Can electric snow removal damage my driveway?

8 October 2021

Whether we like it or not, the days are getting shorter and we are heading straight for the cold season. The one that brings its share of snow that we will have to remove from our driveways all winter long. Have you ever thought about melting snow instead of shoveling it? Indeed, it is possible with electric snow removal. But can this method damage my driveway? That’s the question this blog post will try to answer.

What is electric snow removal?

Electric snow removal is simply snow removal by heating. No more de-icing salts, no more plows and no more shovels. It is actually a system of heating fibers placed inside the pavement that warms the snow on the surface to prevent accumulation. The heating devices are placed on a standard levelled surface by compacting the soil and adding gravel. They are then covered with the desired surface, such as concrete, paver or asphalt. The system is connected to a probe and a control system. When the sensor detects moisture, the system starts heating and maintains the heat until the surface is dry. Some systems automatically turn on when there is precipitation at 3 degrees or less. In addition, each heating panel has its own independent electrical wire, which means that only one module needs to be replaced in the event of a breakdown.

Safe?

Not only are electric snow removal systems safe for you, as you will be much less likely to fall this winter, but they are also very safe for your driveway paving. The best time to install a heated driveway is during construction, as the cables should be completely buried in asphalt, concrete, sand or fine gravel. The temperature of the heating systems can rise very high, so it is important that they are well buried. The material in which you embed the cables will play an important role in conducting heat and preventing the cables from burning. It is always best to minimize the depth of the cables as much as possible to improve the ramp-up time. If the installation is done by professionals, there is no reason for an electric snow removal system to damage your driveway. It is therefore very important to choose your contractor carefully to ensure that the work is done properly.

If the idea of shoveling snow all winter long puts you off, don’t hesitate to contact a professional paving company that will make sure to give you all the information you need on electric snow removal. There are many parameters to take into account that can affect the cost, such as the number of square feet to be covered or whether or not you already have a driveway in place. Professionals will always be happy to give you the right time so that you are completely satisfied with your new driveway that clears its own snow.

Will you be getting out the shovel this year?