The Benefits of Heated Concrete Sidewalks for Winter Maintenance
Winter comes with its own challenges, especially in NYC, where the snow falls heavily and the temperature drops down to 3°F. During such weather, a person’s top responsibility is to keep their property accessible by removing snow on the sidewalk and driveway.
If you want to save your time and the concrete structure from damage caused by shoveling and de-icing chemicals, you should consider installing a heated system underneath.
Sidewalks with heating systems melt snow and ice automatically and keep the surface clear and safe for walking. These pathways are beneficial in numerous ways, and let us share some amazing benefits of installing them.
Safety
Heated sidewalks provide safety to pedestrians. Snow and ice can make the surface slippery and increase the chances of tripping accidents. With the help of these sidewalks, the snow does not build up and the path stays clear.
This feature is particularly beneficial for senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and people using strollers. It also helps the property owners avoid liability risks from the accidents sustained by the pedestrians.
Time Saving and Convenient
Clearing snow from sidewalks can be exhausting, especially during winters when snow falls at unexpected times. When you have heated sidewalks, you don’t have to worry about shoveling, salting, or waiting for plows.
A heating system installed beneath concrete sidewalks automatically activates when temperature drops and melts the snow before it builds up. It allows residents and property owners to carry on with their day without worrying about removing the snow.
Cost Saving in Long Run
The upfront cost of installing a sidewalk might be high, but ultimately it leads to cost savings. In addition to saving time on snow removal, heated sidewalks also reduce the need for salt and de-icing chemicals.
Such sidewalks also don’t need much repair and maintenance. The reason is that wear and tear due to moisture and de-icing salts create cracks and potholes in concrete. However, heated sidewalks help avoid these issues.
You can hire a local concrete contractor for the installation of a complete heating system beneath the sidewalk. It will not only save your snow removal time but also benefit your sidewalks by saving them from seasonal wear and tear and costly repairs.
Environmental Benefits
Traditional snow removal methods, like using salts or de-icing chemicals, can have an adverse impact on the environment. When snow melts, these chemicals go into storm drains and eventually make their way to the rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This not only harms local wildlife but also plants and water quality.
Heated sidewalks eliminate the need for using such chemicals and offer a suitable alternative for winter maintenance. These systems do consume electricity, but if you connect them with energy-efficient sources, they can become a greener solution.
Increased Property Value
Heated sidewalks are a valuable investment, and they increase the value of your property. Homebuyers and tenants appreciate the convenience and safety that heated sidewalks provide, especially in the cold regions.
These sidewalks are particularly appealing for businesses, as by investing in such properties, you can enhance the customer experience.
Automatic Operations
Modern heated sidewalk systems use sensors that help in identifying drops in temperature and moisture levels. It allows them to, when the temperature drops and snow accumulates, the system starts melting snow by warming up the surface.
This automatic operation gives property owners peace of mind as they don’t have to worry about manually removing the snow.
Conclusion
Heated sidewalks offer numerous benefits, from increasing safety to rescuing maintenance costs. Although installing heated sidewalks might be a costly investment, it is a long-term saving as it extends the lifespan of concrete.
For NYC, where the weather is extreme during winters, heated sidewalks can be a reliable solution to improve the quality of life and reduce the risks of trip and fall due to snow.
