Radiant Driveway Heating Vs Salt De-Icing

Every year Canadian are using over 8 million tons of road salt on walkways, driveways, parking lots, roads and highways. There are some pros and cons of using rock salt and you should weigh your options before you settle on just one or the other.

Advantages Of Salt

One of the biggest advantages to using rock salt on your driveway is pretty obvious and that is to remove any accumulation of snow and ice.

It is important that you remove all ice and snow from your driveway, especially if you live on a steep hill or slope. If you do not deice these areas, you may slip and slide around in your vehicle and this can quickly turn into a dangerous car accident.

You will usually need to apply the salt both before and after a snow storm to ensure it is effective at removing the snow from your driveway and walkway.

Disadvantages Of Salt

The biggest disadvantage is that you may damage your driveway because the salt is harsh on it. Damage done to your driveway may result in the asphalt or concrete eroding and you may need to repave it.

Next, rock salt can get into the main water streams and affect the water supply around you and even contaminate areas where fish and wildlife drink from. A comprehensive five-year scientific assessment by Environment Canada determined that in sufficient concentrations, road salts pose a risk to plants, animals and the aquatic environment. And while using salt on main roads and highways is a necessity to ensure safe road conditions for drivers you can always to opt for a more eco-friendly de-icing method for your own driveway and porch steps.

Driveway Heating Is The Solution

When it boils down to it, driveway heating is the solution to salt and will eliminate the risks that the salt poses. The biggest downside to driveway heating is the upfront cost to have it installed, but, it will pay for itself over time.

Driveway heating can either be electric or hydronic, which means one works through electric cables and the other works with heated water that runs through the tubing. Both options will heat your driveway and melt snow and ice that builds up here.

Since your driveway heating system uses wither cables or tubing, you do not have to worry about any contaminants or salt on your driveway. In fact, you can eliminate these from your property because you will not need them again.

Lastly, a heated driveway will ensure that you and your family can walk freely to and from your vehicle and house without the worry of slipping on ice.

Heavenly Heat Inc. Is Here For You

If you are interested in your options and would like to learn more about how driveway heating can improve your home and boost the value of it, contact us today.

We are ready to provide you with valuable information about driveway heating to ensure that you make the right decision to meet your needs and the needs of your home throughout the winter.