Heated Driveway vs ANOTHER Buffalo Lake Effect Snow Storm // December 17th-18th, 2022
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- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
- In this video I demonstrate how my 1,600 sf ft heated driveway performed during another Lake Effect Snow Storm in Buffalo, NY on December 17th, 2022.
Chapters:
00:00 - Initial Melt
01:39 - Round 2
02:08 - Round 3 (Heavier)
03:45 - Final Dry
4:45 - Outro
During this event the Lake Effect Snow Band stayed over my area for most of Saturday 12-17 and into Saturday night. It shifted back south at approx 11 pm on 12-17.
On Saturday Morning, we awoke to approx 1" of snow already on the slab and a steady snowfall. I turned the heated driveway snowmelt system on around 7:21 AM. The snow continued off & on throughout the day, becoming heavier in the late evening as the lake effect band shifted back south. If you were watching the Bills vs Dolphins football game on NFL Network, you probably noticed the heavy snow starting to arrive in the 4th quarter.
The snow continued lightly until about 2:00 am on 12-18-22, and then completely stopped and the slab was able to begin drying. By 6:30 AM, the slab was completely dry and the system was turned off.
Hopefully you enjoy this video. Please leave your thoughts in the comments below, and remember to help me out by liking the video and subscribing if you’re not already by clicking here: / @deckerchristopherj
Below are links to several of the products, tools, video equipment and channels that I used to build the system. 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): amzn.to/3Fe6nbu
-3" Diversitech Concentric Vent Kits (2): amzn.to/32ja8h2
-Taco 0013-SF3 Circulator Pump Stainless Steel (3): amzn.to/3yVwtOh
-Taco 006-ST4 Recirc Pump (2): amzn.to/3eyy432
-Taco VT2218 Variable Speed ECM Pump (2): amzn.to/3sKVL0f
-100 Plate Flat Plate Heat Exchanger 400,000 BTU's: amzn.to/3pbMlsE
-Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Switch with SimpleWire (2): amzn.to/3sj3p1G
-1 1/2" Epoxy Coated Copper Tube Split Ring Extension Hangers (10): amzn.to/3EalIZm
-1" Epoxy Coated Copper Tube Split Ring Extension Hangers (20): amzn.to/33Kkd7C
-1" Swing Check Valves (5): amzn.to/3pBg8Lo
-10"x8" ABS Plastic Dustproof Waterproof IP65 Junction Box: amzn.to/3FCfbrX
-Waterproof Dustproof IP67 Junction Box Gray 6.9 x 4.9 x 3.9 inch: amzn.to/3pynDmn
-Wayne PC4 1/2 HP Cast Iron Pump for Filling: amzn.to/32L4Xqk
-Ranco ETC-111000 Digital Temperature Controls (5): amzn.to/3HknvNj
-Rubber Washing Machine Fill Hoses, 3/4 inch FHT, 8 Ft: amzn.to/3mGUzXZ
Tools I used to build the system:
-12" Adjustable Wrenches (2): amzn.to/3HhAzTF
-Rectorseal No. 5 Pipe Thread Sealant: amzn.to/3HiR0Px
-Blue Monster 1/2" Blue Teflon Tape: amzn.to/3JnhqBF
-High Intensity Trigger Start Mapp Gas Torch Head: amzn.to/3z6l0LE
-14.1 oz Bernzomatic Pre-Filled MAP-Pro Gas Torch Style Cylinders (2): amzn.to/3EEA1FM
-Oatey 29025 Safe-Flo Wire Solder, 1 Lb Bulk, Solid, Gray, Silver: amzn.to/3z6PWLI
-9'' x 12'' Welding Pad Protector, Carbon Felt Torch Soldering Heat Shield, High Temp Flame--Resistant Fabric, Plumbers Pad: amzn.to/3Hk9y22
What I use to record my videos and time lapse videos:
-GoPro Hero 8: amzn.to/3qu6ppC
-Joby JB01507 GorillaPod 3K Kit : amzn.to/3pClzde
-SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC Memory Card: amzn.to/3zdZJjd
If you’re new to my channel and want to start at the beginning, I recommend you visit my Heated Driveway / Snowmelt playlist which can be found here: • Heated Driveway / Snow...
