Pros and Cons of Heated Driveways

Do you live somewhere with harsh, long, snowy winters? Are you tired of shoveling snow? If so, it might be worth it to invest in a heated driveway. Determining whether a radiant heating system is right for your driveway will depend on the type of winters you endure, as well as your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. Learn the pros and cons of installing a heated driveway. 

What Is a Heated Driveway?

A heated driveway is a form of a radiant heating system—it works the same way that a heated floor does. Either electric coils or thin tubes filled with warm water and antifreeze are buried under the driveway’s surface. This raises the temperature enough so that snow and ice melt away. 

What Are the Different Types of Heated Driveways? 

There are two types of built-in heated driveway systems: an electric system and a (water-based) hydronic system. You can automate them or turn them off manually, depending on the system you choose. Or, the alternative to a built-in system is a portable heated mat. 

Here, we’ll take a closer look at each type of heated driveway, how heated driveways work, and each type’s pros and cons.

Hydronic System

Hydronic heated driveway systems use flexible polymer tubing to melt ice and snow. Heated water is pumped through this tubing and mixed with antifreeze. Then, the heat radiates up from the tubing to the surface of your driveway. 

Conveniently, you have options with a hydronic heating system. You can choose between manual and automatic; plus, hydronic boilers can be used with a variety of power sources. 

Hydronic heating systems also melt snow quickly and can be used to heat up large areas.

You do have to install a pump, boiler, and gas lines. Hydronic heating systems also require periodic maintenance—if they break, they're very difficult (even near-impossible) to fix. Heating can be uneven, too. 

Electric System

Electric heated driveway systems use a grid of heating mats and cables to generate heat. They tend to last several decades, and maintenance is minimal. They’re also relatively easy to install since you don’t have to purchase a boiler. And, electric systems tend to be more energy-efficient than hydronic systems. 

They only use one source of power, so they’re not as versatile. And, though they’re usually less expensive to install than hydronic systems, operating costs tend to be higher.

Portable Heated Mats

As opposed to a built-in heated system, a portable heated driveway mat is a rubber mat with an electric heating element that sits on top of your existing driveway. Portable heated mats are much more affordable and less invasive than built-in heating systems. They’re also easy to set up and very versatile.

A heated mat doesn’t cover the whole driveway. So, it’s generally not the best option for harsh winter climates with a lot of snow.

Advantages of Heated Driveways

In addition to learning more about the different types of driveway heating systems and factoring in cost, it can be helpful to consider the pros of having a heated driveway.   

1. No Manual Labor Necessary

You don’t have to spend time shoveling the driveway, which means more time in the warm indoors and less time doing manual labor in the cold. 

2. It’s Safer to Walk On

Because heated driveways prevent ice accumulation, they’re much safer to walk on. You don’t have to worry as much about people slipping and falling.

3. The Driveway Surface Will Last Longer

When water freezes on a driveway, this can eventually lead to significant cracks. A heated driveway melts snow and ice before the water does any damage. 

4. No Need for Salt or Chemicals

Using ice-melt chemicals and/or rock salt can cause erosion of asphalt and concrete driveway surfaces. Salts and chemicals can also be dangerous to pets and nearby plants. So, a heated driveway system can help protect the surface and structure of your driveway, as well as the surrounding area. 

Disadvantages of Heated Driveways

As with any major home renovation, there are some general disadvantages of installing a heated driveway. Here are the cons to consider before moving forward with this project. 

1. The Existing Driveway Will Likely Need to Be Removed

In many cases, the existing driveway will have to be demolished before a radiant heating system can be installed. 

2. Indirect Costs Can Add Up

In addition to the driveway removal cost, you can expect your utility bills to increase overall. And, if the heating system malfunctions, you may need to remove all or part of your driveway to fix it. All of which goes to say: a heated driveway might not be a cost-effective endeavor for all homeowners. 

3. Expert Installation Is Required

Installing a heated driveway isn’t a DIY project. It requires professional tools and experience, and the installation process can be very challenging and physically taxing. You’ll need to contact a local driveway paving company to install the system for you.

Alternatives to a Heated Driveway

Not everyone has the budget or wants to deal with the project scope that comes with heated driveways. After all, many driveways need to be replaced before a heated driveway can be installed. With that said, there are several alternatives to a heated driveway that can keep your driveway safe in the winter months.

Portable Heating Mats

The closest thing you’ll get to a heated driveway without the high cost is portable heating mats. These mats can be placed anywhere you anticipate snow or ice. As with a heated driveway system, your heating mats will melt the ice or snow to make it easy for your vehicle to use the driveway. Unlike a heated driveway, however, you can move the mats around. 

Portable heating mats do have some downsides. Namely, they’re not as attractive as heated driveways because they’re bulky and go above the driveway. They can also be tricky to store, as the mats take up room, but heating mats can be very useful in locations that receive snowfall. 

Snow Plow

If you have a truck and live in a region with high amounts of snowfall but don't want to pay for a heated driveway, then a snow plow may be a good alternative for removing snow. A snow plow uses a vehicle to push snow away from an area to clear it up—a major step up from a trusted shovel or snow blower.

Snow Blower

A snow blower operates similarly to a leaf blower. As with a snow plow, you can use a snowblower to push snow out of the way. This method can be time-consuming if you receive heavy snowfall or have a large surface area to clear, so it may not be suitable for regions that receive consistent snowfall.

Shoveling

As the most labor-intensive alternative to heated driveways, shoveling is what might come to mind when one thinks of snow on a driveway or walkway. For some, shoveling can be a physically demanding task that isn’t worth the effort, while for others, it can be a well-earned workout. 

Salting

Putting salt on your driveway is one way to prevent snow and ice from developing on the surface at the usual freezing temperature. Salt changes the water’s chemistry and alters the temperature at which water freezes. This means that salt can be useful if temperatures are only slightly below freezing, but for extreme temperatures, it may not be enough.

How Much Does a Heated Driveway Cost?

Evaluating the cost of a heated driveway should be a major part of the decision-making process. Just keep in mind that, if you live somewhere that only gets a few light snowfalls a year, a heated driveway is likely not worth the cost. Also, consider that a heated driveway will most likely require professional installation.

Expect to pay anywhere from $1,600 to $25,000 to install a heated driveway, or $13,000 on average. Just how much you’ll spend depends on the size of your driveway and the driveway material. For example, in a typical 24-by-24-foot driveway, heated asphalt driveways cost between $6,900 and $14,400, while heated concrete driveways cost somewhere between $8,600 and $17,300.

The exact figure will depend on:

• The type of system you choose (electric or hydronic)

• The size of your driveway

• Whether you need to remove your old driveway first

• Whether you opt for an automated or manual system

If you need to install a new driveway you’ll need to account for the additional expense. The cost to pave a driveway ranges from $2,500 to $6,600 on average.

Is a Heated Driveway Right for You?

If you’re still on the fence about installing a heated driveway, narrowing down how beneficial installing a heated driveway would be for your home and considering your budget are two ways to help you decide. Remember, the average heated driveway installation cost is a major investment, so if you live in a mild or hot climate that doesn’t receive much snowfall or ice, it might not be financially feasible to invest in a heated driveway. 

On the other hand, if you live in a region that experiences high amounts of snowfall or icy conditions, and you’re worried about your physical safety walking on your driveway, don’t have the physical ability to frequently remove snow, or don’t want to use salt or other chemicals that can harm pets and wildlife, then it might be worth it to install a heated driveway for your home.