Ice melting bars in new house steps - good idea?

[AllGold]

JoeM wrote:
[quote=Dennis S]
"It will add around $1600."

Then I would say "no."

The wife agrees with you. :-)
...until the next time she slips on the ice. :devil:

[JoeM]

AllGold wrote:
[quote=JoeM]
[quote=Dennis S]
"It will add around $1600."

Then I would say "no."

The wife agrees with you. :-)
...until the next time she slips on the ice. :devil: You are correct, sir. I have to make a decision by tomorrow. Wife already promises not to ream me out if I do it and anything goes wrong. lap:

[WHiiP]

Why not some PVC and plumbing a water cut off from the hot water system to cycle hot water through when you need it.

$100.00 PVC
$100.00 recycle pump
Maybe $200.00 labor.

Yes, it does depend on where you hot water is located compared to the steps.

[BernDog]

WHiiP wrote:
Why not some PVC and plumbing a water cut off from the hot water system to cycle hot water through when you need it.

$100.00 PVC
$100.00 recycle pump
Maybe $200.00 labor.

Yes, it does depend on where you hot water is located compared to the steps.

So, if you don't need it, the water in the pipes freezes, not only seizing the system, but also cracking the pipes AND the concrete? I don't think you could do it that way on-demand. There's a reason those systems are designed the way they are.

[Speedy]

macphanatic wrote:
the system would turn on automatically when precipitation was detected and the temperature was around 32F or lower.

Around here that would be about four months of mostly continuous heating.

[JoeM]

No, I don't think a hot water system is right for something like this. Besides, my water heater is near the back of the house.

[OWC Jamie]

There are surface solutions.



A neighbor did his driveway and the "rods" looked just like the radiant floor heat tubing .

Electric and anti-freeze fluid systems are both expensive to put in but sure are nice to have.

[JoeM]

billb, thanks. I looked at the HeatTrak system last year but most were out by the time I went to buy them. At this point I think I will bypass the installed system, save the $1600 and go with the mats.

[OWC Jamie]

My concern with the mats on concrete or bricks is a potential trip hazard, especially if the corners curl.
That was a (small) concern to watch for with heat mats for plants in the greenhouse and - they haven't curled.
Plus unsecured mats can walk away.

I think you have to consider the $1600 a home investment you'll recover at sale.
Or, it is just a nice thing to have.

So are mats.
Mats are easier to dispose of if/when they fail.

[JoeM]

I looked at the stoop this AM and realized the area in question would be fairly small considering that I will now have a portico over the landing. The install would have included an on/off switch in the house and not a temp/moisture gauge with auto on/off. The switch is not really a total solution if it snows while I'm sleeping or away from the house so I thought in the end it was probably not worth the money to do it. I can really do the same thing with the heat mats if I really decide I want it.

When I told the contractor I was going to pass on it he said "good" and I could hear in his voice that he thought it wasn't worth doing it but was just offering it to me because I had asked for a quote.

Thanks everyone for the help.