What is a Heated Driveway?

Our driveway heating systems are available as either heated driveway mats or cables, which can be installed in asphalt, concrete, or under pavers in mortar. They're ideal for both residential use and commercial applications, and for any size or shape of heated driveway.

A complete driveway heating system will typically include at least the heating elements (snow melting mats or cables) and a control to sense things like air temperature or moisture on the pavement, but may also require additional components like a relay panel or an identification plaque to mark the location of the heated driveway mats.

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Driveway Heating Systems Videos

Check out these videos to learn more about our snow melting systems and installation processes.

View More Driveway Heating Videos

How Much Does a Heated Driveway Cost?

There are a number of variables that you have to keep in mind when considering installing a heated driveway. These variables include, but aren't limited to, labor costs for professional installers (even if you do most of the actual installation yourself, we always recommend hiring a licensed electrician to do the final hookups), material costs (such as cement and asphalt), and product costs (for the snow melting system itself).

The size of your project can have a substantial impact on all of the aforementioned variables, since you'll need a bigger snow melting system (and more materials and labor too) for a heated driveway than you will for a small walkway.

Material and labor costs will vary from area to area and based on the market, so you'll want to make sure to do your research when prepping for a project.

As far as product costs are concerned, for a heated driveway it will cost between C$12 and C$31 per square foot for the heating elements. Then you'll also have to account for between C$1,350 and C$4,100 for a control to operate the system.

Check out our blog for more information about heated driveway costs.

Use our Quote Builder to Calculate Your Heated Driveway Cost

Coverage Options for a Heated Driveway, Full Coverage vs. Tire Tracks

Full coverage is certainly a functional and attractive option, as it means your entire heated driveway will be clear of snow and ice. If you're concerned about the operating cost or the energy demand for full coverage, make sure to consider zoned heating. By using our multi-zone controller for your heated driveway system, you break your project into "zones" which are heated one at a time. The entire surface will still be cleared but you'll cut down significantly on heated driveway costs like the operating cost.

One popular alternative to full coverage is to simply heat tire tracks. This economical option helps users cut down on the cost of a heated driveway in terms of both installation and operation, while still providing great functionality in a functional heated driveway.

This coverage system works by installing two sets of heating elements, typically 2 feet wide and the length of the heated driveway, which will keep the driveway passable, even in the heaviest of snow falls.

Example Installation with Snow Melt Mat

Full Coverage

Tire Tracks

How Much Does it Cost to Operate a Heated Driveway?

Operating costs depend on your driveway size, coverage type, and local electricity rates. A typical 6‑hour snowfall event costs C$3–C$18 to melt — far less than a single visit from a snow removal service. Use our calculator to estimate your cost, or read our detailed guide on heated driveway operating costs.

Operating Cost Calculator for Snow Melting Calculate driveway heating costs based on size, coverage type, and local energy rates.

Driveway Size

Coverage Type

# Tracks

Width

ft.

Length

ft.

Snowfall Duration

Zip/Postal Code

Rate (¢/kWh)

¢/kWh

Estimated Cost

$3.25

per hour

$19.50

for 6 hours

"A snow melting system is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it solution. No more shoveling, no more slipping—just safe, clear walkways and driveways whenever you need them!"

— Rae Radiant

Operating cost by driveway size and coverage	20ʹ wide by 20ʹ long Typical two cars driveway	20ʹ wide by 20ʹ long Typical two cars driveway	10ʹ wide by 20ʹ long Single car driveway
Coverage	Full	2 pairs of Tire Tracks (2ʹ wide)	1 pair of Tire Tracks (2ʹ wide)
Heated surface	400 sq.ft.	160 sq.ft.	80 sq.ft.
Total kilowatt per hour (kWh)	20 kWh	8 kWh	4 kWh
Rate per kWh	C$0.18	C$0.18	C$0.18
Runtime hours	6	6	6
Total runtime cost	C$21.60	C$8.64	C$4.32

Full Operating Cost Calculator

Heating Solutions for Asphalt, Concrete, or Pavers

Choose from mats for fast installation or cables for maximum flexibility. Not sure which? See our guide on mats vs. cables.

