Heated Driveways and Snow Melting Systems

Electric snowmelt systems feature maintenance-free, automated operation and unequaled performance. A heated driveway system consists of three major components: the heating element (cable), an activation device (snow sensor), and the contactor panel or programmable master control unit. The cables are embedded in new concrete/asphalt or beneath brick pavers and connected to the snow sensor and contactor panel. The automated snow sensor activates the system when it senses precipitation and temperature that is below the set point (usually 38 or 39 degrees Fahrenheit), and deactivates when snow melting is completed. For snow drifts and ice forming due to wind and shade, the heated driveway systems can be activated by using the controller's manual override function.

ClearZone snow melting systems require no regular maintenance and come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. As an industry leading heat cable, ClearZone is manufactured to withstand the stress of concrete installations. A special ClearZone cable designed for extreme temperatures of hot asphalt applications is also available. ClearZone heat cable is designed to perform for a lifetime.

Heated driveways and sidewalks are surprisingly simple to install. The heated driveway cables can be installed by any ambitious do-it-yourself handyman with a little pre-planning and assistance from our knowledgeable staff. (We also offer free installation training.) The electrical work, such as installing the automatic snow sensor and master control unit, should be installed by a certified electrician to ensure that the manufacturer warranties remain valid.

Unlike traditional forms of snow removal, radiant snow melting systems are environmentally friendly. Using salt and chemicals to melt snow can damage nearby plants and contaminate streams and water supplies with calcium chloride. These harsh chemicals also damage the concrete, gradually reducing its durability and life span.

All of our snow melting systems are UL safety approved for residential and commercial use, which means that the snowmelt systems have met the industry's highest standards of safety to ensure that there is no risk of damage or fire to your home.

The snowmelt systems are designed to be failsafe. In the event that a heating cable becomes cut or damaged, the system’s GFEP (Ground Fault Equipment Protection) will automatically deactivate power, thereby eliminating any hazardous effects until proper repairs can be made.

The cost of operating a heated driveway is dependent upon the spacing in which the heating cables were installed. Closer rows (less than 4 inches apart) will consume higher wattage than rows with greater spacing. However, the greater the intervals in which the rows are spaced, the longer your system will take to heat the concrete and melt the snow.

Follow this Guideline to Determine the Operating Cost of a Heated Driveway:
1. Determine the total square footage of the area that will be heated. (The average American home has an 800-square foot driveway.)
2. Multiply the square footage by the heat required (37 watts per sq. ft. for residential). This will give you a total for the watts per square footage required.
3. Divide this number by 1,000 to convert to kilowatts.
4. Look up the kilowatts-per-hour rate from the local power utility company.
5. Multiply the total watts-per-square footage by the watts-per-hour. This gives you the cost-per-hour of usage for the snow melting system.
6. EXAMPLE (for an 800-square foot driveway): 800 (sq.ft.) x 37 (watts) = 29,600 (total watts). 29,600 divided by 1,000 = 29.6 kw per hour (This is what the power company will charge you per one hour of operation.) The average utility rate is .12 cents, therefore: 29.6 x .12 = $3.55. The cost of operation would be $3.55 per hour.