• By admin
• In Build, Design, Flooring

Considering Snow& Ice Melting Technology

If you are looking for an easy way to clear driveways, walkways, stairs and other critical access areas quickly and efficiently after a snowfall, perhaps you might consider installing a snow and ice melting system. Although it may seem like a new technology, snow melting systems have actually been around for about 30 years, and have been used in commercial and residential applications for more than half a century.

Safety First
One advantage of using a snow melting system is that concrete driveways and exterior surfaces stay safer. These systems also eliminate the time and labour of using a snow removal contractor to plow and shovel paved surfaces and other access areas. No corrosive de-icers or chemical applications are required thus preserving the life of the underlying pavement. And the snow melting system can be designed to shut off when the snow is cleared and the precipitation ends.

Knowing Snow
There are two common types of installations: hydronic, in which hot water or steam is circulated in pipes below pavement level or electric, where coils or cables generate heat to melt the falling precipitation. Both systems involve a series of coils or tubing that are built into a development’s driveways, walkways and steps, and controlled with a simple on/off manual switch. The systems can also be remote-controlled and programmed by temperature to automatically come on when snow and ice develop. Both rely on four key elements to turn the entire slab surface into a heat source:

• A heating element, which is embedded in the slab
• Sensors to detect outdoor air temperatures and moisture
• A power source
• A controller to tie in the heating element with the sensors and power source

These systems are designed based on the needs of the development and most companies will work with an architect or designer to decide what works best.

Safe Steps
Conductive concrete is doubly helpful with walkways and stairs, since it can eliminate snow and ice buildup as a storm intensifies and continues. No longer do association members or staff have to wait until a storm stops to clear paths. A board’s interest in safeguarding against slips and falls isn’t just out of concern for their residents’ well-being; if a snowy walkway or icy steps causes a serious injury, costly lawsuits could occur.