Heated Driveway News

Clearing Your Driveway in Your Sleep

Remember when you used to have to get a shovel and go outside and shovel snow and ice? Remember when you used to have to run taxi service for your neighbor when he was stuck in the driveway? Why not say “goodbye” to those days and start enjoying the benefits of an automated driveway snow melting system?

Electric heated driveways have been around for a while now. What you may not have known is how easy they are to install and maintain. These snow melting systems are about as convenient as one could ever hope. A snow sensor monitors weather conditions and activates the system only when needed. How much easier could it be to watch the snow instantly melt as hits lands on the driveway? (Was it Sylvester the cat who used to say “simultaneously even?” I’m getting fuzzy on my cartoon characters nowadays. Saturdays just haven’t been the same for many years now. I digress.)

Heated driveway systems consist of heat cable installed underneath the finish surface. The automated sensor signals the snowmelt system's control unit, which then activates the system. The heat cable generates heat that radiates throughout the driveway surface (concrete, asphalt, tile or brick pavers, etc.), so the driveway is warm when the first snowflake hits; thus, melting the snow even while you sleep. It doesn't get much better than this! I like the idea of my driveway being cleared while I sleep – or perhaps I just like the idea of me being asleep. Regardless, driveway snow melting systems is an idea whose time has definitely come.

Radiant Snow Melting Systems Keep Snow at Bay

Radiant snow melting systems are a muscle-saving way to put the NO in snow. It happens every time the snow flies at many homes across the country; a small curse is heard pointed in the direction of the gloomy skies each time a snow flake lands its mark on an unheated driveway. Homeowners watch in dismay as the skies open up and dump white, harmless looking bits of snow crystals on their sidewalks and driveways. Shovels and snow blowers are taxed and so are backs, necks, and arms. Sure, it can be beautiful, but many people just want a way to say “no thanks” to snowy days and back-breaking efforts to clear their property.

Heated driveways are in vogue now and with great reason. Installing a driveway snow melting system saves time and money for every homeowner smart enough to add it to their property. Home values increase, winter blues decrease, and screaming body parts silence in homes that offer the perk of an automated radiant snow melting system.

Smart and savvy builders and home buyers are including snow melting systems in many large scale new construction projects as well as single dwellings. A heated driveway can be installed after construction as well, so the ease and affordable comfort is not merely limited to new construction.

If you live in an unforgiving climate where Mother Nature rules with white, then perhaps a snow melting system might help make the winters a bit more bearable and allow you to finally put the NO in snow!

Radiant Heated Driveways - The Driveway of the Future

When shopping for a home, how many of us have thought of looking for a house with a radiant heated driveway installed? Okay, it might not be the first thing you think of when organizing your criteria for a new home, but maybe it should make the list somewhere. Heated driveways are a convenience that won’t go unnoticed for sure. Imagine getting up in the morning and seeing all the new fallen snow and then seeing your driveway totally clear of snow and ice.

Radiant driveway snow melting systems generally use a form of electric radiant heat. They utilize an electric heat cable that is laid in the asphalt or concrete, under the finish surface. Sensors installed near the surface detect when the snowmelt system is needed and current is applied to the heat cable to warm the driveway and melt the snow. How much easier could it get than that? It’s a modern convenience that is a sign of the times. And because these systems run on electricity, they are environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for corrosive salt and harmful snowmelt chemicals, which can damage nearby plants and grass.

Heated driveways will only get more popular as more people become aware of their affordability and reliable performance. No more concerns about whether snow and ice will prevent you from getting up your driveway when you get home. Just don’t forget you loaned your snow blower to your neighbor. He’s probably not going to remind you, especially after he notices your snow-free, heated driveway.