| |
| |
|
Home Improvement Information |
|
|
|
Heated Driveways: Who, What, Where, When, Why, & How
What are heated driveways? The obvious answer is, "a driveway that is heated," but what actually heats the driveway? The best driveway heating systems are radiant heating systems, similar to indoor floor heating systems. There are primarily two methods for heating, electric and hydronic. Electric systems use a line-voltage cable, while hydronic systems generate hot water then pump it through plastic PEX tubing. The heating elements are embedded in the surface and use resistant heating to heat the surrounding area. Most systems incorporate an automatic sensor that detects inclement weather to activate the system. Electric systems tend to be more efficient, require less maintenance, and heat surfaces quicker. Hydronic systems are usually slightly more expensive to purchase and install, but the operational can be lower depending on their local fuel rates. Both systems have their advantages, however, the electric systems are gaining a lot of interest due to their price, ease of installation and threatening future of the cost of fuel. Why install a driveway heating system? Some of the obvious benefits are of course, not having to shovel your driveway again, avoiding injury due to slippery surfaces, and having the confidence that your driveway will be cleared when you need to use it. Other notable benefits include; adding value to your home, preserving the life of your driveway, and avoiding damage to bordering landscape with harmful salts and chemicals. Where and when can you install a system? Driveway heating systems can be installed in almost any location, in almost any medium (including concrete, asphalt, under pavers, etc.), and nearly anytime of the year (depending on the medium). The most popular and ideal time to install a system, is during new construction. However, with weather permitting there are no limitations when to install a snowmelt system. How do the systems work? Snow melting systems are composed of three main items: the heating element, the controller, and the activation device. The heating element can be either an electric resistance cable, or PEX hot water tubing. These heating elements can be installed in almost any medium. The simplest application for installation is under brick or stone pavers and in new pour concrete. Asphalt can also be used but the installation methods call for more care and labor to avoid injurious contact to the cable because of the asphalts temperature and abrasive nature during the paving process. These systems are controlled by either a wall-mounted control box for electric systems, or a small mechanical room to house a boiler, pump, manifold etc. for hydronic systems. Both types of systems use manual and/or automatic activation devices. Available automatic sensors include aerial mounted or pavement mounted snow switches. These sensors activate the system when there is moisture present and the temperature is below approximately 38 degrees. Most systems also include a manual timer to preheat an area before a large storm to curb snow and ice accumulation. Who installs them and Who sells them? Electric snowmelt systems are fairly easy to install, and any experienced "do-it-yourselfer", contractor, or electrician would be a candidate for installing a system. There are several vendors of driveway heating systems, however, Warmzone, Inc., is a dedicated source for matching your project to best valued solution. Warmzone, Inc. is the consumer and contractor advocate without a bias towards any one system. They will point out the obvious benefits and challenges to any project and sell you a system that makes sense. Warmzone has experience with both residential and commercial projects. Even though they do not install these systems, Warmzone has a growing network of contacts across the country that are ready and willing to help where ever possible. Visit them online at www.warmzone.com, or call them toll free at 1-888-488-WARM. Warmzone, Inc. - The leaders in design and distribution of radiant floor heating and snow melting systems.
