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What are the pros and cons of having a heated driveway?

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If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, snow, and ice, you might be aware that heated driveways are available. There are a wide range of benefits to choosing a heated driveway, but also some drawbacks you might not have thought about. Here are the pros and cons of getting a heated driveway installed by your builder.

Pro: It can help protect your family

One of the top benefit of having a heated driveway is the fact that it can help protect your family and save them from injury. Not only is it labour-intensive to remove ice from the driveway with a shovel or other tools, but the slippery surface is dangerous to walk on. If your kids have to walk down the driveway to the bus stop, they could slip, fall and get a serious injury. If the snow starts to pile up, a pet could get stuck in the snow and be calling out to you for a while before you hear it. It is best for your family's safety to have a heated driveway that keeps the snow and ice to a minimum.

Con: Installation is expensive

Unfortunately, it can cost a lot of money to have the heated driveway installed. Not only are you paying more for materials and the labour hours, but this type of driveway requires a paving specialist. They often charge more since it is a more difficult installation job. Also consider that you will be paying more each month in energy costs to run the heated driveway and for extra maintenance. If you are looking for an inexpensive driveway, this is not the one for you.

Pro: The driveway surface has more protection

If you have a driveway that constantly has snow and ice to remove, it can be really hard on the surface. Many types of driveways, including asphalt and concrete, eventually experience damage from constantly having to shovel the driveway. Even if you are careful, your driveway may experience cracks and holes over time from the damage of clearing the snow. You may also cause some damage if you are using salt and other de-icing methods on a regular basis. With a heated driveway, you are helping to protect the surface and prolong the lifespan of your driveway.

Con: installation takes a while

Another disadvantage of a heated driveway, in addition to the cost involved in installation, is the fact that installing it can take a while. It takes even longer if you already have a driveway that needs to be pulled up in order to install the heated driveway. If you are looking to get the driveway when it is already cold and snowing outside, it might be a little too late. It is best to start calling around to contractors well before you need it. That way, you won't be as stressed with the length of time it takes to complete the job.


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