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Most heated driveways last from 15 to 20 years with regular inspection, maintenance, and prompt repairs. In other words, a heated driveway lasts about the same length of time as a regular concrete or asphalt driveway. However, your paving material does affect the longevity of your heated driveway. For example, concrete driveways may crack due to temperature discrepancies caused by a hydronic system, which can reduce your driveway’s life expectancy.

Whether it's worth it to install a heated driveway depends on how often you'll use it, your lifestyle, and your budget. If you live in a mild climate with little snowfall, then installing a built-in heated driveway system may not be worth it. If you live in a region that experiences mild snowfall, then a portable mat could work better. However, if you live in a region with heavy snowfall, it makes sense to invest in a built-in heated driveway. 

Concrete is often the default material for a driveway apron, and many local building codes may require this. If you’re not restricted to concrete, however, you can consider alternative driveway apron ideas, such as asphalt, pavers, or gravel. You can also stamp the concrete for an interesting texture, add color to the concrete for a little extra character, or add a swirled trowel finish to your concrete driveway apron.

If installed correctly, interlocking pavers can last up to 50 years. The lifetime of your paver patio greatly depends on one thing: its foundation. If you rush through this step or cheap out on materials, your patio’s lifetime will be significantly cut short. Hire a pro if you’re not 100% sure you can pull this off.