Applications/Benefits
DaVinci Pavement Design installs DanFoss GX Heated Cables for concrete, asphalt and under pavers. Heat everything from Driveways, Walkways, Ramps, Crosswalks, Bridges, Landing Pads, Decks / Courtyards and even large Parking Areas are becoming common for residences and businesses alike. Adding a Heated Driveway or walkway to your home or business will add safety and value to your property. Custom heat any area, any size.
What are heated driveways/walkways?
The obvious answer is "a driveway/walkway that is heated." But what actually heats the surface? The best heated driveway/walkway systems are electric radiant heating systems, similar to indoor floor heating systems. There are primarily two methods for heating driveways/walkways (and floors): electric and hydronic. Electric systems use heat cable, while hydronic systems generate hot water, then pump it through plastic PEX tubing. The heating elements are embedded in the surface and use resistant heating to heat the surrounding area. The DanFoss GX Heat Cable System incorporates an automatic sensor that detects inclement weather to activate the system. Electric radiant heat systems tend to be more efficient, require less maintenance, and heat surfaces quicker. The electric systems are gaining popularity due to their price, ease of installation, and the uncertain future of fossil fuel costs.
Why install a driveway/walkway heating system?
Some of the obvious benefits are, of course, not having to shovel your driveway again, avoiding injury due to slippery surfaces, and having the confidence that your driveway will be cleared, regardless of the weather conditions. Other notable benefits include adding value to your home, preserving the life of your driveway, and avoiding damage to the bordering landscape from harmful salts and chemicals.
Where and when can you install a radiant heat system?
A heated driveway system can be installed in almost any location, in almost any medium (including concrete, asphalt, under pavers, etc.). The most popular and ideal time to install a system is during new construction. However, with weather permitting, there are no limitations as to when a snow melt system can be installed. Retrofits are also available for existing asphalt driveways and walkways.
How do heated driveway/walkway systems work?
Driveway snow melting systems are composed of three main items: the heating element, the controller, and the activation device. The heating element is an electric resistance cable. The simplest application for installation is under brick or stone pavers and in new pour concrete. Asphalt can also be used, but the installation methods call for more care and labor to avoid injurious contact to the cable because of the asphalt's temperature and abrasive nature during the paving process. DaVinci Pavement Design is an approved certified installer of the Danfoss GX heat cable system. The DanFoss GX Heat Cable System is the premier snow melting cable, and the only heat cable capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures of fresh asphalt installation.
Heated driveway systems are controlled by a wall-mounted control box for electric system. The DanFoss Systems can operated with manual and/or automatic activation devices. Available automatic sensors include aerial-mounted or pavement-mounted snow switches (recommended for Car washes). The sensor activates the system when there is moisture present and the temperature is below approximately 38 degrees. The DanFoss Systems also include a manual timer to preheat an area before a large storm to curb snow and ice accumulation.
The Process
The Equipment