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.
Music Credit:
❰Chillstep❱ Sappheiros - Aurora
/ sappheirosmusic
Download ♪♫ - fanlink.to/RAX
Link - • ❰Chillstep❱ Sappheiros...
#heateddriveway #snowmelt #buffalo #snow 
Хобби
![Answering the Top 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions About my Buffalo NY Heated Driveway - [12-3-22]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zvOQSQiaqTw/mqdefault.jpg)
OMGOSH first time EVER seeing a heated driveway. Chris I LOVE IT. Very satisfying to watch as well. Thanks
You just got yourself another fan. I'm invested in your videos now lol Thanks for doing FAQ because I have many questions I'm sure you answered.
I live at 8,000' in Colorado. Here the humidity is quite low. With a blacktop driveway, most of the moisture evaporates, visible from steam rising once the sun hits it (southern exposure). I suspect the same would happen with a heated driveway, even if the humidity is a little higher. Nice video.
Absolutely great videos from the installation and running the system and cost, keep them coming
Thanks for the positive comment, I really appreciate it! I'm glad your enjoying my channel 😊 I have a lot more planned, hopefully you'll find it just as enjoyable! Thanks for watching!!
Hats off to that one patch that refused to lose.
😂 I left it there on purpose just to see if it would! That's right in between the 2 counterflow loops where the spacing is a little wider. Guess I should've put those pex runs a little closer! Thanks for commenting and watching!
I love the time lapse portion! Looking forward to hear how you end up dealing with the front steps!
Thanks Gil! 😊
Sadly Haters are Gonna Hate
It's all they have Chris.
You seem to be more than able to handle all the negativity that is completely and unjustly cast in your general direction.
Personally I think this and all your videos are very informative and great watching.
Keep up the great work and them sad haters hate.
Kieran, Scotland, UK
Hi Kieran! Thank you so much for your kind words, and you are absolutely correct about the haters. I could post a video rescuing kittens from a blizzard instead, and someone would still leave hate comments. 😂 Unfortunately it's the world we live in. For every one of their comments there are literally 50+ more positive ones like yours, so I don't pay much attention to them really. I'm glad you enjoy my videos. People like you are the reason I decided to share all of this on RUclips. I've said this in other posts but I'd rather have 1,000 subscribers that are great people vs 1,000,000 that are not. You are one of the good ones. 😊. Thanks for watching!
Anxiously awaiting your newest video of this Christmas storm!!
Thanks! 😊. It’s actually still recording and we’re getting hit again as I type this. I’m not sure how great the Timelapse will be as the winds kept covering the window with snow, but I’ll try to edit all of that out. What you will be able to see is going to be wild! That was the craziest thing we’ve experienced in the 15+ years we’ve lived here. I’m actually anxious to see the footage myself. 😊 I did do a couple of live streams if you haven’t seen them: youtube.com/@DeckerChristopherJ I’ll begin editing right away and try to get the time lapse video up ASAP. Thanks for being a fan and taking your time to watch, I’ve subscribed to your channel!
Sweet
There's obviously people who use the internet to criticize what others are doing. However it is interesting to see what happens to the melted snow.
Unfortunately I've received a lot more hate comments than I ever thought I would. 😂. I just thought it was a fun neat project to share. Lots of people seem to be enjoying it though, so haters aside, I'll keep doing it! 😊. Thanks for watching!
@@DeckerChristopherJ It's very cool to see this, living in the Phoenix area I don't see much snow. Being from Colorado I miss it sometimes and this is a fun way to see a snowstorm.
Your heated driveway looks really cool 😅
Thanks for watching! 😊
We are enjoying your videos
I'm so glad to hear that, Gaurav! Thanks for taking the time to comment and let me know, and thanks for watching them! I have alot ore planned for the channel in the future, hopefully you'll enjoy it just as much 😊. Thanks for being here, I'm glad to have you as a subscriber!
