How do Electric Heated Driveways Work?

ClearZone® snow melting systems are among the most trusted radiant heating systems available. Featuring top-of-the-line components and manufacturer warranties, backed by industry-leading system design and customer support services, homeowners and professional contractors know they are installing the best when dealing with Warmzone®.

Call Warmzone today at 888-488-9276 to learn more about radiant heated driveways and the many custom, affordable options that are available at Warmzone.


A radiant heated driveway

Heated Driveway Systems Overview

Prior to the concrete pour, heat cable is laid down and securely fastened to the remesh with plastic zip ties to prevent cable movement. The remesh is supported by plastic Mesh-Ups® to keep the remesh elevated, which keeps the heat cable from resting on the ground. ClearZone cable is available on spools or pre-spaced in mats that can be easily rolled out for quick installation. (It is important that the cable is spaced properly and doesn't touch.) In addition to concrete, the heat cable can also be installed in asphalt applications, mortar beds, pavers, thinset, and more.

When weather conditions warrant, the snow melting system automatically activates. Power is sent to the embedded radiant heating cable and the driveway surface begins to warm. The ClearZone system quickly distributes heat evenly to the surrounding medium to keep the surface clear of ice and snow.

When the activation device (such as the pavement-mount snow sensor or aerial-mount sensor) detects moisture and the temperature is below the set point (usually 39° Fahrenheit), it signals the system's controller. The controller then sends power to the heating element to warm the driveway and prevent snow accumulation. Call Warmzone today to learn more about the affordable options that are available at 888-488-9276.

ClearZone Electric Heated Driveway Components

ClearZone Radiant Heating Cable

Snow melting system heating cable Warmzone's ClearZone radiant heating cable is a proven, industry-leading cable that has been installed in a wide variety of commercial and residential snow melting applications throughout Northern America. The single-point connection, twin-conductor cable consists of Fluoropolymer insulation and polyolefin jacketing, providing flexibility and durable protection. The heat cable is rated at 220°F and has a minimum 10-year warranty. ClearZone heat cable is CSA listed and can be safely installed in fresh concrete pours and under pavers. A special asphalt heating cable is also available. The rugged heat cable is constructed specifically to withstand the extreme temperature and demands of hot asphalt installations. It is rated for temperatures of 460°F (240°C) for up to 10 minutes.

ClearZone snow melting cable is designed to produce 30-50 watts per square foot and is one of the most trusted heating cables in the industry and features one of the quickest response times of any snow melting system on the market. Durable and versatile, ClearZone snow melting heat cable can be installed in virtually all mediums and snow melting applications. The freestanding cable is particularly well suited for laying out to heat small or uniquely shaped areas. Warmzone houses a staff of professional radiant heat system designers who can easily custom design your system to meet your specific snow melting and budget needs.

Snow melting system heating mats
ClearZone Radiant Heating Mats

The ClearZone snow melting mat is among the most effective and easy-to-install radiant snow melting solutions available. The ClearZone heating mat comes with the same quality CZ heat cable, but is pre-spaced and delivered in rolls so it can be rolled out for quick and easy installation while providing proper spacing of the cable to ensure optimum performance. The mats heat an area 2-feet wide.

Designed to be the most durable and versatile heating cable for automated heated driveway systems, the ClearZone radiant heating mat is an ideal solution for virtually any standard shaped outdoor snowmelt application. To make turns with the heating mats simply cut the white tape and turn the mat accordingly. (Be sure to never cut or damage the heat cable.) For more details on installing snow melting mats, view our ClearZone Snow Melting Mats Data Sheet, located on our Documentation page or visit our Installation How-to's web page and click on the Heated Driveway and Snow Melting links.

Warmzone also includes complete professional system layouts and customer support services, including free installation training and technical support. For more information about ClearZone heating cable or mats, call a Warmzone representative today at 888-488-9276.

Snow Sensor Activation Device
Snow melting system activation devices

Warmzone offers a variety of premium controllers and activation devices. Having state-of-the-art controls helps to ensure the efficiency and ease of use for each system. The ClearZone radiant snow melting systems come standard with the industry's most trusted aerial-mount snow sensor switch. This sophisticated, yet rugged, device detects precipitation and temperature to automatically trigger the system when needed. (Customers also have the option of installing an in-ground snow sensor.) When weather conditions warrant, the sensor signals the ClearZone snow melting system controller, and then power is sent to the radiant heating cable embedded in the driveway. The sensor has an adjustable temperature trigger point to activate the system as the first snowflakes begin to fall. The adjustable set point is typically set at 39°F. Smart system compatible, the aerial-mount snow sensor also features an adjustable delay off cycle and upgradeable remote activation. The system can also be manually activated if needed.

The pavement-mount snow sensor is available for all snow melting systems as well, and is often used in large commercial snow melting applications. ClearZone snow melting systems are fully automated and virtually maintenance free. The compact control unit features a 4-hour timer that serves as a manual backup to melt snow drifts or ice that may have formed on the driveway due to wind or shade.

Snow melting system heating mats
Warmzone Snow Melting System Controls

Whether your radiant snow melting system utilizes an in-ground activation device (snow sensor) or an aerial-mount sensor, Warmzone offers the latest technology for controlling automated radiant heating systems. In addition to providing automated snow removal, Warmzone snowmelt systems can be manually turned on to deal with snow drifts or “black ice” that may have formed.

Heated driveways that use an in-ground sensor are controlled by a compact wall-mount unit that is only about 6 x 3.5 inches in size. The small controller is typically installed in the garage and provides effective and economical control of your radiant heat system. The unit is capable of controlling two zones, and features three 16-amp relays, allowing you to run three separate snow melting cables / mats to the controller. The controller offers maintenance-free, CSA listed snow melting for residential and commercial business applications, and provides energy-efficient operation of automated snow melting systems in all types of applications, including concrete, asphalt, and brick and stone pavers.

Warmzone also offers contactor panels that are available with and without GFEP. These advanced contactor panels are designed for electric and hydronic snow melting systems in all types of commercial and residential applications. The panels are pre-wired and UL listed, complete with a NEMA 4 weatherproof enclosure, wiring diagram, terminal connection block and contactors.

To learn more about automated snow melting systems and heated driveways, call us today at 888-488-9276. We'll be happy to discuss your snow melting project and answer any questions you may have.