Driveway snow melting
Heating cables under asphalt, concrete or pavers melt snow as it falls. No shovelling, no plow damage and no salt.
Electrical heat tracing
Heat tracing and snow melting for Ontario homes
Electric heating cables keep driveways, walkways, ramps, roofs, gutters and pipes clear of ice and safe from freezing. Sensors switch the system on only when it is needed, so there is no shovelling, no salt damage and no burst pipes.
- Safer walkways and ramps for family, seniors and visitors
- Stops ice dams, frozen downspouts and burst pipes
- Low maintenance systems with automatic controls
What we install
Heat tracing applications
From the driveway to the roofline to the pipes inside your walls. Each system is designed for its surface, its exposure and how you use it.
Sidewalks and walkways
Keep front walks, side paths and entrances clear and safe for family, visitors and deliveries.
Ramps and stairs
Ice free access ramps and outdoor steps for seniors, wheelchairs and anyone with limited mobility.
Roof, gutter and downspout de-icing
Cable along roof edges, valleys, gutters and downspouts prevents ice dams and keeps meltwater flowing away from the house.
Pipe heat tracing
Freeze protection for water lines in crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls and other unheated areas.
Sprinkler and irrigation lines
Freeze protection for fire sprinkler and irrigation piping that runs through unheated spaces.
Foundation heating and frost protection
Keeps frost from building under slabs and foundations, helping prevent heaving and cracking.
Custom heat tracing blankets
Fitted electric blankets for tanks, valves, meters and other equipment that standard cable cannot wrap.
Floor warming
Electric radiant heat under tile, stone and other floors for warm bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
What's included
Everything from first visit to the first storm
Site assessment
We map where snow, ice and freezing cause problems and check your electrical capacity.
System design
Cable type, wattage, spacing and zones chosen for each surface and pipe.
Smart controls
Snow and moisture sensors or thermostats turn the system on only when conditions call for it.
Professional installation
Installed to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, including ground fault protection.
Testing and commissioning
Every circuit is tested before and after installation, then we walk you through the controls.
Seasonal check
A pre-winter check of controls and circuits so the system is ready for the first storm.
How it works
Four steps to an ice free home
Tell us about your home
Tell us where ice, snow or freezing is a problem. Photos help.
Site assessment
We measure the areas, check the surfaces and look at your electrical panel.
Design and written quote
You get the layout, the controls, an estimated running cost and the price.
Installation and handover
Driveway and walkway cable goes in during paving. Roofs, gutters and pipes can be done any time before the freeze.
Incentives
All heat tracing incentives
Ways to lower the cost of heat tracing
There is no dedicated Ontario or federal rebate for heat tracing right now. These options can still help.
Tax creditMay apply
Home Accessibility Tax Credit
Up to $3,00015% of up to $20,000 of eligible work a year
- Anyone 65 or older qualifies by age. Under 65, the person must be approved for the disability tax credit
- Permanent work that makes getting into the home safer
- Heated ramps, steps and entry walkways may qualify
Solar and heat tracing
Offset running costs with solar
With solar and net metering, summer credits carry forward for up to 12 months and can offset the electricity your heat tracing uses in winter.
How net metering worksRunning costs
Pick the right electricity plan
Ontario homes can choose Time-of-Use, Ultra-Low Overnight or Tiered pricing. Floor warming and pipe tracing on timers or thermostats can be set to suit your plan.
Ontario price plans
Projects
Heat tracing projects
Installs in progress and completed, with real photos from the job.
Questions and answers
Heat tracing questions
How much does heat tracing cost to run?
It depends on the size of the area, the cable wattage and how often it snows. Snow and moisture sensors keep the system off until it is needed, which keeps running costs down. Your quote includes an estimated running cost.
Can you add snow melting to my existing driveway?
Most driveway systems are installed when the driveway is paved or resurfaced, because the cable goes under the new surface. Existing concrete can sometimes be saw cut to take cable. Roofs, gutters, downspouts and pipes can be done on an existing home at any time.
Is heat tracing safe?
Yes, when it is designed and installed correctly. Systems are installed to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code with ground fault protection, and the electrical work is inspected.
Will it damage my roof or driveway?
No. Heat tracing reduces damage by preventing ice dams, freeze and thaw cracking, and the salt that wears down concrete and pavers.
Are there rebates for heat tracing?
Not a dedicated one right now. If the work makes it safer to get into the home for someone who is 65 or older, or someone under 65 who is approved for the disability tax credit, it may qualify for the federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit. Read the details.
When is the best time to install?
Before winter. Driveways and walkways are easiest during paving season, spring to fall. Roof, gutter and pipe systems can be added any time before the first hard freeze.
Get ahead of the next storm
Tell us where ice and freezing cause trouble. We will design a system with the right controls and give you a clear price and running cost.