Revolutionary Snow Melting. Engineered for Maximum Efficiency.

HeatWAVE heating ribbons are installed beneath the outdoor surface. When the system is activated, the ribbons generate heat that travels upward through the surface material, melting snow and preventing ice from bonding to the heated area.

When paired with automatic temperature and moisture sensors, the system can activate as winter conditions begin rather than waiting for snow to accumulate.

Conventional systems generally use round heating cables. HeatWAVE uses a wide, flat heating element that provides greater contact with the surrounding installation material.

This design helps spread heat across a wider area, promote more uniform surface temperatures, and transfer heat toward the finished surface more effectively.

Hydronic snow-melting systems circulate heated water and glycol through tubing embedded beneath the surface. To avoid long warm-up times and protect against freezing, these systems are typically kept idling throughout the winter at approximately 1°C (33.8°F). When snow begins to fall, the fluid temperature is then raised to around 4°C (39.2°F).

Because the system must heat the fluid, tubing, and surrounding slab before meaningful snow melting can begin, hydronic systems can experience thermal lag. They may also consume energy throughout the winter simply to remain ready for the next snowfall.

The Amorphous HeatWAVE system works differently. Its low-mass heating ribbons are designed to reach their peak operating temperature rapidly, allowing the system to remain off when it is not needed and respond quickly when snow or freezing conditions are detected.

This on-demand operation helps reduce unnecessary standby energy use while delivering fast, effective snow melting without the same warm-up delay associated with hydronic systems.

The flat HeatWAVE ribbon provides a broad heat-transfer surface and distributes heat more evenly than a conventional round cable.

Its low thermal mass also allows the element to heat up quickly, helping the system respond faster when snow and freezing conditions are detected.

HeatWAVE can be designed for many residential and commercial applications, including:

• Driveways
• Walkways and sidewalks
• Building entrances
• Stairs and landings
• Wheelchair-access ramps
• Patios and terraces
• Parking entrances
• Loading docks
• Commercial plazas
• Emergency access routes
• Other outdoor areas requiring snow and ice control

Each system is designed according to the surface construction, climate, project size, and required performance.

Yes. HeatWAVE can be installed beneath concrete driveways, sidewalks, ramps, stairs, patios, entrances, and other outdoor slabs.

The ribbons are positioned according to the approved TruHeat layout before the concrete is poured. Proper spacing, fastening, testing, and protection during the pour are essential.

Yes. HeatWAVE can be installed beneath compatible concrete, stone, and interlocking paver systems.

The heating ribbons must be installed within an approved base or bedding assembly and protected from damage during compaction and paver installation.

Yes. HeatWAVE can be used for asphalt snow-melting applications when installed using an approved construction method.

A suitable protective layer may be required between the heating ribbons and the asphalt to protect the system from paving temperatures, compaction equipment, and physical damage. The complete installation assembly should be reviewed by TruHeat before work begins.

Yes. HeatWAVE can help prevent ice from bonding to the heated surface.

Automatic controls can activate the system when moisture is present and temperatures approach freezing, helping reduce the formation of black ice and other slippery conditions.

Yes. HeatWAVE can melt existing snow and ice, although clearing a heavy accumulation will require more time and energy than preventing accumulation from the beginning of a storm.

For the best performance, the system should be activated automatically as snow or freezing moisture is first detected.

The amorphous metal heating ribbon begins producing heat quickly because of its low thermal mass.

The amount of time required for heat to reach the finished surface and begin melting snow depends on the installation depth, surface material, slab temperature, insulation, weather conditions, and system design.

There is no single melting time for every project. Snow-clearing performance depends on:

• Outdoor temperature
• Snowfall intensity
• Wind speed
• Snow depth
• Surface material and thickness
• Ribbon installation depth
• Insulation beneath the system
• Heating output
• When the system was activated

A system that activates at the beginning of a snowfall will generally clear the surface more effectively than one activated after snow has accumulated.

No. HeatWAVE is designed for automatic, on-demand operation.

With suitable temperature and moisture sensors, the system can turn on when snow or freezing moisture is detected and shut down after the surface has cleared and dried. This avoids unnecessary continuous operation during dry weather.

HeatWAVE is designed to transfer heat efficiently toward the surface using a flat heating ribbon with broad contact and even heat distribution.

Its fast response allows the system to operate when snow-melting conditions occur rather than maintaining a heated thermal mass throughout the winter. Actual energy use depends on the system design, weather, controls, insulation, surface construction, and operating strategy.

Hydronic systems use boilers or water heaters, pumps, piping, and a heated fluid—typically a glycol mixture—to transfer heat beneath the surface. These systems may require additional mechanical equipment, maintenance, and warm-up time.

HeatWAVE converts electricity directly into heat beneath the surface. It does not require a boiler, circulation pump, glycol mixture, or mechanical room, resulting in a simpler system with fewer moving components.

The required output is determined by the project location, surface construction, climate, snowfall conditions, installation depth, insulation, and desired performance.

