Anyone who lives in their own country house or cottage has encountered such a problem in the winter as the need to regularly clear snow from the porch, steps and paths.
Moreover, if this is not done in time, the steps will gradually become covered with a layer of ice, and this already leads to potential injuries and other troubles.
Fortunately, modern technologies make it possible to completely solve this problem and get rid of any ice once and for all. A heating cable or so-called warm floor outside will help you in this matter.
Let's take a closer look at the technology of its laying and installation, as well as possible mistakes that you should avoid if you want to do everything yourself.
Is such street heating necessary and beneficial?
Someone will immediately object that such heating is not a cheap undertaking and it is better to wave a shovel a couple of times a week than to bother with this ice.
Of course, large retail chains and stores that value their reputation and customers have long switched to this type of outdoor heating and can afford it.
They plan in advance, even at the construction stage, to heat paths, parking lots and access roads to their retail outlets and offices.
In the West, they realized a long time ago that this costs much less than all the legal costs from injured buyers who accidentally walked in with full packages of goods.
What do these snow melting and anti-icing systems provide at home?
- firstly, a clean and dry surface of the places where you move throughout the winter period
For some, it may not be a problem to go out with a shovel and remove all the snow after a snowfall, but what if this is your parents’ house? And you yourself will someday turn 70+.
You won’t hire janitors every time.
- longer service life of tiles, asphalt and other coatings
Now you don’t have to hammer with a crowbar, trying to pick off another crust of ice. This ice also gets into the seams, gradually expanding and spoiling the original mosaic and neat pattern of the paths.
Besides, asphalt and rough tiles may tolerate this, but what if you have marble steps?
- and most importantly - the absence of fractures, dislocations and other injuries associated with icy conditions
Therefore, if you want comfortable and safe living in your home throughout your entire life, sooner or later you will still come to a conscious decision to do such anti-icing on your site.
Infrared devices
Thermoelectric mats are also a fairly popular and effective type of heating for outdoor stairs. The carbon film located on the heat-insulating base is the heating part of the system.
For greater safety, the base is covered with an additional shielding layer. The second layer is reflective, which is responsible for the distribution of heat flows.
What kind of lighting do you prefer?
Built-in Chandelier
Thermal mats are small, separate sections that are located inside a moisture-proof coating. They are equipped with thermostats.
Infrared lamps can also be used as a heating and lighting method. But this option is quite expensive.
Where is the best place to install and what materials will be required?
Of course, no one is forcing you to heat literally all the paths and the surrounding area; this will be quite expensive. Just select the most frequent routes:
- approach to the boiler room or boiler room
- entrance and exit from the garage
- and of course, steps and a path to the entrance gate
You will hand out slippers to guests next to her and escort them into the house.
