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Professional Heated Driveway Installations in Maryland
Shoveling snow off a driveway or walkway is a task that few truly enjoy. Whether you are outside with a shovel yourself or paying someone to remove the snow for you, there is finally an end to the madness. We provide the best, most convenient solution in our heated driveway installations.
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Are you interested in a heated driveway? You've come to the right place.
Snowy and icy weather can quickly turn your pavement into a hazardous eyesore. No one enjoys dealing with ice and snow on driveways and walkways – it can be dangerous, backbreaking, time-consuming work to remove snow.
Whether you don’t have the time for shoveling, it’s hard on your body, or you just plain don’t want to have to do it, you’re now looking at the best company to provide you with a better solution to your ice and snow problems. We’ve got the answer: radiant heat.
Driveways and walkways can be heated through systems which work by creating radiant heat, keeping the pavement warm enough to melt falling snow on contact and to prevent a layer of ice from forming.
Having a heated driveway and/or sidewalk offers a huge advantage when snow falls
Some of the many reasons you should consider radiant heating for your driveway or walkways include:
- Preventing snow accumulation
- Reducing the need for other snow removal procedures such as salting
- Eliminating the need for shoveling
- Preventing your body from injury or further injury
- Preventing ice formation
- Prolonging the life of the pavement by eliminating salting
- Ensuring the pavement is safe for your vehicles
No more shoveling, no more slipping, and no more landscaping ruined from salt.
Are You Tired of Shoveling Snow?
If you live in a cold climate where you experience ice and snow during the winter months, you most likely spend a lot of time shoveling snow from the driveway before you can use your car. This is just one of the reasons that heated driveways are becoming more popular among homeowners. While you might find the installation a significant investment, for many people the benefits far outweigh the costs.
In addition to keeping snow off your driveway, heated driveways melt ice off your pavement making your home a safer and more comfortable place. It also significantly reduces the need for salt and other chemicals that tend to damage your driveway. They also save you money in maintenance and repair costs long-term.
Decide on a premium heated driveway, and save your back from the hard task of shoveling, save the environment from salt damage, & prolong the life of your pavement.
Our team of asphalt and concrete pavers in Maryland have extensive installation experience with both electric and hydronic radiant heat systems of all sizes, from residential to commercial and anything in between. Whether you need an existing driveway replaced with a heated one, or whether you’re in the planning stages of a project and wish to install a heating system before you proceed with further development, just give us a call. Our experienced radiant heat systems experts can help you determine exactly what you need, and we’re fully equipped to handle your job from start to finish, from large drives to residential walkways. We can install heated driveways anywhere, no matter how long or short your driveway is. You’ll find our staff knowledgeable and professional, and our work of the highest quality. You can be sure that your heated driveway or sidewalk will look great, simplify your life, and last for years to come.
We are based out of MD but our radiant heat system installation services are available throughout DC and Northern Virginia as well.
A snow-covered driveway is also extremely dangerous to walk on with a high risk of injury from slipping and falling. It is essential to keep the driveway clear of snow to protect the safety of other people like family, friends, mailman, or in the case of an emergency.
If someone is seriously injured by slipping and falling on your snow-covered driveway, you may be found liable and have to put in a household insurance claim. An incident like this could result in increased insurance rates and difficulty in obtaining future insurance cover. A heated driveway can save you from a lot of problems. Although a heated driveway may seem extravagant to some homeowners, there are many benefits to be considered if you live in a climate with frequent snowfalls and icy conditions.
With today’s advanced technology a heated driveway may not be as costly as you think. It will be safer for everyone who uses it. Not to mention the time and money you will save by not having to shovel snow or paying for professional snow plowing to clear your driveway.
By making your driveway a hazard-free zone during the winter months, you can rest assured that your property is safe to use by people you care for as well as strangers who visit your home for various reasons.
How Heated Driveways Work
There are two main types of radiant heating systems for paved surfaces: electric and hydronic. Both systems involve installing channels which deliver warmth underneath the pavement. The electric systems use heating cables which are relatively simple to install. Electric systems use an electrical resistance cable laid approximately 2-inches underneath the pavement.
Hydronic systems are slightly more complicated, requiring a mechanical control room for their many components such as the water heaters and pumps which feed the pipelines with a flow of heated water. Hydronic systems use a flexible polymer tubing along with a boiler/water heater to pump hot water through the system. Snow melts away as you turn on the heat generated by the cable or piping.
Depending on user preference, control units for both system types may be installed with manual power controls as well as automatic sensors which will allow the unit to power on as soon as snow is detected and power off when precipitation is melted.
A heated driveway has a heating element installed in the concrete or other material used for your driveway with automatic sensors that are custom designed to deal with the particular climate.
It will automatically gauge temperature and moisture and switch on and off to keep the driveway clear of accumulated snow. The heating system can also be custom designed for walkways and steps as well as other entryways to your home and outbuildings.
This will ensure that there is always a safe path from your front door to the garage or the curb when you need access to the street.
For existing driveways, a heating system can be retro-fitted by cutting into the concrete to install the heating elements and sealing it up afterward to look as good as new.
