Helipads
With space becoming more and more precious, many hospitals are forced to install helipads on building roofs. These rooftop helipads can become extremely dangerous when coated with ice and snow.
Sidewalks
Sidewalk snowmelts can increase business and decrease liability. Customers are more likely to shop stores with sidewalks that are free from ice, snow and chemicals.
For residential applications, Doug Davis, owner of Davis Plumbing & Heating, Columbia Falls, Mont., regularly uses PEX or EPDM tubing under stamped concrete driveways, entry areas, patios and sidewalks to keep the snow and ice at bay.
“I’ve been doing snowmelt systems for 12 years,” he said. “Builders in this area recognize that we take our work seriously and that we’re reluctant to use anything but the very best materials available.”
School entrances
Youngsters are protected with a snowmelt on duty. They keep accidents at a minimum and prevent chemicals from being tracked inside.
Stairs
It’s all too common for stairs to become slippery and dangerous during the winter season. Why shouldn’t they, too, be safer and easier to maintain?
Hospital entrances
“Because they are usually considered critical systems,” says Whitworth, “these systems are most frequently ‘idled’ during the winter months — operated at a reduced output — to decrease system lag time (the time
required for the system to reach operating temperature and start melting snow). When the sensors detect precipitation, the system is then operated at full output.”
Parking garage ramps
Snowmelting systems ensure that cars driving in off the street can safely negotiate up and down parking garage ramps. System sensors are usually placed away from the ramp so that they can detect snowfall, or precipitation, and temperature.
Loading docks and ramps
Here, moving the goods is the essence of business. Another great application for snowmelt.
