A snow-melting system consists of heated wires or tubes underneath a driveway or outdoor walking path. Either heated by electricity or water, these heated cables or tubes are lined in rows under the floor surface. The goal of the system is to keep the surface warm enough to melt snow and ice so it doesn’t accumulate.
Benefits of a Snow-Melting System
A snow-melting system can drastically change your home for the better. Check out just a few of the many benefits below:
Greater Safety
Winter conditions can be brutal. If you’ve ever driven in a bad snowstorm, then you know what I’m talking about. Aside from road conditions, winter weather can also be problematic at your residence. When snow melts and refreezes, you could be left with dangerous walking and driving paths at your home. By installing a snow-melting system, you can say goodbye to this ice for good, leading to a much safer environment!
No More Salts or Chemicals
Many homeowners are used to applying salts or ice-melting chemicals during the winter months. While these are somewhat effective at melting ice and keeping your outdoor areas clear, constantly applying these can be a huge hassle. Also, buying these products can add up over time. However, one of the biggest issues with adding these products involves the damage they can leave behind. Salts and chemicals can harm the surrounding landscape and decrease the integrity of your outdoor surfaces. A snow-melting system can eliminate all of these issues!
No More Shoveling
By far, the most significant advantage of a snow-melting system is that it essentially takes away snow shovelling for good! As you’ll have no more snow on your outdoor surfaces, this means no more shovelling! Not only will this save your back from the pain, but it will also save you tons of time and hassle.
Preparing a Large Driveway
If you’ve decided a snow-melting system is the perfect addition to your home, the next step is to plan for the installation! This involves learning more about your power needs and following some crucial tips. Check out more details below:
Determining Your Power Requirements
If you have a large driveway, you may need a lot of power to run your system. Understanding your power requirements will help you find the right system and design for you.
Here are the steps for determining how much power you need:
- Multiply the width of your driveway by the length to determine the square footage.
- Multiply this number by 50, which gives you the watts needed for the heating cables to melt snow.
- Divide these digits by the voltage type available (120, 208, 240, or 277). This gives you the amperage you need for the project.
- Lastly, divide this number by 24 and round up. This will be the number of circuits needed to power the snow-melting system.
After following these steps, it’s time to buy your materials and get ready for the installation!
Tips to Consider Before Installation
As you’re getting ready to install your brand-new system, keep the following tips in mind:
- Make sure heating cables never overlap or cross over each other.
- Never cut heating cables
- Don’t drive over cables
- Make sure cables are away from heat sources like chimneys.
- Ensure cables are spaced out properly
If you’re looking for a top-notch installation without any complications, consider hiring a professional. This is especially true if you have a large driveway. Unless you have experience with these systems, it’s best to leave it to the experts.
