Heated Driveways
Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2010
by Charles Gueli
Home Helper
The best heated driveway systems are electric systems, similar to the systems used for indoor heated flooring. There are basically two options for having a driveway free of snow and ice: electric and hydronic.
Electric methods use heat cables, while hydronic methods generate hot water and circulate it through plastic piping. The heating elements are embedded under the surface and radiate to the surrounding area.
The other side of the coin is that hydronic heated driveway systems (while slightly more expensive at first) tend to have lower operating costs (depending on local fuel costs). Both systems have advantages, but the electric systems are more popular because of the easier installation and uncertain future of fuel costs.
Benefits
The benefits of having a heated surface are pretty obvious:
1. Not having to shovel snow.
2. Avoiding injury due to slippery surfaces.
3. Adding value to your home.
4. Preserving the life of your driveway surface.
5. Avoiding damage to the bordering landscape from harmful salts and chemicals.
These systems can be installed regardless of surface material. Concrete, asphalt, pavers, etc. will all radiate the heat adequately for the system to be effective. Asphalt is the only one of these materials where caution is suggested because of the heat of the fresh asphalt. Have a professional do it.
The only time of year when it is not recommended to install these systems is the dead of winter. This is because the concrete or asphalt does not set well if the temperatures are too cold.
The most popular time (and ideal time to do this) is during new construction. But existing driveways can easily by retrofitted with a radiant heat system. Heated driveway systems are controlled by either a manual wall switch, or an automatic activation device.
These automatic sensors will activate the system when there is moisture on the ground and the temperature is below 38 degrees. You can also get the option of a timer to preheat an area before a large storm to minimize accumulation of snow and ice
Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions about heated driveways and take advantage of the resources on www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com , where guidance, information and support are always available to help homeowners make better decisions.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Wow this would be heaven here in Colorado..... would it work if we dumped a foot in a few hours? How does it effect the electric bill?Hi Marijo, yes it would work because it keeps the surface warm enough that the snow would not stick. The electric bill will go up at a rate of about $10 per hour. So if you have a snowfall that lasts 8 to 10 hours, you will pay about as much as having your driveway plowed by someone you hire. If your driveway is sloped, it is also an accident-preventing convenience. Let me know if you have more questions. Charles
We live in an area that requires a 100% energy offset for outdoor energy uses such as snowmelt. Do you know of any sources to calcuate the energy required for a snowmelt system?It has an effect on the electric bill, but usually less than it would cost to have someone come and plow your driveway for you. Probable effect would be about $10 per hour onto your bill - depending on the cost of electricity where you live. I don't know of a better way to calculate the energy used.Thanks for your comment.It has an effect on the electric bill, but usually less than it would cost to have someone come and plow your driveway for you. Probable effect would be about $10 per hour onto your bill - depending on the cost of electricity where you live. I don't know of a better way to calculate the energy used.Thanks for your comment.It has an effect on the electric bill, but usually less than it would cost to have someone come and plow your driveway for you. Probable effect would be about $10 per hour onto your bill - depending on the cost of electricity where you live. I don't know of a better way to calculate the energy used.Thanks for your comment.
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