Heated Driveway
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Radiant Snow Melting
Radiant Snow Melting Systems
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Heated Driveway News |
Prudent Thinking, Prudent Spending How many of us
plow out of the other side of winter saying to ourselves,
“I think I’ll move to Florida?” After
the back breaking, agonizing work of shoveling snow
and clearing driveways and countless sidewalks, the
Sunshine State with its charming flower, the Orange Blossom,
seems like a blissful way to survive next
year’s snowy months. Sadly, most of us don’t
have the luxury of picking up our lives and shifting to
greener, sunnier pastures where orange blossoms, well,
blossom. Winter is almost behind us this year and the
memory of that hard work is still fresh in our minds.
Right now is the most prudent time to start thinking about
installing a heated driveway snow melting
system. As the final
signs of winter move behind us for another year, many
products go on sale in the hope of clearing shelves for
brighter, cheerier summer products. Snow shovels and
sleds are the clearance “item of the
week” for many hardware stores as they hope to make
room for plastic swimming pools and sand toys. The
same can be said for radiant heated driveways.
Installing a heated driveway during the off season can
always save you money. It’s like rushing out to buy
Christmas lights for your house, the day AFTER
Christmas. There is always a good deal to be found. What type of
driveway heating is right for you? The answer is, “it
depends.” The bottom line is that installing radiant
heated driveways is easier than ever and very
affordable, making it a prudent way to spend in this
tight economy. Heated driveways can be installed in new
construction or under existing driveways and
sidewalks, so maybe you won’t have to move to
Florida after all. Consider the following:
There are two types of radiant heat for your
driveway, electronic and hydronic. Both systems
require heating elements be installed beneath the
surface of your driveway. Electric driveway heating
systems utilize durable long-line heating cables while
hydronic systems generate heated water which is pumped
through plastic tubing. Electric driveway heating
systems are generally cheaper and easier to install
than hydronic systems. Electric heating is ideal for
home use, while hydronic is better suited for larger heating
projects in excess of 4000 square feet.
Heated driveway systems are highly customizable and
can be installed in any phase and configuration of home
construction. It doesn’t matter if you plan on
concrete, asphalt, or brick, a heated driveway system
uses radiant heat to warm the surface you choose. As a
plus, if you live in an existing dwelling where the
driveways and sidewalks are already in place, radiant heated
driveways can easily be installed. Using concrete
saw-cut technology, appropriately measured grooves are
cut into the concrete (or asphalt). Once the grooves
have been cut, radiant heating cable is laid into the
grooves, sealed using an epoxy topcoat and driveway
heating becomes a reality. Weather is rarely a factor
for installation, so there are few limitations on the
timing of placing a driveway snow melting system. A side
note to be aware of is that it is recommended that all
electrical connections to the master control box be
handled by a qualified electrician.
The cost to install a heated driveway is minimal
compared to the long term benefits. Electric snow
melting systems have three basic components: the
heating element, the controller, and the snow sensor.
Thanks to DMC-100 master control unit, which was recently
developed for use by Warmzone, the snowmelt system features
fully automated operation and manual override
capability, as well as energy-efficient driveway
heating. An outdoor snow sensor is connected to the
master control unit and is programmed to automatically
activate the radiant driveway heating cable when the
sensor plate detects precipitation and temperatures
are below 38 degrees Fahrenheit. With this smart
technology you never have to worry about running the system
needlessly, thereby eliminating energy waste and saving you
from high operational costs. A home that boasts the convenience of a heated driveway system has added property value. While the initial monetary outlay exists to install a snow melting system, installing radiant driveway heat ends up being a smart investment in the long run as you reap the property value benefits and the added convenience of never buying and replacing snow shovels, blowers, ice melt, ice picks, salt and other harsh chemicals. (Continued. See Part II ) |
Clearing Your Driveway in Your SleepRemember 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 FutureWhen 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.
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. |
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.
Keeping Your Driveway Clear of Snow and Ice I just ventured
in from the frozen outdoors. The roads are packed with
ice and the trees are laden with frost. My driveway has a
rather steep incline, but good traction usually does
the trick and allows me to pull up to my home.
