Everyone but the Southerners know that snow buildup after a storm is headache-inducing, but with a Denver CO snow melt system, you can avoid spending hours shoveling snow off of your driveway. Torreys Peak Mechanical can install this system to keep your driveways, sidewalks, or patios free of snow. Call us at (303) 885 – 6061 today to learn more about how this heating system can help you.
Rely on Torreys Peak Mechanical to install a Denver CO Snow Melt System.
So, what is a snow melt system? This system is an extension of radiant floor heating, which uses your floor as a heat radiator. Basically, the radiant heating system circulates heat beneath your driveway to keep the ground warm. Once new snow touches the ground, it’ll melt, therefore keeping your outdoor flooring free of snow and ice even after a winter storm.
These heating systems are becoming more popular in recent years. You may even see residential or commercial versions as you walk the streets after it snows. Or, the owners can be insanely fast at shoveling their snow piles. If you’re sick and tired of shoveling snow and want a maintenance-free solution, you should consider getting a snow melt system that heats your driveway.
How a Denver CO Snow Melt System Works
If you understand how radiant heating works, you may notice that it’s very similar to how most boiler systems work. That’s because they’re or less the same system. The most significant difference is where you put it and its purpose.
Depending on your power source choice, the technician will either lay down electric wires or pipes beneath your driveway or walkway. Once you power the system up, these pipes or heating cables will warm up the ground. There are three different classifications for these systems: Class I, Class II, and Class III. The basic idea behind these classifications is when the system melts the snow.
- I – Melts the snow buildup afterward.
- II – Melts half of the snow while it’s falling and melts the remainder afterward.
- III – Melts all snow and ice while it’s falling.
Some systems are completely manual, some are semi-automatic, while others are fully automated. Per the name, manual systems require you to turn it on and off yourself. These systems are very rare, and you’d only want these if the system is beneath gravel or dirt.
Semi-automatic systems are the most common. You can usually find them beneath concrete, asphalt, or paving stones. For these types of floors, you need to avoid thermal shock. The semi-auto system keeps the heat in the system at a minimum while it’s idle and won’t actually start melting the snow until someone turns the system on.
Fully automatic systems have sensors that keep an eye on outdoor conditions. When the sensor detects a dip in temperature or an increase in moisture levels, it’ll turn the system on to start melting any snow or ice.
Different Types of Snow Melt Systems
Stop wasting time shoveling snow off your driveway with a snow melt system.
There are two general types of snow melt systems: electric and hydronic. Although the systems work in a similar fashion, they have different power sources, which also change the components that go into the system.
- Electric
Although electric systems are pricier, they’re better for small or narrow areas, like outdoor stairways or walkways. These systems have three main components: heating cables, activation device, and control unit. We ensure the heating cables can withstand the harsh weather and conditions outdoors. Each cable has proper insulation and the ability to warm up your floors to melt any snow or ice.
- Hydronic
Hydronic systems are more popular because they operate on “greener” energy. This Denver CO snow melt system is better for areas with a lot of space, like driveways or parking lots. This system uses closed-loop tubing and a hot water boiler. Once you turn the system on, it circulates a mixture of running hot water and antifreeze to warm up your floor.
Installing a Snow Melt System
Usually, the best time to install one of these heating systems is when you’re in the process of building the space you want the system in. That’s because, as you might infer, installing one of the systems requires unearthing parts of your walkway or driveway. If you’re retrofitting an existing driveway or walkway, installing an electric system is more manageable. We’ll only need to carve some grooves and then insert the cables.
However, if you want the hydronic version, we’ll need to dig up your driveway or walkway to install the piping. Before we start the process, we’ll design a system that will effectively encompass the areas you want to keep snow and ice off of. If you agree with the design, we’ll start installing the entire system, complete from the boiler to the control panel.
And like any heating system, both electric and hydronic snow melt systems require proper maintenance. Torreys Peak Mechanical can help with your system’s regular maintenance. We can come by to check on the electric version’s wires and switches. And, if you have a hydronic system, we can repair any leaks and help maintain its fluid levels.
Torreys Peak Mechanical is always available to repair or install your heating system.
Contact Torreys Peak Mechanical
When you call Torreys Peak Mechanical, we can offer you the best HVAC and heating system solutions to prepare you for whatever the seasons throw your way. We have over three decades of experience installing and repairing various heating systems, including snow melt systems.
Don’t wait until the first snow starts falling to think about a snow melt system. Let us help set everything up before so you can enjoy winter without worrying about shoveling snow off of your driveway and other walkways. Our team will install everything as soon as possible so that the next time snow arrives, you can worry less about it.
Call today or visit our location to learn more about which snow melt system is more beneficial to you. No one wants to waste time shoveling or blowing snow off of your driveway or walkways. Get Torreys Peak Mechanical to install a Denver CO snow melt system and watch as it melts the snow away for you.
Denver, Colorado Fun Facts:
- The city’s nickname is “Mile-High City” because it’s exactly a mile above sea level.
- Its other historic nicknames are “Queen City of the Plains” and “Queen City of the West” because of the city’s role in the agricultural industry.
- Speaking of historic, Denver’s original name was Denver City, but the officials shortened it when they incorporated the city.
- For more fun facts, visit the city’s official page.