Heated concrete steps

[Stevenfyeager]

This is a first for me, customer is asking for heated concrete steps for outside ice melting. They will pour the steps in a few days.
Advice, please?

 

[winnie]

I don't have any experience in this field, but I've noticed lots of discussions on the 'heating help' website. They are more into fuel burners than electric, but you will probably find lots of info:

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/search?domain=all_content&query=snow%20melting&scope=site&source=community

 

[Rick 0920]

I've heard of people running a cold water line in their driveways and steps. The ground water temp is above 32 degrees and it will melt snow and ice. You could use heat trace cable but you will also have the expense that goes along with it.

 

[ptonsparky]

I've heard of people running a cold water line in their driveways and steps. The ground water temp is above 32 degrees and it will melt snow and ice. You could use heat trace cable but you will also have the expense that goes along with it.

It would need to run continuously if below 32 for any length of time.

 

[Rick 0920]

Yes sir. This was done in a southern state where below freezing temps for several days at a time is uncommon. But I've even lived in some places where I needed to open my cabinet doors and let the faucets drip to keep the pipes from freezing.

 

[VirutalElectrician]

Isn't this typically done with pipes in the concrete and a boiler?

 

[rc/retired]

Isn't this typically done with pipes in the concrete and a boiler?

Sometimes. Sometimes it's a heat mat. It depends on who wants what.

Ron