Roth Industries Snowmelt Basics

Program Outline I. Introduction II. Applications III. Benefits IV. Classifications V. System Design VI. Installation Methods VII. Controls

Snowmelt Basics Introduction

Snowmelt Basics Applications  Driveways and drive ramps  Walkways  Parking areas  Steps  Handicapped access ramps  Emergency entrances  Office entryways  Security and toll booth areas  Loading docks  Helicopter landing pads  Mass transit boarding platforms

Snowmelt Basics Benefits  Capability of providing fully automatic/ unattended snow removal whenever required  The ability to remove snow without creating banks or piles that subsequently cause drifting, and can often damage surrounding landscaping  The elimination of sanding  The elimination of salting and its potential damage to surrounding landscaping and the surrounding environment  Less pavement damage due to frost action, chemical deterioration due to salting, and physical damage from plowing  Cleaner interior floors (Sand and salt are not tracked in)  Reduced possibility of slips and falls and vehicular accidents  Improved property appearance during winter  Ability to use almost any fuel or heat source to provide energy for melting

Snowmelt Basics Snowmelt System Classifications Class I systems  Generally accepted as sufficient for residential walkway and driveway areas  Generally in the range of 80 – 125 Btu/hr/ft 2  Allows a layer of snow to accumulate during heavy snowfall

Snowmelt Basics Snowmelt System Classifications Class II systems  Most retail and commercial vehicular and pedestrian trafficked areas  Generally in the range of 125 – 250 Btu/hr/ft 2  Areas will be kept clear of snow during a heavy snow fall, although the surface will often remain wet

Snowmelt Basics System Classifications Class III systems  Used for high priority areas such as helicopter landing pads and emergency room entrances  Generally in the range of 250 – 450 Btu/hr/ft 2  Melts all snow fast as it falls  Quickly evaporates the melted water from the surface

Snowmelt Basics System Design  Sub-surface conditions - High water table - Bedrock close to surface - Low percolation soils - Disturbed or unstable soils

Snowmelt Basics System Design  Drainage - It is crucial that all snowmelt areas be detailed for proper drainage of melt water - Melt water can accumulate in low points or in non-snowmelted areas - Drain paths must be capable of draining melt water without it freezing - Areas can be crowned or sloped to enhance drainage

Snowmelt Basics System Design  Insulation  Lowers operating costs by as much as 30%  1” (R-5) polystyrene (blue board) is typically adequate to provide a thermal barrier  Must be matched to load. (trucks vs. autos)  Perimeter is area with the greatest heat loss  Edge insulation, if possible, will provide additional reduction in energy usage

Snowmelt Basics System Design  Tubing  Types of tubing – PEX or PE-RT  Oxygen barrier?  Maximum lengths  5/8” ft.  3/4” ft.  1” ft.  Spacing  Class I and II - 9” OC  Class III - 6” OC

Snowmelt Basics System Design  Tubing layout  Optimum pattern is counterflow spiral

Snowmelt Basics System Design  Large projects require creativity in loop layout

Snowmelt Basics System Design Freeze Protection Consult the antifreeze manufacturer for mixture recommendations to achieve accurate concentrations

Snowmelt Basics System Design  Manifolds  Manifold placement is very important in the design process  Large systems require remote manifolds  Supply and return piping should be insulated and routed underground to underground vaults.

Snowmelt Basics System Design  Manifolds  Manifold sets include a supply and a return manifold  Manifolds can be constructed from copper, brass, stainless steel or plastic  Individual loops must have valves for flow balancing Roth CM Manifold 1 1/2”

Snowmelt Basics System Design Zoning the system  Allows prioritization of specific areas  Gives future ability to turn areas on or off based on specific needs or economic considerations

Snowmelt Basics Installation

Snowmelt Basics Installation

Snowmelt Basics Installation Concrete Expansion Joint

Snowmelt Basics Installation Concrete Control Joint

Snowmelt Basics Installation

Snowmelt Basics Installation

Snowmelt Basics Installation

Snowmelt Basics Installation Stairs and Steps

Snowmelt Basics Controlling the system  Simple on/off switch  On/off switch with a timer  Automatic controller with temperature sensor  Automatic controller with temperature/moisture sensor

Snowmelt Basics Controlling the system  Embedded temperature and moisture sensors

Snowmelt Basics Controlling the system System Idling Control function used for high priority areas where a quick response is needed. Idling maintains the snowmelt area at a minimum temperature so that the area can reach the target snowmelt temperature more quickly.

Snowmelt Basics Thank you Additional questions: