Clear Walkways Without Shoveling After Every Storm

Radiant snowmelt systems installed and repaired throughout Rifle, Colorado.

When you wake up to six inches of fresh snow on your driveway in Rifle and the forecast calls for another storm that afternoon, a radiant snowmelt system lets you walk out to a clear surface without touching a shovel. The system senses precipitation and activates a network of heated tubing or cables embedded beneath your pavement, melting snow as it falls and preventing ice from bonding to the concrete or asphalt.

Pure Comfort LLC installs hydronic and electric snowmelt systems for driveways, walkways, and entryways across Rifle. We also repair systems that fail to activate during storms, heat unevenly, or leak glycol solution onto the surface. Our installations account for Western Colorado snowfall patterns and use insulation layers and proper spacing to maintain consistent surface temperatures without wasting energy on mild days.

If you are planning a new driveway or want to retrofit an existing walkway, reach out to discuss system options and installation timing for your property in Rifle.

How Snowmelt Systems Keep Pavement Clear

During installation in Rifle, we excavate the area to a depth that allows for a gravel base, insulation board, and the tubing or cable grid. Hydronic systems circulate warm glycol solution through PEX tubing connected to a boiler, while electric systems use resistance cables wired to a dedicated circuit. A moisture and temperature sensor mounted at the edge of the driveway signals the system to activate when snow begins to fall.

Once the system is operational, you will see snow melt on contact with the pavement, leaving a dry surface even during heavy storms. The system shuts off automatically when precipitation stops and the surface is clear, so you are not heating the driveway on sunny winter days.

We also troubleshoot systems that fail to heat, produce cold spots, or run continuously without shutting off. These issues often trace back to faulty sensors, air pockets in hydronic loops, or damaged cable sections. Repairs require pressure testing, thermal imaging, or control board diagnostics depending on the symptom. We do not install systems under existing pavement without excavation, as retrofit installations require access to the subsurface layers.

What to Know Before Installing a Snowmelt System

Homeowners in Rifle often ask about energy costs, system types, and whether snowmelt can be added to an existing driveway. These questions help set expectations before committing to installation.

What is the difference between hydronic and electric snowmelt?
Hydronic systems circulate heated fluid through tubing and are more efficient for large areas like driveways. Electric systems use resistance cables and are easier to install in smaller spaces like walkways and entry steps.
How much does it cost to run a snowmelt system?
Operating costs depend on system size, energy source, and how often it snows. A hydronic system tied to an existing boiler costs less per hour to run than an electric system on a large driveway, but both only operate during active snowfall if the sensors are working correctly.
When should I call for snowmelt repair?
Call when the system fails to activate during a storm, heats unevenly, or continues running after snow has stopped. These symptoms usually point to sensor failure, a damaged heating loop, or a control board issue.
How long does snowmelt installation take?
Installation in Rifle typically takes three to five days depending on driveway size and whether we are pouring new concrete or asphalt. The system must be tested and the surface must cure before you can drive on it.
Why does my snowmelt system leave cold spots?
Cold spots indicate poor tubing or cable spacing, insufficient insulation below the slab, or a leak in the hydronic loop. We use thermal imaging to locate the problem area and determine whether the loop can be repaired or needs replacement.

Pure Comfort LLC designs and installs snowmelt systems tailored to Rifle's winter conditions and repairs systems that have stopped working as expected. Contact us to schedule a site evaluation or repair diagnostic.