Minneapolis and St. Paul Radiant Heated Driveways

Premier Snow Melting Systems, Heated Floors, and Roof De-icing Solutions

Industry Leading Systems   ●   Local Installer Network   ●   Free Installation Training   ●   Unmatched Customer Service

According to the 2018 U.S. News & World Report, Minneapolis / St. Paul is listed in the top ten “Best Places to Live in the USA.” The report ranks the country’s 125 largest metropolitan areas based on affordability, job prospects and quality of life. Perhaps the top ten ranking is no surprise to many residents in the Twin Cities, but despite its top grades, it doesn’t stop a few from complaining about the winter weather.

The annual snowfall of about 55 inches isn't enough to hamper the quality of life for Minneapolis / St. Paul residents – many of whom welcome the white stuff. The snowfall simply adds another flavor to the picturesque scene of life in Minnesota. While a blanket of virgin snow may add beauty to the area; the charm of freshly fallen snow quickly melts into dread when it comes time to drive – not to mention the added responsibility of shoveling and salting the driveway and sidewalks. For longtime Minnesota residents, shoveling snow and salting walks during the winter months is simply an expected way of life. It’s an annual routine that folks take in stride. Snow shovels and salt are staples in the garage of most homes in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

But salt should only be something you add to your eggs or potatoes, not your sidewalks. More and more residents are turning to radiant heat to make winters a little less demanding and a lot more comfortable. Heated driveways operate silently and automatically to keep driveways and/or walks clear of ice and snow while heated floors add luxurious warmth to the home. The automated snow melting systems detect precipitation and temperature, activating only when needed and shutting off afterwards.

How Heated Driveway Systems Work

Electric driveway heating systems utilize heat cable that is spaced according to the design of the system and embedded under the driveway’s surface. The single-point connection cable is run to a contactor panel that is typically mounted on a wall in the garage. A snow sensor (activation device) is mounted in an open area where it can detect snowfall and temperature. When precipitation is detected and the temperature is below the adjustable set point, the sensor signals the controller, and power is sent to the heating cable. The driveway is warmed to eliminate the buildup of snow. After the storm, the system remains on for a brief time. This dries the surface and prevents a thin sheet of ice from forming.

How Much Does it Cost to Run a Heated Driveway (Snow Melting System)?

General Guidelines to Determine the Operating Cost of a Heated Driveway

●  Determine the total square footage of the area that will be heated.

●  Multiply the square footage by the heat required (37 watts per sq. ft. for residential). This will give you a total for the watts per square footage required.

●  Divide this number by 1,000 to convert to kilowatts.

●  Look up the kilowatts-per-hour rate from the local power utility company.

●  Multiply the total watts-per-square footage by the watts-per-hour. This gives you the cost-per-hour of usage for the snow melting system.

EXAMPLE: (The average American home has an 800-square foot driveway, so the example below is based on a driveway this size.)

800 (sq.ft.) x 37 (watts) = 29,600 (total watts).

29,600 divided by 1,000 = 29.6 kw per hour (This is what the power company will charge you per one hour of operation.) The current average utility rate at the time of this writing is .12 cents, so the equation would be: 29.6 x .12 = 3.55. Therefore, the cost of operation would be $3.55 per hour.

NOTE: Heating cables and mats are rated in total watts. If the snowmelt system is intended for a commercial application, then you would multiply the total square footage by 50 watts to get a total wattage required.

Roof De-icing

Radiant heat is also commonly used for roof de-icing applications. Warmzone offers a variety of roof heating solutions to prevent ice dams and keep roof valleys and gutters clear of snow and ice to facilitate runoff. Thin, low-voltage heating panels can be installed directly under roof shingles, or self-regulating heat cable can be applied along roof edges and in gutters and downspouts. Warmzone can custom design a roof heating solution to best meet your roof de-icing needs as well as your budget.

Radiant Heated Floors

Radiant floor heat provides luxurious warmth and clean, efficient heat. In fact, radiant floor heating systems provide the most efficient way known to heat homes and businesses.

Warmzone carries one of the largest selections of floor heating systems. Each system boasts unique advantages for heating specific floor types. The wide variety of proven systems ensures that customers will be matched with the system that best meets their floor heating needs. From paper thin “film” heating elements to durable In-Slab heating cable and ComfortTile mats, Warmzone has the best selection of the industry’s most trusted floor heating systems. We custom design each system and provide free installation training and technical support.

Inclusive Customer Services

As an industry leader, Warmzone stands apart from the competition by extending the most comprehensive customer services in the industry. In addition to providing system design and layout services and installation support, Warmzone also offers free installation training.

Call 888.488.9276 or send us your project information to receive a free quote for an electric snow melting system.

About Us

As a preeminent U.S provider of snow melting, floor heating, and roof de-icing radiant heat systems, Warmzone offers one of the largest selections of radiant heat solutions in the industry. From radiant heated floors to roof de-icing and driveway heating systems, Warmzone offers a variety of the most proven and trusted products available. These products are backed by uncompromising customer support services. Warmzone's support services include professional system layout and design, technical support for installers, and free installation training. Our design staff has extensive experience matching customers' heating and snow melting needs with their specific layout and budget. The free installation training is offered in person or online, where installers can interact with their instructor and ask questions specific to their project. We stand by our customers, and encourage you to call and talk with us to learn more about the available systems, and your best options.

Contact a friendly radiant heating expert today at 888.488.9276, or send us your project information to receive a free quote.