Santoni's SKID®: the innovative heating sleeve to combat ice and snow

During the winter, managing surfaces subject to ice and snow is a constant challenge for individuals, businesses, and public facilities. Access ramps, parking lots, external stairways, roofs, and coverings can become critical areas, resulting in safety risks and structural damage. To address these needs, Santoni has developed SKID® , a next-generation heating membrane that combines advanced technology, ease of installation, and maximum energy efficiency.

Amorphous metal technology for fast and efficient dissolution

The heart of SKID® is an amorphous metal ribbon encased in a thin, flexible polymer sheath. This innovative material quickly reaches temperatures suitable for melting ice and snow, reducing activation times compared to traditional resistive cables or hydronic systems.

Thanks to a specific power that can vary between 250 and 500 W/m², the membrane guarantees high performance with optimized energy consumption, especially when combined with an automatic control system based on environmental sensors. The system activates only when external conditions require it, avoiding energy waste and keeping the surface constantly safe.

Versatile and quick installation on all types of surfaces

One of SKID®'s main strengths is its versatility. The membrane can be installed on concrete, asphalt, tiles, turf, or synthetic surfaces without the need for screeds or invasive work. The thin, flexible structure of the tape allows it to easily adapt to slopes or uneven surfaces, reducing installation time and costs.

The surface protection and construction quality ensure long-lasting durability, with no need for routine maintenance. Furthermore, in areas subject to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, SKID® ensures durability and reliability, protecting the infrastructure and preventing frost-related damage.

World-class application: SKID® at Luzhniki Stadium for the 2018 World Final

A concrete example demonstrating the reliability and performance of SKID® is its use in the Grand Sports Arena Luzhniki Olympic Complex stadium in Moscow, for the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. The Olympic authorities chose SKID® as the amorphous metal tape system to protect the playing field from ice.

In this case, the particularly harsh weather conditions made it critical to ensure a frost-free playing surface, not only for playability but also for safety and the quality of sports performance. The installation of SKID® allowed:

• controlled and uniform heating of the pitch , preventing the formation of ice before the match;
• a rapid response to temperature drops , thanks to the amorphous metal material that accelerates the reaching of the ice melting point;
• operational reliability even in highly visible event situations , demonstrating the robustness of the system.

This case demonstrates not only the technical capability of the product but also its suitability for high-end applications, where margins for error or inefficiency are minimal.

Safety, efficiency and reduction of management costs

Compared to traditional solutions, the use of the SKID® heating sheath offers numerous advantages:

• Rapid response : the tape heats the surface evenly, preventing ice formation from the first rainfall.
• Energy efficiency : the system works only when needed, reducing unnecessary consumption.
• Adaptability : it can be applied to residential, industrial, sports and agricultural contexts.
• Safety : Reduces the risk of accidents on slippery surfaces and protects structures from frost damage.
• Low running costs : the long life of the material and the absence of periodic maintenance increase its cost-effectiveness in the medium to long term.
• From ramps to sports fields : applications in every context

Thanks to its flexibility , SKID® can be used in a variety of settings: garage ramps, external stairways, public and private parking lots, roofs and gutters, hospital or school yards, as well as sports fields and greenhouses. In every context, the system ensures snow- and ice-free surfaces, improving the safety and functionality of the spaces.

Santoni brings innovation to ice prevention

With SKID®, Santoni offers a technology that goes beyond conventional solutions: a reliable, efficient and versatile system , designed to meet the needs of those seeking a concrete and long-lasting alternative to seasonal treatments or complex systems.

The heating sheath thus represents an ideal choice for those who wish to combine technological innovation, energy sustainability, and safety in the management of outdoor spaces during the colder months.