The Winter Dilemma: Melt It or Move It?

Winter in Salt Lake City brings more than just snow — it brings decisions. Property owners face the same question every year: should you invest in a heated sidewalk system, or rely on professional snow removal crews to manage ice and snow buildup?

Both options aim to solve the same problem — keeping your property safe, accessible, and compliant. But they differ dramatically in cost, flexibility, and performance.

At Millburn Lawn & Landscape, we’ve worked with hundreds of Utah homeowners and commercial property managers, helping them weigh the real-world pros and cons of snow melt systems versus traditional snow removal contracts. Here’s what you need to know before making that investment.

How Snow Melt Systems Work

Snow melt systems, also known as heated driveway or heated sidewalk installations in Utah, use electric cables or hydronic tubing embedded under pavement to melt snow on contact. These systems are controlled by sensors that detect temperature and moisture, automatically turning on before accumulation begins.

There are two main types:

• Electric systems: Use resistance cables powered by electricity.
• Hydronic systems: Circulate heated water from a boiler through tubing beneath the surface.

They’re typically installed under driveways, walkways, or commercial entryways — and they promise a nearly maintenance-free solution to winter weather.

Sounds perfect, right? Not so fast.

The Pros of Snow Melt Systems

1. Convenience and Automation
   Once installed, snow melt systems operate automatically. No phone calls, no scheduling — just seamless snow management when it’s cold enough.
2. Clean Aesthetics
   No plows, salt stains, or snow piles. Surfaces stay clear without visible intervention, which is especially appealing for upscale residential and commercial spaces.
3. Quiet and Non-Intrusive
   Heated systems make no noise, which can be a major perk for businesses operating overnight or properties in residential neighborhoods.
4. Eco-Friendly Potential
   Electric systems powered by renewable energy reduce salt use and chemical runoff — helping preserve local soil and vegetation.

The Cons of Snow Melt Systems

While attractive, these systems have significant limitations — especially for large-scale or commercial properties.

1. High Installation Costs
   Installing a heated driveway or sidewalk system in Utah costs anywhere from $15 to $30 per square foot, depending on the system type. Large commercial lots can quickly exceed $100,000 in installation costs alone.
2. Maintenance and Repairs
   If tubing or wiring fails, repairs often require tearing up concrete or pavers. These fixes can be costly and disruptive — especially in winter.
3. Energy Consumption
   Continuous heating during long storms increases electricity or fuel costs. Utah’s fluctuating temperatures mean systems can run longer than expected, raising utility bills.
4. Limited Coverage Area
   Snow melt systems are ideal for small, defined areas like walkways or entryways — not large parking lots or loading zones.
5. No Flexibility for Unusual Storms
   Once installed, you can’t expand coverage easily. Heavy drifting or extended snowfall may exceed the system’s capacity, requiring manual intervention anyway.

The Case for Professional Snow Removal Crews

Professional snow removal services, like those provided by Millburn Lawn & Landscape, use trained crews, specialized equipment, and strategic scheduling to manage snow across properties of any size.

They don’t just remove snow — they manage the full winter process: plowing, de-icing, site inspections, and safety documentation.

The Pros of Professional Snow Management

1. Scalable for Any Property Size
   From small storefronts to sprawling retail centers, professional teams handle every type of property — something no fixed system can match.
2. Lower Upfront Cost
   A seasonal snow management contract is far more affordable upfront than installing a snow melt system. Even over several years, most businesses find professional service more cost-effective.
3. Full-Service Solutions
   Crews handle plowing, shoveling, ice management, and post-storm follow-up. They adapt in real time to weather conditions, something automated systems can’t do.
4. 24/7 Monitoring and Response
   Millburn’s crews operate around the clock during Utah storms, using GPS and radar systems to respond proactively — before ice can form.
5. Legal and Safety Protection
   Professional contractors carry liability insurance and provide service documentation. If an accident occurs, these records prove your property was maintained to safety standards.
6. No Maintenance Headaches
   Unlike snow melt systems, snow removal services don’t require equipment repair or replacement — just reliable scheduling and communication.

The Cons of Professional Snow Removal

1. Recurring Costs
   Contracts are billed per season or per event, so costs are ongoing rather than one-time.
2. Scheduling Coordination
   Businesses must plan ahead and secure contracts before the first snowfall to ensure availability.
3. Salt and Equipment Impact
   Though minimal with professional care, salt and plow blades can cause wear on surfaces over time — something contractors mitigate with the right materials and techniques.

Cost Comparison: Snow Melt Systems vs. Professional Snow Removal

Factor	Snow Melt System	Professional Snow Removal
Upfront Cost	$10,000–$100,000+	Typically $2,000–$15,000 per season
Maintenance	High (repairs require demolition)	Minimal (included in service)
Energy Use	Continuous heating	On-demand operations
Flexibility	Fixed coverage only	Any property size or shape
Documentation	None	Detailed logs for liability protection
ROI Timeline	10+ years	Immediate return through uptime & safety

For most commercial properties in Salt Lake City, the ROI on professional snow management is faster and more predictable than heated systems — particularly when factoring in energy, repair, and operational downtime.

Which Option Makes Sense for You?

Choose Snow Melt Systems if:

• You manage a small area (walkway, entrance, or high-end residence).
• You want seamless automation with minimal visible intervention.
• You’re ready for high upfront investment and ongoing maintenance.

Choose Professional Snow Management if:

• You manage large parking lots, retail plazas, or corporate campuses.
• You need flexible, scalable service that adapts to every storm.
• You want liability coverage, documentation, and real-time response.

For many Salt Lake City businesses, the best solution isn’t one or the other — it’s both. Heated entryways can complement professional plowing for total property safety and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are snow melt systems worth it for large commercial properties?
A: Not usually. They’re ideal for small areas but cost-prohibitive for large parking lots or driveways. Professional snow removal offers more coverage and flexibility.

Q: How long do heated sidewalk systems last?
A: Quality systems can last 20+ years, but performance depends on installation, materials, and consistent maintenance.

Q: Can I combine a snow melt system with professional services?
A: Yes — many businesses heat entrances while using snow removal crews for lots and drives. It’s the best of both worlds.

Q: What’s the most cost-effective option for Utah winters?
A: For most commercial properties, seasonal snow management contracts provide faster ROI and full safety compliance without large upfront costs.

Q: Do snow removal services operate overnight?
A: Absolutely. Millburn Lawn & Landscape offers 24-hour snow management in Utah, ensuring your property stays clear before employees and customers arrive.