Shoveling snow from your driveway can be a huge pain. One alternative is a heated driveway, which melts snow and ice automatically. This guide compares two main options for heated driveways: portable heating mats and built-in driveway heating systems. We’ll explore how each works and their associated costs and help you decide which might be best for your home.
Types of Heated Driveways
Heated driveways come in two forms: portable heating mats and built-in systems. Both help to keep your driveway clear of snow and ice, but they work in different ways and have distinct advantages and drawbacks.
Portable heating mats are flexible, removable mats you can place on your driveway as needed. They plug into a power source and heat up to melt snow and ice on contact. Built-in systems are permanent installations beneath your driveway’s surface. These systems use either electric heating elements or a network of tubes carrying heated fluid to warm the entire driveway area.
Portable Heating Mats
Portable heating mats are easy to set up and can be a good choice for homeowners who want a simple, adaptable option without committing to a permanent installation.
How Portable Heating Mats Work
Portable heating mats consist of an electric heating element covered by layers of durable, skid-proof material. You typically use them in pairs, placing one mat on each side of your driveway to align with your car’s tires.
Simply lay the mats out on your driveway, plug them into a nearby outlet, and turn them on. Many models come with remote controls, allowing you to activate them from inside your home.
Mats are available in various sizes, with lengths up to 30 feet and widths between 10 and 40 inches. You can connect mats to cover larger areas and work best on walkways, decks, ramps, and driveways.
Pros and Cons of Portable Heating Mats
Portable heating mats have several advantages:
- Easy to set up and remove
- Adaptable to different areas
- Relatively affordable compared to built-in systems
- Don’t require permanent changes to your driveway
However, there are a handful of drawbacks to consider:
- May not cover the entire driveway
- Less effective in heavy, deep snow
- Require storage when not in use
- Need to be set up before each snowfall
Built-In Driveway Heating Systems
Built-in driveway heating systems are a permanent snow and ice removal solution. These systems are installed beneath your driveway’s surface and can be either electric or hydronic (water-based).
Electric Heating Systems
Electric heating systems use insulated wires that are woven into flexible mats. These mats are installed beneath your driveway and connected to your home’s electrical system. When activated, they heat up, warming the driveway surface and melting snow and ice.
Control options for electric systems range from simple thermostats to sophisticated Wi-Fi-connected devices that automatically adjust the driveway’s temperature according to the forecast.
Hydronic Heating Systems
Hydronic systems use a network of plastic tubing, usually made of PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). These tubes carry a mixture of water and antifreeze heated by a boiler in your home or garage. The warm mixture circulates through the tubing, heating your driveway from below.
Pros and Cons of Built-In Systems
Built-in heating systems offer several benefits:
- Can cover the entire driveway
- Great at melting snow
- Can be automatic
- Have no visible equipment on the driveway
However, they also have some disadvantages:
- More expensive to install
- Difficult and expensive to repair if problems occur
- May increase energy bills
Installation Process for Heated Driveways
The installation process for heated driveways varies depending on whether you’re working with a new driveway or retrofitting an existing one.
New Driveway Installation
Installing a heating system in a new driveway is relatively straightforward. The heating elements or tubing are laid out during construction and then covered with the driveway material (concrete, asphalt, or pavers).
Retrofitting Existing Driveways
Adding a heating system to an existing driveway is more complex and typically more expensive.
For electric systems, contractors might cover the existing driveway with a thin layer of sand or crushed stone, lay out the heating elements, and then cover them with a new layer of surface material. In some cases, they may need to cut into the existing surface to install the heating elements.
For hydronic systems, the only option is usually to add a new layer to the existing driveway to accommodate the tubing.
Regardless of the type of system you choose, having proper drainage for the melted snow and ice is crucial.
Cost Considerations for Heated Driveways
The cost of a heated driveway system can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of system, the size of your driveway, and whether it’s a new installation or a retrofit.
Initial Installation Costs
Built-in heated driveway systems typically cost between $3,200 and $5,800, including materials and installation.* Hydronic systems are more expensive than electric systems due to the additional equipment required, such as boilers and pumps.
Portable heating mats are generally less expensive, ranging from $5 to $10 per square foot. However, they may not cover as much area as a built-in system.
*All prices in this article sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.
Ongoing Operating Expenses
Before you decide to install a driveway heating system, we also recommend considering operating and maintenance costs. These costs can vary due to factors like local utility rates, the size and type of your system, and the severity of your winters.
Efficiency and Performance Comparison
Both portable heating mats and built-in systems have advantages when it comes to efficiency and performance.
Built-in systems generally offer more comprehensive coverage and can more effectively handle heavier snowfall. They’re also more convenient, as homeowners can set them to run automatically.
While not as powerful, portable heating mats offer more flexibility. You can move them where needed and only use them when necessary, potentially saving on energy costs. However, they may struggle with very heavy snowfall and don’t provide the same seamlessly snow-free surface as a built-in system.
Maintenance and Longevity
Once properly installed, built-in systems require minimal maintenance. However, if problems do occur, repairs can be complex and expensive, often requiring portions of the driveway to be torn up.
Portable heating mats are easier to maintain and repair, as you can replace a faulty mat. However, they may wear out faster due to exposure to the elements and repeated setup and storage.
A well-installed built-in system can last 20 years or more. Portable heating mats typically have a shorter lifespan, around five to 10 years, depending on usage and care.
Environmental Impact and Energy Efficiency
Both integrated and portable systems consume energy, which can increase your carbon footprint. However, there are ways to mitigate this impact.
For built-in systems, particularly hydronic ones, renewable energy sources like solar or geothermal can significantly reduce environmental impact. Some electric systems are compatible with solar panels as well.
While portable heating mats use electricity, they can be more energy-efficient if used strategically. By only heating the areas you need when you need them, you can potentially use less energy overall compared to a full driveway system that’s always on standby.
Choosing the Right System for Your Property
Selecting the right heated driveway solution for your home depends on several factors. Consider these key points when making your decision:
Climate Considerations
If you live in an area with frequent, heavy snowfall, a built-in system might be more effective. Portable heating mats could suffice for regions with occasional snow or lighter accumulations.
Driveway Size and Layout
Large or irregularly shaped driveways might benefit more from a built-in system that provides comprehensive coverage, while simpler or smaller driveways might do well with portable mats.
Budget Constraints
Your budget will play a significant role in your decision. If you’re looking for a lower upfront cost and don’t mind some manual setup, portable heating mats could be the way to go. A built-in system might be preferable if you’re willing to invest more initially for a hands-off solution.
Our Conclusion
Built-in and portable heated driveway systems are a convenient way to manage snow and ice on your property.
Built-in systems provide comprehensive coverage and automatic operation but come with higher upfront costs and potential repair challenges. Portable heating mats have a lower initial cost but require more hands-on management and may struggle with heavy snowfall.
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, climate, budget, and preferences. As always, we recommend calling on a professional to assess your property and discuss which option might work best for you.
