An Orland Park homeowner with a large, beautiful paver driveway was faced with the demanding annual task of snow and ice removal. WarmlyYours delivered a robust and efficient solution by designing a custom electric snow melting system installed directly beneath the pavers. This automated system adds significant value to the home by ensuring the driveway remains clear and safe all winter, enhancing convenience and preserving the stunning curb appeal without the use of harsh chemicals or damaging plows.
Project Details
- Location: Orland Park, Illinois
- Heated Space Type: Driveway
- Square Footage: 1,002 sq. ft.
- Watts, Volts, Amps: 44.1 kW, 240V, 185A
- Flooring/Surface: Pavers
- Operating Cost Per Hour: Approximately $7.50 per hour (when active)
- Products Used: WarmlyYours Snow Melt Mats, Power Modulator Control, Aerial Snow/Ice Sensor, Relay Panels
The Story
Winters in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, are known for being harsh and bringing significant snowfall. For the owner of this home, clearing a sprawling 1,002-square-foot paver driveway was more than a chore—it was a constant battle for safety and accessibility. Manual shoveling was exhausting, while hiring a plow service risked damaging the expensive pavers. The homeowner needed a "set it and forget it" solution that would work seamlessly with their existing driveway surface.
The WarmlyYours team designed a comprehensive snow melting system perfectly suited for installation under pavers. The project utilized a combination of different-sized Snow Melt PowerMats to achieve full coverage across the driveway's unique dimensions. These durable mats were laid out on the prepared aggregate base before the final paver course was set, ensuring the heating elements were protected and invisible.
The result is a fully automated, high-performance heated driveway. The system is controlled by an advanced Power Modulator unit paired with an aerial snow and ice sensor. This smart sensor detects both moisture and freezing temperatures, activating the system only when needed to melt snow and ice. Now, the homeowner enjoys unparalleled convenience and peace of mind, knowing their driveway will be safe and clear automatically, all winter long.
Featured Products in this Project
- Snow Melt PowerMats: These durable, high-wattage electric heating mats are designed for easy roll-out installation under concrete, asphalt, or pavers. They provide 50 watts per square foot of heating power for fast and effective melting.
- Power Modulator Electrical Box 3: This advanced control is the brain of the system, managing power distribution efficiently for large snow melting projects. It ensures optimal performance while minimizing energy consumption.
- Power Modulator Snow/Ice Aerial Sensor: This smart sensor automatically detects precipitation and freezing temperatures, activating the snow melting system only when it's needed. This automation makes the system both hands-free and highly energy efficient.