I am hooked I live in the north towns of buffalo and this is awsome
Hi sheeny! I am also in the north towns! Glad you're enjoying the videos! I'm sure you've found my playlist by now but there are lots more here: ruclips.net/p/PLdWeMRuZcbQjekwiBk_uy39IS6JFWYORD Thanks for taking the time to comment and for watching!! Lots more to come!! 😊
As a displaced WNYer, I'm so glad to have stumbled across your videos, Chris! I love the time lapse and your FAQ video was great. I'll never need this system in Phoenix but if I ever move back I'll be sure to give your DIY install videos a watch!
Are you going to run the system during the blizzard this weekend? Would be interesting to see how it fares against such an intense storm.
Stay warm and safe this weekend, and Go Bills!
Thanks for your feedback and kind words Joe! As for the Blizzard, the camera is running and the driveway is on, although at the moment it is not winning. We'll see if it catches up, but it's pretty wild out at the moment. Thanks for the safe wishes and for taking the time to watch (from Phoenix) 😊. Go Bills!
8:36 maybe get a gdome that's meant for the water to get a split above and below surface OR make a plexiglass box to put the gopro in on the ground for the same effect. Might be a cool perspective to see the snow rise and fall at the ground pov.
There's an approximate 10 to 1 ratio for snow to actual water, so that's why there's no flooding issues.
That is so cool! Are you a engineer?
Hi Chris. I love these videos man! Just started playing around with a CAD program for my loops. Question: have you ever considered installing (or having installed) an epoxy coating on your driveway? Do you think something like that would decrease the melt-ability of a system?
Hey Michael! Thanks for the compliments! You know it's funny you mention that, I was wondering if that would work? I'm sure it would be really expensive. I don't think it would decrease the effectiveness of the melting, but it would make it look nicer and be easier to clean / wash off. I'll have to look into if anyone has done something like that before, and if epoxy coating can hold up to the exposed elements outdoors like a garage floor? If you find any good info, be sure to pass it along 😊. Thanks for being a subscriber and watching!
@@DeckerChristopherJ I’m doing a test run with some Torginol flake epoxy on a concrete bib surrounding my drainage grate in from of my garage. It is totally exposed to the elements, so I should have an idea on how epoxy endures these Boston winters in a few months. You’re are completely correct; having epoxy installed is pretty pricey. I used a company here called Garage Floor Coating of Boston (link below). If you look at their Google reviews, you can see what they did for the interior of my garage. I love it! It’s slip, abrasion, and chemical resistant. It cost about $3,200 just for the inside area. We chose to do that after we had a new slab poured about 5-years ago, so as to protect against either of our vehicles leaking oil (or whatever).
Hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year man!
garagefloorcoatingofboston.com/
40degree water when the dew point is 0 degrees, might as well be boiling...aka the water evaporates in short order...
Chris did you plan to have the most loops in high traffic areas. For example at the bottom of the stairs and what appears to be the normal walking route
Hi Nick! I did plan for the loops to be in these areas. If interested, you can see exactly how I laid out the loops in AutoCAD here: ruclips.net/video/Ju19Mgx68fQ/видео.html my thought was for most of the driveway, including the walkways and most important area in between the houses to be 6" on center. The area down by the road I don't care as much about so I widened it out to 9" there. It does suffer a bit out there, but that's ok. If you want to watch me install the loops and build this entire system, it's all in this playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLdWeMRuZcbQjekwiBk_uy39IS6JFWYORD Thanks for watching!
I am in construction and I know several wealthy business owners. They spent 10’s of thousands installing huge driveways with plumbing to heat the driveway. After the first utility bill it never got turned on again.
Haha, yea it can get expensive fast, especially if they were letting it idle. I only run mine when needed, and it costs me between $0.50 - $1.00 USD per hour to operate. I did a detailed video on the costs and how I calculate them here: ruclips.net/video/VotJEQigTkw/видео.html I also talk about my costs a little more in depth in my FAQ video here: ruclips.net/video/zvOQSQiaqTw/видео.html Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, and thanks for watching!
Do you have any thoughts about trade-offs between PEX and panels (like Therma-HEXXX, or something similar)? Ease of installation, longevity, performance, cost? Apologies if you've covered this in an earlier video, I haven't watched them all yet, though I did read the titles and didn't see a specific mention of deciding on one over the other.
