Common Questions

How soon will they ship, and is shipping free?
The mats ship in about 5 to 7 business days, and shipping is free on every driveway mat order.

How many mats do I need?
Most driveways use two mats, one under each tire track. For a longer driveway, lay two mats end to end on each track (four mats).

Should I pick 24 in or 36 in wide?
A 24 in wide mat fits one tire track. A 36 in wide mat gives more room for steering, so it is easier to stay on the mat.

Can I drive on the mats?
Yes. Driveway mats are 1/2 in thick and made for cars to drive over all winter.

Will they work in heavy snowfall?
Yes. The mats melt about 2 in of snow per hour. For the best results, turn them on before the snow starts so it melts as it lands.

What happens to the melted snow?
If the mats are on before the snow starts, the snow melts and evaporates as it lands, so water does not pool. In very heavy snow it takes a little longer, but leaving the mats on keeps the water from refreezing into ice.

Should I choose 120V or 240V?
120V mats plug into a standard outdoor outlet. 240V mats draw about half the amps and plug into a NEMA 6-15 outlet installed by an electrician. The 24 in x 25 ft, 24 in x 30 ft and 36 in x 20 ft sizes are made in 240V only.

Do driveway mats connect together?
No. Every driveway mat is a complete system with its own GFCI power unit and 25 ft lead, and plugs into its own outlet.

How many circuits do I need?
Keep each 120V circuit at 13 amps or less. The larger 120V sizes need a circuit each (a 24 in x 20 ft mat draws 11.7 A). The review step of the order form tells you how many circuits to plan, and the Amps tab lists every size.

Can the mats switch on by themselves?
Yes. On 120V mats you can add an inline thermostat cable, a wireless remote or a snow sensor, one for each mat. For 240V mats, add the hardwired snow sensor, installed into the circuit by a licensed electrician (works on 120V, 208V or 240V, up to 30 amps).

Will they make my electric bill expensive?
Multiply the amps by the voltage to get the watts. A 24 in x 10 ft mat draws 5.8 A at 120V, about 700 watts. At 15 cents per kWh that is about 10 cents an hour, and you only need to run the mats when it snows.

Can I leave them out all winter?
Yes. Driveway mats are made to stay out all winter. Switch them on when snow is on the way, or add a control to do it for you.

Are they safe?
Yes. The mats are waterproof, and every mat has a GFCI power unit that cuts the power if it detects a fault.

Can I use them on asphalt, concrete or pavers?
Yes. The mats are made for asphalt, concrete and stone. If you have stamped or decorative concrete, please read our decorative concrete guide first.

Can I put the mats on top of snow?
No. Lay the mats on the bare driveway before the snow falls.

Can a mat be cut to size?
No. Pick the length closest to your driveway, or lay two mats end to end on each tire track for a longer run.

How warm do the mats get?
The mats run about 40°F above the surrounding air, enough to melt snow and ice as it lands.

Can I roll them up for storage?
Yes. At the end of the season, clean them, let them dry and roll them up. Store them somewhere dry until next winter.

What is the warranty?
The mats come with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of shipment. See the Warranty tab for details and our 30-day return policy.

Real Reviews From Real Customers

Easy to use and quick to install
Heating covers are the best. They melt the snow away and keep our customers safe. They are super easy to install. From out of the box we just unrolled the mat, plugged it into our outside outlet and it started melting the snow right away. Tom W.

Why did we not use these long ago
We have been shoveling snow for years. Finally we reached a point where it was simply too much work. We looked online and found ALCO and ordered the mats. They arrived quickly and we installed them on the walkway and the porch. Now when we see some is on the way we just plug it in and let it run. Its really nice that we don't have to worry about clearing snow from our steps and walking path any longer. Mark B.

A clear path to my hot tub
Connecting the heating mats together in a series has worked wonderfully. It is keeping the ice and the snow off of my wood deck near my hot tub. No more snow walking paths in bare feet or salt stains on the wood. Lisa R.

ALCO gave me a custom solution
I'm not very technical and even though is a plug and play type of product I was not sure what I needed. I used the custom fill out form and a ALCO rep contacted me straight away. They provided me with a custom quote for exactly what I needed and that's what I ordered and that's what I received. They are excellent at helping you decide what is needed. - Sandra G.

Reduced our liability
We have a business to run and we can't worry about shoveling snow. It only takes a little bit of snow to have a slip and fall accident. We searched out a solution and ALCO seemed to have what we needed. Since we have installed them they are keeping the snow and ice away from our entrance. This reduces our liability and saves on labor costs.  Jackie M.

Amp Draw Per Mat

Amp draw is per mat, +/- 10%. Every driveway mat is a complete system with its own GFCI power unit and 25 ft lead, and plugs into its own outlet. Keep each 120V circuit at 13 amps or less.

Example: two 24 in x 20 ft mats at 120V draw 11.7 A each, so each mat needs its own 120V circuit. The same two mats at 240V draw 5.4 A each.

240V mats plug into a NEMA 6-15 outlet installed by an electrician. The 24 in x 25 ft, 24 in x 30 ft and 36 in x 20 ft sizes are made in 240V only. Always have an electrician confirm your circuits.

Warranty

We supply tough products for the construction industry and other job sites, so it is very unlikely you will have any issues. If you do, rest assured the heating mats come with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of shipment. We have the right to repair or replace any defective product. The warranty does not cover damage caused by improper use, installation or abuse.

Returns

ALCO has a 30-day return policy for heating mats from the date of shipping. The mats must be in the same new condition as when you received them. If they are not in new condition, a 25% restocking fee and the return shipping cost will be deducted from the refund.