Heated Driveway News

Radiant Heat Offers the Latest in Technology

None of us like to be in the first line of suckers when a new operating system comes online or when the latest gadget is invented. Luckily if you are just coming onto the stylish heated driveway scene, you are in luck. The technology has been tested and proven time and again with many happy snow-free customers.

Installing a heated driveway system right now is not only a smart move for your property it is also fully automated and hands-free. You can sit inside with a warm cup in hand and watch with contentment as the snow falls outside, knowing you’ll never have to pick up a heavy shovel-full of snow. You can reserve your snow clothes for fun outdoor recreation like skiing instead of clearing snow from your driveway.

With the help of a snow melting system control unit you can install a heated driveway and never worry about it. A wall-mounted control unit uses smart technology to detect precipitation and outside temperatures, thereby turning your system on and off when, and only when, it is needed. The heated driveway system controller is easy-to-use and consists of a timer and digital operator interface with manual override capability. Now is the time to investigate a snowmelt system and how you can put technology to work for you.

Summer is the Best Time to Consider a Snowmelt System

Summer barbecues are in full swing, we all just celebrated the 4^th of July with as many outdoor activities as we could squeeze in, snow a distant memory from last winter’s brutal kiss. Now it is swimming pools, lemonade, popsicles and late summer nights on the porch enjoying the sunset. Believe it or not summer is one of the best times to think about installing a radiant snowmelt system. Many manufacturers see a slow down in business and offer more purchase incentives and discounts than in the thick of the winter. Snow may feel like a something we don’t have to worry about while we run around in flip-flops, but it can actually save you some time and money to consider putting a heated driveway system in the warmer months.

Heated driveways are a huge convenience when winter does rear its ugly again down the road. You can enjoy their self-automated technology and literally set the radiant snowmelt system and then sort of forget about it. Snowmelt systems do all the work for you, so snow removal is a snap. The radiant heat cables warm beneath the surface of the driveway keeping snow from accumulating on your driveway or sidewalk surface. It melts as it falls so you don’t have to worry about shoveling or gassing up the snow blower. You can also wake up late after a big snow storm and not worry about getting the driveway cleared before racing out to face your day. Summer is here and we are so glad it is, but it’s ok to prepare for the inevitable oncoming cold days by exploring your driveway heating options. You might even save a few bucks in the process.

Heated Driveways Work Behind the Scenes

What is the point of installing a fancy heated driveway system if you have to be home to turn it on? That would mean countless snow storms would happen while you were at work, gone for the weekend, or out running errands and you would have to come home to a packed driveway. It would sort of defeat the purpose of having a fancy heated driveway system, now wouldn’t it? Luckily Warmzone offers a fully-automated, maintenance-free, energy-efficient radiant heat system. These snow melting systems are seamless cables beneath the surface of your driveway and sidewalks. When engaged, a snowmelt system automatically detects temperature and precipitation and knows to turn itself on heating only when the need arises.

The heating cables used for a radiant heated driveway are extremely durable and come with a 10-year warranty. The radiant heat cables distribute heat evenly across the surface of your driveway keeping it free from snow and ice all year long. Your fully programmable automated snowmelt system takes the labor out of labor-intensive snow removal and eliminates the need for you to shovel snow and keep bags if snow melting salt on hand. The salt and other harsh chemicals aren’t that great for your driveway surface and surrounding landscape anyway, so that is sort of a win-win. A heated driveway from Warmzone works behind the scenes, leaving you to enjoy other winter related activities, none of which involve your shoveling your driveway to reach those activities.

What if NASA Could Install Heated Driveways/Runways?

Last week the space shuttle, Discovery, returned to earth after a 13-day mission. Following a few minor weather delays, the cloudy skies in Cape Canaveral, Florida, finally allowed the Discovery crew to touch down at the Kennedy Space Center. The amazing ability to travel through space got me thinking how thrilling it would be to see a space shuttle lift off with all its turbo boosters spewing thick clouds of smoke. Sadly, I do not dwell in any state near Florida, so my chances are slim of this becoming a reality, unless I travel across the country. It made me start to wonder; “What if NASA could install a snow melting system on runways and launch pads across the country?”

Think about the joy and marvel youngsters would experience if their home state was able to host a shuttle landing. Even winter-locked states could theoretically brag about the upcoming landing of the future shuttle, North Pole. Electric radiant heat systems used to heat our driveways to keep them clear of snow seems like a great solution for a NASA approved shuttle landings.

Admittedly, my imagination may be getting the best of me. Weather is just one of the millions of considerations, I’m quite sure, when launching a rocket into space. But for today, it is fun to imagine a giant heated “driveway” at a NASA facility somewhere near the Rocky Mountains, housing the next shuttle ready to fly and ready to land on the world's largest snow melting system. Hey, if we can put a man on the moon, who’s to say that one day my dream of witnessing a launch from my cold climate can’t come true. Technology brought us space travel and it brought us electric radiant heat. Maybe one day they will unite somewhere other than in my overactive imagination.

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.

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.