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CONCRETE APPLICATION: A crew covers a radiant heat system with concrete. Concrete remains the most popular option for radiant systems because of its ability to conduct heat.

Better for the Environment — The environmental benefits are also very attractive as the snow melting system can eliminate the need for harmful deicing chemicals and salts from entering local waterways, utilizing this clean technology that can tie directly into renewable energy.

A tempering valve, which is also known as a hot water mixing valve or a hot water tempering valve, is either a 2-inlet or 3-inlet mixing valve which is adjustable and activated by temperature. It mixes both hot and cold water together to achieve a desired temperature, in order to regulate the temperature of hot water that flows from outlets in your home.

Depth matters. Too deep, and you’re heating the earth below the concrete first. Too shallow, and the cable doesn’t have enough time to thermally dissipate heat horizontally before it rises. If the outline of heating cable melting the snow is visible, that means the cable is too close to the surface. The NEC requires a minimum depth of 1.5 inches (38 mm), but most manufacturers recommend a depth of 3 inches (76 mm) as being ideal.

Insulation can not only lower overall energy consumption; it can also help to optimize the system, speeding up reaction times and reducing power consumption since no heat is lost to the ground. This also can help the cables to run less often, prolonging the life of the system.

Thermostatic mixing valves are required by law in the following locations, due to the possibility of high risk people being present (such as the elderly, sick or children):

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Before beginning any concrete installation, it’s important to know where those expansion joints will be located so the system can be designed with cables fitting between expansion joints, ensuring maximum system longevity.

Pour and finish each slab area between the expansion joints individually. Be sure to check for damage and avoid walking or striking the mats with shovels or other tools. The concrete mixture must not contain sharp stones which may damage the cable. Finally, concrete needs 30 days to harden before operation of the heating cables.

Some other things to remember when working with concrete are thickness and whether insulation can be used under the slab. When placing the cables before concrete is poured, it’s important to prepare the concrete forms and reinforcement/rebar to ensure the cable is suspended at the correct depth.

Before beginning any snow melting project, several general questions need to be asked so the manufacturer can make their best recommendation based on the needs and requirements of the system.

In addition, the snow melting system automatically detects precipitation and temperature, and therefore only operates when needed, like just before a snowstorm hits for maximized performance.

Will this be melting snow on a sidewalk, driveway, or critical building entrance like a hospital or wheelchair accessible ramp? Where is the geographical project location? Snow melting calculations are based on ASHRAE Snow Melting Heat Flux Requirement standards1. It’s measured by five atmospheric factors:

Ensure only a high quality, durable heating cable is used, as only some cables can withstand the heat and compression from freshly poured asphalt. The aggregate is very hot and, coupled with the high compression of the installation equipment, installers must be very careful that the cables are not destroyed during the installation of the asphalt.

This application requires the cables be placed in sand below the pavers. Pavers can be considered anything from bricks, flagstone, marble, tiles, or any stone/masonry the customer wishes to use as the finished surface. These installations are much easier, as the cables can be accessed even after installation is completed. The only real considerations for this application are the thickness of the paver and how this will impact the reaction time of the heat. The thicker the paver, the longer it will take to transfer the heat. Anything thicker than 5 inches in depth makes it very difficult to transfer enough heat to be 100% effective.

Ensure there is a firm base of 4 to 8 inches (102-203 mm) of concrete, sand, or rock aggregate tamped down and ready to receive the asphalt. Clean the area below the heating mat/cable so that it is free from sharp objects. It is extremely important to keep heavy equipment, machinery, vehicles, shovels, and rakes away from the cable to prevent damage.

A TMV mixes both hot and cold water together so it is a particular temperature (within 1℃ +/-) so it can be sent to different water outlets. The temperature is generally prearranged by a tradesperson or a qualified plumber, and the TMV element that responds to thermal activity alters the levels of hot and/or cold water to ensure the correct temperature.

Electric snow melting solutions have been around for over 50 years in North America, and while the technology of the heating element has remained relatively unchanged, the quality and durability of surrounding materials have improved. Installation practices are also very similar, even 50 years later. Where technology has advanced is in the speed and accuracy of controls that instantaneously measure temperature, moisture, and precipitation by quickly activating. This has been key to lowering energy consumption, and now these controls are so accurate that they are only energizing the heating cables when necessary.

In the application of asphalt, we recommend a maximum load of 2 tons for the roller. To minimize strain on the cable, lay the mats perpendicular to the roller’s path.

