Heated Driveways for Detroit Winters

Detroit Heated Driveways and Snow Removal

DETROIT  WEATHER  FACTS  AND  STATS

Detroit's coldest month is January when the average temperature overnight is 17.8°F.

Average annual snowfall is 44 inches.

Heaviest snowfall: 95 inches in 2013-2014.

Average daily high temperature December thru March is 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

On average, the first snowfall takes place on November 15.

The average last measurable snowfall is in mid April.

January is the snowiest month of the year, averaging 12.5 inches.

Detroit winters can be an adventure. While an annual average snowfall of 44 inches, Detroit residents are all too familiar with snow shovels, salt and icy walks. And having seen the unpredictable nature of Michigan winters, most are prepared for the worst. The winter of 2013-2014 delivered 95 inches of the white stuff on the metro area (measured at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport), while last year’s totals were right on average with about 44 inches.

Each year the Detroit Public Works readies its fleet of around 60 trucks to keep the 673 miles of major roads within the city's jurisdiction cleared. The city can also mobilize its fleet of private contractors to plow 1,884 miles of residential side streets. But homeowners and private businesses are responsible for clearing their sidewalks and driveways. Unfortunately the MDOT has noted that many residents and downtown businesses use private plows to clear snow from their property by pushing it onto state roads that were previously cleared. But this is a violation of the city’s snow removal ordinances.

To avoid the hassle of manual snow removal and to comply with local ordinances, many Detroit businesses and homeowners are turning to radiant heat. The systems have proven effective and reliable, and the systems are fully automated, so regardless of when the storm hits, the driveways or walkways will be cleared of snow and ice. Radiant snow melting systems operate silently on renewable energy.

Heated Driveways and Snow Melting Systems

Fully automated radiant snow melting systems include heat cable, an activation device (snow sensor), a contactor panel, and marker plate (as required by the NEC). These electric systems are also maintenance free, easy to customize, and relatively easy to install.

Heated driveways use radiant heat to warm concrete, asphalt, pavers, and various mediums to keep areas clear of ice and snow. While driveway snow melting systems are typically installed in new construction projects, heat cable can also be installed to heat existing driveways. Using saw cut technology, grooves are cut into concrete driveways and the heat cable is then placed in the grooves and an epoxy is then applied to secure the cable. To heat an existing asphalt driveway, the heat cable is placed over the old asphalt and a new layer of asphalt is applied.

ClearZone heat cable is an industry leading heating element installed in both commercial and residential applications. The ClearZone snow melting systems keep driveways, sidewalks, ramps, loading docks, and even steps clear of snow and ice. Heated driveways utilize an advanced snow sensor that detects precipitation as well as an adjustable set point for temperature. If snow falls and the temperature is below the set point (typically 39°F), the sensor signals the system’s control panel, which is usually mounted on a wall in the garage. The controller then sends power to the heating cables to heat the driveway. This prevents any snow from accumulating. The system uses the “afterrun” feature to remain on for a short time after the storm to dry the driveway. This keeps your driveway free of hazardous ice. Driveway heating systems are fully automated, but the systems also include manual override capability.

Heat cable can be purchased off spools or in mats that can be rolled out for quick, easy installation. The ClearZone heat cable in mats features cable that is pre-spaced in 3- and 4- inch spacing (and custom spacing), to provide a convenient, versatile design that ensures proper cable spacing and fast installation. The electric radiant heating mats are laid out and secured, and then the medium is applied directly over the cable. CZ snowmelt systems are one of the most proven and popular radiant snow melting solutions available, trusted by homeowners and construction professionals alike.

Customize the System to Meet Your Budget and Performance Needs

Radiant heated driveways and snow melting systems are easy to customize so homeowners have several options to choose from. While the popular option is to heat the entire driveway, other choices include heating an 8-foot strip in the middle of the driveway or heating two 24-inch wide tire tracks. The tire track option brings installation and operation costs down considerably. Call and talk with a radiant heat expert to learn more at 888.488.9276.

Professional System Design and Customer Services

Warmzone includes perhaps the best and most comprehensive customer service services in the industry. Each system is custom designed by experts to meet your specific needs and budget. The detailed system layout includes all the information necessary to ensure the best installation, such as the proper layout and materials, proper load calculations, breaker sizes, and number of breakers.

In addition to professional system design and layout services, Warmzone also provides free installation support. Because proper installation is paramount for driveway heating systems, Warmzone also offers free installation training for installers. Because we have worked with installers throughout the country, Warmzone can recommend an experienced installer in the Detroit area to install your system. We stand beside you throughout the purchase and installation process.

If you’re growing tired of shoveling and plowing your driveway and sidewalks, consider the benefits of a clean, energy efficient radiant snow melting system.