A heated driveway can be a real benefit in cold climates like Haverhill, NH. The embedded heat source warms up the concrete from the inside, helping it to melt snow and ice so that your driveway remains clear and usable at all times. Not only is it convenient, but it also makes your driveway safer, reducing the risks of any slips and falls when the temperatures drop. That’s a really important benefit for commercial property owners who would have liability for injuries.
Despite the many benefits of a heated driveway, many property owners get deterred by the heated driveway cost. Having a better idea of the work that goes into creating this kind of driveway and the range of potential costs can help you make a more informed choice. The driveway design experts at Triad Associates can walk you through the process and help you understand the investment involved.
Factors in Calculating Heated Driveway Cost
There is not one size that fits all when it comes to heated driveways, so there is not a standard cost. There are many factors that will go into determining the cost. These include:
Type of Heating System
The heating system in the driveway can either be electric or hydronic (water-based). An electric system is composed of heating cables or mats, while a hydronic system is composed of a series of tubes connected to a boiler. Typically, an electric heating system is less expensive to install because it does not require the boiler, but it is also more expensive to operate over time. This is key when calculating heated driveway cost in the long-run.
Size of Driveway
The size of your driveway plays a large part in the heated driveway cost. The bigger the driveway, the bigger the heating system that will be required, and the more expensive it will cost. The only way to reduce this cost would be to forego heating the entire driveway, such as by skipping a turn around or parking area, for example.
Driveway Material
Heating elements can be added to any driveway material, including concrete, asphalt, or pavers. Since the heating system has to be laid underneath these materials, you will be getting a new driveway when you decide on this upgrade. The material you choose for the driveway will have a big impact on the overall heated driveway cost.
Installation and Materials Cost
Finally, who you choose to install your heated driveway and the materials you choose for all of its components will determine the final price. The professionals at Triad Associates price our services reasonably for all clients while also balancing the value of our expertise and the quality of our results.
Types of Heated Driveway Systems
There are two primary types of systems you can choose for your heated driveway, each with their pros and cons. Understanding what each has to offer and learning how they influence the heated driveway cost can help you make the right choice for your property.
Hydronic (Water-Based) System
A hydronic heating system is composed of a series of PEX tubing that is resistant to damage from the elements. The tubing is flushed with a mixture of water and antifreeze, and the system is closed so that the water doesn’t have to drain or be added back. The tubes are connected to a boiler, which is usually housed inside the garage or another nearby space. A hydronic heating system is usually a little more expensive because the boiler is a big investment. However, this system works more efficiently over time, resulting in long-term savings and a lower heated driveway cost in the future.
Electric Wire-Grid System
An electric system can be composed of either wire cables arranged in a grid or wire mats. The materials are designed to resist corrosion from the elements for long-lasting performance. Typically, these systems cost less to install than water-based systems, but they require more energy over time and, therefore, end up costing more in the long run.
Average Heated Driveway Cost per Square Foot
When trying to understand heated driveway costs, you can‘t just look at the total price tag as so many factors are involved in that calculation. Instead, you need to look at the average cost per square foot, so you can apply it to your particular space. You can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $30 per square foot for your heated driveway, depending on what heating system and other elements you choose.
Are Heated Driveways Worth It?
Given the size of the investment you would need to make to have a heated driveway, you may be asking yourself if it’s really worth it. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to that question as value is a subjective measurement. However, there are a few things you can consider:
Advantages
There are many advantages to a heated driveway—all of which will be compounded as soon as snow falls. You can just turn on the system and watch the snow and ice melt away from your driveway. You won’t have to break your back and spend hours of your life shoveling and scraping the driveway. Meanwhile, you’ll also create a safer surface. You won’t have to worry about the treacherous walk to the car in the morning. You can walk confidently without worry of any slips or broken bones, which might end up more expensive than the heated driveway cost.
Disadvantages
The only real disadvantage to a heated driveway system is the cost. While it can be a big investment, you must consider the value you will get out of it year after year. The safety and convenience you enjoy will justify the cost multiple times over.
Hire Triad Associates’ Driveway Experts Today
The driveway experts at Triad Associates have been designing and installing beautiful, heated driveways in the Haverhill, NH area for many years. Our designers can create a driveway that provides a gorgeous entryway for your home while also providing effective heat for management of ice and snow. We can also help you understand the heated driveway cost for your home. Call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our driveway designers and start exploring your options. We install heating systems under concrete, asphalt, and paver driveways, as well as for any size or design. We design heated driveways for both homes and commercial properties. Call us today to schedule your consultation and get started.
