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FAQs about Snow Melting Systems for Concrete Slabs
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Greetings!
Around this time of year, many of you living in cold-weather climates are already fed up with shoveling snow and chipping ice off your driveways and sidewalks. If you're ready for a new concrete driveway or other exterior walking surface, you can put an end to this backbreaking, finger-numbing chore by installing a snow melting system that prevents snow and ice accumulation while you stay toasty warm indoors. So how do these systems work and what do they cost to install and operate? Here are answers to these and other commonly asked questions to help you decide if a snow melting system is a worthwhile investment.
Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network
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What are the main components?
There are two types of snow melting systems that can be embedded in exterior concrete slabs: electric (which uses heated wires to melt the snow) and hydronic (which uses hot water circulating through flexible tubing). Both types of systems rely on four key components: the embedded heating element, sensors to detect outdoor air temperatures and moisture, a power source, and a controller to tie everything together and turn the system on when you need it.
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How much does it cost to install and operate?
The costs to operate snow melting systems vary widely depending on the
size of the slab, your local utility costs, the average amount of snowfall, and how fast you want to melt the snow. Obviously, the larger the area being heated and the more snow there is,
the higher the operating cost and the costs for materials and installation (learn more). Even though a snow melting system can cost several hundred dollars each
winter to operate, it still may be cheaper than snow removal equipment,
plowing services, and expensive deicing chemicals, especially in areas
of heavy snowfall.
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What if I don't have a big budget to work with?
If you can't afford to install a system in all your exterior concrete slabs, you can save a lot of money by just targeting the trouble spots where snow and ice accumulation pose a big problem. For example, you can run the heating elements only in the wheel tracks of a large driveway vs. installing them throughout the entire slab. Or you can simply heat your front walkway and steps.
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How do I choose the best system for my needs?
The decision of whether to install a hydronic or electric snow melting system will depend on a number of factors, including the electricity costs in your area and space availability (with a hydronic system, you'll also need to make room for a water heater or boiler). See our table comparing the advantages and disadvantages of both system types.
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Can I retrofit a snow melting system into an existing slab?
It's possible but not very practical, especially for a large driveway slab, because you'll have to cut grooves into the concrete to lay the cables. It's easier to retrofit an electric cable because it has a smaller diameter.
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