With snow in the forecast, many are groaning at the thought
of shoveling their walkways, patios and driveways. Under paver snowmelt systems have come a long
way and could be the ideal solution to your shoveling woes.
There are two primary system types: electric and
hydronic. Electric systems cost less to
install and maintain, but cost more to run since current is drawn continuously
when the system is on. Hydronic systems
circulate a mix of glycol and water to melt the snow, which costs more to
install and requires a plumber, but is less expensive to operate. (Although if you are doing a project, you
will have a plumber there anyway). Hydronic
can cost about $600 per month in gas during the height of snow season with an
efficient moisture/temperature sensor.
Another alternative is to have the snowmelt installed only
in select strips on your driveway to prevent ice where build-up typically
occurs. You can also have a remote
activation so that the system is only turned on during extreme conditions or
when snow removal is unavailable.
Whether you choose electric or hydronic, both systems
provide many long-term benefits. With a
snowmelt system, fears of slipping on icy walkways is eliminated, as is the
need for salt and other topical snowmelts which are bad for the environment and
your garden. These systems also prolong
the life and beauty of your paver system.
The one negative is that using these systems within the Tahoe basin
prevents homeowners from utilizing the potential 25% coverage reduction offered
by the TRPA when using qualified permeable pavers.
If you are interested
in learning more about these systems, please give us a call and we’d be happy
to assist you.
Happy Holidays!
Elise Fett & Associates
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