Tag Archives: Installing heated driveway

HOTNEWS

Upgrading my Driveway

I did it! I Installed a Heated Driveway. (Part II of “My Summer Projects“)

This summer I committed to installing a heated driveway. After my wife slipped and fell last winter, I knew the jig was up. (Now, before you rush to judgement, I DID shovel the driveway earlier that morning, but I guess I missed a spot. Dang snow shovel must have had a manufacturing defect.)

Most ladies’ shoes don’t go well with ice, and my wife’s field research emphasized this point. After years of close calls, she had finally had enough. I had to do something. Of course, I was also motivated by the ultimatum she gave as she writhed in pain on the cold pavement. It was either the driveway, or it was me. According to her, one of us had to go.

That may sound a bit harsh, and perhaps it wasn’t quite that dramatic, but you catch my drift. I’m not sure if she intended for me to dig up the driveway and throw it in the dumpster out of spite, or revenge, or what. All I knew was that I was going nowhere.

I guess you could say that I was a victim of friendly fire after the accident, but I can’t blame her for her tirade. In the heat of the moment, my wife unleashed a salvo of profoundly creative expletives, weaved into an almost poetic series of imaginative stanzas. Being the first one on scene, I took the brunt of the assault. I discovered that under the right conditions, she can make my old drill sergeant sound like a substitute first-grade teacher. But, enough about that.

I bypassed marriage counseling and reached out directly to Warmzone. I had checked out a couple other radiant heat providers, but I liked the way Warmzone approached things. These guys were consummate pros, and their customer support was impressive. They answered my questions and explained the options that would work best for us.

One option was for us to use saw-cut technology that would allow us to heat the existing driveway. To do this, small grooves are cut into the concrete and heat cable is placed in the grooves. Then a special epoxy is applied to seal the heating cable. A light coating of sand can then be applied to provide traction. This is an effective and affordable way to heat an existing driveway that’s otherwise in good condition. But, with visions of my wife laying on the icy pavement still fresh in my head, I determined that none of my old, crumbling driveway should be spared. We had other plans for that wretched concrete.

The original driveway was never a selling point for our house. In fact, when my wife and I bought the home, we knew that eventually, we’d need to replace the driveway. I also wanted to make a small change to the driveway’s layout. So, instead of heating the existing concrete, we decided to redo the poorly installed driveway. After all, it was either me or the driveway that had to go. Adios driveway!

Warmzone system designers created a detailed layout of my new heated driveway. The AutoCAD® included the complete layout of the system and every component, as well as all the information needed by the electrician. Thanks to the layout and free installation training, the system was installed quickly and easily, without any major issues or surprises. A couple of times, the electrician called and spoke with a technical support expert at Warmzone to ensure we were doing things right. That was nice because it allowed us to proceed with confidence. Overall, the process of installing the system went quicker than I thought.

In December, we got a significant early snowstorm. Wow, what a joy it was to look out the window on Saturday morning and see a serene, white landscape with a beautiful, snow-free driveway in the foreground. The automated system cleared – and dried – the driveway! Now that’s a safety feature we can live with. I tried to get my wife to make a donut run so she could appreciate the clear driveway, but instead, we stayed inside and admired the sight.

We were both exited with this accomplishment. I figured that it earned me a day or two of skiing – minimum. I’d have my wife join me, but her doctor said it would be best for her to avoid winter sports activities for awhile. But at least I redeemed myself and exacted revenge on that old driveway for her. (I also threw my defective snow shovel back into the tool shed.)

I think our “post-heated driveway” life looks bright. Now, if I could just get the old basement pantry rewired so the lights don’t keep flickering off unexpectedly. All in due time. For now, I’m going to have lunch and savor the success of this heated driveway.

“Hey honey, can you run downstairs and grab a can of chili for me?”

Yeah, life is good.

Read Part I, “My Summer Projects“.

Warmzone is one of the largest providers of floor heating, snow melting, and roof de-icing systems, as well as luxury home heating amenities. For more information about Warmzone radiant heat systems or luxury amenities, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

HOTNEWS

Timing is Everything

Don’t get Caught Holding the Shovel next Winter — Install a Radiant Snow Melting System and Beat the Rush!

With summer just around the corner, it’s a good time to spring for a new radiant heated driveway or walkway. Buying and installing your radiant heated snow melting system early in the summer puts you at a distinct advantage. In the fall, contractors generally rush to get their projects done before winter, and their availability is limited. Hiring someone now could save you the heartache of putting off that heated driveway or walkway project for another season. Shopping contractors before the fall rush also allows you to take your time interviewing and selecting a professional.

Whether you’re pouring a new concrete or repairing existing pavement, radiant heat installation is an excellent way to enhance, preserve and protect your driveway or walkway from harsh snow melting chemicals or damage from snow removal equipment. It’s a smart home investment that not only preserves and protects your property, but can also prevent slip and fall accidents, as well as injury from shoveling. Snow melting systems can also save you the time, and over time, the added expense of hiring a contractor to plow your driveway. With radiant heated driveways and walkways, you get “on-demand” snow removal, and the opportunity to experience dry pavement all year round. And the systems operate silently on renewable energy and are fully automated.

Heated paver driveway

As you shop, be leery of the contractor who offers limited solutions that come with a high price tag. Radiant heat applications are extremely flexible and adaptable, offering homeowners many options to achieve their goals. You don’t have to tear up your entire driveway to enjoy the benefits of radiant heat. Rolling out pre-configured mats on top of an asphalt driveway and applying a new layer of asphalt over the cable, or cutting grooves in concrete for the heat cable (which are then filled with an epoxy) are just some of the ways to get around a new heated driveway installation.

