In cold-climate areas, driveways often feature radiant heated driveway systems under their surface to melt snow and ice, eliminating the need for prompt shovelling or snow-blowing.
While places like restaurant pathways and shopping centre parking spaces have utilized these systems for over a quarter-century, homeowners started adopting this trend approximately 15 years ago.
It’s a particularly advantageous solution for those who cannot manually clear snow due to time constraints or physical limitations such as the elderly, disabled or infirm.
Different Kinds of Heated Driveways
Heated driveways are typically delivered through one of two types of radiant heating systems: electric or hydronic (water-based).
Electric Heated Driveways
Electric setups use heating cables and mats, which are interwoven cables placed beneath the driveway.
These elements are designed to resist corrosion, keeping the driveway clear of snow and ice.
Hydronic Heated Driveways
Hydronic setups incorporate resilient PEX tubing beneath the driveway.
This tubing channels a non-freezing liquid solution (like antifreeze) via a boiler, often housed in the garage or other outbuilding, ensuring a steady warm temperature.
Pros and Cons of a Heated Driveway
If certain areas of your driveway aren’t melting snow and ice as effectively as others, it could indicate system wear or damage.
Upgrading could ensure uniform heating across the driveway.
Pros:
No More Manual Shoveling: Say goodbye to back pain, numb fingers, and toes.
Economical: Save on professional snow removal services that can range from $25 to $75 per hour.
Environmentally Friendly: Avoid harmful ice-melt chemicals and rock salt which can degrade driveway surfaces and damage surrounding plants.
Durability: Heated driveways can extend the life of your driveway by preventing freeze-thaw cycles that can damage surfaces.
Safety and Peace of Mind: Minimized risk of slips and falls for family and visitors.
Cons:
Doesn’t Cover Everything: The heating doesn’t extend to steps or walkways unless separately installed.
Installation Considerations: : Often requires complete driveway replacement.
Utility Costs: Expect an increase in electricity or gas bills.
Potential Repair Costs:: Malfunctions might require significant parts of the driveway to be torn out for repairs. Particularly with Hydronic systems.
Pricey Setup: Initial setup costs can be quite high, especially if the existing driveway requires replacement.
