What are heated driveways? The obvious answer is, "a driveway that is heated," but what actually heats the driveway? The best driveway heating systems are radiant heating systems, similar to indoor floor heating systems. There are primarily two methods for heating, electric and hydronic. Electric systems use a line-voltage cable, while hydronic systems generate hot water then pump it through plastic PEX tubing. The heating elements are embedded in the surface and use resistant heating to heat the surrounding area. Most systems incorporate an automatic sensor that detects inclement weather to activate the system. Electric systems tend to be more efficient, require less maintenance, and heat surfaces quicker. Hydronic systems are usually slightly more expensive to purchase and install, but the operational can be lower depending on their local fuel rates. Both systems have their advantages, however, the electric systems are gaining a lot of interest due to their price, ease of installation and threatening future of the cost of fuel.
Why install a driveway heating system? Some of the obvious benefits are of course, not having to shovel your driveway again, avoiding injury due to slippery surfaces, and having the confidence that your driveway will be cleared when you need to use it. Other notable benefits include; adding value to your home, preserving the life of your driveway, and avoiding damage to bordering landscape with harmful salts and chemicals.
Where and when can you install a system? Driveway heating systems can be installed in almost any location, in almost any medium (including concrete, asphalt, under pavers, etc.), and nearly anytime of the year (depending on the medium). The most popular and ideal time to install a system, is during new construction. However, with weather permitting there are no limitations when to install a snowmelt system.
How do the systems work? Snow melting systems are composed of three main items: the heating element, the controller, and the activation device. The heating element can be either an electric resistance cable, or PEX hot water tubing. These heating elements can be installed in almost any medium. The simplest application for installation is under brick or stone pavers and in new pour concrete. Asphalt can also be used but the installation methods call for more care and labor to avoid injurious contact to the cable because of the asphalts temperature and abrasive nature during the paving process. These systems are controlled by either a wall-mounted control box for electric systems, or a small mechanical room to house a boiler, pump, manifold etc. for hydronic systems. Both types of systems use manual and/or automatic activation devices. Available automatic sensors include aerial mounted or pavement mounted snow switches. These sensors activate the system when there is moisture present and the temperature is below approximately 38 degrees. Most systems also include a manual timer to preheat an area before a large storm to curb snow and ice accumulation.
Who installs them and Who sells them? Electric snowmelt systems are fairly easy to install, and any experienced "do-it-yourselfer", contractor, or electrician would be a candidate for installing a system. There are several vendors of driveway heating systems, however, Warmzone, Inc., is a dedicated source for matching your project to best valued solution. Warmzone, Inc. is the consumer and contractor advocate without a bias towards any one system. They will point out the obvious benefits and challenges to any project and sell you a system that makes sense. Warmzone has experience with both residential and commercial projects. Even though they do not install these systems, Warmzone has a growing network of contacts across the country that are ready and willing to help where ever possible. Visit them online at www.warmzone.com, or call them toll free at 1-888-488-WARM.
Warmzone, Inc. - The leaders in design and distribution of radiant floor heating and snow melting systems.
A separate dining room adds glamour, elegance, and excitement to... Read More
The word "master" is an antiquated term that suggests control,... Read More
Hiring a professional electrician can be very expensive and is... Read More
A wet basement can be just a nuisance or even... Read More
The door is the focal point of the home which... Read More
Bamboo flooring has emerged as a new material for the... Read More
What can you do to "clear the air" indoors, at... Read More
Renovating should be a fun and exciting process (really!). The... Read More
If you are putting in a new patio on a... Read More
Part of the fun of a new deck is the... Read More
Are you ready to starting building your dream home. House... Read More
What is the absolute best way to clean carpet? Carpet... Read More
Your choice of bathroom cabinet can affect the look and... Read More
Since it's one of the places people spend the most... Read More
Hand-scraped and Distressed hardwood floors are becoming a popular choice... Read More
The Ins and Outs Of Choosing Online Custom Home Plans!... Read More
Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments;... Read More
Fixing Old Wooden ChairsIF you have some old chairs that... Read More
Quick: What comes to mind when you think of soy... Read More
Many items a person can add to the kitchen are... Read More
In our past articles I talked about all the steps... Read More
Your home's interior is exquisitely decorated in your favorite style;... Read More
When it comes to cooling our homes and businesses, the... Read More
The installation of a toilet is a relatively easy job... Read More
Motion detectors are in use all around us in both... Read More
Electric radiant floor heating systems are heating systems designed for... Read More
If you have recently built a new garage you might... Read More
Laminate flooring is perfect for people who want to install... Read More
Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in... Read More
If you are tired of replacing your mailbox every few... Read More
The stair railing at home is more than a simple... Read More
There are a few things you can do to take... Read More
Colors contain underlying psychological meanings and evoke particular feelings when... Read More
Nearly every log home is a custom design, whether you... Read More
One of the biggest advantages of laminate floors is that... Read More
1. Shutters have proper louver tensionThe shutters louvers should be... Read More
Housing and smart houses. I believe that we could have... Read More
The door is the focal point of the home which... Read More
For many years copper has been the main raw material... Read More
Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments;... Read More
Have you noticed your patio door is getting harder and... Read More
Not many years ago, the thought of working from home... Read More
The starting current of motor can become 3 to 6... Read More
Need for home remodelingThe need for home remodeling is on... Read More
If the sliding glass doors in your home are more... Read More
In years past a patio was sort of a throw... Read More
One of the many tools that home owners use regularly... Read More
When it comes to home water filters and water purifiers,... Read More
Choosing a color scheme for a room can be a... Read More
It is inevitable, almost everyone no matter how long they... Read More
For most Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home project managers, the most difficult... Read More
It is important to prepare a budget for your kitchen... Read More
Who would be the best person to help you find... Read More
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?Do I need... Read More
Wall ovens, available in electric and gas forms, are best... Read More
Water heating optionsWhere you live, as well as the life... Read More
When you buy art, you may think you not consciously... Read More
Just as there are solar magnetic stresses that come from... Read More
Hydronic, or hot water, heating has been standard for years... Read More
It's easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out just... Read More
Do you have any idea how popular outdoor kitchens are... Read More
Lighting"Light has illuminated the path of humanity" ? While Einstein... Read More
A beautiful kitchen is the heart of any home (even... Read More
I read an interior design book last night. Since I... Read More
I love bedspreads, don't you? A comforter can be used... Read More
Research & Development I began designing audio and video interconnect... Read More
Home Improvement |