Background
Heated driveways use radiant heat to warm concrete, asphalt, pavers, and various mediums to keep areas clear of ice and snow. The radiant heat techniques used for heating exterior surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, ramps and other outdoor needs. Hydronic radiant heated driveways: can uses use a network of heating elements of Pex tubing that is installed beneath the surface of the driveway.
Hydronic snow melting systems utilize flexible polymer (Pex) tubing and a centrally located boiler/water heater to heat a mixture of water and propylene glycol (anti-freeze). A pump, located near the boiler, then circulates the "heated water" through the closed loop of tubing. The heating elements of both systems are versatile, and are commonly embedded in concrete, asphalt, and under pavers. The heat generated from the tubing spreads out to the surrounding area to warm the driveway and prevent any snow from accumulating.
Hydronic radiant heat systems require a small foot print in the garage or house to mount the system components. These systems can operate on natural gas or electric for the heating of boiler
Reasons for Installing a Heated Driveway
Of course, one of the most obvious benefits of a heated driveway system is the elimination of shoveling or plowing snow from your driveway/walkway/patio.
- Automated radiant snow melting systems are poised to activate when needed 24/7, so safety is enhanced by reducing the potential for injuries because of slick, icy surfaces.
- Peace of mind is also a factor, knowing that your driveway will be automatically cleared, regardless of the weather conditions.
- Installing a heated driveway can also add significant value to your home,
- Help preserve the life of your driveway/walkway/patio
- Avoid damage to the bordering landscape by eliminating the use of harmful salts and snowmelt chemicals.
How do Heated Driveways Work?
Heated driveway systems can be fully automated. These automated driveway heating systems consist of three main components: the heating element, activation device (sensor), and control panel. The heating element of PEX piping with hot water tubing is used for hydronic systems. The simplest and most common applications for radiant snow melting systems are brick or stone pavers and concrete. Snow melting systems are also installed in asphalt
A master control unit is used to control the heated driveway system. The controller can be either a wall-mounted control box a small mechanical room to house a boiler, pump, manifold, etc., for hydronic systems. Manual and/or automatic activation devices (sensors) are used to trigger the systems. The snow sensor (automatic activation device) signals the controller when there is moisture present and the temperature is below a set point the sensor sends a signal for power to be sent to start heating process. The power to the heating system then warms the driveway. This prevents any snow from accumulating. The system remains on until the snow stops falling. The power to the system continues to run for a short time after the final snowfall to dry the driveway, which keeps ice from forming. Then, the snow melting system shuts off. The sensor can monitor the temperature driveway or walkway. Most snow melting systems also include manual override capability to melt snow drifts that may have formed due to wind or to preheat an area before a large storm to better prevent snow and ice accumulation.
Why Stamp Concrete Snow Melting Systems Work
The driveway heating system that Stamp Concrete installed in the 1990 to the state of art 3000 square foot driveway heating system that we installed in 2017 exemplified the quality of engineering and installation that produced a reliable system for our client. Stamp Concrete uses the most trusted radiant heating systems available. We use NTI boilers that are developed using state-of-the-art computer assisted design techniques and in accordance with the guidelines of the Canadian Standards Association and A.S.M.E. industry codes.
Featuring top-of-the-line components and manufacturer warranties backed by decades of experience in system design, installation and customer services, homeowners know the installation will work as advertised when dealing with Stamp Concrete.
Contact Toronto Stamp Concrete for a quote
Web: www.stampedconcretetoronto.ca
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Phone 416 333-3323
A snowmelt system prevents the build-up of snow and ice on walkways, patios and roadways, or more economically, only a portion of the area such as a pair of 2-foot (0.61 m)-wide tire tracks on a driveway or a 3-foot (0.91 m) center portion of a sidewalk, etc. They function even during a storm thus improve safety and eliminate winter maintenance labor including shoveling or plowing snow and spreading de-icing salt or traction grit (sand). A snowmelt system may extend the life of the concrete, asphalt or under pavers by eliminating the use salts or other de-icing chemicals, and physical damage from winter service vehicles.
Systems are available in two broad types based on heat source: electric resistance heat and heat from a combustion or geothermal source delivered hydronically (in a fluid). Arguably, electric snowmelt systems requires less maintenance than hydronic snowmelt systems because there are minimal moving parts and no corroding agents. However electric snowmelt systems tend to be much more expensive to operate.
