As much as one might love winters, the thought of shovelling out the snow from the driveway can give anyone nightmares. One of the best ways to avoid snow buildup on your driveway during snowy winters is by getting a Heated Driveway. You might have heard a lot about it recently as it is becoming an increasingly popular choice amongst homeowners. We are here to tell you exactly why it is a great addition to your home.
What is a heated driveway?
Heated driveway systems are the perfect way to remove the snow from your driveway. In this system, snow melting mats and cables are installed under the concrete, asphalt and paving stone. This helps to check the build-up of snow and ice. The heated driveway system can be installed not only in your driveway but also in the parking garage, ramp, walkway and stairs. It switches on and off automatically whenever it senses moisture or drastic change in temperatures. A heated driveway system is one of the best ways of getting rid of the snow build-up and it also helps to bring down the chances of accidents.
How does it work?
As the concrete is conductive in nature, when the electricity passes through the concrete it converts the road into a heating element. The system uses about 48 volts of power. When the system senses a snowstorm on the way, it begins to warm up the road which helps to prevent the accumulation of snow on the surface. When the snow this the surface of the hot road, it melts instantly. Water heated pipes or electrical coils are installed under the flooring. This helps to transfer the heat effectively in a cost-efficient manner.
Can it be installed in an existing driveway?
When you are building a new home, it is an ideal situation to install the heated driveway system. However, they can also be installed in an already existing home with minor construction. The heating system can be placed under the existing driveway without having to tear up the concrete. What is usually done is that the cables are laid down and new material is poured on top of it. In case, you don’t want to opt for a heated driveway system, you can also opt for a heating system for the tires of your car.
Why should you opt for it?
The driveway heating system is the radiant heat system that is installed under the floor. It is one of the most efficient ways of heating. The tank-less heaters or boilers used in the system are an economically feasible option in the long run as these systems run efficiently without needing a replacement for a long time. One of the best qualities of this system is that it evenly distributes heat throughout the home. As they have sensors that detect moisture and freezing temperature you don’t have to worry about switching them on and off. It is one of the best ways to get rid of the snow buildup.
