End Winter Shoveling: A Smart Radiant Snow Melting Solution in Scarborough, ON

For this 282 sq. ft. new-pour concrete driveway, the owner wanted a "hands-off" solution to Scarborough's heavy winter snow and ice. The challenge was to ensure safety and convenience without the daily grind of shoveling or salting. WarmlyYours, in partnership with Aimex Canada Ltd., provided a powerful, automated electric snow melting system that activates automatically, keeping the driveway clear, safe, and accessible all winter long.

Project Details

Location: Scarborough, Ontario
Heated Space Type: Driveway
Square Footage: 282 sq. ft. (using 250 sq. ft. of heated mat area)
Watts: 12,518 W
Volts: 240V
Amps: 52 A
Operating Cost: $1.63 per hour (while active)
Flooring: New Concrete
Products Used: WarmlyYours Snow Melt Mats, Premium Control (SCP-120), Aerial Sensor (AIR-SS), Relay Panel
Installer: Aimex Canada Ltd.

From Buried in Snow to Automatically Clear

Winter in Scarborough, Ontario, means a constant battle with snow and ice, which is laborious, time-consuming, and hazardous. For the owner of this new 282 sq. ft. concrete driveway, the goal was to eliminate this burden entirely. They needed a robust, reliable, and automated radiant heating solution that could handle harsh Canadian winters and integrate seamlessly into their new driveway pour.

The installer, Aimex Canada Ltd., worked with WarmlyYours to design a complete system. They embedded 250 sq. ft. of high-powered WarmlyYours Snow Melt Mats directly into the concrete as it was being poured. This powerful 12,518-watt system was wired to a dedicated Medium Relay Panel (RLY-8PL) and managed by the Snow and Ice Melting Control Premium (SCP-120).

The system is fully automated thanks to the Aerial-Mounted Snow Melt Sensor (AIR-SS), which detects both temperature and moisture. When conditions are right for snow or ice, the controller activates the radiant heating system, melting precipitation as it lands. The result is a permanently safe, clear, and maintenance-free driveway, protecting the concrete from corrosive salts and the homeowners from back-breaking labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to run a heated driveway in Ontario?

The operating cost depends on the system's size (wattage) and local electricity rates. This specific 12,518-watt system in Scarborough, ON, costs $1.63 per hour to run. The system only runs when it detects snow or ice, so it is not a constant expense.

2. Can you install radiant heating in a concrete driveway?

Absolutely. Electric snow melting mats are specifically designed to be installed in new-pour concrete, asphalt, or under pavers. For this project, the mats were laid out on the gravel base and the new concrete was poured directly over them.

3. How does an automatic snow melting system work?

An automatic system uses a sensor (like the aerial sensor in this project) to detect both moisture and freezing temperatures. When both conditions are met, it signals the controller to turn on the heating mats, which warm the driveway surface to melt snow and prevent ice from forming.

4. Is an electric snow melting system energy efficient?

Yes, because it is highly targeted. Unlike heating an entire home, this system only runs when it is needed (when it's cold and wet). This "on-demand" operation, combined with precise sensor control, prevents energy waste. It is more efficient and environmentally friendly than using salt or gas-powered snowblowers.