If you live in snowy climates, you can testify how hard it can be to deal with snow. Walking and driving can be extremely difficult in snowy weather, but there’s no need to suffer if you can melt the ice away. With the use of heated driveways and walkways, you can overcome these struggles and enjoy safe, ice-free driveways and pavements.
Types Of Driveway Heating
There are three types of driveway heating:
In hydronic heated driveways, a system of plastic tubes is placed beneath the driveway, then water and an anti-freeze are pumped from a boiler to melt snow and ice above.
Electrical radiant heating involves installing electrically-heated cables beneath the driveway.
Electric snow-melt mats work like electric heating, except that they are placed on top of the driveway.
Benefits Of Installing Driveway Heating
There are plenty of reasons why driveway and walkway heating makes sense. Let’s review some great reasons for installing driveway heating systems:
They promote safety
We both know the accidents that may occur when pavements are filled with snow and ice. Heating systems can prevent personal injuries because they create clear driveways and walkways, hence clear routes.
They’re fully automated
Some heated driveway systems are fully automated. These systems use advanced snow sensors which detect temperature and precipitation. If precipitation is detected and the temperature falls below the setpoint, signals are sent to the controller to heat the cables which will heat the driveways.
Fully automated heating systems are great for people who work under tight schedules. Ask for driveway heating professionals for a fast and easy to install heating system.
No de-icing required
Deicers like calcium chloride, sodium chloride or any other deicer are not required in heated driveways. The heated driveways will automatically melt the snow and ice away. Besides, it’s better to avoid using salts as deicers because they can cause damage to the surface and pollute water sources.
No need to shovel
You can save yourself the struggle of shoveling snow and ice of your property with heated driveways. By avoiding shoveling, you are also safe from risks that may occur like slips and falls, frost bites, and other illnesses arising from the cold. You can also protect your pavement from shovel scratches.
In the USA, it’s estimated that 100 people die annually while shoveling snow. This is quite a huge number, but heated driveways can help reduce the numbers.
They help retain driveway quality
Frequent de-icing and shoveling can deteriorate the quality of your driveway. You don’t have to worry about driveway quality when using radiant heating systems. Since there are no emissions or physical contact, your driveway quality will not be affected.
Operation costs are low
Radiant heating systems will only run for a few minutes or hours until the snow is melted off the driveway. Utility bills vary in different regions, but generally, a 300 square-foot area can be melted for around $1.5 per hour. Considering they operate in minimal time, it’s not a bad rate.
The save time and energy
Radiant heating will save you the time and energy you use to shovel off the snow and ice from your driveway. You can imagine how much time can be wasted everyday shoveling off the snow. Shoveling snow also consumes a lot of energy, and it forces many people to start their days already feeling tired.
They require minimal maintenance
After a successful installation of the heating system, that’s it. With no moving parts, there’s no need for regular check-ups and maintenance. You just need to enjoy the benefits.
They’re energy-efficient
From the fully automated heating systems, it’s evident that they are energy efficient. Some heating systems run on renewable energy and work only when they are required hence. This helps in saving energy that could’ve been used if they were on all the time.
They’re environmentally friendly
Radiant heating is in no way harmful to the environment. Snow melting chemicals and salts can be harmful to the vegetation along the driveways. With radiant heating, you don’t have to worry about causing harm to the environment since there are no emissions.
Some heating systems run on renewable energy. This alone explains why they’re great for the environment.
They’re a wise investment
A heated driveway is a great investment for increasing the value of your home. Heated driveways are also a wise investment since they save you from the struggle of having to use substitute snow melting methods which are not as effective.
Conclusion
A heated driveway is with undoubtedly the best method you can use to get rid of snow and ice from your driveway. Check the cost of heated driveway systems and let it be on top of list for your next renovation.
