Heated Driveways: Everything You Need To Know
Winter is a huge concern for many homeowners especially due to snow removal. If the driveways are not well installed and protected, you will spend a lot on snow removal when the temperatures begin to go down. Snow melting systems were developed to make it easier for homeowners and businesses to get through winter. With heated driveways you will never have to shovel the driveway again.
BENEFITS OF HEATED DRIVEWAYS
Improved safety
When the system is turned on, the snow will melt off and not refreeze on the surface. This reduces the risks of slipping, getting frostbitten, falling and even hypothermia.
Preserve the quality of your pavements and save money
Raking the pavements often increases the rate of wear and tear. Heating your driveways will save you the cost of repairs and replacements. It also saves you the money you could have spent on paying for shoveling services or buying expensive snow removal equipment.
Hustle free operation
Shoveling is time consuming and tiresome. With a heated driveway, you will be able to do this with minimal hustle. You just need to turn off the switch and in some cases the system is automatic thus leaving you with zero tasks.
Preserve the environment
Deicers can get into local waterways and increase the population of algae. They also destroy vegetation along the driveway. Your pets may be negatively affected if they walk on salt water slush. With a heated driveway, you can do away with deicers and salt and thus eliminate these risks.
Increase the value of your home
Heated driveways are gaining wide popularity among property owners today and if you have them installed, you will definitely get a good offer when selling your home.
TYPES OF HEATED DRIVEWAYS
Hydronic systems
Hydronic systems use PVC tubing to circulate heated water and antifreeze liquid, heating the pavement above. When the winter season begins, you will have to leave the system on even when there is no snow. This is to ensure that the tubes do not freeze or crack.
Hydronic systems are expensive to install because they require a special boiler and concrete work. However, the cost of running them is lower compared to electric coil system.
Electric coil heated driveways
These are metal coils installed in the pavement and then plugged into an electric outlet. Once installed you can automate the operation based on the temperature levels or time of the day or night.
Installation
The best time to set up a heating system is during the installation of a new or replacement of the existing driveway. If the driveway is already in place, a simple electric coil can be retrofitted in. This will work best in areas where you intend to heat only a small portion of the pavement.
If tearing down your driveway is not an option then you can consider the use of driveway grade snow melting mats. This is where heating elements are placed between two slip resistant rubber mats which are then plugged into an outlet. They function like the electric coil driveway.
For best results, ensure that installation is done at least 30 days before winter. This will leave enough time for the pavement to set.