Many HeatWAVE snow-melting systems are designed to provide approximately 25 to 30 watts per square foot. The final output must be confirmed through a project-specific design rather than selected using area alone.

Insulation is strongly recommended wherever the construction assembly allows it.

Proper insulation reduces downward heat loss, directs more heat toward the outdoor surface, improves response time, and can reduce operating costs. Insulation is particularly beneficial over exposed ground and in colder climates.

HeatWAVE can be paired with automatic snow- and ice-melting controls that monitor both temperature and moisture.

A typical control system may include:

• An in-ground temperature and moisture sensor
• An outdoor temperature sensor
• A snow-melting controller
• Electrical contactors or relays
• A custom control panel
• Manual activation or override controls
• Remote monitoring options

The appropriate controls depend on the size and electrical requirements of the project.

The ground sensor is installed within the heated outdoor surface. It monitors surface temperature and detects moisture from snow, sleet, or freezing rain.

When both moisture and cold temperatures are detected, the controller activates the heating system. The system can continue operating for a selected period after the moisture has cleared to help dry the surface and reduce refreezing.

Yes. Manual activation or override options may be included in the control system.

However, automatic temperature and moisture controls are recommended because they can activate the system at the beginning of a weather event—even when the property is unattended.

Remote control and monitoring may be available depending on the selected control package.

These options can allow users or facility managers to review system status, temperatures, active zones, alarms, and operating conditions from a connected device.

Yes. Large HeatWAVE systems can be divided into independently controlled zones.

Zoning allows specific sections to operate according to usage, snow exposure, heating priority, or available electrical capacity. For example, a driveway may be separated into tire tracks, a pedestrian path, and a main parking area.

In some projects, load-sequencing or changeover controls can operate different heating zones at different times.

This may reduce the amount of electrical capacity required at any one moment. Suitability depends on the snowfall conditions, required melting performance, project layout, and available service.

HeatWAVE snow-melting systems can be designed for several electrical services, including:

• 120V
• 208V
• 240V
• 347V
• 600V

The appropriate voltage depends on the project size, available electrical service, circuit design, and local electrical requirements.

The correct installation depth depends on whether the surface is concrete, pavers, asphalt, or another approved material.

The ribbons should be close enough to the finished surface to transfer heat efficiently while remaining adequately protected from construction activity and surface loads. The approved TruHeat layout and installation details should always be followed.

No. The heating ribbons must never cross, overlap, touch one another, or be installed closer than the specified minimum spacing.

Doing so could create excessive heat concentration and damage the system.

Heating ribbons should not pass through expansion, isolation, or movement joints unless TruHeat has provided a specifically approved installation detail.

Expansion joints, drains, anchors, posts, and other slab penetrations should be identified before the heating layout is prepared.

The heating ribbon must not be cut or shortened unless the system has been specifically designed for an approved field-termination procedure.

Ribbon lengths, electrical circuits, and connections must follow the engineered system design.

Installation should stop immediately if a heating ribbon, protective jacket, shield, or connection cable is damaged.

The damaged area must not be covered or energized. Contact TruHeat to determine whether an approved repair can be completed or whether the affected section must be replaced.

Electrical testing should be completed before installation, throughout construction, and after the finished surface is completed.

Testing may include:

• Heating-element resistance measurements
• Insulation-resistance testing
• Continuity testing
• Grounding and shielding verification
• Sensor testing
• Control-panel testing

All readings should be recorded and retained with the project documentation.

The heating ribbons may be installed by qualified contractors who understand the project drawings, construction assembly, and TruHeat installation requirements.

All permanent wiring, electrical circuits, control panels, contactors, and system commissioning must be completed by qualified electrical professionals in accordance with applicable codes.

The embedded heating ribbons contain no moving parts and generally require minimal maintenance once installed.

The sensors, controllers, contactors, electrical panels, drainage systems, and protective devices should be inspected periodically to verify that the complete snow-melting system is operating properly.

Yes. TruHeat can review project drawings and provide:

• Heating-ribbon layouts
• Recommended system output
• Circuit and electrical requirements
• Heating-zone recommendations
• Control-system guidance
• Installation details

The system should be designed before concrete, paver, or asphalt work begins.

To prepare an accurate design, TruHeat may require:

• Project location
• Dimensions of the snow-melting area
• Site plans or construction drawings
• Surface material and thickness
• Base and insulation details
• Available voltage and electrical capacity
• Locations of drains and expansion joints
• Desired heating zones
• Control preferences
• Expected snow-melting performance

Complete project information helps ensure the system is properly sized and configured.

The Amorphous HeatWAVE system is backed by a 15-year limited warranty when it is designed, installed, tested, and documented in accordance with TruHeat requirements.

Refer to the official warranty documentation for complete terms, conditions, and exclusions.

Send TruHeat the project drawings, dimensions, surface construction, project location, available voltage, electrical capacity, and desired heating areas.

The TruHeat team can then recommend the appropriate heating output, ribbon layout, circuit configuration, zoning strategy, and controls.