Why heated driveway is a growing trend in Canada

Interlocked Heated Driveway: The Latest Tech in Snow Melting

You won’t surprise anyone if you tell them about the interlocking driveway. But what about making it a bit more modern? A heated driveway isn’t something excessive. It is an absolute must-have, especially in such harsh weather conditions as in Canada. Despite the global warming problem that is reshaping winters all around the world, the Canadian climate remains quite humid and cold. The weather can drop below zero extremely fast, causing frost on the roads, which subsequently increases the risk of getting traumas.

Start From Scratch. What is Interlocking?

But first things first, let’s define interlocking pavers. These concrete or natural stone pieces form a “stone puzzle” that holds together thanks to mortar or polymeric sand. It sounds easy and not serious, yet interlocking is the most durable home renovation decision out there. It is perfect for areas with high foot or car traffic.

Interlocking pavers for heated driveways

Are there any more interlocking pavers benefits?

Of course, there are! And quite a lot, actually:

  • Thoughtful investment – with little to no maintenance and effortless repair, interlocking is a home reno project that will pay off in no time;
  • Increased curb appeal – interlocking is definitely something that catches the eye. With increased attractiveness, you can also increase your property resale value;
  • Design flexibility – anything you can imagine can be interlocked. From simple stamped concrete patterns like herringbone to intricate mosaic patterns picturing battle scenes. The possibilities are truly endless. It’s like Lego, but for construction workers;
  • Affordable home renovation – numerous materials and designs suit different budgets. EcoPro Home increases the quality and durability of our projects, not their price tag;
  •  Eco-friendly improvement – water quickly infiltrates the gaps between interlocking pavers. This is the best option for groundwater refill, which helps greenery grow and preserves the local environment. Even if this is a heated driveway, EcoPro landscaping experts will install a proper drainage system to meet ecological needs.

As you can see, interlocking pavers are one of the best materials for interlocking driveways in Vaughan or anywhere in Canada. They can be used along with electrical mats to create heated driveways, while on their own, they form a solid place to park your car. They will withstand daily shovelling and even salt and chemicals, but do you really want to waste your time on snow removal?

Heated Driveway Types

As with any other home improvement, numerous heated driveway variants appeared. And we aren’t talking about driveway design trends. It’s about heating systems inside. So, the most popular heated driveway types are:

Electrical Heated Driveway

The name speaks for itself. The default option. Just like a warm floor, but outside and for your car. Our team uses metal coils and panels to install an electrically heated driveway. We connect them to the nearest electrical panel or breaker, and voila! You can go even further and connect an electrical driveway to your smart house system to start melting snow without getting out of your bed. However, electrical systems do use a lot of power and require some time to heat and run. It is cheaper to install than other options and can be placed under any covering material.

We use warm floor, why not make heated driveway?

Glycol Heated Driveway

We require more time and effort to install a glycol-heated driveway. And even space since Glycol needs to be heated somehow. For that, our experts install propane or natural gas boilers in the garage or basement. Instead of heating electrical mats, we install a closed system of PVC tubes containing liquid Glycol. Unlike an electrically heated driveway, Glycol one heats up fast, uses less energy and can keep your driveway warm from the first snowflake to the heaviest storm. Its setup is definitely more expensive, but it will save you much more in the long run.

Glycol heated driveway

Final Thoughts

A heated driveway is an option for those who appreciate their time. It has numerous benefits, such as interlocking pavers, from completely eliminating the possibility of slipping in winter to making your home look richer and prettier in other seasons. Regardless of the driveway type you choose, the EcoPro Home team is always here to help. We provide free consultations and transparent estimates to help you choose the best option. We hope to see you among our happy clients soon!

Explore heated driveway benefits

Heated Driveway FAQ

  • Why install heated driveway?

    A heated driveway is a modern technology that melts snow for you. No more tiring shovelling or wasting money on salts and chemicals. Just contact us, choose the heating system, and enjoy your winter. 

  • Does heated driveway completely melts snow?

