Can Heated Systems Be Installed Under Existing Interlock?

Can You Heat an Existing Interlock Walkway?

Yes. You do not need to discard your existing interlocking stone pavers to install a snow-melting system. If your existing pavers are structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing, WarmWay can lift, grade, wire, and re-lay the exact same stone.

The Step-by-Step Re-Laying Process

1. Paver Removal & Staging: Pavers are carefully lifted using stone lifters, palletized, and kept in order to preserve any intricate patterns or border soldiers.
2. Sub-Base Evaluation: We inspect the underlying gravel base. In many older GTA homes, original contractors used poor-quality bedding sand or inadequate aggregate depth that caused settling. We correct the base with compacted 3/4" crushed stone or High Performance Bedding (HPB).
3. Insulation & Cable Placement: High-density extruded polystyrene (XPS) rigid insulation is installed where elevation allows to prevent downward thermal loss. Heating cable mats are rolled out, secured at precise 3-inch intervals, and tested for electrical resistance.
4. Bedding & Re-Installation: A 1-inch bedding layer of screeded HPB or stone dust covers the cables. Original pavers are reset into place, leveled with laser alignment, and edge restraints are mechanically fastened.
5. Polymeric Joint Sanding: Joint sand is swept and compacted using vibrating plate compactors equipped with rubber protective mats to protect paver surfaces.

Re-using existing pavers typically saves homeowners $1,200 to $2,500 in new stone purchase and delivery costs while delivering all the benefits of an automated heated walkway.