Warmzone Blog

Of the many outdoor heating systems available, heated driveways are quickly becoming the most popular. The best heated driveway systems are radiant heating systems, similar to indoor floor heating systems.
There are primarily two methods for such outdoor heating systems: electric and hydronic. Electric systems use a line-voltage cable, while hydronic systems generate hot water, then pump it through plastic PEX tubing. The heating elements are embedded in the surface and use resistant heating to heat the surrounding area. Most heated driveway systems incorporate an automatic sensor that detects inclement weather to activate the system.
Electric systems tend to be more efficient, require less maintenance, and heat surfaces quicker. Hydronic systems are usually slightly more expensive to purchase and install, but the operational costs can be lower depending on the local fuel rates. Both outdoor heating systems have their advantages, however, the electric systems are gaining a lot of interest due to their price, ease of installation, and threatening future of the cost of fuel.
Some of the obvious benefits to outdoor heating systems are, of course, not having to shovel your driveway again, avoiding injury due to slippery surfaces, and having the confidence that your driveway will be cleared when you need to use it.
Heated Driveway Tip: Other notable benefits include adding value to your home, preserving the life of your driveway, and avoiding damage to bordering landscape with harmful salts and chemicals.

Although it may be spring, it’s the perfect time to plan and install your heated driveway.  If you live in a climate that produces harsh winter conditions then you’re probably familiar with shoveling snow. But what if there was a product available that made it possible for you to never shovel snow again? If you’re interested in just such an option, there is a great product you should know about.
Heated driveway systems installed in concrete, asphalt, and under pavers was thought to be a luxury that most people couldn’t afford. Now, heating driveways, walkways or even parking areas is becoming common for many residences and businesses. If you live in a cold region that requires snow removal you should consider an automated snow melting system before you begin construction to assure yourself the best design and performance. Adding a heated driveway to your home or business will add safety and value to your property. So, save yourself a lot of time, and trips to the chiropractor by checking out the heated driveways available at warmzone.com.

Following the trends of the indoor heating market, where radiant heating systems have been used for decades, the great outdoors is warming up, too. Radiant heat warms the floor and any object in contact with the floor to distribute an even, no-draft heat. Outdoor settings like patios or pathways leading to a hot tub can now benefit from using a traditional hydronic radiant heating system or even more intriguing is the emerging trend of embedding electric heating cables to provide that desired surface temperature. Raising the surface above 38 degrees will conveniently remove any snow or ice and allow you to use your outdoor living areas more often.
Outdoor heating systems are more suited towards new construction since these electric heating cables are actually embedded in the concrete or placed in a sand bed directly under brick pavers. Ambitious do-it-yourselfers will have no problem laying out the cable and preparing them for a certified electrician to do the final hook-up. Outdoor heating systems have always been efficient in delivering heat; the problem has been shutting them off when the job of removing snow from a driveway or outdoor patio is complete.

Have you ever considered adding a heated driveway? While outdoor heating systems have always been efficient in delivering heat, the problem has been shutting them off when the job of removing snow from a heated driveway or outdoor patio is complete. However, with today’s technology, this is no longer a problem.

Recent designs in aerial sensors and surface mounted sensors make heated driveways cost effective to operate. Automated sensors detect the combination of precipitation and cold temperatures and activate the outdoor heating systems during inclement weather conditions and then automatically turn off a few hours after the storm. Manual operation of these outdoor heating systems can also be used to spot heat your driveway or patio if additional heat is required.

Obviously, a heated driveway is not for everyone. Those who live in warm climates year round will not be well served. However, think of those residents in New York, Illinois and even Colorado and Utah with long steep driveways or exposed sidewalks. Even businesses are adopting heated driveways and sidewalks to curb their liability for slips and falls. Sidewalks, entryways and even loading docks are benefiting from embedded heating systems as an effective way to remove pesky ice and snow hazards.

If you live in a part of the country that “enjoys” wintry weather, you’ve probably already begun your winter preparations. Whether it be covering our AC unit, buying ice-melt, or buying a new snow shovel, it seems there is always lots to be done before winter arrives. Well, this year I’ve managed to shorten my list. No more worrying about ice-melt. It’s not that I don’t plan on having snow this winter, I’m sure we’ll get plenty of it. I just don’t plan on shoveling because I installed a new outdoor heating system that will melt my snow and ice automatically.

Outdoor snow melting systems in concrete, asphalt and under pavers was thought to be a luxury most people couldn’t afford. Now, heating driveways, walkways or even parking areas is becoming common for many residences and businesses. If you live in a cold region that requires snow removal you should consider a automated snow melting system before you begin construction to assure yourself the best design and performance.

Not only is an outdoor heating system convenient, but it’s inexpensive as well. By the time I account for the ice melt I won’t buy, the time I won’t spend, and the money saved on trips to the chiropractor after shoveling snow, I should have the outdoor heating system paid off in a winter or two. Definitely a great investment all around.

Outdoor Heating System Tip:  Adding a heated driveway to your home or business will add safety and value to your property.

Obviously, heated driveways are not for everyone. Those who live in warm climates year round will not be well served. However, think of those residents in New York, Illinois and even Colorado and Utah with long steep driveways or exposed sidewalks. Even businesses are adopting outdoor heating systems to curb their liability to slips and falls. Sidewalks, entryways and even loading docks are benefiting from embedded heating systems as an effective way to remove pesky ice and snow hazards.

While having driveways heated has always been efficient in delivering heat, the problem has been shutting them off when the job of removing snow from a driveway or outdoor patio is complete. However, with today’s technology, this is no longer a problem.

Recent designs in aerial sensors and surface mounted sensors make driveway heating cost effective to operate. Automated sensors detect the combination of precipitation and cold temperatures and activate the outdoor heating systems during inclement weather conditions and then automatically turn off a few hours after the storm. Manual operation of these outdoor heating systems can also be used to spot heat your driveway or patio if additional heat is required.