How Heated Driveways and Snow Melting Systems Work

ELECTRIC SNOW MELTING SYSTEMS

The Benefits • Snow Melting Options • How It Works • The Installation • Projects / Applications

Electric Radiant Snowmelt System - How it Works

Heating cable is laid down prior to the concrete pour. (ClearZone cable is available in pre-woven mats, pictured above, facilitating easy installation.) The durable cable can be installed in concrete, asphalt, mortar bed, pavers, or thinset.

The master control unit heats the element underneath the concrete, which distributes heat evenly to the surrounding medium, effectively melting snow and ice.

The snowmelt system's master control unit (pictured) features a rugged design, easy-to-use interface and is UL listed, ensuring safe operation and reliable, maintenance-free performance.

An activation device (such as the pavement mounted snow sensor above) automatically activates the snow melting system when it senses moisture and cold temperatures.

Electric Snow Melt Systems - A Closer Look
Electric Radiant Snow Melting Systems Contain Several Key Components
Heating Cable - The electric snow melt system utilizes radiant heating cable to warm concrete and asphalt surfaces, pavers, brick, etc. The heating cable is installed at 4-inch spacings for concrete and asphalt retrofit applications and is kept within 2-inches of the surface for maximum performance. Unlike most radiant heating cable that will melt due to the extreme heat of new-pour asphalt, Warmzone offers rugged heat cable that is capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures of new asphalt, making Warmzone radiant heat solutions popular among contractors and construction professionals.	Radiant snow melting heat cable.
Types of Heating Elements - Several types of heating cables are available for radiant snow melting and floor warming systems. ClearZone cable is available in pre-spaced mats or individual cable length. The mats feature cable pre-woven into an existing mat that can be conveniently rolled out for quick installation. Designed to provide reliable, maintenance-free snow melting performance during harsh winter conditions, the ClearZone cable is one of the most popular electric driveway heating and snow melting systems available. While ClearZone heat cable is typically used for new heated driveways and sidewalks, existing concrete and asphalt surfaces can also be retrofitted with ClearZone radiant heat cable. Using saw-cut grooves, the cable is embedded securely in the pavement and covered with a strong, protective sealant, resulting in efficient radiant snow melting for years to come.	ClearZone radiant heat cable is available pre-woven and spaced into a mat for easy installation.
Master Control Unit - The master control unit fills the need for a maintenance-free, UL listed snowmelt system for home and business owners. The control unit features manual override capability and energy-efficient, under-pavement heating to safely and effectively provide reliable snow and ice melting for sidewalks, driveways and other outdoor applications. The design of the control box is extremely robust for any weather situation and is very rugged and easy to use. It is the only control unit of its kind that is UL listed for use in residential areas, which means the control system has passed the rigorous demands required to achieve the industry's highest standards of safety. Being UL listed ensures that your home's fire insurance policy will not be voided by installing the snowmelt system. The advanced design, circuitry and durability of the control unit ensures safe, accurate, and efficient performance.	Technologically advanced master control unit for electric snow melting system.
Activation Device - Most electric heated driveways require no maintenance and are fully automated. An outdoor snow sensor is connected to the master control unit and automatically activates the heated driveway snowmelt system when the sensor plate detects precipitation and temperatures are below 38 degrees Fahrenheit. (The sensor must be installed in an area where it is exposed entirely to the elements.) Depending on your needs, you can choose the activation device that is best for your electric radiant heating system: An aerial-mounted snow switch, a snow switch mounted directly into the pavement, or a simple 12-hour timer. Our radiant heat experts are happy to work with you in selecting the activation device that is best for your radiant snow melt system. Browse our web site for additional information or call us today at (888-488-9276).	Pavement mounted snow sensor. Aerial mounted snow sensor for heated driveway.