Keeping the Lee Valley Ice Centre Safe from Snow and Ice
The Lee Valley Ice Centre in London, originally opened in 1984, recently had a massive £30 million upgrade and reopened in 2023. Part of the renovation included solving a big safety problem: stopping snow and ice from falling off the building onto visitors below. That’s where Heat Mat came in with a clever solution.
The Problem: Snow and Ice Hazards
The building has copper shingles on the front, which look amazing. But during winter, snow and ice would build up on these shingles, eventually sliding off. This created a danger for people walking underneath. Something had to be done to keep everyone safe.
The Solution: Smart Heating Technology
Heat Mat designed a custom heating system to melt the snow and ice before it could build up. Here’s what they did:
- Pinpointed the Problem Areas: They figured out exactly where the snow collected the most and focused the heating there, making the system super efficient.
- Thin and Safe Installation: The space behind the shingles was tight, so they created a thin heating system that wouldn’t overheat or cause any fire risks.
- Automatic Operation: Sensors were added to detect temperature and moisture. The system turns on and off automatically, so no one has to worry about controlling it manually.
The Results: Safety All Winter Long
In the winter of 2023/24, the system worked perfectly, even during freezing temperatures. Snow and ice didn’t build up, keeping visitors safe and the building looking great.
Why It Matters
This project is a great example of how smart technology can solve real-world problems. It’s also energy-efficient, showing that safety and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Want to read the full case study? Case Study Lee Valley Ice Centre Snow Melting
About Heat Mat
Heat Mat has been making buildings safer in the UK for over 20 years with their snow and ice melting systems. Whether it’s roofs, walkways, or facades, they’ve got the experience to handle it all.
