Heated driveways cost an average of $13,000 to install, but the type of heating method varies the price from $3,000 to $8,700.
If you’re sick of shoveling snow and sprinkling salt on your driveway all winter long, a driveway heating system could be a lifesaver. Heated driveways are gaining popularity, and while they aren't exactly inexpensive, many think the benefits far outweigh the costs. This type of driveway usually costs an average of $13,000. A heated driveway costs $3,000 on the low end and $25,000 on the high end.
The cost to install a heated driveway is around $12 to $25 per square foot. This includes the materials necessary for the driveway and labor. However, the cost will be more expensive if you need to remove an old driveway first. Homeowners can expect to pay an additional $1 to $2 per square foot for driveway removal.
There are a few significant factors that influence the cost of a heated driveway, including the size of your driveway, what type of heating system you use, and whether you have a fully automated system.
Driveway size is one of the main factors that influences cost. Installing a heated driveway that only fits one or two cars will cost much less than installing a heated driveway in a larger area.
| Driveway Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 12 foot by 24 foot | $3,400–$7,500 |
| 24 foot by 24 foot | $7,000–$16,000 |
| 36 foot by 24 foot | $10,000–$24,000 |
Heated asphalt driveways typically cost an average of $8,600, whereas heated concrete driveways cost an average of $7,550. While concrete driveways are more common and typically stronger, asphalt driveways are better equipped for colder temperatures and are less likely to crack.
| Driveway Material | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Asphalt | $12–$25 |
| Concrete | $15–$30 |
| Pavers | $20–$50 |
If you want to ensure your driveway is snow-free, even when you head out for your morning commute, you might want to consider an automated system. You can add a sensor system that automatically turns on when it starts snowing, saving you from having to push a button and wait for the snow or ice to melt on top of your already hectic morning routine. However, automated heated driveways are typically more expensive than those with a manual switch.
In many cases, homeowners who want a heated driveway must remove their old driveway first. This can increase costs because you’ll need to pay for the removal of the original driveway as well as the installation of a new one. But it can also be an opportunity to better customize your driveway to meet your needs, such as widening your driveway.
Proper drainage around your driveway works in tandem with a heated system. When the mats, electric, or hydronic system melt the snow, it needs to properly flow away from your home and into the ground without damaging the surrounding landscape. Drainage options typically include a well-graded driveway, channel drains, French drains, or a culvert pipe that runs below the asphalt or concrete slab.
The labor required to install heated driveways will also factor into the total cost. Fees will vary depending on the laborer you hire, their qualifications and experience, and the amount of time the installation takes.
You have a few options to heat your driveway, both when it comes to design and budget. And while there are pros and cons to a heated driveway, each of these installations can increase safety, curb appeal, and drainage in your yard. The extent of excavation and whether the heating system is DIY-able directly affect the cost.
Portable heated driveway mats cost between $5 and $10 per square foot, or about $1,600 per mat. They can be placed where and when you need them, like on a driveway, walkway, or porch.
Much like a heating pad works on your body, these mats sandwich an adjustable heating element between rubber covers. You’ll need to remember to get these guys in position before each snowstorm, but they require no pro installation and are less costly than a built-in system.
Electrical driveway heating systems embed coils below your asphalt, concrete, or pavers. The system costs between $3,200 and $5,800 before additional excavation costs and the cost to upgrade your electrical panel if necessary. Labor, excavation, and increasing your home's electrical capacity could double this price, depending on the size of your project.
“Some homeowners use driveway snow-melting mats, which simply plug into standard 120-volt outlets,” says Bob Tschudi, Expert Review Board member and a general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “While they are effective, they aren’t visually appealing, and they don’t last as long as in-asphalt and in-concrete installations.”
Before installing a heated driveway, consult with a licensed electrician to ensure your home has adequate wiring and safety measures.
Water-based systems (hydronic, geothermal, etc.) are usually more expensive initially, costing 30% to 50% more than electric systems. On average, you'll pay between $4,200 and $8,700 before the cost of excavation if you need to replace your driveway.
But they make up for that over time: They use less energy than their electrical counterparts, which use a mat or wiring system unless the electrical system is solar-powered. Keep in mind that you will also need to hook a hydronic system up to a boiler, and additional retrofitting can raise the bottom line.
As it goes for most projects, you can expect a few ongoing costs when you install a heated driveway system.
One of the great things about heated driveways is that they require very little maintenance if installed correctly. But while they help you save on the cost of snow removal, you should have your boiler inspected annually to ensure that everything is in good working order. Additionally, your driveway will still require its typical maintenance, such as driveway sealing.
