Why Does Snow Melt Faster on the Corners of Tile?

Frederick M Hueston  StoneForensics.com

If you’ve ever looked closely at snow or frost on an outdoor tile surface, you might have noticed something interesting—the snow melts faster at the corners than in the middle of the tile. Ever wonder why? Well, there’s actually some cool (pun intended) science behind it.

Let’s break it down. The main reason snow melts faster on the corners of tile is due to thermal bridging. That’s a fancy way of saying that corners tend to act like little heat highways, conducting warmth from surrounding materials, like walls or grout lines, more efficiently than the center of the tile. So, even if the air is cold, the corners may still be pulling warmth from the building or the ground beneath the tile, causing the snow to melt faster.

Another factor is airflow. Corners are more exposed to moving air, which can carry heat and speed up the melting process. Picture a windy day—corners tend to feel that breeze more than flat, uninterrupted surfaces.

There’s also the possibility of material differences. If the substrate (the layer underneath the tile) isn’t consistent or if the grout joints are absorbing heat differently, the tile’s thermal performance can vary, with corners often being slightly warmer. Even the thickness of the tile itself can play a role.

So, if you’re scratching your head the next time you see snow vanishing first from the corners of your patio tile, you’re not imagining things—it’s basic physics at work! And hey, it’s a good reminder that the materials we use and their placement can have subtle but fascinating effects.

What about you? Ever notice something similar with stone or tile? Share your experiences—I’d love to hear them!