During the colder periods of the year, unheated road surfaces or driveways can become very slippery. Especially during frost or snow, this can have adverse consequences for users. To prevent a road surface or driveway from becoming slippery due to frost or snow, we at Warmtekabel also supply cables and controls that can be used for road surfaces or driveways. These cables and accessories are sturdier than regular heating cables, making them well-suited to withstand robust conditions. We at Warmtekabel are happy to explain the best way to heat your road surface or driveway!
What is road heating?
The name gives it away, road surface or driveway heating means that the cables are placed beneath the surface. These cables are resistant to various ground surfaces. Think of concrete, asphalt and paving. Road surface heating is often used in renovations, new-build projects or during a remodel.
The cables ensure that the road surface or driveway is heated when the temperature drops below a specific value. By installing heating cables under a road surface, you ensure that the road surface no longer freezes. This means you no longer suffer from slipperiness and frost.
How does road heating work?
The road surface can be heated by means of electrical cables installed beneath the surface. A temperature sensor is fitted alongside these cables, which measures the temperature of the road surface and subsequently relays this to the temperature controller. The electrical cables are controlled on the basis of the measured temperatures.
You can set a temperature yourself on the controller. When the temperature measured by the sensor falls below the set value, the road heating will switch on automatically. You can also set a temperature at which the road heating switches off again. This way, the system never consumes too much power, and you remain in control of the energy usage of the road heating.
If you prefer not to have loose cables, you can also choose to install electric heating mats. The advantage of electric heating mats is that the cables have already been applied, with a fixed loop spacing. This means you do not have to worry about the loop spacing yourself and do not need to install loose cables under the road surface yourself. The mats are available in various lengths, with a fixed width of 0.5m.
Most driveways are of course wider than half a metre, which is why you can place multiple mats next to each other to create a complete driveway heating system. These mats can also be managed using an external controller that you can place indoors or outdoors. The same principle applies here, in that you can set a temperature at which the electric heating mats turn on, and a temperature at which the electric heating mats turn off again. Here too, you have complete control over the heating yourself, and it will not use unnecessary electricity.
How do you choose the right scheme?
Controlling road surface heating is almost as important as the heating itself. If the road surface heating is not controlled properly, it may switch on or off when it is not supposed to. When choosing a control system, it is important to know what you want to use it for. We have several controllers available, all with different functions.
Do you have a large road surface where you also want to measure moisture in the road surface? Then choose a snow and ice controller from Tekmar. This also measures moisture in the road surface and can control up to 8 different heating circuits. This controller is very well suited for larger installations.
For a less complex installation, and for those who want to control the pavement heating using set temperatures, the Tekmar 1873 controller (optionally with sensor) is exceptionally well suited for controlling the heating.
Road heating at Warmtekabel
Heating a road surface or driveway can be challenging. Would you like to use surface heating, or do you have any questions about the products above? Please feel free to get in touch contact No problem, we're happy to help!
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