Snow-Free Driveways with Snow Melt Systems

Thank you so much for joining us today. We're going to be discussing the installation of snow-free driveways using our snow melting systems. My name is Lynn, and I'm a customer service representative here at WarmlyYours. My co-host, Scott, is also with us. If you have any questions during the presentation, please don't hesitate to ask. If we don't see them right away, we'll definitely address them by the end of the session. Just type them out, and we'll be happy to chat and answer whatever you'd like.

Today, we will cover some general information about our snow melting systems, including example projects. We'll show you a full coverage heating system from start to finish, detailing how the project was completed, including all installation steps. Additionally, we'll go over general installation information and controls, as well as an example project featuring our tire track coverage, highlighting the differences between the two approaches. Our snow melting systems are entirely electric, which is our specialty. They are designed to be embedded in non-combustible materials such as concrete, asphalt, or mortar.

Scott, could you explain the differences between snow melting mats and cables, including their pros and cons? First, it might be helpful to discuss the distinction between electric and hot water systems. One notable difference is that our cross-sections do not require insulation beneath the product. Insulation is necessary for hot water systems, where you would place it on the ground before installing the hot water tubes. In contrast, our electric systems do not require insulation because the temperature at the beginning of the cable or mat is consistent throughout. Unlike hot water systems, which can lose heat as the water travels through the pipes, our electric systems maintain efficiency without the need for insulation.

Snow melting cables are primarily used for stairs, allowing for easier installation from one stair to the next. They are also suitable for non-rectangular areas, as cables can be run in various directions to fill those spaces. However, for rectangular driveways or tire tracks, snow melt mats or rolls are the fastest installation option. Mats can be cut and turned to fit rectangular spaces, making the installation process quicker. With cables, you must manually attach them to rebar or other supports, which requires more cable ties. Snow melt mats allow for a more efficient installation with fewer ties needed.

Now, let's discuss snow melting specifically for asphalt. Scott, you've been involved in numerous projects where snow melting systems were installed in asphalt. Can you provide an overview of what that installation process looks like? In one project, we used a full coverage mat in asphalt. The binder coat, which was applied a week or two in advance, is visible on the right side of the installation. Some may confuse it with dirt or gravel, but it is indeed the binder coat. This layer was laid down using a paving machine. The layer on the left, where workers are using rakes, shows the manual installation of the heating cable.

When discussing manual installation, it's essential to clarify that asphalt professionals often prefer to avoid manual work. They may want to apply a single layer of three inches of asphalt directly onto the rocks, but that's not the correct method. You need to start with a two-inch binder coat, lay the heating product on top, and then cover it with another layer of one and a half to two inches of asphalt. The National Electric Code specifies that the top layer must be at least one and a half inches thick to ensure effective melting. The closer the heating element is to the surface, the better it will perform.

This project involved heating a significant area, with most of the coverage being full. On the right side, you can see an overhead dump truck, which is used to spread asphalt over the heating mats. It's important to note that you cannot drive any machinery over the cables until the top layer is rolled out. We have a video that you can share with asphalt professionals to help them understand the installation process better.

We have discussed various coverage options for snow melting systems. The first project we reviewed involved full coverage installation, where the snow melting mat filled the entire surface area of the driveway. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option or have limited power, tire track coverage is also available. Scott, could you explain what tire track coverage entails?

Full coverage involves spacing the rolls of heating mats three inches apart, as the heat from each cable radiates laterally about an inch and a half in either direction. This spacing ensures that the cables do not overlap, which could lead to overheating and damage. It's crucial to maintain this distance to avoid issues. Tire track coverage should be centered based on the distance between your vehicle's wheels, ensuring that the heating mats align with the tire tracks.

Before proceeding with installation, it's essential to check your breaker box for available spaces. If there are no available spaces, you may need to install an additional service or breaker box to accommodate the electric heating system. This step is crucial to ensure a successful installation.

This cross-section illustrates a snow melting system in asphalt, showcasing the compacted gravel base, the base coat of asphalt, and the snow melting mat beneath the finished asphalt layer. I've seen instances where a friend parked an RV on a single layer of three-inch asphalt, and after a year, it became bowed due to insufficient support. Therefore, it's vital to have a solid base layer, especially if heavy vehicles will be driving over it.

