WarmUp Snow Melting Questions & Answers

WarmUp Snow Melting Questions & Answers

Q. How long does a snow melting system take to melt snow?

During typical Winter conditions, Warmup systems are designed to keep driveways and walkways clear of snow and ice with no waiting time.

To operate efficiently Warmup systems are designed to turn on before or at the first sign of precipitation below freezing. By anticipating a storm or sensing it quickly, Warmup systems are able to get slabs above freezing quickly to maintain constantly clear surfaces. With a warm slab, snow and ice quickly melt away without any waiting time.

Q. How far can you space snow melting cables?

If you are installing snow melting cable you may be wondering how far you can space the cable. Read more here about cable spacing.

Warmup recommends spacing snow melting cable at 3″ to deliver 50 watts per square foot. At 3″ spacing Warmup snow melting cable can deliver optimum results even under the harshest conditions.

Indoors or out, spacing heating cable further will decrease the heat output resulting in slower ramp-up times. Please refer to the chart below for a spacing guide.

**CABLE SPACING COVERAGE**
Cable length (ft)	Resistance (Ω)	3 pegs	4 pegs	5 pegs
84	WSM-240-1000	20	27	34
168	WSM-240-2000	43	57	72
209	WSM-240-2500	51	67	84
251	WSM-240-3000	62	84	104
330	WSM-240-4000	85	110	135
420	WSM-240-5000	100	140	170
500	WSM-240-6000	122	181	200

Q. Should I use snow melting mats or snow melting cables?

Warmup offers two forms of surface heating: snow melting mats and snow melting cables. The only difference between snow melting mats and snow melting cables is that snow melting mats have heating cable pre-fixed on a mesh for a quick installation in a regularly shaped space. While both options feature the same exact cable, installation instructions vary so it is important to read on to see what is best for your project.

For Regularly Shaped Spaces

Square or rectangle-shaped spaces would qualify as a regularly shaped. For these areas, Warmup recommends the use of snow melting mats. Snow melting mats have heating cable pre-fixed on a mesh for quick installation of 50 watts per square foot.

For Irregular Shaped Spaces

Stairs or curved spaces would qualify as irregularly shaped. For these areas, Warmup recommends the use of snow melting cables. Snow melting cable options are supplied on a spool so that cable can be custom-laid. To get the same heat-output as the snow melting mat, the cable must be spaced at 3″

Q. Are snow melting cables as effective as snow melting mats?

Warmup snow melting mats and snow melting cables are the exact same cable. If snow melting cables are spaced the same as snow melting mats, (3″) they are as effective.

Installation of Snow Melting Cable under Concrete

Please refer to the Warmup Snow Melting Specifications and installation for more information regarding the installation of this product.

Q. Can I Still Install my Snow melt System with Expansion Joints in the Concrete?

Installing Snow melt System with Expansion Joints

Yes, however careful planning is necessary to avoid any issues when the expansion joints are cut.

To avoid any issues, plan out where the joints are cut.

Ensure one length of the cable is tied to the floating rebar. The cable should be tied to either side of where the joint will be. At the end, the cable loops, connecting both runs of cable. Use a landscape hook to secure the loop far enough down to avoid the joint cuts.