The Heated Driveway: Put One In, And Conserve Your Own Energy

For an individual with limited mobility, large accumulations of snow on their driveway can turn their home into a temporary prison. However, a heated driveway can remove the risk and inconvenience of a snow-covered driveway.

Heated driveways are solely designed to melt accumulating snow. This is accomplished using the same principles that indoor heated floors utilize. A heating element is installed under the surface, and when the system is activated, heat is generated from the heating element and radiates throughout the covering surface. It is this process that keeps indoor floors warm and melts snow from your driveway.

However, driveway heating elements utilize a system that is designed to better withstand harsh outdoor conditions. A series of tubes are installed under the driveway, and a mixture of water and antifreeze is circulated throughout these tubes. As the heating element warms the liquid, this heat radiates through the asphalt, and raises the temperature of the driveway above the freezing point.

While it will occasionally be possible for an individual to install a driveway heating element without professional help, it is generally not recommended. There are numerous factors that must be considered during the installation process; otherwise, the heating element can malfunction or cause major cracks to form in the driveway. Some of the most common problems that are encountered during installation are related to roots from large trees and highly compacted soil. These problems require special tools and experience to properly correct.

To avoid these potential problems, homeowners should always hire contractors who are experienced in heated driveway installation and maintenance. Fortunately, for individuals living in Massachusetts, there is an experienced company they can turn to for heated driveway information and installation. Give your snow shovel the winter off and contact the friendly and experienced staff of Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about home improvements and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.