One of my neighbours has a heated driveway, and I'm starting to come around to the idea for next time we need to have our driveway re-done, at least for enough of it that we can get in and out and deliveries can get to us.
Hi seabream! I'm not familiar with panels, but I just looked up Therma-hexxx as you mentioned and that's pretty neat! Unfortunately I don't have enough experience with them to make a judgement call on ease of install, longevity or cost. The way I installed mine was the recommended rise and true method for doing it around here so that's what I did, but I am always interested in learning about the newest mouse-trap! I'll have to read up on this a bit further. Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!
Suggestion on the second camera - how about a down angle shot from about 30 inches in height so we can see the accumulation up close.
Hi Stacy! Great idea! Let me see what I can do! Thank you!!
You really should put in an automated system. I had a similar-sized electric system but same heating needs. System kicks on when temp drops to 36 or less and moisture is detected in the air. You don't have to be watching the weather actively. It kicks on/off as needed. and there's no accumulation to melt down except during heavy snowfalls.
Hi dodgeplow! The fully automated Tekmar system is on the wish list, I just haven’t brought myself to spend the $1,000 on it yet. I did install the 091 socket in the slab and ran the appropriate conduit back to the utility room, so it should be an easy add when the time comes. I also don’t mind doing it manually, and manual also allows me a bit more control over things like clocking the gas meter, so I can figure out the exact cost to operate that I put at the end of every video. It’s also nice to watch it melt on the time lapse videos! 😊 Thanks for the suggestion and comment! If I do add it eventually, I will surely document it here. Thanks for watching!
I wish I had this for my driveway
I find it funny that people could watch evaporation happen and still wonder where the water is going. Evaporation still occurs in lower temperatures but the rate of speed is of course much lower.
You’re absolutely correct, and A LOT of people in the comments of my other videos ask where the water is going, and think I’m flooding the neighborhood 😂. It’s asked so much that I’ve made an entire video to show that it’s not an issue. Im debating on posting it because it’s somewhat snarky 😂😂
@Chris Decker sometimes saying less IS the right move. Your reputation is squeaky clean on YT. I think you should simmer and decide later. Being right can heal a lot of negative vibes.
EXACTLY what I was thinking Kelly, thanks for re-affirming it! I will most likely not post it. Thanks for the conversation, comments and kind words!
@Chris Decker my pleasure Chris. Think of me shoveling up here on the Prairies in Canada when you fire up the system next time! Haha
12 inches of snow is 1 inch of rain it all depends on how wet the>> snow is also. He could get a foot of powder and the rain equivalent would be less the dryer to snow. Also, this driveway is small the the amount of time it takes to melt it and then there is also evaporation going on its not possible to flood the neighbors and water in the street happens naturally. Once the blacktop is hit with sun that snow melts fast. Thse flooding questions must be from southern folks and haven't experienced snow
You're exactly right, Christopher! Maybe its just the looks of all that snow melting that leads folks to thinks its massively flooding, but the runoff is extremely minimal. Thanks for watching!
8" of snow is less then 1" of rain unless it was exceptionally heavy wet snow
it was very fluffy . i shoveled it this morning . so probably less than an inch. i got more than 8 inches. about 18 inches at my house. that's lake effect . it very directional and variable.
uhh you getting hammered in this band coming off the lake?
Yea, we’re getting crushed again right now 🙁
@@DeckerChristopherJ Hang in there. spring is almost here. Hope the system is keeping up.
i would bet much of the melted snow evaporates. that's how you get a dry driveway.
That has been my experience ron. Thanks for watching!
Next time,, lay out your tubing so it melts to say something cool. I enjoy every vid. Music is great
😂😂 But what would I spell? CDecker.com? 🤣 Also, I'm hoping there is no "next time" for a LONG TIME! haha. Thanks for the compliment and watching as always!
That’s so boujee …….. I want it
Lots more on how I did it here if interested: ruclips.net/p/PLdWeMRuZcbQjekwiBk_uy39IS6JFWYORD Thanks for watching!