Overview

Snow melt systems offer the convenience of being able to melt snow and ice away from sidewalks, driveways, etc. without salting or shoveling.

Applications

Residential

• Driveways
• Sidewalks and steps
• Hot tub/pool surrounds
  

Commercial

• Parking garage ramps
• Hospital entrances
• Sidewalks steps, and Wheelchair ramps
• Parking lots
• Helicopter landing pads
• Car washes
• Runways
• Stadium Fields

How it Works

Snow Melt Systems are configured much like a radiant floor heating systems except that they are installed underneath driveways, sidewalks, patios, carports, etc. Snow and ice melting systems are hydronic systems designed to assist with the melting of snow and ice by circulating a solution (usually antifreeze and water) through PEX tubing permanently installed beneath the surface.

Benefits

• Safety: Snow melt systems melt snow and ice to make walkways and driveways safer.
• Reduce indoor maintenance costs. No salt or water is tracked inside, therefore carpets are cleaner and last longer.
• Eliminate the cost of snow removal: These systems can eliminate shoveling, plowing or sanding and salting. They can also reduce landscape costs of replacing sod and other landscaping damaged by snow removal equipment.
• Pavement Lasts Longer: Freeze and thaw cycles can be eliminated extending the life of concrete, asphalt and brick pavers.

Snow Free Area Ratio: (see 2003 ASHRAE Applications Handbook)

AR = 0, This allows the entire surface to be covered by snow while the snow is falling and it will eventually be melted by the system. This is typically used for residential driveways and walkways. A typical design might have a load of 75 – 125 BTU/Sq.Ft and tubing will be spaced approx 9”-12” apart.

AR = .5, This allows about ½ the surface to be covered by snow while the snow is falling and the rest will eventually be melted by the system after the snow stops falling. This is typically recommended for more commercial applications. A typical design might have a load of 125 – 175 BTU/Sq.Ft and tubing will be spaced approx 8”-9” apart.

AR = 1, This requires that the snow must melt rapidly with no accumulation. This is typically recommended for emergency entrances, and other high priority areas. A typical design might have a load of 175 – 250 BTU/Sq.Ft and tubing will be spaced approx 6”-9” apart.

Snow Melt Variables: Factors that impact snow melting

• Rate of snowfall
• Coincident dry-bulb temperature
• Humidity
• Wind near the surface being melted
• Apparent sky temperature
• Edge and back heat losses
• Dimensions of the slab

Operational Issues

Caution must be exercised when selecting the supply water temperature for a snow melting system to prevent potential stress-cracking of the concrete. The supply temperature should be no higher than 130° F.
Also, Insulation is an important consideration of a snow-melt system. A fully insulated under-slab will reduce the heat energy expended warming the soil below.

You should consult with a design professional before installing a snow-melt system.

More Info

See also IR Heaters

Radiant Floor Heating www.radiantfloorheat.com
REHAU www.rehau-na.com
Vanguard www.vanguardpipe.com
Watts Radiant www.wattsradiant.com