However, However, ascending my driveway's slope during
winter time can often be an adventure. Truth is, my driveway
is an ideal candidate for an electric heated driveway
snow melting system. Driveway snowmelt systems are the ticket during winter in any areas that regularly see the icy stuff. Every time you drive over snow you pack it further into dense, slippery ice. How nice would it be to not have that concern? With a radiant heated driveway snowmelt system there is one less thing to have to worry about when you are getting ready to head out in the morning (or pull up to your house in the evening). When morning hits, you get up and look out to discover that it snowed again. Then you look at the driveway and it is as clean as if it were July. You get in your car and drive off. Driveway snow melting has provided us with an easy life. It really wasn’t that long ago when you would have had to break out the snow shovel to clear the way. A heated driveway system is a big asset in many areas and it isn’t that difficult to install. It will pay for itself in time savings over and over, as well as increase the value of your home. It can even be installed over existing asphalt driveways. Danfoss GX heat cable comes pre-spaced in mats that can be conveniently rolled out over the surface of the driveway. Hot asphalt can be applied directly over the top and vwalah, your icy worries are a thing of the past. Take a look into the many forms of electric radiant heat. You will find systems for virtually every application, both interior and exterior, that can make your life much easier and more comfortable. |
In an Economic Downturn Purchases Have to Count Economic
downturns such as the one we find ourselves elbow deep in,
dictate wiser, well-researched and more cost-effective
purchases. The weak dollar and tighter credit
allowances no longer allow the penny-pinching consumer
the luxury of frivolous spending sprees. Each purchase
needs to count and provide an investment for the future. An inexpensive
investment and smart way to add value to your home is by
installing a heated driveway. Once installed,
an automated snow melting system offers low operation costs
in the long run, helping you lower your bottom line on
home expenses. A heated driveway with an area of 300
square feet operates for under 50-cents per continuous
hour of operation. The snow melting system generally only
takes a few hours to clear your driveway when a storm hits,
and automatically shuts off when it is no longer needed. Driveway heating is an investment that has proven results. Not only does it allow you some free time with your family, it is a proven way to protect the life of your driveway by protecting it from harsh chemicals and salt used in traditional snow removal. One of the best features is the rugged, technologically advanced snow sensor, which triggers the radiant heating system only when needed, making driveway heating a fully automated process, so you can stay inside where it’s warm and count the dollars you are saving as you watch the snow fall. Or instead of shoveling for hours after a Nor’ Easter or powerful lake effect storm you can spend time relaxing inside with your family. The peace of mind that comes with making a smart purchase is invaluable right now. We are all looking for ways to ride out this stormy economic climate, still enjoy some creature comforts, and invest in wise products, such as a heated driveway, that will enable our future to look bright. |
Spoil Yourself with a Heated Driveway Now would be the
best time of year to show off for your neighbors. While
they are fighting that hard packed snow and ice, you are
driving in and out of your “snow-free
driveway” with ease because you installed a heated
driveway system. Driveway snow melting
isn’t all that new, but these driveway heating
systems have never been so easy or convenient to
install. A heated driveway efficiently utilizes
radiant heat, the same type of systems that can be installed
to heat floors.
Driveway heating is an extension of electric radiant heating, which is becoming more and more common in homes as people learn about the advantages. The more you have experienced these systems, the more likely you are to have it in your next home.
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A radiant heated driveway is
usually best achieved by installing the
industry-leading Danfoss GX cable and embedding a small
amount of asphalt or concrete over the top. An
automated sensor maintains a clear driveway by turning
on only when it senses temperatures and precipitation
conditions when snow could be present. It will be hard to
not chuckle a little when you pull in your clean
driveway and your neighbors are out shoveling snow.
Try not to let them that smirk on your face. In harsh
winter-weather climates, these radiant snowmelt systems have
evolved from luxury to near-necessity. Radiant snow
melting technology is a modern convenience that is
very handy this time of year.
Late For Work; Don’t Worry About Shoveling Your Driveway
Driveway heating has come a long way. It’s no longer something seen in the affluent neighborhoods or touted by Tom and Katie as they yammer on about their ski chalet in Colorado. Heated driveways are now something your sister’s best friend just installed, your son’s basketball coach, your co-workers, next door neighbor or even your kid brother who you were sure was never going to own a home let alone increase its value with something as smart as a snow melting system. Get out of hot water with your boss. Pull out of your driveway on-time and relaxed as you calmly wave at your less fortunate neighbors sweating and shoveling out from last night’s doozie of a snow storm. Install a snow melting system right now and start enjoying the benefits of a stress-free heated driveway. |
There will never be an easy way to explain to
the “boss” why you are late once again.
Spilled oatmeal on the carpet, miss-matched socks,
alarm clock malfunctioned, iron went caput, car
wouldn’t start, shoveled a foot of snow off your
driveway. All these countless excuses may still need
to be repeated, save one. You can eliminate snow
shoveling from your “shucks, sorry I’m late
again BECAUSE” routine. Installing a heated
driveway is now easier than ever. It’s also a
cost-effective, proven home re-sell enhancing feature.
Equipping a home with a technologically sound and
savvy snow melting system has become a popular and
affordable way to beat the snow. Look around at your
neighbors’ homes. Chances are if they are lucky
enough to have a heated driveway, they are never late
for work, indoor soccer practice, or the ballet
because of snow shoveling. Their driveways remain clear and
clean of sticking snow all winter.
Save Yourself Time Through Automated Snow RemovalOne of the more unpleasant things about living in colder climates is going out in the morning and finding your car iced over. It doesn’t need to be that way. Snow melt systems are available utilizing electric radiant heat. Everyone on the street will envy the guy with the heated driveway.
The heat from an electric radiant heated driveway up will also help to keep your vehicle from getting that difficult to remove crunchy ice build up. Not only will you not have to shovel snow and ice but you save time and reduce the chance of damaging your driveway or car by chiseling that ice off. There probably isn’t much excuse these days when building a new home in snowy areas to not install a heated driveway. It's easy and affordable to install, not to mention it will increase the value of your property. Believe me, installing a radiant heated driveway is a decision you won't regret. What a convenience to walk out and jump in your car and take off. Be careful though, the street won’t have one. |
Snow melting systems have sensors that detect
when it is needed. Once they switch on it doesn’t
take long for the snow to disappear. Sure, a garage is
nice but it's even nicer with a radiant heated
driveway. Heated driveways utilize durable electric cable
embedded in the concrete. Danfoss GX cable is the
recommended heat cable, and one of the longest
lasting, most reliable heat cable available. In addition
to its affordability, it carries an industry-leading
manufacturer warranty. Snow and ice melting has never
been easier.
