Abstract: A heating apparatus for preventing the accumulation of snow and ice, and having an apertured heating mat in the form of a lattice or web. The heating mat is made of a durable weatherproof insulative polymer so that the mat may be installed on any outdoor surface, such as a driveway, walkway, or rooftop. The apertures within the lattice serve to increase the flexibility of the mat, thus allowing the mat to fit uneven surfaces. In addition, this flexibility allows the mat to be easily rolled up when not in use, the apparatus therefore only occupying minimal storage space. The heating mat is also constructed to be highly resistant to wear and may be left outdoors for the entire snow season, exposed to both the elements and frequent vehicular traffic without losing its effectiveness. Also included is a controller from which the apparatus can be set to a manual mode, in which the apparatus may be manually activated, or an automatic mode, in which the apparatus is automatically activated by snowfall.