The Smart Solution That Melts Snow And Keeps Gravel Driveways Clear All Winter

It's hard to get excited about shoveling snow off your driveway even on a good day, but on a cold, dark winter morning when you're already running late to work, having to shovel snow can feel like an impossible task. Even with modern snow blowers and clever rake tricks that make removing snow and ice from a gravel driveway easier, it's still a ton of physical effort. Naturally, a heated driveway seems like an obvious way to counter the undesirable task of snow removal, but extra the cost to upgrade your driveway just isn't in the budget for everyone — or is it? With industrial snow melting mats, you can essentially create your own version of a heated driveway without taking on the enormous renovation costs.

For this to work, you'll need to source industrial mats. Unlike residential snow melting mats that are meant for entryways and walking paths, industrial heated mats can withstand the weight of your car. Of course, these mats aren't cheap. For example, the heated snow and ice driveway mats from HeatTrak cost nearly $1,000 for a 2 foot by 10 foot mat. That said, the average cost of installing a fully heated driveway is between $8,960 and $15,360, so you're still spending significantly less for similar end results.

These types of durable electric mats are designed to sit right on top of your driveway and in most cases can be left outdoors all winter long. They commonly consist of a heating element that's encased in a durable non-slip material for added safety. Usually, homeowners will need to buy two mats, one for either side of your driveway to line up with your car tires. When winter rolls around, simply place your mats on top of the driveway, plug them in, and turn them on. 

Despite the ease of use, there are a few downsides to consider before you rush out and buy snow-melting mats for your home. For example, unlike a heated driveway, most mats will only cover certain portions of your driveway, which could leave you shoveling some snow after a particularly heavy storm. Increased electricity costs should also be considered, although the mats can be unplugged on sunny days. You will also need to make sure you have room to store the mats when winter is over. While the industrial-grade mats are quite strong, it's still possible for animals and sharp objects to cause damage. Even with those downsides, if you're someone who hates shoveling your gravel driveway, this is a simple way to make driveway snow removal easier that just might be worth it.