Snow Melting Design Guide: Accessibility Ramps (Concrete and Pavers)
What is a Snow Melting System? Have you ever seen snow fall on an already warm car? It melts instantly. This is the essential idea behind snow melting systems a heating element is embedded in your walkway or ramp and it melts the snow that falls on it. Like any outdoor surface, an a""#$$.&./.01-(!23-"!4-#50 from installing a WarmlyYours snow melting system (available in both mats and cables). Designed to install directly in concrete, asphalt, or in mortar beneath pavers, our cable snow melting systems ensure that driveways, patios, walkways, ramps, or stairs stay ice and snow free, allowing for safe passage.
Universal Design and Accessibility Universal design is a building principle that stresses the importance of usability for the widest possible range of users in construction projects. This can be seen in building features like accessibility ramps, which can be used by almost anyone. However, for any outdoor project, snow and ice can have an adverse effect on the surface, making it hard to use safely. By including a WarmlyYours snow melting system in the construction of an accessibility ramp, you can greatly extend the usability of the ramp in unfavorable weather.
Design Guidelines: Accessibility Ramps Accessibility ramps are designed to permit people with mobility devices, like wheelchairs or walkers, to more easily access a building. An accessibility ramp is an inclined plane installed along with, or instead of, stairs and must be carefully designed in order to be useful as well as safe. Many jurisdictions have established minimum widths and maximum slopes. A steep ramp is difficult to climb and can be very dangerous because of the risk of tipping backwards. In very wet or icy climates, less steep ramps and rougher surfaces may be required to prevent wheel slippage. Make sure to check local codes and the National Access Board guidelines regarding these projects.!""#$$%&'!()*+',-
When to Install a Snow Melting System. Because the snow melting system is embedded within the surface itself, the best time to install a snow melting system is when a walkway or ramp is either being created for the first time, redone, or expanded. These kinds of projects are typically undertaken from late spring to late fall. This is because it s important that the ground temperature is above the freezing point. The example pictured is of a ramp improvement. This accessibility ramp is leading to a detached garage behind the house for wheelchair accessible van. By adding the snow melting system, the customer is sure to have a clean path to the garage. Because this snow melting system is electric, it can easily be expanded in the future if these homeowners decide to add to the walkway.
Start Smart with a Free SmartPlan. Perhaps the most important stage in installing a snow melting system is getting a good installation plan. WarmlyYours provides a free, no-obligation SmartPlan that includes an installation plan, an electrical plan, and an itemized quote, all of which is prepared by a highly skilled team of engineers. All you have to do to take advantage of this service is to provide WarmlyYours with a sketch of the project that includes dimensions and other relevant information, like where power will be most readily accessible. Within typically one day of providing this information, you ll receive your free SmartPlan. You can get started with an Instant Quote here. The itemized quote included in your SmartPlan will also include MSRP pricing so that you can properly budget for your project.
Cross-sections of Snow Melting: Concrete or Under Pavers The snow melting heating elements must be installed within the construction itself, approximately 2-3 beneath the finished surface. The thinness of an electrical snow melting system (1/4 for cables) means it has a minimal impact on the overall depth of the walkway/ramp. These snow melting systems can be used not only with concrete or pavers, but also with asphalt. Each surface type will have a different cross section with suggested depths, which you can check out here.
Test your System at Every Stage of Installation Testing your snow melting system with an ohmmeter at every stage of installation will allow you to be certain that the heating element is functioning properly. Completing these tests, and recording your readings accurately, will also qualify your project for WarmlyYours 10-year warranty. Make sure to consult your WarmlyYours snow melting installation manual for more information.
!""#$$%&'!()*+',- Slope and Rise For a snow melting system to function properly, it must be located 2-3 from the finished surface throughout the entire heated area. This means you ll want to make sure that your snow melting system will be installed in such a way that it matches the slope of your ramp. In this example, the installer used bricks and rebar as an elevating base to make sure the wire mesh holding the heating element would be at the proper angle.
Laying Down New Rebar or Wire Mesh For snow melting cables, like the ones used in the projects featured in this guide, it s important to include a rigid framework for the cables to attach to. This ensures the heating system will maintain the proper spacing and depth in the finished project to function properly. Often, installers will use a rebar frame or wire mesh that is secured so that it lies flat. Then the cables can be attached to the framework with zip-ties.
Start Laying Out Snow Melting Cables If you want optimal results from a snow melting system, maintaining the proper spacing of the heating elements is key. The heating cable or mats should be attached to the framework using ties to maintain proper depth and spacing, 3 (76mm) for free-form type cable. Reference the WarmlyYours custom SmartPlan installation plan, provided free with every quote, so that this process goes smoothly.
Preparation for Handrails (if applicable) For installations in stairs and ramps that will include handrails, it is strongly recommended that the installer put in pre-sleeves for the posts to avoid as much drilling of the surface as possible. The heating cable must be routed around these sleeves or posts to avoid any direct contact with them. It is the responsibility of the electrician and the installer to coordinate their efforts so they avoid saw-cutting or drilling through heating cables that are no longer visible beneath the surface. Note: Avoid allowing the heating cable, or metal framework, from making direct contact with the posts or any other metal fixtures. +!/,!4.6#.0*'(+-
Pouring Concrete Concrete or cement installs can be done in two different ways: 1-stage pours or 2-stage pours. For 2-stage pours, the installer will pour an initial base layer of concrete and then, while the first layer is still wet, lay the framework (with attached heating element) on top. Then, the second 2-3 layer of concrete can be applied For 1-stage pours, the framework (with attached heating element) must be propped up so that the heating element will be 2-3 below the finished surface. Once that is done, the concrete can be poured on, around, and over the framework. See the WarmlyYours snow melting installation manual for more info.