Occasional repairs to the controllers and sensors of your heated driveway are to be expected, especially once you’ve had them for a while.
The operating costs for heated driveways depend on the size of your driveway, the zone coverage you opt for, and whether you opt for a hydronic or electric system. Regardless, you will have monthly bills associated with your heated driveway.
Here’s the thing: Installing a heated driveway isn’t a good DIY project. This is because it requires professional tools and experience that most homeowners just don’t have. The installation can be long, back-breaking, and difficult, especially if you need to demolish an existing driveway before installing the heating system.
Professional driveway installers have much more experience with heating systems than the average homeowner. Because professionals can remove and reinstall the actual driveway much more efficiently, the project could take weeks less than it would in a do-it-yourself scenario. If you’re interested in a heated driveway, you should get in touch with a dependable driveway company near you to discuss your options.
If the total cost of heated driveways is deterring you from taking the plunge, here are some ways you can cut the total costs.
Don’t heat the entire driveway. There’s an option to heat only one lane of the driveway, and if that’s all you really need, it’s a great way to cut costs. You can also just heat the areas where the tire grooves will land. This is a good option if you only receive light snowfall where you live.
Don’t bother with sidewalks or walkways. If there’s not much sidewalk near your property, or you only have a short walkway, you may want to just shovel those parts on your own.
When contacting a heated driveway company, it's important to ask the right questions to get an idea of what working with them might be like. It's always a good idea to start by looking at reviews online. These are the questions to ask after narrowing down your choices:
Is your company fully licensed and insured?
Who will be installing my driveway?
What is the average timeline for a job of this size?
How many years have you been in business?
Is my home within your service area? Will you charge extra for travel if it's not?
Can I see examples of your work?
What types of heated driveways do you offer?
Can you share references?
Does your work come with any guarantees or warranties?
Do you offer service packages for maintenance or driveway repair?
Like any project, a new driveway installation requires several quotes. Contact at least three companies to get quotes that you can compare. Finally, keep in mind that a driveway installer can't typically give you an accurate quote without visiting your home in person to inspect the driveway area.
Whether a heated driveway is worth the money depends on your preferences and needs. If you live in a cold climate with heavy snowfall, it could be a smart investment that means you won't have to shovel snow yourself or pay for snow shoveling services.
You’ll also decrease the likelihood of falls from a snowy driveway, whether the kids are outside playing or friends and family are coming for a visit. Another plus is that you won’t have to use ice-melt chemicals or rock salt, both of which can harm asphalt and concrete driveways and damage vehicle undercarriages.
Many credible driveway companies will offer a warranty on the installation (sometimes up to 10 years or more). Be sure to ask your pro about warranty options to give you the peace of mind that repairs will be covered if something goes wrong.
Em Norton and Margaret Wack contributed to this piece.
The basic concept of a heated driveway revolves around keeping the pavement warm enough to melt falling snow instead of letting it pile up. Two popular types of heating systems both work by generating radiant heat underneath the driveway, thus keeping the pavement warm during snowstorms.
The electric heating method uses an electric current to generate heat on a wire or across a mat, in almost exactly the same manner as most indoor floor heating systems. The water method uses a series of tubes and pumps to move hot water directly underneath the driveway, warming it up.
A heated driveway can last between 15 to 20 years, so long as it is properly installed and maintained correctly. Be sure to work with a pro who offers a warranty. Keep an eye out for signs of damage or aging, like snow taking extra long to melt (or not melting at all). This could mean an electrical wire has burned out and you’ll need to call a pro to come diagnose the problem.
Heated driveways can melt up to two inches of snow every hour. To avoid buildup, it’s recommended that you start running your heated driveway as soon as snow starts to fall. If you have a manual system that you forget to turn on and get hit with heavy snowfall, another option is to shovel your driveway as best you can and then turn on your heated driveway to finish the rest.
A heated driveway can increase your home’s value depending on where you live and the age of your system. If you live in a region with very heavy snowfall, this feature will be more desirable amongst potential buyers. If you don’t plan to sell your home for another 15 years or more, then it likely won’t be a big selling feature as the technology will have aged too much over time. A heated driveway will only increase your home value if you’re planning to sell your home in the next two to five years.
Yes, you can retrofit an existing driveway, but this usually involves cutting grooves into the driveway, installing the heating elements, then sealing them. While this is much less expensive than typical heated driveway systems, the final appearance could be diminished. Speak with a driveway paving company to confirm which design method is best for you.
