Installing Heated Driveway and Walkway Cables in 2024

The Benefits of Snow and Ice Melting Cables 

Snow and Ice melting cables offer a host of advantages, such as: 

• Preventing the thaw-and-freeze cycle on driveways and walkways.  
• Eliminating the need for costly, time-consuming snow removal methods.  
• Eliminating the need for ice melting chemicals. 
• Reducing the risk of slip-and-fall injuries by promptly melting snow and ice upon the detection of snowfall. 

The Installation Basics

Installing of electric snow  melting cables is simpler than you might think. Most of the process can be completed independently, or you can enlist the help of a contractor.  

To install these heating cables, they need to be placed beneath a layer of asphalt, concrete, tiles, or brick pavers. Subsequently, they are connected to a sensor and junction box for operation.  

It’s required that a licensed electrician makes the final electrical connection of the heating snow melting cables to the junction box. 

Understanding How Snow and Ice Melting Cables Operate

ThermoSoft’s NeverFreeze® electrical snow melting cables utilize radiant heat. Radiant heat is known as one of the most energy-efficient heating methods. 

The NeverFreeze® snow melting cables function by converting electricity into heat and then transmitting that heat to a concrete, paving or asphalt surface. As the surface temperature increases, snow and ice will melt at a rate of approximately 2 inches per hour. 

Additionally, ThermoSoft’s snow melting heating systems are ETL-listed products. This means our heating cables have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they meet high-quality standards and perform reliably in extreme weather conditions. 

Advanced Installation Planning

We recommend thorough planning before embarking on this project. Begin by accurately measuring the area where the electric heating cables will be installed. 

Once you’ve determined the required system size, you can explore the various products offered by ThermoSoft. While all our cables are 240-volts, they come in different lengths and power ratings. Higher wattage heating cables are preferable for regions experiencing heavy snowfall. 

 The first step of the installation process involves laying the cable strapping elements, followed by clipping the heating cables to the strapping. 

Subsequently, it is necessary to run a conduit from the  cable connections to the junction box. Please note that it’s possible to connect multiple snow melting cables to a single point for larger areas. 

Once the snow and ice melting cables are installed, it is necessary to cover them with asphalt, concrete, brick pavers or tiles. 

Additional Installation Considerations

To guarantee optimal functionality during installation, certain considerations must be acknowledged. 

Here are some important factors to remember when installing ThermoSoft’s NeverFreeze® snow and ice melting cables: 

• Various methods can be employed for clipping the cables to the strapping. A grid pattern is optimal for larger surfaces like driveways. Meanwhile a zig-zag pattern is suitable for narrower surfaces such as stairs or sidewalks. 
• Maintain a minimum of 2 inches between cable sections. 
• Ensure a bend radius of at least 1 inch to prevent cable damage. 
• Avoid overlapping or cutting the cable during installation. 
• For improved effectiveness, install two or more electric sensors. Ideally, position one sensor where snowfall is expected to accumulate first and another where it’s likely to melt last. 
• If possible, it is advisable to install the junction box indoors. This can be done using the 20-foot power lead wire that comes with ThermoSoft’s NeverFreeze® snow melting cable. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, ThermoSoft’s NeverFreeze® driveway and walkway electric heating cables are efficient, practical and reliable. With careful planning, homeowners can enjoy clear pathways with minimal effort. 

By: Eli King

Why ThermoSoft’s Floor Heating Systems are the Answer For You

With these benefits in mind, where can you add comfort and value at the same time?

Look no further than ThermoSoft floor heating systems! We have the fastest warm-up time in the industry, and installation is simple and DIY-friendly.

Benefits of ThermoSoft Floor Heating

• Available for All Types of Flooring: Tile, Laminate, Solid and Engineered Wood, Vinyl, Cement Slab, and Carpet

• Exceptional Comfort: Warms rooms and not ceilings, Uniform, ideal heat pattern, Say goodbye to drafty rooms, Invisible and silent, Individual room control

• Cleaner, Healthier, Maintenance-Free: No dirty vents or ducts, No more drying out your air

• Energy-Saving: 100% Efficiency, More comfort, less energy, Use less energy by needing less heat

• Easy to Install: Designed with installation in mind, Tools already in your toolbox, Simple hookup, We’re here to support you

ThemoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you?

Start enjoying each space more than ever with ThermoSoft floor heating systems. Visit us online or contact Thermosoft today.

Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started.

Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057

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Don’t Trust Just Any Floor Heating Systems – Insist on ThermoSoft Products

ThermoSoft offers the best-performing and most reliable radiant electric heat solutions on the market. Our systems are safe and can be installed quickly during a room remodel or a new home build.

ThermoSoft products are made in America and are backed by our best-in-class customer service. We design and manufacture our systems here in Vernon Hills, Illinois with the highest quality control. We have an in-house team of qualified professionals to offer guidance and advice every step of the process – from selection to installation and beyond for years to come.

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