How a Heated Driveway is Installed.

Heated driveways work the same as a radiant heated floor system on a bigger scale. A typical system works by having a network of piping below the driveway surface that will have a solution of heated water and antifreeze pumped thru it. This process can similarly be accomplished using heating mats or heating tape embedded in the driveway was well. This will raise the surface temperature above freezing allowing the snow and ice to melt off rather than having to be shoveled or plowed off the surface. This makes your Ramsey home a more comfortable, safe place to live.

 

The Beginning of the Installation Process

The process for installing a heated driveway is always better when it is a new construction. However, it can be done under an existing driveway without tearing up the surface, but these systems typically won’t have a warranty due to the nature of the installation. The installation typically starts with compacting the base layer of dirt or sand to a flat surface often sloped away from the garage and house to allow for proper drain flow away from the home. An insulating layer is then put down to help better reflect the heat from being absorbed into the earth and direct it back up towards the driveway surface.

Insulation and Protection

 

Next a layer of dirt is then applied over the insulating layer to protect the heating pipes, mats, or heat tape and reduce the risk of having damaged parts of the system in the future from use and wear from driving on the driveway. The heating system is finally installed over the top protective layer and will be tested and checked out to ensure it is working properly and efficiently before the driveway is installed overtop of the heating system.

Your Driveway Surface of Choice

 

Finally the top driveway layer whether it is concrete, asphalt, or hand laid patio bricks or stones are places over top of the heated driveway foundation and properly sealed. The heated element systems are fairly rugged and can withstand the extreme temperatures of the concrete and asphalt paving process so there is little to worry about with the actual installation of the top driveway layer.

After your Ramsey driveway is completed and cured a final system test should be performed to verify each portion of the driveway heating element system is working optimally and as efficiently as possible for the coming winter season.

Call McFarlane Asphalt at (201) 327-5258 to learn more about installing a heated driveway in your Ramsey, NJ home!