Automatic Radiant Snow Melting for a New Asphalt Driveway & Stairs in Vaughan, ON

This project showcases a powerful automatic electric snow and ice melting system for a new asphalt driveway and stairs.

VAUGHAN, ON
Laura's Parents Driveway with Snow Melt System during winter
Size: 687 sq.ft. Voltage: 240V Wattage: 34250 W Amps: 143 A Flooring: Paver Cost/hr *: $4.79

For a homeowner in Vaughan, Ontario, the challenge of harsh Canadian winters meant constant shoveling and ice management. WarmlyYours delivered a robust, automated electric snow melting system for their new 767 sq. ft. asphalt driveway and stairs. This solution provides unparalleled convenience and safety, adding significant value to the property by eliminating manual labor and the need for corrosive de-icing chemicals.


Project Details

  • Location: Vaughan, ON, Canada
  • Heated Space Type: Driveway & Stairs
  • Square Footage: 767 sq. ft.
  • Watts: 34,250 W
  • Volts: 240V
  • Amps: 143 A
  • Operating Cost: ~$4.79 per hour (during active operation)
  • Products Used: Snow Melt PowerMat, Snow Melt Cable, Premium Snow and Ice Melting Control, Aerial-Mounted Snow Sensor, Large and Medium Relay Panel, Snow Melt Plaque


A Vaughan Home's Radiant Snow Melting Solution

Facing heavy snowfall and treacherous ice accumulation each year, the owners of this Vaughan home wanted a proactive and permanent solution for their new driveway. The goal was to eliminate the grueling, time-consuming task of shoveling and avoid the long-term damage that plows and chemical de-icers can inflict on asphalt surfaces. They needed an invisible, powerful, and efficient system that would work automatically to keep their driveway and stairs safe for family and visitors.

The installation was expertly handled by Innovative Heating Driveways and Products. They seamlessly integrated the WarmlyYours Snow Melt PowerMats and Cable into the sub-layer before the final asphalt was poured. This ensures the heating elements are protected and can efficiently transfer radiant heat to the surface. The system is powered by dedicated relay panels and managed by a Premium Snow and Ice Melting Control. This advanced controller, paired with an aerial-mounted sensor, acts as the brain of the operation, activating the system only when it detects both cold temperatures and moisture.

The result is a completely automated, worry-free snow removal solution. The radiant snow melting system prevents any accumulation of snow or ice, guaranteeing the homeowners a clear and safe path from their home to the road all winter long. This powerful system not only saves them from physical labor but also enhances their home’s safety and preserves the pristine condition of their new asphalt driveway for years to come.


Featured Products

  • Snow Melt PowerMat & Cable: These durable heating elements are specifically designed for embedding in asphalt, concrete, or under pavers. They provide powerful, even heat to effectively melt snow and ice across large surfaces.
  • Premium Snow and Ice Melting Control (SCP-120): This is the intelligent core of the system. It uses data from the sensor to automatically activate and deactivate the heating elements, ensuring maximum efficiency and performance without any manual intervention.
  • Aerial-Mounted Snow Sensor (AIR-SS): This high-tech sensor detects both temperature and moisture. It ensures the system only runs when needed, preventing energy waste by not activating on cold, dry days.
  • Relay Panels (RLY-12PL & RLY-8PL): For a large, high-power system like this, relay panels are essential for safely managing the electrical load and ensuring reliable, long-term operation.

* This powerful 767 sq. ft. radiant snow melting system costs just about $4.79 per hour to operate when active. During a typical 6-hour snowstorm, the cost to keep the entire driveway and stairs automatically clear is less than $29. Operating cost is based on the average residential electricity rate of $0.14/kWh in Ontario.

Project Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions


The operating cost depends on the size of the system and local electricity rates. For this 767 sq. ft. project in Vaughan, the cost is about $4.79 per hour of active operation. Compared to the cost of seasonal plowing contracts, which can run into hundreds or thousands of dollars, a radiant snow melting system offers a valuable and convenient alternative.
Absolutely. The ideal time to install a radiant snow melting system is during the construction of a new driveway. The heating mats and cables are laid on the sub-base layer before the final layer of asphalt or concrete is poured, integrating them seamlessly and safely into the structure.
An automatic system uses a combination of a controller and a sensor. The sensor, typically mounted on a roof or pole, detects both freezing temperatures and the presence of moisture (snow or ice). When both conditions are met, it signals the controller to turn the heating system on. Once the surface is clear and dry, the system shuts off automatically to conserve energy.
A heated driveway is a significant investment in your home's safety, convenience, and value. It eliminates the risk of slips and falls on ice, removes the need for strenuous shoveling or plowing, and prevents damage to your driveway surface from harsh de-icing chemicals and snowplows. For many homeowners in snowy climates, the peace of mind and daily convenience are well worth the cost.

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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