How To Install STEP Snowmelt

STEP Snowmelt use a thin (3/64”), flexible flat heating element, which operates on low voltage. These durable, lightweight heating elements  are suitable for ice and snow prevention on concrete, stone or asphalt walkways and driveways, commercial and residential. The element is not made to be exposed to weather. Depending on the application, the 12” and 9” wide elements come with slots or protected in a vinyl enclosure.

1.  Plan

We understand each STEP Snowmelt project is unique and our design team works with you and your installer every step of the way to ensure the proper materials are used and the system preforms to your expectations.

When deciding on a snowmelt system it is essential to decide on the purpose of the system and how effective the system should be. Should the ground be completely dry or is it acceptable with some snow slush on the ground shortly after a snowfall. ASHRAE classifications split snowmelt systems into three groups:

• Snow free ratio 0: Designed not to melt snow while it is falling, but afterwards.
• Snow free ratio 0.5: 50% of snow is melted while falling, the rest afterwards.
• Snow free ratio 1: All snow and ice is melted while falling.2. Insulation

When designing a snowmelt system it is essential to know the area conditions; snowfall days, temperature, surface type, heat loss to ground, atmospheric loss and perimeter insulations. These are some of the parameters needed to create snowmelt solutions according to expectations.

During the planning process it is extremely important to follow the manufactures recommendations on approved materials. This will ensure the materials have no adverse compatibility with the heating elements.

2.  Installation

If the elements require a vinyl enclosure they will be pre-cut to the specified length in the design layout, and will have pre-connected lead wires calculated according to the distance to the power supply, and sealed in vinyl at the STEP HEAT facility prior to shipping. If they do not require vinyl the element will be supplied on a roll that can be cut to length and connected to extension wires on the job site.

To install simply roll out the vinyl elements according to the design layout onto an even layer of granular material or concrete slab and secure them in place to prevent displacement of panels. The heating elements should be placed on top of gravel and compacted sand, then secured in a way that the elements do not shift position when concrete is poured.