Toronto winters are no joke. If you are tired of shovelling, salting, and battling ice every storm, a heated driveway might be worth a serious look. This guide breaks down how snow melting systems work, where they make sense in the GTA, what permits and approvals you may need, realistic costs, and how to plan a smooth installation with JG Contracting.
What is a heated driveway?
A heated driveway is a snow-melting system installed under your driveway or walkways that turns on during a snowfall to keep the surface clear. Two main technologies are used:
1) Electric radiant cables or mats
Resistive heating cables or mesh mats are embedded in new concrete, asphalt, or under pavers. They are typically controlled by a snow sensor that detects temperature and moisture to switch the system on automatically.
2) Hydronic tubing (glycol or water)
PEX tubing circulates a heated fluid from a dedicated boiler, combi boiler, or hydronic heat source. Hydronic shines on large areas and complex layouts. It is also compatible with low‑carbon heat sources like heat pumps, feeding a buffer tank in certain designs.
When does a heated driveway make sense in Toronto?
- Steep or shaded drives where plowing is difficult and ice forms quickly.
- High‑traffic or mobility needs where slip hazards must be minimized.
- Paver or concrete replacements where the surface is being rebuilt anyway.
- Limited storage for snow on tight downtown lots.
If you are resurfacing or replacing a failing driveway, integrating snow melt during that work is often the most cost‑effective moment.
Image idea: “north‑facing steep driveway in winter shade”
Alt text: Shaded Toronto driveway that ices over and benefits from snow melt.
Electric vs. Hydronic: how to choose
Electric
- Best for small to medium areas, stairs, and walkways.
- Simpler installation with fewer mechanical components.
- Draws a significant electrical load, so your panel capacity matters.
- Zoning is straightforward with multiple cable circuits.
Hydronic
- Scales well for large or complex driveways.
- Requires a boiler or compatible heat source and a mechanical manifold.
- More components to service, but can be efficient on large areas.
- Good option if you are already planning hydronic upgrades.
Good rule of thumb: small walkways and targeted zones lean toward electric. Full‑drive systems and larger footprints often pencil out better hydronic.
Permits, approvals, and rules in Toronto
- Private property work: Most heated driveway projects are installed on your private lot as part of reconstructing the driveway. You will coordinate any required electrical or gas permits and inspections.
- Public right‑of‑way: Many Toronto driveways include a portion that crosses the City boulevard. Any heating elements under public sidewalks are not permitted, and any work within the right‑of‑way needs City approval through the applicable street work permit.
- Contractor licensing: Choose properly licensed contractors for electrical and fuel‑fired work. JG Contracting coordinates the trades and paperwork for a compliant installation.
Power and gas considerations
- Electrical capacity: electric snow‑melt can draw dozens of amps per zone. Many older Toronto homes may need a panel upgrade or load calculation before adding a large electric system.
- Gas or hydronic plant: hydronic systems need a heat source sized for snow‑melt output. That may be a dedicated boiler, a combi boiler, or a low‑temperature heat‑pump hydronic setup with a buffer tank in specific designs. Proper venting, condensate, and clearance details matter.
- Controls: moisture and temperature sensors stage the system automatically so it runs only when needed.
Design and installation steps
- Site assessment and load calc to determine target Watts or BTUs per square foot based on exposure, slope, and surface material.
- Decide zones and surfaces to heat: full driveway, tire tracks, key walkways, or steps.
- Utility and permit check for electrical capacity and any fuel or right‑of‑way approvals.
- Demolition and base prep with proper drainage and sub‑base compaction.
- Cable or tubing layout at the specified spacing and depth.
- Pour or set a surface in concrete, asphalt, or pavers with expansion joints and sensor placement.
- Startup and commissioning, including sensor calibration and homeowner training.
Realistic costs in Toronto
Budgets vary with size, surface type, electrical upgrades, and whether the driveway is being rebuilt anyway. As a very rough planning range, we typically see:
- Electric snow‑melt: higher cost per square foot on big areas, but simpler equipment.
- Hydronic snow‑melt: better economics on large driveways, but adds boiler and mechanical costs.
- Operating cost depends on driveway size and how often sensors call for heat each winter.
We will price your project two ways if helpful: full‑surface heating vs targeted tire tracks and walkways, so you can choose what delivers the best value.
Popular alternatives to consider
- Heated entry steps and walkways are only to reduce slips where they matter most.
- Roof de‑icing cables at eaves to reduce ice dams when paired with proper attic insulation and ventilation.
- Better grading and drainage so meltwater does not refreeze across the drive.
FAQs
Can I heat only the tire tracks?
Yes. Many homeowners heat two 18 to 24-inch tracks to cut costs while keeping the car path clear.
Can I add snow‑melt to an existing driveway without replacing it?
Usually, snow‑melt is installed during a resurfacing or rebuild. For pavers, we can lift and relay with the system below. For asphalt or concrete, replacement is typically required.
How long does it take?
A typical project takes one to two weeks on site, depending on scope and inspections. We schedule around weather windows and material lead times.
What maintenance is required?
Periodic checks of sensors and controls. Hydronic systems also need glycol testing and occasional mechanical service.
Related reading
- Toronto Ev Charger And Panel Upgrades
- Toronto Insulation And Air Sealing Retrofits
- Stop Ice Dams With Attic Insulation And Ventilation
Ready to stop shovelling and enjoy safer, ice‑free steps and driveways?
JG Contracting designs and installs snow‑melt systems that fit your home and budget.
Contact us today to book a consultation.
📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632
✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com
