Ground thawing mat / heating mat

Common applications and technical efficiency

The most common areas of application for the electric heating mat include ground thawing, heating concrete to prevent it from freezing, and heating sand, water and sewage pipes, or hay bales. It is also an excellent solution for temporarily melting ice and snow on roofs during critical situations, as well as thawing and heating areas around electrical and telecommunication cables, machinery, and masonry work.

Depending on the density of the frozen ground, the severity of the frost, and other environmental factors, the ground thawing mat can thaw up to 30 cm – 60 cm of soil within 24 hours. The heating mat features a foil-covered inner surface, which significantly improves its heating efficiency. To further minimize heat loss from external influences like wind, we highly recommend covering the heating mat(s) with an additional layer of heavy-duty tarpaulin.

Alternative methods for ground thawing

An alternative solution for thawing soil is to use an outdoor heating cable, a floor heating cable, or an outdoor heating mat. The heating cable is installed either with fixing tape or by attaching it to a thin reinforcement mesh, aiming for a power output of 250–350W per square meter. This output is sufficient for thawing the ground at temperatures down to -10°C. For faster results or in even colder conditions, a maximum power of up to 400W per square meter can be considered. Exceeding this limit is not reasonable, as the installation spacing of the heating cable would become too dense. The cable installation should then be carefully covered with construction foil, insulation material, and a tarpaulin to trap the heat.