    Yes, of course! It may take some time for a system to heat up, especially if it's below zero outside. Yet, it will eliminate all snow and ice faster than you can with a shovel. You can definitely forget about slipping, too!

  • How do I choose between electrical and glycol heated driveways?

    The decision on a heated driveway type depends on several factors: 

    1. How big is your driveway? For bigger areas, you can choose glycol. It is more expensive, yet it heats up faster and wastes less energy. 
    2. Consider your design preferences. It's not always about how it looks but how it works. Choose materials with high thermal conductivity to get the most out of your electrical heated driveway.
    3. Don't forget about your budget. Glycol-heated driveways are more expensive to set up, but they are cheaper to use, while electrical heated driveways work vice versa.

    Our team helps you choose the best option for you — no pressure or foisting. Contact us, name your preferences, and get a free estimate.

Interlocking steps are still trendy in 2024

Why Interlock Steps in 2024?

Imagine that you want to buy a house. What is the first thing that catches your attention and influences your purchase decision? Probably the front side: the porch with the steps, the driveway, the door, and the windows. While traditional wooden porches with decks around the house are still an option, what do you think of interlocking steps? Natural solid stone instantly draws attention and promises to be there with no repairs for a long time. Here are even more reasons to interlock your steps in 2024.

Interlocking pavers

Reason #1. Long-lasting and Easy to Repair

It is no surprise that natural interlocking stones are incredibly durable. When our team of landscaping experts lays interlock steps, we cover all the nuances of proper stone installation. Thus, we guarantee that our interlocking stands the test of time. But what if something goes wrong? Did someone accidentally drop something heavy on your porch or leave a stain? No worries! There’s such a thing as interlock repair. With this service, you can get rid of weeds between interlocking areas and replace damaged pavers in no time.

Reason #2. Attractive Results

Just like this, interlocking services make your house attractive in every sense of the word. The stone steps‘ surface looks smooth and is highly slip-resistant. They produce a modern yet industrial look to your porch. From the first sight of your interlock steps up to the interlocked backyard with a cozy pergola, your guests and neighbours will see and feel that they are dealing with a reliable and worthy person.

Reason #3. Surprising Versatility

Who said that the stone isn’t ductile? Not in terms of its chemical structure but in its way of use, it creates countless design possibilities. If you don’t want to make the look of a harsh and dependable guy from the previous point, just use different materials to interlock steps. Instead of plain concrete, you can choose bluestone, limestone, colourful tiles or anything in between and polish it with vivid, lovely perennials. Only you decide what others will think of you, and with interlocking versatility, playing with others’ psychics has never been that easy.

Reason #4. Low Maintenance

There is nothing more unpretentious than the stone. In general, it has stayed here for at least 30 years without asking for it to be repaired or replaced. And, as we pointed out earlier, interlock repair and replacement is relatively easy, too. Unlike other interlocking areas, like walkways and driveways where weeds can start growing, steps are a heavy-trafficked area. Consequently, even the tiniest grass blade will be trampled as soon as it comes out of the gap. All you need to do to maintain your interlock steps is sweep it in summer and wash it in the spring after the snow melts down.

Reason #5. Eco-Friendliness

The last but not least reason is to help Mother Nature. As it follows from our company name, that’s quite a thing for us. Each day, we make our planet greener and safer. So, each project is not only the embodiment of your desires but a sustainable version of it. Interlocking pavers are made from natural materials and have little to no waste during production. When they are properly laid, they help water return to the ground through gaps between the stones. It is vital to keep groundwater levels normal and to support the local ecosystem.

Interlocking steps in the city modern design

Interlock Steps Materials Ideas

Feeling convinced? No wonder! Now is the best time to show you the most popular materials for your interlocked steps. While there are countless options, we’ll give just a few examples. You can learn more about interlocking by simply contacting us and scheduling a free consultation.

