Many people associate snow with the good stuff in life. Holidays with the family, skiing in Aspen, long winter days of childhood spent sledding and getting into snowball fights. For some people, Christmas just isn’t Christmas unless the landscape is blanketed in crisp, glistening whiteness. 

For those who have to deal with the impact of heavy snowfall on a regular basis, however, the rose-tinted glasses don’t seem to work quite as well…and dealing with snow can be nothing short of a nightmare. 

Waking up and motivating yourself to go to work can be challenging enough at the best of times. Looking out the window to discover two feet of snow covering the driveway that you are going to have to shovel away, leaving you late for work and distinctly nonplussed, to put it mildly, is another thing altogether - and says nothing of the risk of injury snowy and icy driveways pose. 

If any of this sounds familiar to you, then perhaps you should consider getting a snow-melting system for your driveway. Should that be the case, please read on.

How do Heated Driveways Work?

In Ground Heated Driveways

Driveway snow melting systems work by using electrically heated wiring or cables that are distributed evenly underneath the surface of the driveway. The aim of these snow-melting systems is to maintain a sufficient, constant temperature of the driveway to prevent ice and snow from accumulating in the first place, rather than to melt away the snow once it has settled.

Above-Ground Heated Driveways

One exception to this is our snow-melting mats. These are a portable and totally customizable snow-melting solution that sits on top of the surface, rather than underneath, making them suitable for outside steps and other outside living areas. 

All of our snow melting solutions are designed to prevent the problem of ice and snow build-up before they happen. This stops you from having to worry about salting or gritting, shoveling or slipping, or awaiting rescue from a third party.

What are the Different Kinds of Heated Driveway Systems?

There are two kinds of heated driveway systems, electrical and hydronic (water-based).

Of these two, electrical snow-melting solutions are held to be superior to hydronic driveway heaters because they are

• Easier to install

• More versatile

• Do not require any scheduled maintenance

• More efficient than hydronic systems

There are three different kinds of heated driveway/snow-melt systems.

Two inground systems, and one above-ground system.

Heated Snow Melting System - Inground (ClearZone)

ClearZone is an electrical, inground snow melting system that utilizes heated cables to prevent the build-up of snow and ice. It is entirely customizable and suitable for any location no matter how awkward or problematic. 

Additionally, ClearZone is a fully automated snow melting solution with advanced liquid and temperature sensors allowing it to instantly adjust to any drop or rise in temperature ensuring that your heated driveway always runs optimally and to maxim efficiency. 

Heated Snow Melting System - Inground (STEP Snowmelt)

STEP Snowmelt is powered by patented, award-winning carbon-polymer heating elements. 

Because they are based on this innovative technology, they are self-regulating, meaning that they automatically adjust their output in response to a change in conditions.

STEP Snowmelt runs on low voltage (24-50 volts) and can be powered by solar or wind power.

Click here for further information on STEP Snowmelt

Heated Snow Melting System - Above Ground - Melt Mat

The Melt Mat snow and ice melting system is a portable and economical alternative to inground radiant heat systems. 

They are extremely durable and easy to operate and suitable for all outside living spaces including steps and stairs.

Key Takeaways

A Snow-melting system for your driveway can improve your life in a number of ways

• Saves you time and effort by removing the need to shovel snow ever again

• Helps to avoid the risk of injury or even death*

• Helps maintain your driveway through never experiencing sub-zero temperatures

FAQs

Are Snow Melting Systems Suitable for all Surfaces?

Yes, regardless of the type of surface, or the size or layout, there is a snow melting system suitable to meet your unique requirements.

Are Snow Melting Systems Compatible with Alternative Energy Sources?

Both Snowmelt and Melt Mat are compatible with alternative energy sources including solar, wind, hydro, and storage batteries. 

How Much Do Driveway Snow Melting Systems Cost?

The cost of driveway snow melting systems will vary depending on the size of your driveway. But usually it will sit in the region of $4000-10,000 for most homeowners. 

Conclusion

If you live in an area where snow and ice are a regular feature, investing in a snow-melting system for your driveway could very well make a lot of sense. 

Even if you don’t live in such an area, freak weather incidents such as the huge snowstorm that took out most of Texas back in 2021 are forecast to become much more common in the years ahead. 

As such, investing in a driveway snow-melting system even in states that historically have not experienced much snow or ice.