To help you sort out your options you may also want to consider contacting Warmzone for a free snow melting system estimate. They have the knowledge and the know-how to put together a snow melting solution that will meet or even beat your performance and budgetary requirements.  Partnering with professional installers across the country, Warmzone works diligently to come up with solutions for the most discriminating customers. As they say, knowledge is power, and getting initial estimates from Warmzone before you shop can help you identify all of your options, and the right person for the job, to avoid the “sticker shock” that comes with choosing the wrong one. And remember, a radiant heat system is only as good as its installation, and Warmzone can recommend experienced, reputable installers in your area.

Among the many home improvement projects on your to-do list, a radiant heated snow melting system is the gift that just keeps on giving from the moment you see that first snowflake fall. Winter may seem a long way off, but the window for hiring a contractor to install your snow melting system is small. Whether you lack the motivation or need more information, it’s always a good idea to give Warmzone a call at 888.488.9276 for free professional advice and support.

Articles

Installing a Radiant Snow Melting System (Part I)

Radiant Heated Driveways can be Installed in a Variety of Applications

Radiant heat snow melting systems can be designed, engineered and installed in any size, shape and type of driveway. From large parking lots to small driveways, steps or sidewalks, radiant snow melting systems can accommodate virtually all your snow melting needs. But the custom options don’t just stop there. You have a variety of options to choose from to fit your budget. You can heat your entire driveway area or just a strip down the middle, or perhaps just two 2-foot wide tire tracks. When you work with a trusted leader like Warmzone, your system will be designed and engineered so that it is the best customized radiant heat solution for your needs.

The ClearZone radiant heat system is one of the most proven snow melting systems on the market, which is why it’s not only a favorite among homeowners, but construction professionals as well. The heat cable can be installed in a variety of applications, including concrete, asphalt, and under pavers.

Concrete Heated Driveways and Sidewalks – New Pour

Heated driveway in Denver

For years the ClearZone snow melting system has proven itself to be one of the most versatile and reliable radiant snow melting systems on the market. It is installed in numerous mediums, but concrete is the most common application for ClearZone heated driveways. The rugged heat cable is designed to withstand the stress of heavy concrete pours. During the installation, the ClearZone cable is laid out and then zip tied to the wire remesh. The concrete is then poured over the cable.

New Asphalt Construction Heated Driveways

Asphalt driveway with heated tire tracks

Hot asphalt can damage some lower quality heat cables, but ClearZone cable is designed to withstand both the extreme temperatures and stress (from the compression) of newly poured asphalt. The radiant heating cable is laid out on the base surface (usually compacted sand), and the asphalt is then hand shoveled on top of the cable and then compacted.

For asphalt applications, it is recommended (but not required) to install 1-inch rigid insulation underneath the base surface. The insulation can be installed underneath the base surface or it can be laid on top of the base surface and the snow melting cable can then be secured on top of the insulation.

Brick Paver Driveways – Installation

Large heated paver driveway

ClearZone radiant snow melting systems are the most effective systems for heating under pavers. Installing a radiant snow melting system under brick pavers is also one of the easiest radiant heat installation methods. The heating cable is laid out on the base surface and the pavers are installed as normal, directly over the cables. Because the ClearZone cable has been tested and approved for wet conditions, the cable can come in contact with moisture without its performance being affected.

Continued – Go to Installing a Radiant Snow Melting System (Part II).

Articles

Installing a Radiant Snow Melting System (Part II)

Repaving and Retrofitting Asphalt Driveway with Radiant Heat

Continued from Installing a Radiant Snow Melting System (Part I).

The ClearZone snow melting system is unique because it isn’t limited to new construction applications and can withstand the rigors of concrete pours and hot asphalt. If you have an existing asphalt driveway and intend to re-pave it, you can retrofit your driveway with a ClearZone snow melting system. The heat cable is secured to the existing asphalt with clips and nails and only needs to be embedded under just ½-inch of asphalt. The new asphalt is hand shoveled onto the cable and then compacted. ClearZone cable is simple to install and provides the best performance for heating asphalt driveways.

Fully Automated

The heat cable is wired to the master controller, which is usually mounted on a wall in the garage. An aerial or pavement mounted snow sensor is wired to the controller. When the sensor detects precipitation and the temperature is below a set point (usually 39°F.), it signals the controller, which then sends power to the heat cable to warm the driveway. While the system is fully automated, the controller also features manual override capability for times when you may need to melt a snow drift or ice that formed in a shady spot.

Heated concrete driveway for mountain lodge

In addition to the many different types of surfaces that the ClearZone snow melting system can be installed under, you have many custom configurations that you can choose from. Warmzone will work closely with you to keep within your budget while providing the optimum snow melting system for your needs. As a leading provider of radiant heat solutions, Warmzone will provide a detailed design of your snow melting system so that you know all the electrical and layout requirements prior to any installation. Warmzone also provides you with technical support during the installation.

Once installed, radiant snowmelt systems are virtually maintenance free, and in addition to helping preserve the quality of your concrete/asphalt driveway or sidewalks, it also eliminates the damage caused to surrounding grass and vegetation from salt and corrosive snow melting chemicals. With your radiant heat snow melting system, there’s no need to apply salt or harsh snow melting chemicals to your driveway. So enjoy those snowy mornings from the warmth of your living room and admire your clear driveway as you sip your hot coffee. The days of shoveling and salting are over.

When it comes to installing a snow melting system, it pays to work with the best. In addition to Warmzone’s competitive pricing, you’ll receive top-notch customer service. Call and talk to a radiant heat expert today (888.488.9276) to learn more about heated driveways and snow melting systems. You can also send Warmzone your project information and receive a free radiant heat quote. There’s no obligation.

Go back to Installing a Radiant Snow Melting System (Part I).