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Heated Driveway News |
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.
Snow Removal doesn’t Have to be a Back BreakerIt’s that time of year again. The season’s have changed. Remember what’s it’s like to go out in the morning and be snowed in? If you don’t, Mother Nature will soon deliver a reminder. Shoveling snow doesn’t have to be a time consuming task; that’s old fashion these days. Install a radiant heated driveway and make the job an automated affair.
Driveway snow melting systems aren’t really that new. They have been around for years but it’s a little funny that people don’t often think of that when looking at a potential future residence. A heated driveway could make the difference between getting up the driveway and not. Strange how far we have come in just a few generations. Mom and dad had to walk to school in the snow and grandma and grandpa had to do it uphill both ways, and now we don’t even have to shovel snow anymore. Driveway snow melting systems are becoming the convenience to have. Go ahead, loan your snow shovel to your neighbors. It doesn't really matter if they ever return it. |
If you aren’t
familiar with heated driveways, grab a seat, it won’t
take long. Heated driveways are the new thing. Coming
in electric and hydronic (using water circulating
through tubing), driveways can be heated to melt snow
for you with a push of a button, or automatically. How much
more convenient could it get? Actually, pushing a
button is even a bit of a stretch. The system's snow
sensor will do that for you. Once it detects
precipitation and temperatures are below 38 degrees, the
heated driveway will switch itself on, eliminating any
snow accumulation from your driveway.
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Laying the paving – almost done! First things
first, take care not to step on the compacted bedding layer
by laying the first blocks parallel to the edge. An edge can
be set using a taut string line along the perimeter of
the paving area. Starting at the edge of the middle
and working across, pay attention to the pattern to
prevent drifting as you lay each block. Use a rubber mallet
to tap blocks into line and keep joints tight. |
To get started, the first blocks should be
positioned from the edge or from outside the pavement
area. Setting the first set of bricks is the most difficult
part of the paving process and will set the stage for
the placement of subsequent blocks. Depending on the
pavement pattern you choose, this will be done in a
number of different ways. Since we cannot possibly
accommodate every kind of pattern and paver type here,
let’s start as simply as possible: square
pattern. 
Shapes of driveways/patios/pathways are
not always square shaped with straight edges. Keep
your pattern on course and omit blocks on the edges that
will require cutting to accommodate varying shapes and
curves of the course. Once all the blocks have been
laid, the cuts for these blocks will be easily
determined and measured. If you are offsetting the blocks,
half blocks will need to be cut to fill the edges.
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Now let’s heat things up!
There are a lot of radiant products out there for building heated driveways, but not all products are created equal! Loose cable options (usually come on a spool) are about five cents per square foot less than a cable ‘mat’ which is the same product, but arrives pre-spaced and ready to roll out. I recommend using the Danfoss GX mats for a brick paver heated driveway because they roll out easily on top of the bedding layer of sand, and won’t require extra materials or steps to keep cables in place. A loose cable option is more appropriate for concrete driveways where remesh is used. The remesh provides a sturdy frame in which to attach and space rows of loose cable properly.
In addition to the heating cable, a heated driveway system requires an automatic sensor unit and a control box. The placement of the sensor is key to a properly functioning heated driveway system. Because of the importance of proper installation and the dangers of working with high voltage electrical currents, I recommend hiring a professional radiant installer for this portion of your DIY project. An experienced installer should be able to complete the sensor and control box installation in about 5 hours. |
The amount of heating cable you’ll
need for your project varies – spacing rows closer
will increase wattage consumption and decrease the operating
time to complete snow melting. If you are on a tight
budget, spacing the rows farther apart will decrease
the amount of product you’ll need to buy, but
increase the operating time to complete snow melting.
