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If you live in a region where snow and ice are a regular part of your winter weather, then you know the danger of walking up and down ice covered stair treads. Using a shovel to keep the snow and ice clear is backbreaking work, and you have to do it every time it snows. Covering the stairs with salt provides temporary relief, but salt can damage your stairs and the surrounding landscape. Is there a permanent solution that doesn’t require your personal attention? Absolutely. This article will describe the benefits of installing electric radiant heat on your stair treads, as well as your driveway and sidewalks.
The Dangers of Snowy and Icy Stair Treads
Any homeowner knows that walking on icy or snowy stairs can be dangerous. Not only is it easy to slip and fall, but the cold weather can also aggravate pre-existing injuries. In addition, salt and other deicing chemicals can damage the surface of the stairs, making them even more slippery. Therefore, it’s important to take steps to prevent icy stair treads before they become a problem.
The Benefits of Heated Outdoor Stair Treads
Safety
If you have ever slipped on an icy set of steps, you know how treacherous they can be. Winter weather can make even the most basic daily tasks, such as walking up or down your front steps, into a potential hazard. Heated outdoor stair treads are an easy and effective way to maintain a safe walking surface all winter long. By providing gentle, even heat, they help prevent ice and snow from accumulating on your steps.
Comfort
Heated outdoor stair treads provide an extra measure of traction, making it less likely you’ll slip and fall, providing you with a comforting assurance that you can reach your door safely. They also eliminate the fear of slipping that accompanies every snow storm.
You can relax knowing that regardless of when the snow storm hits, the stair treads will be clear and safe to walk on. As a result, they provide a safe and comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months.
Stair Health Against the Elements
Water from melting snow and ice can get into your stair hardware and corrode the components. Salt used for deicing roads and walkways can cause accelerated corrosion and rust in metal railings. Heated outdoor stair treads are the answer to your problem! Not only do they add extra safety to your home, but they can also help extend the life of your stairs. By preventing the formation of ice and snow, heated stair treads prevent the need for harsh chemicals or salt, which can damage concrete and other materials.
Heating Outdoor Stair Treads with Radiant Floor Heating Systems
Whether you are in the process of building a new home or want to add a radiant heating system to your existing stairs, electric heat mats or cables are the perfect solution. If you install the system while the home is under construction, the loose cables are installed on the concrete before being covered by stones or pavers.
Once the cables are installed, the system is connected to a moisture and temperature sensing control for automated activation. Once activated, the system will keep the temperature on the step surface slightly above freezing. Some controllers use a WiFi connection and activate the system based on the weather forecast, rather than actual sensors, to ensure that the system works before freezing temperatures or snow falling begin.
Consider Heated Driveways and Walkways Too!
It only makes sense to provide a total safety envelope for your loved ones and guests by making sure there is no snow or ice on your driveway, sidewalks, or stair treads. Think of the peace of mind you’ll have knowing the snow shovel will never need to be used again. Electric radiant heat can be added to your driveway in many ways:
- Only heat the tire paths
- Add heat to a specific area of the driveway
- Heat the entire driveway and eliminate any snow or ice accumulation
Sidewalks and patios can be protected with a heating system, simultaneously, with the driveway and stair treads. A loose cable or heat mat application is available to make the project efficient and cost effective.
Utilize the Best Radiant Floor Heating System with Warmup
Warmup has been designing heating systems for over 25 years. We have an experienced, professional staff to ensure you get the right components for whatever heating project you are working on. In addition to driveways and step treads, our exterior heating options include deicing for gutters and roof edges.
Our underfloor heat systems can be used with most floor finishes, and when combined with Smart Thermostats, provide comfort and efficient operation for new construction and remodeling projects. We back our products with industry leading warranties, and our team is available 24/7.
Contact us today for more information or a quick quote.