Are you tired of shoveling your walkway? Are the stairs too cumbersome? Do you need shipping bays and parking lots snow and ice free? Have you considered snowmelting?

AquaHeat has the answer. Whether it is a patio, or a helicopter pad, a driveway or a loading ramp, AquaHeat SnowMelt can work for you. There are a variety of control systems, from semiautomatic to fully-automatic. Or if your application demands a clear surface, AquaHeat has a control package which is fully automatic with snow ice detection.

SnowMelt systems are designed using several methods. It can be used with sand and interlocking bricks, closed cell high density base insulation and concrete, asphalt, concrete and flagstone. AquaHeat recommends a 2" closed cell high density ground insulation barrier to ensure optimum energy usage is achieved. As well, it ensures quicker slab response times.

When it comes to system components, AquaHeat only uses the best. Start with our crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) piping because it has shown its advantages over other pipe with regard to ease of installation, durability during construction and longevity in continuous use.

INSULATION
To keep heat losses to a minimum it is recommended that insulation be provided below the heated surface material (concrete slab, flag stone, interlocking brick, or asphalt).
DRAINAGE
It is very important for the proper functioning of a snow / ice melting system to have good drainage. To avoid ice build-up drains should be placed in warm zones. Ice formations may occur if drains are placed in border or cold zones.
PIPE SPACING
For continuous operating systems operating systems a maximum pipe spacing of 8 to 10 inches is recommended. This gives a more even surface temperature and reduces the required power input.
PIPE INSTALLATION
Pex pipe has negligible structural strength and must be accounted for in any structural calculations. The load bearing capacity of a heated slab must be calculated to ensure proper reinforcement as required by local building standards.
FROST PROTECTION
Dowfrost or equivalent must always be used. The water / glycol mixing ratio is determined by the outside temperature design conditions. For example an outdoor minimum temperature of -4 degrees would require a 32% mixture of glycol and water.
CONTROLS
We recommend the use of automatic snow and ice sensors. A wide range of controls are available, from manual, semi automatic to fully automatic complete with snow and ice detection devices.
Is it for you?
Snow melting can be very convenient. What you must decide is if this convenience is justified by the installation and operating costs. One consideration is if you have the boiler capacity or space for a boiler with enough capacity for snow melting. Another consideration is the type of system. A manual on/off system is the cheapest, but you must turn it on yourself and there will be a warm-up period before the snow melts. A semiautomatic system will turn itself on and off automatically and keep the area at a set temperature regardless of the presence or absence of snow or ice. A fully automatic system is the most convenient since it is always running and can detect the presence of snow and ice, however this system is the most expensive.
How much does it cost?
The cost will vary depending on the project. Cost per square foot can run from about $8.00 US and up.
How much does it cost to operate?
It depends on the type of system you have, how much snow melting area there is and the weather. A fully automatic system is more expensive to operate than a manual or semiautomatic system because it is continuously running on standby. The more snow melting area you have and the more snow there is, the higher the operating cost.
What happens if a pipe breaks?
In the event that a problem occurs, AquaHeat has a repair coupling that is used to repair the damage. Damage is very rare, but when it happens it usually happens during installation. The tubing is still exposed and repairs are made quickly and easily.
What runs through the pipes?
A mixture of water and glycol would be used to prevent the pipes from freezing.
Does it heat up fast?
It depends on the type of system you have and the weather. A manual system where the homeowner must turn it on will heat up slowly. A semiautomatic system will take the same amount of time to heat as a manual system, but the system will detect when to turn itself on. A fully automatic system will heat up quite fast since it will be running on standby all the time.
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