Melting snow away preserves concrete and keeps surfaces safe.
Whether you're placing concrete or installing stamped concrete or pavers, snowmelting systems secure the beauty and integrity of the surface by safely melting snow without using chemicals. The ability to install snowmelting systems—a capability that can differentiate your firm—also means a substantial upsell: more income with each job sold.
A snowmelting system works by heating a mass or surface so that walkways, driveways, and other areas remain dry and clear. Most snowmelting systems are "hydronic," using circulated fluids to heat these outdoor masses, although some use electric heat.
Snowmelting systems are ideal for commercial and residential applications—especially critical areas such as hospital and senior housing entry areas, helicopter pads, and delivery ramps. A snowmelting system performs a valuable, and sometimes lifesaving, function.
Typically, most of the components of a snowmelting system, especially the heating plant, sensors, and controls, are installed by a plumbing and mechanical contractor. Concrete contractors often, and should, become involved when it's time to embed the heating elements in the slab.
Snowmelting classificationsSnowmelting systems are generally grouped into three classifications based on the amount of snow actually melted. The systems can be designed to:
- not melt snow while it's falling, but afterward
- melt half of the snow during snowfall, the rest afterward
- melt all snow and ice while snow is falling
Snowmelting loads
It takes a lot of energy to melt snow, roughly five to six times the load required to heat a building of similar size. For example, it may take only 30 to 40 BTU per hour per square foot to heat a structure with a floor-warming (radiant heat) system. But it can take up to 150 BTU per hour per square foot or more to melt snow and ice and ice from a surface.
When snowmelting first begins, energy is lost when the fluid is moved from the heated pipe to the surrounding ground; frequently, the ground is frozen hard. Because the warmed fluid gives off heat as it travels through the slab, contractors prefer to lay the tubes in a spiral or serpentine pattern to distribute the heat evenly.
Insulation
Insulation substantially reduces operating cost. When added under the slab and at its perimeter, heat loss into the ground is reduced, and the slab heats faster. The preferred insulation material is usually 1- or 2-inch-thick rigid polystyrene foam.
Insulation also helps to channel the heat in the direction it's wanted. Contrary to popular belief, energy doesn't necessarily rise. It travels in any direction, from hot to cold, or from areas of high concentration to low concentration. This works great for interior spaces. But outdoors, four "thieves" work in tandem to steal the heat.
