Driveways are a great structure that adds beauty to your home. And while many driveways are made up of cement and other materials like resin, there are other features a driveway can offer. Have you heard of heated driveways? They are made to keep your driveway warmer during the cold months and stop the build up of ice and snow to save you the work of removing it. Are heated driveways a real thing or are they something of a desired feature that has not yet come to pass? Read this article to discover the answers to these questions and more.
What Is A Heated Driveway?
A heated driveway is actually a radiant heat flooring system that can be installed indoors or outdoors. The systems can be either electric which uses an electric cable or a hydraulic system which uses hot water that is pumped into plastic tubing. The best time to install your heated driveway is when you are pouring a new driveway and before cold weather sets in. This will ensure that your heated driveway system is installed properly.
How Do I Install A Heated Driveway?
One of the first things to do before installation is to make a plan and determine how well the soil will hold up to the added weight of your heated radiant system. Locate any underground utilities and have a cost estimate for the installation of the system. Check what codes and permits are needed for your radiant heating system. You will need to check with the permit office in your city. Lay out your driveway plans with strings and stakes to hold the string in place. Remove vegetation, soil and sod before installing your radiant heating system and pouring the cement for your new driveway. The same procedures apply for doing it on a patio area.
How Much Does A Heated Driveway Cost?
A heated driveway system usually costs between £85 to £150 per square meter of driveway. The average cost of a heated driveway is a little more than £3000. The cost can range from a low of £1000 to £5800 depending upon the size of your driveway. Asphalt heated driveways average cost is about £6600 and concrete heated driveways average £5800. Obviously the length of your driveway massively increases the cost.
What Are The Benefits of A Heated Driveway?
There are many benefits to an underground radiant heating system. Pipes that are underground can freeze allowing water to freeze and not come through the utility piping properly. The radiant heating system will keep water pumps running efficiently and keep your water running as it should inside of your home. A heated driveway keeps the area warmer during cold months. Heated driveways eliminate the need to shovel the driveway to avoid slips and falls. Snow and ice will automatically melt away on your heated driveway, which gives you more time to do other chores.
What Company Can Install A Heated Driveway?
There are many factories and companies that are authorised to install heated driveways. Google heated driveway installers in your area to ensure a company is authorised to install these types of systems, Terraform Driveways were the first ones we came across. It may be best to call a professional to make sure your heated driveway system is installed and maintained properly.
Is Buying A Heated Driveway Better For My Vehicle and Home?
Buying a heated driveway is great for people living in colder weather where snow and ice are common. Many homeowners are tired of shovelling snow and ice from their driveway. A radiant heating system is a great way to melt snow and ice that accumulates on your driveway. Gone are the drays where you risk falling while shovelling snow from your driveway.
Two Types of heated Driveway Systems: Electric and Hydraulic
There are two types of heated driveway systems, which are the electric and hydraulic systems. The electric coil heated driveway is created by installing electric rods/cable under your pavement. These heated rods can be controlled by the homeowner with regards to duration of heating, timing and temperature. The power ranges from 6 to 50 watts per foot and can reach temperatures up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
The second type of heated driveway is done with hydraulic cables. This type of system uses polyurethane tubing to carry hot water to areas in your driveway that need heating. The hydraulic system can be used for any sized driveway.
Round Up
Now that you know about a heated driveway, you can determine if it is best for your family. Remember to do your research before buying a system. Determine the cost of the system. Hire a professional company that is authorised to install a heated driveway system.
Think about the benefits of a heated driveway system. Speak with a family member or friend who has had a heated driveway system installed. Determine if your home is best suited for an electric or hydraulic heated driveway system.
If you are a do it yourself person looking to install your own heated driveway, make sure you understand the standards of operations and installation. Remember to install your system before cold weather settles in and during a new cement pouring of your driveway.
Check to make sure there is a warranty on your heated driveway system in case something goes wrong during installation. Use authorised companies with great customer review ratings to do your installation. Purchase a system within your budget.
These are all great tips to remember before purchasing a heated driveway system. Speak with a professional before making any decision to install. The job of installing your heated driveway may be too much of a project for you. It may require a professional to get the job done the right way.