Heated Driveway Installation in Toronto & South Mississauga
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Heated Driveway Installation in Toronto & South Mississauga
A heated driveway, also known as an ice melt system, is one of the most practical upgrades you can make to your home in Toronto or South Mississauga. Instead of shoveling snow, spreading salt, or worrying about icy surfaces, your driveway quietly keeps itself clear using a built-in hydronic heating system beneath the surface.
At Destination Pools, we design and install heated driveways as part of complete exterior projects. Whether you’re building a new driveway or replacing an existing one, we integrate ice melt systems under concrete, interlock, or flagstone driveways, ensuring long-term durability, safety, and a clean finished look.
How Does a Heated Driveway Work?
Heated driveway systems use hydronic piping, installed below the driveway surface, connected to a heat source. Warm fluid flows through the pipes, transferring heat upward to melt snow and ice evenly across the surface.
Unlike electric mats, hydronic systems are built for long-term performance and are ideal for full driveway applications. The heat is distributed consistently, preventing cold spots and ensuring reliable ice melt across the entire driveway.
These systems can be operated manually or paired with sensors and automation, depending on homeowner preference.
Heated Driveways for Concrete, Interlock, and Flagstone
We install ice melt systems beneath all three driveway types.
Heated Concrete Driveways
Concrete offers a clean, modern appearance and works extremely well with hydronic heating. The solid base minimizes cracking, and the heat helps reduce freeze-thaw stress.
Heated Interlock Driveways
Interlock driveways benefit significantly from heated systems. The concrete base prevents shifting, while the reduced need for salt helps preserve color and joint integrity over time.
Heated Flagstone Driveways
Flagstone delivers a classic, high-end look. With a heated system beneath, flagstone driveways avoid the salt damage that often shortens their lifespan. Properly installed flagstone driveways can last 20 years or more, especially when paired with an ice melt system.
Why Heated Driveways Last Longer
Beyond convenience, heated driveways offer a major structural advantage.
Most driveway deterioration comes from two issues:
Poor base construction
Salt damage
A heated driveway addresses both.
The deep excavation and reinforced concrete base prevent movement, cracking, and settling. At the same time, the reduced need for salt protects the surface material, color, and joints.
The result is a driveway that not only performs better in winter but also maintains its appearance and integrity for years longer than a standard driveway.
Heated Driveway Installation Process
One of the biggest advantages of working with Destination Pools is that we handle the entire driveway and heating system together, rather than layering systems on top of existing surfaces.
Here’s how we build heated driveways properly.
01.
Excavation and Base Preparation
We excavate ~16 inches to create a stable foundation. This depth allows for proper drainage, insulation, and long-term structural support, which is critical in Ontario’s freeze-thaw climate.
A compacted granular base is installed and carefully leveled to prevent future movement or settling.
02.
Rigid Insulation Installation
Rigid insulation is installed above the base to direct heat upward instead of losing it into the ground. This improves system efficiency and ensures faster, more consistent snow melting.
Insulation is a key step that is often skipped in lower-quality installations. We include it because it directly impacts performance and longevity.
03.
Hydronic Piping Installation
Durable hydronic piping is then laid out in a carefully planned pattern to ensure even heat distribution. The piping layout is customized based on driveway size, shape, and surface material.
This piping becomes the backbone of the ice melt system and is pressure-tested before proceeding.
04.
Concrete Base Pour
We pour approximately 6 inches of concrete over the piping system. This concrete base is not just for strength — it’s the foundation that allows us to install concrete, interlock, or flagstone driveways on top.
This solid base is one of the biggest reasons heated driveways last longer than standard driveways.
05.
Final Driveway Surface Installation
Once the concrete base is cured, we install the final driveway surface, whether you’re looking for a concrete, interlock, or flagstone driveway.
All three surfaces work exceptionally well with heated driveway systems when installed on a proper base.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heated Driveways
Most heated driveway installations take about two weeks, depending on size and surface type.
Yes. Heated systems can be installed under concrete, interlock, and flagstone when built on a proper concrete base.
Yes. Because snow and ice melt naturally, homeowners use little to no salt, which helps preserve the driveway surface.
Absolutely. Heated driveways are specifically designed for freeze-thaw climates like Toronto and South Mississauga.
Yes. The solid base and reduced salt exposure help prevent common causes of driveway deterioration.
While a building permit might not be necessary for a heated driveway, you’ll likely need to apply for an encroachment agreement permit and undergo a preliminary review for any work that extends onto the city’s property, such as the sidewalk or curb. This ensures compliance with municipal regulations and helps maintain safety and accessibility for all residents. It’s essential to follow the proper procedures and obtain the necessary permits to avoid any complications down the road. Better to be thorough and ensure everything is in order!
Heated driveways melt snow and ice effortlessly, keeping your driveway clear and safe. With embedded heating elements, they eliminate the need for shoveling and reduce slipping hazards. Enjoy stress-free winters and a snow-free driveway with proper installation and maintenance. Embrace the thaw and say goodbye to snow-covered driveways – heated driveways make winter wonderlands hassle-free!
Serving Toronto and Southern Mississauga
Whether you’re in Toronto or Southern Mississauga, we’ll serve you.
- Forest Hill
- Bedford Park
- Ledbury Park
- Armour Heights
- Clarkson
- Clanton Park
- Mineola
- Lorne Park
- Port Credit
- Lakeview
Why Choose Destination Pools for Heated Driveway Installation
We don’t just install heating systems — we build driveways the right way from the ground up.
Because we already build driveways, pools, and landscaping together, heated driveways fit naturally into our process rather than being treated as an add-on.