Heated Driveway News

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!

Electric snowmelt and hydronic snow melting systems both keep your driveway free of snow and ice, but which one is better? The debate over hydronic versus electric systems is ongoing and may not reveal immediate and apparent differences right away – so here is a breakdown of each type of system, to help you make a well informed purchase.

Hydronic heat is the oldest radiant heating technology, and has proven the test of time. While both electric and hydronic heat systems offer great advantages, the ease of use and flexibility of electric radiant heat makes it suitable for a larger number of applications. Ultimately, the system you choose will be based on your project parameters, size, budget, and location.

We are clearly into the time of year where the snow is upon us. When I was out shoveling snow off the driveway a few days ago I thought, wow, I don’t really need to be doing this. Oh sure it was great exercise, but I prefer a good runaround on a racquetball court as opposed to shoveling snow from the driveway. Why not turn your existing driveway into a heated driveway with the installation of a radiant snow melting system?

Retrofitting your driveway with radiant heat is not a major remodel project that you need to avoid. It really isn’t that difficult. Your existing asphalt driveway surface can be “grooved” and a grid of radiant heat cable can be laid out. (As a contractor, I can attest to the fact that Danfoss GX cable is by far superior to other heat cables.)

The cable can be embedded into the surface and as little as a half inch of asphalt covers the surface. You then have a radiant snow melting system. Get up in the morning and drive out to work. The bad news is that one excuse for being late has just been removed.

Radiant heated driveways are a nice way to simplify your life. Automated sensors switch on when the temperature and conditions indicate snow, turning your driveway into an energy-efficient radiant snow melting system. And you thought it was just a driveway.