Concrete

There’s nothing more basic than concrete. Your house is probably made of it, your flooring, patio, office, etc. So it will look entirely natural as a material for your steps. Usually, grey and porous masses can be turned into anything you can imagine. Colour it and form it, and you’ll get a natural-looking stone. Stamp it and get an interlocking pattern that is made easy and cheap. Level it and get a smooth slope near the stairs so that it is convenient for disabled people to get on and off. It is truly a multifaceted and unique material indeed!

Cement and concrete steps interlocking example

Bluestone

Despite your first thoughts, natural bluestone doesn’t always look like blue stone. It is nothing more than a bright and commercial name for other naturally occurring stones like limestone, dolerites, basalt and others. However, such a mess with titles doesn’t make it less dependable. On the contrary, it is one of the most long-lasting options (even Stonehenge is made of it) for your steps and walkway.

Bluestone walkway interlocking example

Tiles

Last yet equally important is to take a look at tiles. They continue to be the number two material for interlocking. Why the second place? Because tiles can be slippery compared to the other stones we talked about. Even more, they crack easily compared to other materials. However, tiles create the golden mean. They can be used in interior design, somewhere in the bathroom, or as your interlocking steps material. Tiles’ prices are reasonable, and they still create a nice and clean look.

tile interlocking design ideas

Final Thoughts

To interlock or not to interlock, that was the question. But not anymore! We hope that we found more than enough reasons for you to interlock steps in 2024. Actually, the year doesn’t even matter. Due to their durability and flexibility, interlocking stones have become a never-aging classic that will add value and charming design touch to your property!

  • What is the difference between cement and concrete for interlocking steps?

    The difference is in their composition. Concrete is a building material made from a mix of water, sand, rock, and cementCement, on its own, is a mix of limestone and clay that serves as a binding agent for further mixes.

  • When it is better to interlock my steps?

    Interlocking can be done at any time of the year, but of course, it is preferable in warm seasons like summer and spring. 

  • How much does interlocking steps cost?

    Interlock step cost depends on many factors, from labour team experience to material, season, and your budget. The baseline starts from $80 per square foot. Contact our team to get a free in-home estimate.

Interlocking Walkway by EcoPro

Stylish and Durable: How to Choose the Best Interlocking Stone in 2024

Random people passing by are turning their heads, trying to take a good look at your front yard. There is no big secret why they are doing so. The best interlocking stone underlines the beautiful design of your garden or interlocked driveway in Toronto. Let’s learn more about the overall concept of interlocking pavers.

Interlocking Stone Types

There are plenty of interlocking stone types, but we’ll take a closer look at:

  1. Concrete;
  2. Natural stone;
  3. Resin;
  4. Brick;
  5. Travertine and limestone;
  6. Granite.

The universal term for these materials is “interlocking pavers.” They may be united by one phrase, yet interlocking presupposes unlimited creativity. Especially EcoPro Home interlocking services in Vaughan and across Canada. That’s where, with our inventiveness and professionalism, we make a convenient covering for every walkway, driveway, patio or any other surface.

We design a unique pattern from small pavers or lay interlocking tiles from a wide range of existing types. Our EcoPro landscaping company makes sure that the material you choose fits your needs and style and complements all other elements in your front and backyard.

We always make the final choice after analyzing the type of forthcoming work and considering the benefits of materials for every peculiar case and yard. We guarantee that you will receive a comfortable area and a piece of art at the same time.

So, how do we do it and what materials do we use?

Concrete

Concrete stands the test of time, and due to its variety of colours, it can easily be combined with brick pavers. The colourful, flat concrete tiles in various textures create an appealing view and present an exceptional design.

Natural stone

Natural stone has its advantages and disadvantages. It is rather costly, but it also looks great. It naturally (sorry, wordplay) isn’t afraid of harsh Canadian weather. You should not worry about regular cleanings. Use natural stone more for decoration purposes in your yard, as it can crack if it’s exposed to high pressure for a long period of time.

We can put pieces of natural stone as part of the whole composition to add a bit of style!