MORE RESOURCES:
Home-Improvement - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Add A Room To Your Home With A Patio Awning Do you need a patio awning for your lovely patio off of your backyard that only gets half the use it could because of rain or far too bright sun? Installing a patio awning to shade and protect it can be almost as good as adding a room to your home!When choosing a patio awning, you'll need to consider a number of things - the area that needs to be covered, the structure on which the awning will be installed (usually your house), the weather conditions in your area, the cost and the aesthetics. There are many types and styles of patio awning available to suit your needs - once you're certain what your needs are. Avoiding Leaks When Installing Vinyl Retrofit Windows These days a lot of homeowners are replacing their old windows with vinyl windows using the retrofit style of window frame. This is particularly true in the west, and specifically, in California. How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold Spec How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold SpeciesVANCOUVER, CANADA. Many property owners, apartment landlords, renters, employers, and employees want to know, and need to know, the precise identities of the various mold species infesting their moldy house, rental unit, or place of employment, according to Phillip Fry, Certified Mold Inspector and author of the book Do-It-Best-Yourself Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing, & Remediation. Security in Todays World There are many things in life that are worth protecting. Our children, our valuables, our resources and of course, ourselves. Make Your Hardwood Floors Shine You have just installed hardwood flooring in your home. Now what? How do you keep your hardwood floors clean and shiny? Read the following Q&A in which two hardwood floor owners are asking just that. Replacing Steel Casement Windows (Part 2) Last week, I explained how to remove your old steel casement windows as you prepare each opening for the new Vinyl windows. In most of the country, you are limited to a replacement style frame, which is a new construction frame with the nail fin removed. Planning Permission Tips UK - Agricultural Plots of Land for Sale - The Latest Mug Punter Scam? The first part of most years brings a flurry of trade shows aimed at the public & trade alike such as The Ideal Home Show, Interiors & just recently the Building Exhibition at the NEC. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of new gadgets & Gizmos (along with the usual tat) that companies invent for our consumption. The Science of Architecture You're told to take vitamins, drink plenty of water, get a good night's sleep and exercise, but has anyone ever told you that the design of your home and office can impact your health? You wouldn't be alone in raising an eyebrow and questioning how this could be so, but thousands of years ago, the ancient seers of India spent entire lifetimes observing how man-made structures impact humans beings. Their findings were compiled into a body of knowledge called Vastu Shastra. The Dangers of Pesticides and the EPAs Harrowing Plan to Test Them on Kids Pesticides are a ubiquitous toxin in our environment. We spray them liberally on ants and spiders in our homes, use them in our gardens and on our lawns, fog our streets with them to kill mosquitoes-even spread them on our own bodies to keep bugs away. If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again! If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again.Free Tips For Removing Winter Mold & Mildew Stains From the Makers of InstaGone"The development of mold and mildew stains can actually be intensified during the winter," says InstaGone Consumer Products president Peter Chicarielli. Age Old Question: Buy New or Remodel Existing Home? Your house doesn't have enough storage space, bathrooms, or counter space! Not too mention your kitchen is old, small and poorly ventilated. Now you are trying to decide between remodeling your current home to address some of these needs and buying a new bigger home. Home Is Where The Heart Is Every one lives in a house but every house is not a home. A house is a shelter made of bricks, wood or any other material. Warm Up the Night! Patio Heaters and Fire Pits In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for sitting outside in the evening -- the bugs have gone and the sky is clear -- but the nights are chilly. Don't let the cool evenings send you inside -- extend your outdoor living season by heating your deck or patio. Physiological Response to Window Coverings Nothing soothes the brain like Mother Nature, whose intrinsic scenery relaxes and refreshes us, consciously and subconsciously. Therefore, a view of nature should never be completely covered up during the day. What is Design Psychology and How Will it Help Me? In this article, we'll be taking a look at the most basic aspects of Design Psychology, first asking a question, and then addressing the various concepts, in abbreviated form."I wish I had learned all this before we bought our first house 25 years ago, and before we had our children. Basic Methods of Foundation Waterproofing It is absolutely necessary to waterproof the foundation of your home. Foundation waterproofing is a critical step in maintaining your home's value and an important measure for preventing very serious damage. The Versatile Reciprocating Saw: The Power Tool of Your Dreams A reciprocating saw is simply one of the handiest tools you can own. These tools are great for applications in the home or the jobsite. Installing Vinyl Replacement Windows In A Wood Frame Opening When we left off last week, we had removed the old wood sash windows and prepared the opening for the vinyl replacement windows. Now it's time to install your new windows. How To Buy Double Glazing In The UK Double glazing reduces heat loss through your windows. You can save money on your heating bills. Bathroom Wall Cabinets - Create Extra Space with a Touch of Style! Is your bathroom looking cluttered? How about fitting new bathroom wall cabinets to store all your toiletries and appliances? These days we all tend to have a myriad of lotions and potions to keep us looking our best, but the result of having so many bottles in our bathrooms is that our bathroom vanity surfaces can become untidy and crowded. Adding more bathroom storage cabinets can give you welcome space to store all your accessories, leaving your surfaces tidy and clutter free!The traditional bathroom medicine cabinet fitted above the sink is no long used just for storing medicines.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