All Ryan Old plumbers are experienced, fully qualified plumbers who believe in offering exceptional service at a reasonable price. We can quickly attend to all of your home plumbing requirements from unblocking drains to major renovation jobs.

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/industry-environment/environment-land-water/water/risk-management/plan/implement/monitoring-temperature

When you turn your hot water tap on, you expect hot water to flow out. Whether it is a shower, bath, kitchen sink or laundry basin, water at a particular temperature will always run from the faucets in your home or workplaces. But how does that occur?

According to Queensland legislation, hot water is to be heated to a minimum of 60°C to prevent the growth of bacteria such as Legionella. A tempering valve ensures that hot water flows from taps at a maximum temperature of 50°C.

Although TMVs and tempering valves get regularly mixed up, they are actually two separate devices. They both mix hot and cold water together to achieve a specific water temperature, but there are a few notable differences:

Asphalt is another popular covering, although it does require planning and may lead to additional labor costs due to the required slow and cautious pouring processes. However, not all snow melting systems can withstand the extreme temperatures of hot asphalt installations, so consult with the manufacturer first.

A thermostatic mixing valve, which is also known as a TMV, is a tool that combines hot and cold water together to maintain a specific water temperature when sending water through a faucet.

Our plumbers provide professional maintenance and plumbing services – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week everywhere in Brisbane. If you have an emergency plumbing situation, then contact us now and we will come to you ASAP.

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/building-property-development/building-construction/laws-codes-standards/sustainable-housing

Tempering valves and TMVs are the devices responsible for ensuring that the water that comes out of your tap is safe and at the right temperature. But, what is the difference?

Efficient Snow Removal — Designed area is kept free from ice and snow at all times. For engineers and architects considering these products in LEED applications, keep in mind that these electric systems can be part of a clean renewable energy program. This eliminates costly plowing and labor-intensive snow removal, coupled with less salt and mess being tracked into buildings.

During this webinar, we will discuss what acidic condensate is, how it’s formed, and the damage it can cause if not properly treated—while hitting on the latest regulations that are driving the adoption of condensing technology.

The National Electric Code (NEC) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) prohibits any electric cable system to pass through concrete expansion-contraction joints. So even though these radiant cables will be embedded directly in the concrete, multiple cables and/or mats must be used to cover these larger areas that require expansion joints. Concrete will heave, expand, and move slightly, so it’s important to not cross, under any circumstances. Otherwise, if the concrete moves, the cables will break.

A tempering valve has a temperature sensitive element which focuses on adjusting the mix of hot/cold water depending on two factors:

Other factors such as back and edge heat losses must be considered in the complete design, and it is recommended to refer to Chapter 52 of the 2019 ASHRAE® Handbook1. This will determine how much heat is needed based on the specific project location and how critical it is to keep the area clear of all snow accumulation. For example, a project in Baltimore, Maryland would not require the same amount of heat that Toronto, Canada would need to melt snow and ice accumulations.

Fully Automated, Maintenance-Free Operation — Electric radiant snow melting systems are silent, have no moving parts, making them virtually maintenance free. Like most other comparable heating systems, yearly checkups and repairs are not needed, which is a huge savings on maintenance costs.

According to National Plumbing and Drainage Standard AS/NZS 3500.4: 2003, some water installations are not permitted to deliver water at a temperature higher than 50℃/45℃, which is why a TMV is installed – to assist with temperature regulation.

The mixing valve is a sliding component that is found in the tempering valve, ensuring the correct ratio of hot to cold water is being allowed to flow through. A tempering valve usually controls the temperature within ±3%.

Enhances Safety — Avoid slips, falls, and injuries (and the subsequent litigation) sustained from icy steps, walkways, and driveways and keep traffic/working areas free from snow and ice.

Extreme caution must be taken to ensure that the heating cable manufacturer’s maximum temperate rating of the cable is not exceeded. Typically, hot asphalt can exceed 240°F (115°C), so the cables must be protected, or the asphalt must be cooled to below the maximum temperature requirements of the cable.

Insulation is always recommended, and high-density polyurethane is very popular, as it’s rated for ground and masonry contact. The cost is minimal upfront to add insulation, but many installers or DIYers are simply unaware. There are major long-term advantages to insulating, including providing a barrier from the cold ground. Heat much like electricity takes the path of least resistance. So, if the cold ground below the cable is not isolated, the heating cable will transfer most of its heat to these areas before heat is built up enough to radiate up to the paved surface.