Once the compacted gravel is in place, the mats are laid over the top, and we recommend avoiding cables for asphalt installations. Asphalt professionals typically prefer to complete both layers in one trip, which can lead to complications if they don't allow time for the cables to be laid out properly. The mats should be cut and trimmed in advance, ready to be laid down as soon as the binder coat is applied.

As we move forward, let’s discuss the power requirements for these systems. When you request a SmartPlan from us, we will provide detailed information on the number of breakers needed, their sizes, total amperage for the project, and a rough estimate of operating costs. One common issue I encounter during installations is the use of incorrect breakers. The National Electric Code requires GFCI breakers, which are designed for equipment protection with a 30 milliamp trip. It's crucial to ensure that GfEP breakers are used, as standard breakers do not meet the necessary safety standards.

The SmartPlan we provide will include a detailed drawing of your installation area, showing how the mats will be laid out before the actual installation begins. In this drawing, the red glob indicates the location of the over-temperature sensor, which is essential for asphalt installations. This sensor ensures that the system turns off when the asphalt reaches a certain temperature, preventing unnecessary energy use and saving operational costs.

Your electrician will need to be present during the installation to test the system as the asphalt is poured. If any damage occurs during installation, the electrician can address it immediately, preventing delays for the entire crew. It's essential to have the electrician on-site to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Once the mats are ready for installation, testing the system is crucial before covering it with permanent materials. A megohm meter is necessary for this process, and every electrician should have one. We test our products before shipping, ensuring they are in good working condition. However, it's essential to test the system again upon arrival and continuously throughout the installation process to confirm everything is functioning correctly.

This drawing provides a clear view of the required layers and their arrangement. It's important to note that no insulation is needed under the asphalt. The installation should follow the specified order to ensure optimal performance.

As we begin the asphalt installation, the base layer should be at least two inches thick. The top layer will then be applied, and it's important to avoid using a large paving machine during this process. Additionally, factory splices must not be bent or damaged, as this could compromise the system's integrity.

This image illustrates the installation process, showing how the mats are laid out and staged before the asphalt is applied. The mats should be prepared in advance to ensure a smooth workflow when the asphalt crew arrives.

As the asphalt is poured, it's essential to work from the house towards the road, allowing for efficient dumping and spreading of the material. The junction box should be accessible for future maintenance, and the electrician will need to connect the leads from the heating mats to the power supply.

After the asphalt has been laid, the junction box will remain visible, providing access for any necessary repairs or testing. Inside the house, the electrical components will be connected, ensuring that the system operates correctly.

The completed driveway will blend seamlessly with the surrounding area, with the only visible element being the junction box. If you have any further questions about heating your driveway with electric heating products, please visit WarmlyYours.com.

We also have a video demonstrating the system in action during a snowy day, showcasing how effectively it keeps the area clear of snow. The system operates automatically, requiring no manual intervention.

For the project cost breakdown, the full coverage driveway installation totaled approximately $8,149. In contrast, the tire track coverage option, which uses similar materials, will cost around $5,482 due to the reduced square footage covered.

When planning your installation, be sure to follow the SmartPlan closely and maintain the proper spacing between the mats. The final layer of asphalt will be applied over the mats, ensuring that only the areas with mats will melt snow.

For existing asphalt driveways, you can lay the mats directly on top of the existing surface, provided it is in good condition. This method allows you to address specific areas without needing to retrofit the entire driveway.

In conclusion, we appreciate your participation today. Our next webinar will be in July, where we will introduce our new Pro exclusive electric floor heating Ruler Cable. We also offer daily training sessions on Zoom, typically lasting 5-10 minutes, so feel free to join us for more information or to ask questions.

For the month of June, we are offering 10% off select Temstone floor heating products and 20% off the new Pro exclusive Ruler Cable. We encourage you to reach out for more details on these promotions and our products. After this session, we will send out an email requesting your feedback on the webinar. Your comments and suggestions for future topics are always welcome.

Thank you for joining us today, and as always, stay warm and be radiant!