Feature	Snow Melt PowerMat	Snow Melt OmniMat	Snow Melt Cable
Best for	Heavy snowfall 60+ inches/year	Moderate snowfall 30–60 inches/year	Custom layouts Irregular shapes, curves
Heat output	~50 W/sq.ft.	~39 W/sq.ft.	12 W/lin.ft. (~50 W/sq.ft. at 3″ spacing)
Cable spacing	3″ (pre‑spaced)	4″ (pre‑spaced)	3″ or 4″ (adjustable)
Install speed	Fast (cut‑and‑turn)	Fast (cut‑and‑turn)	Moderate (manual layout)
Surfaces	Asphalt, concrete, pavers/stone
Cost per sq.ft.	~$15–$25	~$12–$20	~$10–$18
Warranty	10-year limited warranty

You'll also need a snow melting control to automate your system — options range from basic manual controls to WiFi‑enabled sensors that activate automatically based on weather conditions.

Snow Melting Systems

Snow Melt PowerMat

4.95

Based on 61 reviews

Maximum Heat Density for Heavy Snowfall (3" spacing)

Ideal for heavy snowfall regions (60+ inches annually) or high-traffic commercial areas. The 3-inch cable spacing delivers maximum heat density (~50 watts/sq.ft) for the fastest snow melting performance. Best for: Northern climates, steep driveways, loading docks, emergency exits, and areas requiring rapid clearing.

Maximum Heat Output: Approximately 50-watts per sq. ft with 3" cable spacing for fastest snow melting
Best for Heavy Snowfall: Recommended for regions with 60+ inches of annual snowfall or when rapid melting is critical
Even Heating: Pre-attached heating elements in a serpentine pattern with consistent 3" spacing ensures uniform coverage
Fast and Easy Installation: Cut-and-turn design makes installation faster than cables while providing maximum heat density
Installation Support: Free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty

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Snow Melt OmniMat

Optimal Performance & Energy Balance (4" spacing)

The versatile choice for moderate snowfall regions (30-60 inches annually). The 4-inch cable spacing provides an optimal balance of melting performance (~39 watts/sq.ft) and energy efficiency. Best for: Most residential driveways, walkways, and patios in typical winter climates.

Balanced Heat Output: Approximately 39-watts per sq. ft with 4" cable spacing for optimal performance and efficiency
Best for Moderate Snowfall: Recommended for regions with 30-60 inches of annual snowfall—our most popular choice
Even Heating: Pre-attached heating elements in a serpentine pattern with consistent 4" spacing ensures uniform coverage
Fast and Easy Installation: Cut-and-turn design makes installation faster than cables while balancing cost and performance
Installation Support: Free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty

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Snow Melt Cables

5.00

Based on 33 reviews

Maximum Flexibility at a Minimal Cost

WarmlyYours Snow Melt Cables offer a high heat output solution to keep your driveway, walkway, or patio snow-free. Embeddable in concrete, asphalt, or under pavers, these cables provide a flexible and cost-effective alternative to mats. Choose from a variety of voltages and lengths to suit your outdoor heating needs, ensuring safe, dry surfaces all winter long. Benefit from our 10-year warranty and 24/7 customer support for peace of mind.

High Heat Output: This embeddable electric heating cable provides 12-watts of heat per linear foot (nearly 50-watts per sq. ft.)
Embeddable in Concrete, Asphalt, or in Mortar Under Pavers: Installing a cable-based snow melting system within a new driveway, walkway, or patio means you can enjoy snow/ice free outdoor surfaces all year
Cost-Effective and Flexible: Snow melting cables are an less expensive (but more time consuming) alternative to snow melting mats and they provide maximum flexibility to cover round driveways, cornered patios, or outdoor stairs
Wide Variety of Voltages: We offer snow melting cables in 120, 208, 240, and 277 voltages and in a range of different lengths
Installation Support: WarmlyYours offers free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty

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How to Install a Heated Driveway

Installation method depends on your surface material — each requires a different approach for embedding the heating elements. We provide free custom installation plans (SmartPlans™) and offer both new asphalt and retrofit design guides to walk you through the process. For a step-by-step overview, see our guide on how to plan for a snow melting system.

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