Snow Melt System Design in Ontario
Custom hydronic snow melt designs for Ontario driveways, garages, and walkways — glycol-protected, smart-sensor automated, and stamped by a PEO-licensed engineer in 3–5 business days.
Get a Free QuoteWhat's Included
- Custom pipe layout sized to the specific area — driveways, walkways, garage aprons, and ramps
- Hydronic circuit design with tube spacing and flow rate calculations
- Glycol concentration specifications for Ontario winter design temperatures
- Heat source sizing — integration with existing boiler or dedicated unit
- Outdoor pavement sensor and aerial sensor specifications for automated activation
- Control sequence design for energy-efficient operation
- Expansion vessel and pump sizing
- Stamped drawings ready for building permit or contractor installation
Turnaround
3–5 business days from receipt of architectural drawings. Rush service is available for urgent projects.
Deliverables
- Stamped snow melt layout drawing with pipe spacing and circuit boundaries
- Hydraulic calculation sheet — flow rates, pressure drops, pump sizing
- Glycol mix and expansion vessel specifications
- Heat source sizing summary
- Control sequence and sensor specification sheet
Codes & Standards
- OBC 2024 (where applicable for permit submission)
- CSA B214 — Installation Code for Hydronic Heating Systems
- ASHRAE Handbook — Snow Melting and Freeze Protection chapter
- Manufacturer installation standards for PEX-a tubing and manifold systems
Who This Is For
Custom home builders and homeowners installing heated driveways or walkways, property managers maintaining commercial entrances, and developers of high-end residential projects where snow melt is a specification requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas can a hydronic snow melt system cover?
We design systems for driveways, garage aprons, walkways, front steps, loading docks, and any concrete or paver slab area. The system can be integrated with an existing boiler or designed with a dedicated heat source.
How is the glycol concentration determined?
We size the glycol concentration to the local design outdoor temperature per ASHRAE data for the project's Ontario location. Most Ontario locations require protection to at least -30°C to -35°C. We specify both the freeze protection point and the burst protection point.
Can a snow melt system be added to an existing hydronic heating system?
Yes, if the existing boiler has sufficient capacity. We calculate the additional load and determine whether the existing heat source can serve both the heating and snow melt loads simultaneously, or whether a dedicated snow melt boiler is needed.
How do automated sensors control the system?
Outdoor pavement sensors detect moisture and temperature simultaneously, activating the system only when precipitation is occurring and the pavement temperature is below freezing. This prevents unnecessary operation and significantly reduces energy consumption compared to timer-based systems.