Ontario winters get pretty messy, and nobody likes spending the morning digging out the snowy debris. Fortunately, modern technology and innovative exterior design have provided us with driveway heating systems, and similar winter hacks.
At GBC Design & Build, we help home and business owners develop exteriors you can enjoy and be proud of. One way we do this is by installing heated patio pavers, heated walkway systems, and more. Here, we’ll dig deeper into how these systems work and help you determine if they are the right move for you.
What is a Driveway Heating System?
As the name suggests, a heated system is one that warms your driveway, patio, or walkway from beneath. Rather than needing you to perform manual labour in the act of shoveling, your heated system melts the snow away so you can drive your car, walk across your property and enjoy your patio year-round.
Heated driveways come in two systems, hydronic or electric coil. Electric coil is installed before the driveway is paved, lying metal rods and cables down to control current and heat energy applied to your driveway. Hydronic driveway heating systems use a combination of water and antifreeze which circulates in pipes laid beneath the asphalt.
Both heated driveway systems work, but you may want to talk to your landscaper to determine which is best for your property.
Benefits of Heated Walkway Systems
Whether you’re thinking of heating a driveway or a walkway there are pros and cons to consider. Here are some of the major advantages of installing a heated system.
- Save Time – The biggest benefit is the time you save shoveling. Shoveling a driveway or walkway means waking up early for work to ensure you’ve got the time to clear a path before you leave. This task is performed in the cold. Why not sip your coffee while the heating system does the work for you?
- Timer options – Heating systems can be designed to run on timers. If you know you’re in for a snowstorm overnight, you can set your timer to heat the drive at just the right time in the morning so you are ready to roll as soon as you get your shoes on.
- Avoid Injury – Slippery walkways and driveways can cause injuries for yourself and for others who step onto your property. To avoid injury or liability, your heated system will remove the risk of falling. You can also injure yourself while shoveling but having a driveway heating system removes this risk.
- Curb Value – Finally, if you are looking to sell your home, or simply increase its value, heated patio pavers, driveway and walkway can help bump up the asking price.
There are some cons to heated systems, such as the upfront cost. However, these costs are generally outweighed by long-term savings on shoveling services, shovels, snowblowers, and other equipment.
Interested in installing heated walkway systems for your home? At GBC Design & Build, we can help! Contact us today.
Call GBC Design & Build Today
GBC Design & Build offers customizable luxury landscaping and design across Toronto and surrounding areas.
Dreading those snowy days where you have to shovel your driveway? With a heated driveway or patio, you don’t have to shovel again! To learn more, contact our team at GBC Design & Build.
