A driveway heating system is a standard solution for homeowners who wish to avoid the hassle of shovelling and blowing snow from their driveways. No two cities are the same. No one system will operate flawlessly in every one of them. Generally, these systems must be installed to perform well and reap their advantages.
The average price per square foot to install a radiant heating system in your driveway is $12 to $21. Your present driveway will not be removed and replaced as part of this project. For example, the price of an asphalt driveway will be more than one made of concrete. For a comprehensive service, you can anticipate spending anything from $2,000 to $25,000 for the heating system installation and removal of the existing driveway.
Things That Could Affect Pricing
Having a lot of trees and roots on your land may make installing a driveway much harder. Other pricing elements to consider are labor expenses, material prices, whether the soil has to be changed, and the season. You may be able to clear your driveway yourself if you're on a tight budget. Thousands of dollars may be saved by doing this task on your own.
The Price of Heated Driveways
Heated Mats
Heated mats are the first and most affordable option. Mats of various lengths and widths are readily available and easy to transport. A few hundred dollars may get you a basic model, but the best ones can cost as much as $1,600 to almost $3,000. Typically, they're about 20 and 30 feet long and a couple of feet broad.
Types of Built-In Heated Driveway Systems
Hot Water Heated Driveway System
Typical hydronic systems employ tubes buried under the driveway to distribute heat. Antifreeze and hot water are poured into the tubes and mixed together. Once the solution has reached the driveway's surface, it melts snow and ice before it can build up. Afterward, the runoff is collected in drains, which aid in water drainage away from the driveway.
The water is heated in a boiler before being circulated via a network of pipelines and connections. The typical price of these systems is about $4,000, but they may go up to $7,500. In addition, the cost of demolishing and repaving the driveway is not included.
Wire Grid Heated Driveway System
Unlike hydronic systems, wire-grid driveway heating is more costly and utilizes more power. Some experts argue that an electric system benefits more evenly disbursing heat. However, it's essential to remember that operational expenses might rise because of increased power use. Cables may be operated in the same manner as hydronic systems, either manually or with the aid of an automatic sensing device.
Installation Labor Cost
Per Square Foot of an Average Heated Driveways Installation costs may range from $12-$21 per square foot on average. Prices may vary from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on the size of your driveway and the intricacy of the installation process.
DIY Heated Driveway Installation vs. Hiring a Professional
It's better to leave the installation of a heated driveway to the professionals. It is possible to make your own portable heat pad, but they are not nearly as effective and do not provide enough drainage. In addition to retrofitting or building a driveway appropriately, sophisticated electrical and occasionally plumbing work must be completed.