We make eco friendly EcoPro natural stone interlocking

Resin

We choose resin pavers for their durability and strength. They are also easily combined with other outdoor solutions. During the installation, the pieces are just pushed into a properly prepared base on the ground. The method of interlocking suits areas with colder climates as it is easy to fix. You don’t have to renew the whole piece; replace the cracked pavers and put them back to the ground.

Brick

Haven’t we already talked about concrete? Yes, right, but brick pavers are made of clay. This stone will satisfy multiple needs:

  1. Beautiful and versatile design;
  2. It is long-lasting and will please your eyes for many years to come;
  3. It can serve as part of the natural drainage system (we make small gaps while laying it).

It is perfect for driveways as well as for garden design.

We use only high-quality materials to create beautiful and long-lasting interlocking driveway

Travertine and limestone

Travertine or limestone is a good choice for a tight budget. Briefly, travertine is a type of limestone. But don’t get confused with the idea that this material comes in a few colours or that it is old-fashioned. Limestone has lighter shades. The designs made with these materials are eye-catching and elegant. In addition, such pavers will serve many years ahead and have various shades to complement other elements in your yard.

Granite

Last but not least, granite. It is rather expensive, but it’s really strong and definitely worth it. It looks nice and can be integrated into fantastic combinations. Nevertheless, it can crack in case of extreme coldness. Moreover, granite tile tends to be slippery. Even its porous structure doesn’t help. Yet, it’s beneficial for natural water runoff since the water can easily infiltrate through the granite permeable surface.

Choose the Best Interlocking Stone for Your Yard

What seemed to be a simple project at first glance turned out to have many nuances. An aesthetic look doesn’t come naturally if a homeowner doesn’t have a thought-through plan. For example, do you need excavation or not? How do you calculate everything properly, and how do you achieve perfect paver alignment?

You may want to think about the weather that the laid materials will face every season and a bunch of other technical details.

Our interlocking contractors have the training and knowledge to help you make your dreams a reality, whether it’s a fantastic driveway, cozy walkway or patio. We can also create fabulous border patterns around your pool or flowerbeds.

By the way, digging and other work with pavers may be rather disturbing for your neighbours. However, we have a smart solution here: we install barriers that detain dust and dirt.

Summary

We prioritize a long-lasting result without wasting your budget. The EcoPro Home team is not afraid of complex decisions and prefers natural materials. Our interlocking contractors and reliable equipment are always ready for any challenge.

 In fact, it’s almost impossible for interlocking stones not to look good.

The best interlocking front yard and interlocking backyard

Do you want to have a beautiful walkway and a stunning front yard? Any design, size and shape, material. Let your dreams come true with the EcoPro Home team.

The Best Interlocking Stone FAQ

  • What are the main benefits of the best interlocking stone?

    The practical side is that the pavers can be easily replaced without ruining the whole structure or pattern. This outdoor solution is easy to maintain. It is durable and comfy to walk on. It’s not prone to scratches and is water-resistant.

  • How are the interlocking tiles secured?

    We don’t need any screws or additional gluing materials. The pavers are really only interlocked and covered with special polymeric sand.

  • Should I take care of the pavers?

    Well, keeping them clean will never harm you, and if you spill something on your outdoor flooring that will leave stains, you better clean the mess ASAP.

  • Is it possible to combine different materials?

    It is not only possible but also preferable. They can be blended together in various patterns or used as an addition to the main solution.

  • Will interlocking stones change their colour with time?

    It may happen only when stones are of low quality. We trust only reliable manufacturers.

  • Will the weed come up between the stones?

    It is only possible if the base material isn’t laid properly. But don’t worry — our team of specialists will prevent this from happening to your driveway, walkway, or patio.

  • Is the best interlocking stone resistable to chemicals?

    If you don’t want to lose that shiny new look, you better keep your interlocking clean without harsh chemicals. Pavers have super benefits, as they resist almost everything that can emerge in your yard — well, except if it’s not a giant troll with a huge hammer. Normally, you don’t have such visitors, right?