Underfloor heating for frost and snow protection
Heat Mat were recently approached by a horticultural company for assistance with frost and ice protection on their external walkways.
Health and safety in the workplace has correctly increased its importance on the agenda of many companies recently, although unfortunately this often occurs as a result of legal action against them following earlier failings.
The company had previously relied on salt grit to prevent frost and ice build up, however for anyone arriving at their property first thing on a Monday morning this would not yet have been carried out. A member of staff had slipped on the frosty walkway and injured themselves quite seriously, and the company was concerned about the ensuing compensation claim.
We were asked to provide a permanent solution to the frost and ice problem that would provide round the clock protection without requiring anyone to 'remember' to turn the system on or off. The area concerned was an external walkway of approximately 20m² with a flagstone finish and the company wanted to fulfil their Health and Safety requirements to ensure this area was safe for their staff and members of the public visiting their premises.
The simplest and most cost effective form of heating for this area was our 7mm heating cable. We recommended installing the system at an output of 270 Watts per square metre to allow a quick response and then covering it with a thin layer of screed. The flagstones could then be installed on top of this construction, allowing the floor surface to be replaced in the future without damaging the heating system.
Controlling the system was important as the company was keen to minimise their energy usage, whilst still ensuring the area was kept frost and ice free. In conjunction with the high output 7mm cable system we offered our external snow melting thermostat, manufactured for us by OJ electronics in Denmark.
The thermostat utilises an advanced ground sensor for the detection of moisture and temperature. The system only heats when there is sufficient moisture detected at temperatures capable of forming frost or ice. This feature is a major benefit over most systems where the heating is turned on whenever the temperature approaches zero, therefore potentially wasting a lot of energy.
The final system proved to be highly cost effective and was simple for the contractors to install and will provide round the clock protection to anyone using these walkways for decades to come.
The above scenario is representative of the diverse scenarios that Heat Mat can provide systems for. We have many enquiries from corporations and local government organisations each year. Heat Mat's Technical Department always welcome a new challenge.
Published: March 2008
