Installation Guide: Snow Melt for Asphalt Driveways

All right, well thank you guys so much for joining with us and being patient as we got today started off. My name is Lynn, and I am a customer service rep here at WarmlyYours. Today, I am joined by the illustrious Scott from WarmlyYours. Thank you for joining us. Absolutely, guys. Today we're talking about snow melting for asphalt driveways. If you have any questions during the webinar, feel free to ask using the chat feature. If we don't see it right away, we'll definitely get to it by the end of the presentation, so please don't hesitate to reach out.

As mentioned, we will be discussing our snow melting systems specifically designed for installation underneath asphalt. We will cover the different system options available to you, and we will also go over some project examples. This includes a full coverage driveway as well as an example of tire track coverage. Electric snow melting systems are designed to be embedded in concrete, asphalt, mortar, or sand. It is important to note that these systems should not be laid on top of the driveway; they need to be fully embedded. As they heat up, they evenly warm the surface, allowing snow and ice to melt away. We offer a variety of controls and sensors that can be automated to fit your specific needs and how you plan to utilize the system.

Scott, were you at this job site or were you involved in this project? I did this one, yes. I thought so. Can you share some insights on what to consider when installing a snow melting system with asphalt? One key consideration is that you need to have two layers of asphalt. A common question we receive is from customers whose asphalt installers only want to do one layer with a thickness of three inches on top of gravel or another base. It’s crucial to understand that the weight limit for our product is not about the heating cable itself; rather, it’s about the asphalt or concrete that supports it. Your vehicle will be pressing down on the concrete or asphalt surrounding the cable, not directly on the cable itself.

If the layer of asphalt is too thin, driving over it can create ruts and lead to failure. When the asphalt fails, it can damage the heating cable embedded within it. Therefore, the integrity of the asphalt or concrete is paramount. Many people ask if they can simply place new cables on top of their existing asphalt driveway and cover it with a new layer. While it is theoretically possible if the underlying layer is in good condition, most people are replacing driveways that are already failing. You don’t want to put a new layer of asphalt over a deteriorating one, as it will ultimately fail as well.

The most important aspect is ensuring a proper installation with the correct layering. The differences between electric heating and water heating systems are significant, as the National Electric Code and local codes have specific regulations regarding the placement and surrounding materials of the heating cables to ensure compliance. For instance, gravel cannot be used because it does not meet code requirements; a hard, non-combustible surface such as cement or asphalt is necessary. This is also why our product cannot be installed on roofs, as it requires a minimum of two inches above a combustible surface, along with an inch and a half of cover on top.

Our installation instructions and cross-sections are designed to provide you with the best results while ensuring compliance with the National Electric Code. When we send out a cross-section or installation manual, the code compliance is already taken into account, including the necessary thicknesses and layers to prevent failures due to inadequate asphalt or concrete installations.

We have systems that have been installed in driveways for many years. As long as the driveway is installed correctly and is of good quality, the system will continue to function effectively. Issues typically arise when new asphalt is placed over cracked or failing asphalt. I once worked at a location with a hot water system in a concrete parking lot. Over time, the concrete began to crack due to the weight of the trucks, which eventually exposed the remnants of the old hot water tubes underneath. This illustrates that the system's longevity is directly tied to the quality of the surface above it.

Now, let’s discuss the different coverage options. As mentioned, we will show two different projects: one with full coverage and another with tire track coverage. Full coverage is straightforward; it means that the entire area of the driveway or walkway will be heated. However, for larger driveways, it may not be necessary to heat the entire surface. Tire track coverage is an efficient alternative that allows for heating only the areas where vehicles will drive.

Cost is another important consideration. When homeowners first consider heating their driveways, they often inquire about the total cost of heating the entire area. While the cost of heating is a factor, the power requirements are also significant. On average, our systems require around 50 watts per square foot. When you multiply that by the total square footage, the power demand can become substantial. Many homeowners discover that their breaker boxes do not have enough available space to accommodate the required amperage.

It is advisable to check your breaker panel to assess the available amperage before proceeding with a project. This will help determine whether a full coverage system is feasible or if tire track coverage would be a more practical solution.

Looking at the cross-sections, we can see the importance of the base coat. The base coat must be laid down first, as you cannot drive a paving machine over the heating cables. The snow melting mats or cables are then installed on top of the base coat, followed by a two-inch layer of asphalt. This thickness is necessary to comply with the National Electric Code, which mandates at least an inch and a half of asphalt above the heating elements.

The installation process typically involves laying out the snow melting mats, which are preferred over cables due to the efficiency and speed of installation. The mats come pre-attached with heating wires, allowing for quick deployment before the asphalt is poured. This ensures that the asphalt remains hot during the installation, facilitating a successful application.

Power requirements can be significant, so it is essential to verify your available power before proceeding. For instance, one project required about 88 amps, translating to approximately 21,000 watts. We provide guidance on the necessary breakers for your specific project, ensuring that you have dedicated heating circuits as well as a non-GFI circuit for the control.

Operating costs are another area of concern for many homeowners. There is a common misconception that running these systems is excessively expensive. However, depending on the power requirements, the costs can be quite reasonable, especially when compared to the expense of shoveling snow or hiring a plow service. For example, one project estimated an operating cost of about $2.13 per hour, which is often less than the cost of hiring someone to plow the driveway.

As we move forward, we will take a look at the SmartPlan, which outlines the layout of the snow melting mats. This plan includes full mats and longer pieces with minimal cuts, facilitating a quick installation process. The layout ensures that the heating system is effective while minimizing the time required for installation.

Testing the snow melting system is a crucial step in the installation process. The electrician plays a vital role, as they must be present during the installation to ensure everything is set up correctly. They will follow the SmartPlan to determine the locations of junction boxes and run conduit from the house to those boxes. The electrician will also test the cables using a mega ohm meter, which sends a voltage down the line to verify that the insulation is intact and that there are no faults in the system.

The installation plan will also specify the necessary conduit for both heating and non-heating leads, ensuring compliance with the National Electric Code. It is essential to keep these wires in separate conduits to prevent any interference that could cause the system to malfunction.

As we discuss controls and sensors, we offer various options to customize the system according to your needs. One of our premium controls features an aerial sensor that is embedded in the asphalt to monitor temperature. This is particularly important because asphalt can break down if it gets too hot. The control system will automatically turn off when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold, ensuring the longevity of the asphalt surface.

The control system operates in phases during a snow event, starting when the sensor detects snow and the temperature drops below 38 degrees. The system will continue to run until the snow has melted and evaporated, providing a clean and safe surface free from ice or embedded snow.

In conclusion, when planning for snow melting under asphalt, it is crucial to ensure that all parties involved—contractors, electricians, and homeowners—are on the same page. Watching installation videos can help clarify the process and alleviate concerns. Preparation is key, as the asphalt contractors will not wait for the electrician to complete their work. Once the asphalt team arrives, the installation process moves quickly, so having everything ready in advance is essential for a successful project.

Thank you for joining us today. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. We are here to help you with your snow melting system needs. Until next time, stay warm and be radiant.