Never Shovel Again: A Heated Paver Driveway in Ottawa, ON

An 810 sq. ft. electric snow melting system provides automated safety and convenience for this beautiful paver driveway.

OTTAWA, ON
Heated Paver Driveway with snow melt system installed after shot angled
Size: 810 sq. ft. Voltage: 240V Wattage: 44000 W Amps: 183 A Flooring: Paver Cost/hr *: $5.75

For the O’Malley residence in Ottawa, Ontario, heavy winter snowfall meant constant shoveling and hazardous icy patches. To reclaim their time and ensure a safe entrance to their home, they partnered with Rubes Interlock And Landscaping Services to install a WarmlyYours electric snow melting system. This powerful and efficient radiant heat solution provides a maintenance-free driveway, automatically keeping it clear of snow and ice all season long.


Project Details

  • Location: Ottawa, Ontario
  • Heated Space Type: Driveway
  • Square Footage: 810 sq. ft.
  • Watts: 44000W
  • Volts: 240V
  • Amps: 183A
  • Operating Cost: $5.75/hour
    • Cost per Snow Event (6 hours): ~$34.50
    • Cost per Month (Est. 5 events): ~$172.50
  • Products Used: Snow Melt PowerMat, Relay Panels, Advanced Snow Melt Control, Aerial Snow Sensor

A Clear Solution for Harsh Canadian Winters

The challenge for the O'Malley residence was a common one in Ottawa: managing a large 810 sq. ft. driveway through long, harsh winters. The demanding, back-breaking work of shoveling, combined with the need for corrosive de-icing salts, led them to seek a modern, permanent solution. They wanted a system that was not only effective but also automated, so they would never have to worry about a snow-covered driveway again, whether they were home or away.

Working with the experts at Rubes Interlock And Landscaping Services, the homeowners chose a powerful 44kW WarmlyYours electric snow melting system to be installed beneath their new pavers. The installation involved laying out the durable Snow Melt PowerMats over the substrate before the final pavers were set in place. The system was connected to an advanced control unit with an aerial-mounted sensor. This "set it and forget it" setup intelligently detects temperature and moisture, activating the system automatically only when needed to prevent snow and ice accumulation.

The result is a beautiful and functional paver driveway that remains safe and accessible throughout the winter. The O’Malleys have eliminated the daily chore of snow removal and the environmental impact of chemical de-icers. Their investment in this radiant heat technology has not only added significant convenience and safety but also enhanced their home's curb appeal and value.


Featured Products

  • Snow Melt PowerMat: These durable, high-power mats are designed for easy and quick installation in asphalt, concrete, or paver applications, ensuring powerful and even heat distribution to melt snow and ice effectively.
  • Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control: The brain of the system, this automated controller uses data from sensors to activate the heated driveway only when necessary, maximizing energy efficiency and providing truly hands-off operation.
  • Aerial-Mounted Snow Sensor (AIR-SS-2): This pole-mounted sensor reliably detects both moisture and temperature, ensuring the system activates precisely at the start of a storm and runs only as long as needed.
  • Relay Panels & Junction Boxes: These essential components safely manage the electrical load of the large system, ensuring reliable performance and a code-compliant installation.

* This powerful 810 sq. ft. snow melting system costs just $5.75 per hour to operate during a snowstorm. For a typical 6-hour snowfall, that’s about $34.50 for a completely clear and safe driveway—delivering priceless peace of mind for less than the cost of a single private plow service.

Project Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions


Based on this project's specifications and local energy rates, the 810 sq. ft. system costs about $5.75 per hour of operation. Since the system only runs when it detects snow or ice, the total seasonal cost is often comparable to or less than hiring a professional snow removal service, without the hassle or property damage risk.
Absolutely. Pavers are an ideal surface for an electric snow melting system. The heating mats are installed on the gravel or sand base directly beneath the pavers, protecting the system while allowing radiant heat to transfer efficiently to the surface, melting snow and preventing ice from forming.
Yes, it is highly efficient. Unlike a central heating system, no energy is lost in ducts or pipes. The radiant heat is delivered directly to the surface. Furthermore, advanced automatic controllers with moisture and temperature sensors ensure the system only activates when it’s needed, preventing energy waste and minimizing operating costs.
An automated system uses a combination of sensors and a controller. An aerial or pavement-mounted sensor detects both the outdoor temperature and the presence of moisture.7 When the temperature drops below a set point (e.g., $38^\circ$F or $3^\circ$C) and moisture is detected, the controller automatically activates the heating system to warm the driveway and prevent accumulation. It shuts off once the surface is clear and dry.

Quotes

These quotes are linked to this showcase and include the products used in this project or recommended for a similar-sized project.

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