Driveway How To Install A Radiant Heat System
Heated Driveway...Protecting You,Your Family and Customers:
When we were kids, we've all heard our parents saying; "Shut That Door! You triying to heat the whole outdoors?"
Well, today a whole industry has sprung up with just that goal in mind.
Tired of getting stuck in your own driveway? Or are your clients at risk every time there is snow or ice on the sidewalks, stairs, or access ramps in front of your business? For business owners, removing snow from access areas can be an expensive business expenditure. Or maybe you're just sick of dawn patrol with your snow shovel. In any case, having a heated driveway is the solution.
How do the systems work?
Snow melting systems are composed of three main items: the heating element, the controller, and the activation device. The heating element can be either an electric resistance cable or PEX hot water tubing. These heating elements can be installed in almost any medium, (concrete,asphalt, gravel, brick or pavers). The simplest application for installation is under brick or stone pavers and in new pour concrete. Asphalt can also be used, but the installation methods call for more care and labor to avoid injurious contact to the cable because of the asphalt's temperature and abrasive nature during the paving process.
These systems are controlled by either a wall-mounted control box for electric systems or a small mechanical room to house a boiler, pump, manifold, etc., for hydronic systems. Both types of systems use manual and/or automatic activation devices. Available automatic sensors include aerial-mounted or pavement-mounted snow switches. These sensors activate the system when there is moisture present and the temperature is below approximately 36 degrees. Most systems also include a manual timer to preheat an area before a large storm to curb snow and ice accumulation. Most systems come equipped with a back-up, manual 4 hour timer.
Unlike anti-freeze based systems, electrical snow melting systems are fairly easy to install and maintain, and are therefore much more practical. In addition, it is much cheaper and more reliable than hydronic systems with pumps, mixing valves, heat exchangers, and many other components.
The primary difference is in the concept: heating with electricity produces heat energy appropriately and exactly where it is needed, instead of heating the liquid in one place and then delivering it somewhere else by way of pumps, pipes, tubes and valves. For maximum efficiency, it is important to preheat the system at the first indication of precipitation. For example, when a foot of snow is already on the ground, trying to initiate heat will most often not work too well.
Radiant Snow Melting (Concrete Installation)
Concrete is perfect for driveways, walkways, and patios, but when you add moisture and cold weather into the mix, you've got slippery surfaces, snow shoveling, and surface damage. Rescue your concrete surfaces from the abuse by installing a Snow Melting System for all of your concrete areas. When a new concrete driveway is installed, steel reinforcing bars are placed throughout the area to strengthen the concrete and to prevent cracking and settling in the new drive. The heating elements of the snow melt system (cables or piping) are set on top of the wire mat prior to the concrete pour. It is possible for a homeowner to install this piping or cabling, though, in the words of one manufacturer, it requires an "ambitious" do-it-your selfer. Connecting the heating element to the controller will most likely require the help of an electrician or plumber, depending on the type of system.
The controlling system must be installed in an area protected from the elements, often a basement or garage. The water-based system, including a boiler and manifold system, requires more room than an electric system and will need an area from 4 feet to 8 feet in diameter.
Radiant Snow Melting (Under Pavers)
Have you ever tried to shovel snow off pavers? Near impossible, isn't it? Now before you chuck the shovel and call in the cement truck, consider a different option......A Snow Melting System. Installation is easy, and you'll still get to enjoy those classic pavers without compromising the aesthetics or quality of your project with your decision to install pavers with radiant heat.
Radiant Snow Melting (Retrofit Installation)
So now you're asking yourself... "How can I enjoy an automatic snow melting system without pulling out the jackhammer?" The option of having heated system installed is not limited to new construction. Some companies specializing in heated systems will retrofit an existing driveway with the tubing required for a snow melt system.
Also for heated driveways, it is not necessary to heat the whole driveway. You can install a system that only heats enough area to get your car out.
Also, I've just found a website, Radiant Track Snow Melting Mats that offer snow melting mats that can be used for driveways, walkways, stairs, just about anywhere. So if you don't have the time or money to install a permanent heated driveway, or maybe you'd rather wait until spring to install a permanent system, these portable mats might be just what your looking for.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a System
Contractors and their customers must consider many factors before choosing the type and size of snow melting system thats best suited for a particular application. A system design that works well in one city may be inadequate in another.
"Not all snow melting systems are created equal, consider the following tips for making wise planning and selection decisions.
Utility costs and availability:
The cost and availability of utilities vary widely nationwide. The owner should consider the cost of electricity versus other power options such as propane, oil, natural gas, and solar. "With an electric system, the only utility you can use is electricity," says Drake. "With an hydronic system, you can use whatever power source is available, be it natural gas, propane, solar, or even electric."
An electric system simply plugs into a junction box. For an hydronic system, the owner must have the space to accommodate the water heater or boiler, circulating pump, and manifold. User expectations: Does the owner expect the driveway or sidewalk to be free of snow at all times, or is gradual melting within a few hours after snowfall acceptable? The former will result in higher equipment, installation, and operating costs. Run-off: Have provisions been made for where the melted snow is going to drain? In some cases, a drainage system may need to be installed, especially if heavy snowfalls are expected. Retrofitting: If the snow melting system is to be installed in an existing slab, its easier to retrofit an electric cable because it has a smaller diameter. "You can groove the concrete and lay the cables in the grooves," says Drake. For hydronic tubing, more concrete removal is required. Maintenance: A hydronic system typically requires more maintenance. In addition to maintaining the boiler and pump, "you must inspect the propylene glycol fluid levels periodically, just like the antifreeze in a car.