Installing Pavers Care must be taken by the paver installer so the mortar (or other medium) covers the heating element so that no direct contact with the pavers is made. We recommend that at least 1 (25mm) thick mortar is poured over the heating element, but no more than 1.5 (38mm). If using sand or limestone screenings, cover to an uncompacted depth of 1.5 (38mm), leveled to grade. Avoid dropping pavers into place, as doing so may damage the heating element. Brick or stone pavers must NOT be any thicker than 2.5 (63.5mm). Please note that snow melting mat pictured will be completely covered before the pavers are finally placed.
Making Sure the Manufacturer s Splice is Embedded in Concrete, Mortar, or Sand The power is carried to each cable by a cold lead, which is connected to the heating cable on via a manufacturer s splice. One of the most common snow melting installation mistakes that people make is leaving this splice, and some of the heating cable, outside of the concrete or sand (sometimes people leave it in the conduit or simply leave it exposed). This can cause the splice, which is half heating element, to overheat and fail. By simply making sure that the splice is embedded, you ll ensure that it has an appropriate medium (concrete, sand, or stone dust) to prevent overheating.
The Control for Your Snow Melting System WarmlyYours offers a wide variety of controls for our snow melting systems from a manual option with a timer that will only activate when you turn it on/off, to an automatic option that will turn on when it senses snow is falling. These controls (with the exception of the manual option) are able to function with the use of sensors. There are two main types of sensors: slab and aerial. Slab sensors are installed along with the heating element (but never touching it) and they can measure the conditions at the surface (slab sensors are not recommended for use with pavers). Aerial sensors are installed in the open and are actually able to detect whether or not it s snowing. For more information about the variety of snow melt controls and sensors available from WarmlyYours, check out this comparison chart.
The Finished Accessibility Ramps (Concrete and Pavers) Once your ramp is completed, it s ready to be used. Just add snow! Make sure to monitor your system and control throughout the first couple of snowfalls to see if any adjustments are required.
Snow Melting System in Action As you can see, this snow melting system will keep your ramp or walkway usable, even in the dead of winter. In this picture, you may notice that the melted area is fairly wet with melted snow. Most WarmlyYours snow melting systems will continue to run past when the snow stops falling. This will typically evaporate the water left behind, and in its place, you ll find clean, dry pavers or concrete. Snow melting systems like this allow you to do away with chemical melting agents, which will be easier on your pets and your vehicles. It will also be much easier on your body when you can officially retire the snow shovel. For more information about the snow melting systems available from WarmlyYours go here or call 1-(800)-875-5285
Snow Melting System Costs: Heated Paver Accessibility Ramp/Walkway The entire snow melting system used in the paver ramp (214 sq. ft.) featured in this project was only $2,337. Heating Mats Qty. MSRP Power Requirements: Snow Melting Cables (2 x WHCA-240-0428) Controls and Sensors Value Snow Melt Control (SCV-DUAL) Relay Panel Small (RLY-4PL) Snow Melt Plaque (SMP) Accessories 2 $1,600 1 $449 1 $250 1 $38 Total: $2,337 Heating System: 240V Snow Melt Cable Total Amperage: 41.8 Amps Total Wattage: 10,016 Watts Breakers needed: 2 x 30Amp 240V GFEP System Electrical Consumption: The operating cost for the system featured in this project is only $0.80 per hour. This calculation is based on the national average of $0.08 per kwh, but consumption may vary based on individual conditions.
Snow Melting System Costs: Heated Concrete Accessibility Ramp It only cost $4,730.40 for the entire snow melting system used in this concrete ramp (437 sq. ft.). Heating Mats Qty. MSRP Snow Melting Cables (3 x WHCA-240-0428, WHCA-240-0377, WHCA-240-0086) Controls and Relays Economy Snow Melt Control (SCE-120) Snow Melt Slab-Mounted Sensor (SLAB-SS) Relay Panel Large (RLY-12PL) Snow Melt Plaque (SMP) Accessories 5 $3,350 1 $615.90 1 $226.50 1 $500 1 $38 Total: $4,730.40 Power Requirements: Heating System: 240V Snow Melt Cable Total Amperage: 85.53 Amps Total Wattage: 20,524 Watts Breakers needed: 4 x 30Amp 240V GFEP 1 x 15Amp 240V GFEP System Electrical Consumption: The operating cost for a snow melting system in a typical driveway is only $1.64 per hour. This calculation is based on the national average of $0.08 per kwh, but consumption may vary based on individual conditions.
Snow Melting System Costs: Elmhurst Parking Garage Handicap-Accessible Ramp For this project (not pictured in this guide), it only cost $5,416 for the entire snow melting system (470 sq. ft.). Snow Melting Cables (4 x WHCA-240-0428) Heating Mats Qty. MSRP Controls and Relays Premium Snow Melt Control (SCP-120) Snow Melt Aerial Sensor (AIR-SS) Relay Panel Medium (RLY-8PL) 4 $3,200 1 $1,299 1 $499 1 $380 Power Requirements: Heating System: 240V Snow Melt Cable Total Amperage: 83.6 Amps Total Wattage: 20,032 Watts Breakers needed: 4 x 30Amp 240V GFEP System Electrical Consumption: The operating cost for a snow melting system in a typical driveway is only $1.60 per hour. Snow Melt Plaque (SMP) Accessories 1 $38 Total: $5,416 This calculation is based on the national average of $0.08 per kwh, but consumption may vary based on individual conditions. Outdoor Products Price List USA Outdoor Products Price List CAN