Heated Driveway Costs
The cost of installing a heated driveway will depend on the size of the driveway, the complexity of the installation, and any additional features that may be required. Generally speaking, costs can range from around $5 per square foot to upwards of $20 per square foot. It should also be noted that additional costs may incur due to labor fees and specific materials needed for the job.
Typically, electric systems are fairly straightforward and cost less to install but may require higher operating costs because of electricity use. Hydronic systems, on the other hand, are slightly more complex and tend to require higher installation costs but lower everyday operational costs. However, all of this all depends on factors such as:
- local fuel rates
- local electricity costs
- square footage of the driveway
- channel spacing
A heated driveway has many benefits for homeowners, the main one being you no longer need to shovel snow or pay a snow removal contractor. If you value your time and would like to spend less of it in your driveway with a shovel, then you should consider a heated driveway.
Plus, you’ll save money and time on salt and other de-icing products. Over time, these products will damage your pavement leading to a shorter overall service life. A heated driveway is an excellent investment if you are looking to save time, money, and keep your driveway pavement healthy for many years to come.
Although there is an initial capital outlay required to install a heated driveway, the convenience will outweigh the cost, and in the long run, you will save a lot of time and money. And, most importantly, the safety of your family and friends is incalculable. If you are uncertain which type of system will best match your needs, our team can help you understand your options and determine the right fit for you.
The Heated Driveway Installation Process
Unless you’re having a new driveway or sidewalk installed, putting in a heating system will most likely require demolition and removal of the pre-existing pavement. The pavement will be removed and the system installed based on your needs. The installation site will be cleared and prepped, and the heating channels will be laid out in evenly spaced parallel lines. These will supported, and secured – usually with small plastic pieces designed especially for this task – so that they will remain within a few inches of the pavement’s surface once the pavement has been set. The control system will be wired and configured depending on the type of unit installed, and may take the form of a control box which may be mounted to a wall for electric systems, or as a small mechanical control room housing components for hydronic systems.
4 Types of Heated Driveways
There are several different types of heated driveways, each with its own unique advantages and drawbacks.
1. Electrically Heated Driveways
One popular option is an electrically heated driveway, which uses specialized cables and mats to generate heat and prevent snow accumulation. This type of driveway is easy to install and can typically be connected to existing electrical outlets in most homes. Additionally, since electricity is the primary source of power for this type of system, it is often more energy-efficient than other options on the market.
2. Hydronic Heated Driveways
Another popular choice for heated driveways are hydronic systems, or radiant heating systems. These systems use hot water (such as from a boiler or furnace) that passes through pipes under the pavement surface. The heated water then circulates through the pipes until reaching the desired temperature, warming up the driveway surface in order to eliminate snow accumulation. While these systems are often more expensive than electric systems, they can provide greater efficiency due to their ability to retain heat for longer periods of time without needing constant power input.
3. Solar Powered Heated Driveways
For those looking for an eco-friendly solution, solar-powered heated driveways may be a great option. These systems utilize solar collectors attached to rooftop panels in order to transfer heat energy into underground tubes connected to the pavement surface below. Once installed, these systems require no additional energy input beyond what’s needed to store energy during sunny days and distribute it during times of need – essentially eliminating all associated costs with traditional heating methods while providing efficient snow removal at the same time.
4. Infrared Radiant Heated Driveways
Finally, there are also infrared radiant heating systems that work by emitting infrared radiation onto metal plates beneath your driveway surface – warming up both your driveway and surrounding elements like retaining walls or even gardens! The main benefit here is that it requires less installation effort compared to traditional electric or hydronic alternatives; however, since it relies heavily on external sources such as sunshine or ambient air temperatures – its effectiveness may vary depending on your local climate conditions.
Choose MD Paving Pros To Install Your Heated Driveway
Heated driveways must be installed by a licensed, experienced contractor. Many factors can affect the proper performance of your system, including correct installation, good drainage, and the condition of your current driveway. It’s essential that you choose a paving contractor that has experience and an excellent reputation in the community. Not all driveways can be retrofitted with a radiant heat system, and a complete driveway replacement may be necessary to have your system installed.
We offer a wide variety of snow melting solutions from several manufacturers, ensuring that your home gets the most suitable solution. With MD Paving Pros, we pride ourselves on excellent communication. We will go over with you, in detail, the benefits and challenges of your project before we get to work.
We’d be happy to schedule a free inspection and give a no-obligation quote to determine if one of our radiant heat solutions is right for you. As with all of our other services, we are committed to 100% customer satisfaction. Call us today and enjoy the peace of mind knowing you will never have to shovel snow off your driveway again.
What're You Waiting For? Schedule A Free Heated Driveway Estimate Today!
Installing a heated driveway for residential homes can be done in areas that need maximum protection and can be custom-made to fit your driveway. If you are already spending a lot of time and money on shoveling snow, snow blowers and snow equipment, you will soon be able to recoup the money paid for your heated driveway.
Just think what it would feel like to be lying snugly in bed on a cold, snowy morning knowing that your driveway is safe and snow-free instead of bundling up in layers of clothes to trudge out into the snow to clear the area. Let a heated driveway do all the work for you while you stay warm in the comfort of your home.
