key topics, including heated driveways, preparing the existing driveway for the retrofit heat, and the installation process for retrofitting snow melting systems into the surface. Anatoly will discuss the snow melting systems we offer, including both snow melting cables and mats. The mats are typically two to three feet wide and are suited for larger applications, but our focus today will primarily be on snow melting cables and their use in retrofit applications for under concrete or asphalt.

Many people are unaware that driveways can be heated, and there are various methods to achieve this. The picture we have illustrates a heated driveway on the right, which shows the effectiveness of a snow melting system, compared to the non-heated driveway on the left. The heated driveway operates automatically, utilizing a sensor that triggers the controller when snow falls, ensuring that the surface remains free of snow and ice. This automatic operation allows for a safe and clear walkway and driveway, as the snow melts and evaporates.

There are multiple control options available for these systems, ranging from manual dial timers to Wi-Fi controllers, or even fully automatic systems that activate when conditions are met, such as temperatures below 38 degrees. This flexibility allows homeowners to choose how much control they want over the system.

The ideal time for a retrofit installation is from late spring to late fall, when temperatures are more manageable. It is crucial to assess the condition of the existing driveway before proceeding with a retrofit. If the driveway is in poor condition and needs replacement in the near future, it is not advisable to install a snow melting system, as the installation process could damage the cable. Instead, it would be more practical to replace the driveway first.

When considering a retrofit, it is essential to consult with a concrete or asphalt professional to evaluate the condition of the driveway. If they indicate that the driveway needs to be replaced soon, it is better to wait. The snow melting cable is resilient and can withstand high temperatures, but if the substrate begins to degrade, it could damage the cable. Therefore, retrofitting is best suited for relatively new driveways that do not require immediate replacement.

There are different types of retrofits available, including tire track coverage, which focuses on melting the snow in the paths of vehicle tires. This method is popular because it involves less extensive cutting and installation compared to heating the entire driveway. However, it is also possible to retrofit larger areas, such as entire driveways or even tennis courts, by making the necessary cuts for the heating cables.

To begin the retrofit project, the first step is to ensure that all gas, water, and electrical lines are marked. It is essential to contact local utilities for this purpose to avoid cutting into any lines during the installation. Following this, you can use the SmartPlan we provide to outline where the tire tracks or full coverage will be placed on the driveway. Proper spacing is crucial, typically around three inches, and marking the start and end points of your cuts will help ensure accuracy.

Once the lines are marked, the next step involves supplying electricity to the cables. It is vital to ensure that the electrical supply is properly located and that any necessary junction boxes are prepared. A junction box serves as an enclosure where the existing cold leads from the heating cables connect to the power source, typically located indoors. It is important to plan the location of these junction boxes with your electrician to ensure everything is coordinated.

When it comes to cutting the main lines for the heating cables, the cuts should be 3/8 of an inch wide and at least 1.5 inches deep. This depth allows for the cable to fit comfortably without bending or damaging it. Additionally, wider cuts will be needed for the cold leads, which should be 9/16 of an inch wide. It is crucial to ensure that the splice between the heating cable and the cold lead is properly positioned and embedded to avoid overheating.

After the grooves are cut, it is essential to clean them out thoroughly before laying the cables. This cleaning process may involve using a high-pressure washer and a screwdriver to ensure that all debris is removed. Once the grooves are clean and dry, you can begin laying the cable according to the SmartPlan, ensuring that it sits at the bottom of the groove for optimal heat transfer.

For tire track installations, an alternative method involves trenching out a larger channel for the heating mats. This method is more suitable for asphalt installations, as concrete may require more specialized cutting techniques. Regardless of the method chosen, it is important to ensure that the factory splice is properly embedded and protected during installation.

Once the cables are laid and the grooves are filled, the final step involves sealing the cuts. For asphalt projects, a hot asphaltic sealer is used, while concrete projects require an expansion joint sealer. It is important to ensure that all grooves are filled to prevent water from entering and causing damage to the driveway.

The finished driveway will provide a clean, snow-free surface, enhancing safety and accessibility during winter weather. This system can also be expanded in the future if desired, allowing for additional areas to be heated.

We appreciate the questions that have come in during the presentation. For those considering retrofitting a snow melting system, it is important to remember that these systems are not suitable for gravel driveways; they are designed for concrete or asphalt surfaces.

As we wrap up, I want to thank everyone for joining us today. Our next webinar will focus on maximizing the benefits of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) with floor heating. We will discuss the unique considerations for installing heating systems under LVT and how to ensure a successful installation.

We encourage you to join us on October 10th at 1:00 PM Central Time for this informative session. Additionally, we offer daily training sessions with our Radiant Experts, covering various topics related to floor heating.

If you have further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at 800-875-5285 or via email at info@warmlyyours.com. We are here to help you with your installation needs. Thank you once again for your participation, and we look forward to seeing you at our next webinar. Stay warm and be radiant!