Installation procedures of Snow Melting Systems

Most of the components of snow melting systems, particularly the power source and controls, are installed by a plumbing (for hydronic), electrical, or HVAC contractor. But concrete contractors often become involved when its time to embed the heating elements in the slab. The procedures are similar for both system types.

Before the concrete pour, lay out the tubing or cable at the predetermined spacing, then secure it to the welded wire reinforcing mesh using nylon or plastic pull ties or clips that wont corrode. Use plastic chairs to support the wire mesh so the attached tubing or cable is about 2 inches below the finished slab surface. "A minimum concrete cover of 2 inches gives a good response time," says Bailey. If the heating element is embedded lower in the slab, it takes more time for the heat to reach the surface, which wastes energy.

At expansion joints, where slab movement could cause stress, its necessary to take special precautions. "We run electrical cable from the first slab, form a 6-inch loop down into the sand trench under the expansion joint, and then run the cable up into the next slab. This allows for movement of the slabs without damage to the cable," explains Blackburn. Bailey recommends wrapping hydronic tubing with pipe insulation where it extends through expansion joints. "The tubing can take the linear stretch at expansion joints; the concern is shear movement," he says. "The insulation acts as a cushion if the slabs rise up or down."

Both electric and hydronic systems must be tested before and during concrete placement to ensure that no damage has been done to the heating elements during installation. For hydronic systems, the tubing is pressure-tested with compressed air or water according to the manufacturers recommendations. For electric systems, an Ohmmeter is attached to the cable to compare the reading to the factory value, which can be found on the cables UL tag.

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