On Wednesday February 22nd, 2023, Buffalo, NY received rain, followed by a wintry mix, all of which turned to ice as temperatures dropped throughout the afternoon and evening. My family and I were out of town, but returned on Thursday February 23rd, 2023 to 1"+ of ice covering everything, including the driveway.

I turned the driveway on at approx 11 AM, and let it attempt to melt the ice. Unfortunately with the top layer of ice being so thick, I was experiencing "bridging" where the snow and ice below is melted but the top layer is not. Since the top layer is no longer in contact with the slab, it does not melt. You can read more about this here: https://www.healthyheating.com/Snow_M...

Ideally turning the system on as the temperature started to drop would have prevented this, but we were not home. An automated control system such as the Tekmar 654 would've also prevented this.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
02:39 - System Startup
12:26 - Time Lapse
14:46 - Bridging
17:22 - Time Lapse Continued
17:49 - Progress Update
21:20 - Time Lapse Continued
22:48 - Outro

If you’re new to my channel and want to follow this project from the beginning (in order, regardless of upload date), please visit my Heated Driveway / Snowmelt playlist which can be found here:    • Heated Driveway / Snow Melt System De...  

The playlist will have all of my videos in the correct order form start to present, regardless of the date I uploaded them. It starts with how I designed the PEX and Snowmelt Loop Layout, shows the process of installing the actual heated concrete slab, demonstrates how I did the math to calculate the boiler and pump sizes, installation of all of the components, and ends with lots of time-lapse of the system melting snow. It also includes snowmelt system startup and shutdown videos, as well as walkthroughs of the mechanical room, continuous circulation design and electrical system.

If you enjoy my content, please consider subscribing to my channel by clicking the following link:    / @deckerchristopherj  

Below are links to several of the products, tools, video equipment and channels that I used to build the system. You'll find a more comprehensive list including much more at Http://www.cdecker.com As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Products I used to build the system:
-Takagi T-H3-DV-N Tankless Water Heaters (2): https://amzn.to/3Fe6nbu
-3" Diversitech Concentric Vent Kits (2): https://amzn.to/32ja8h2
-Taco 0013-SF3 Circulator Pump Stainless Steel (3): https://amzn.to/3yVwtOh
-Taco 006-ST4 Recirc Pump (2): https://amzn.to/3eyy432
-Taco VT2218 Variable Speed ECM Pump (2): https://amzn.to/3sKVL0f
-100 Plate Flat Plate Heat Exchanger 400,000 BTU's: https://amzn.to/3pbMlsE
-Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Switch with SimpleWire (2): https://amzn.to/3sj3p1G
-1 1/2" Epoxy Coated Copper Tube Split Ring Extension Hangers (10): https://amzn.to/3EalIZm
-1" Epoxy Coated Copper Tube Split Ring Extension Hangers (20): https://amzn.to/33Kkd7C
-1" Swing Check Valves (5): https://amzn.to/3pBg8Lo
-10"x8" ABS Plastic Dustproof Waterproof IP65 Junction Box: https://amzn.to/3FCfbrX
-Waterproof Dustproof IP67 Junction Box Gray 6.9 x 4.9 x 3.9 inch: https://amzn.to/3pynDmn
-Wayne PC4 1/2 HP Cast Iron Pump for Filling: https://amzn.to/32L4Xqk
-Ranco ETC-111000 Digital Temperature Controls (5): https://amzn.to/3HknvNj
-Rubber Washing Machine Fill Hoses, 3/4 inch FHT, 8 Ft: https://amzn.to/3mGUzXZ

Tools I used to build the system:
-12" Adjustable Wrenches (2): https://amzn.to/3HhAzTF
-Rectorseal No. 5 Pipe Thread Sealant: https://amzn.to/3HiR0Px
-Blue Monster 1/2" Blue Teflon Tape: https://amzn.to/3JnhqBF
-High Intensity Trigger Start Mapp Gas Torch Head: https://amzn.to/3z6l0LE
-14.1 oz Bernzomatic Pre-Filled MAP-Pro Gas Torch Style Cylinders (2): https://amzn.to/3EEA1FM
-Oatey 29025 Safe-Flo Wire Solder, 1 Lb Bulk, Solid, Gray, Silver: https://amzn.to/3z6PWLI
-9'' x 12'' Welding Pad Protector, Carbon Felt Torch Soldering Heat Shield, High Temp Flame--Resistant Fabric, Plumbers Pad: https://amzn.to/3Hk9y22

Music Credit:
❰Progressive House❱ Sappheiros - You   / sappheirosmusic  
Link -    • ❰Progressive House❱ Sappheiros - You  

#heateddriveway #snowmelt #buffalo