How to Melt Snow on Concrete Steps

Climbing snow-covered steps can be awkward at best, dangerous at worst. Snow obscures the steps and makes for slippery footing. If left in place, it can turn to ice, creating even more of a hazard. Keep your steps safe and clear by melting the snow as soon as possible after a storm. Rock salt and some chemical de-icers can damage and pit concrete steps over time. Magnesium chloride is less damaging to concrete, as are some of the environmentally safe de-icers on the market. Look for a de-icer that says it's safe for precast concrete, such as steps. Or choose a mechanical de-icing method such as heat mats.

Things You'll Need

• Chemical de-icer
• Plastic shaker
• Water
• Heat mats

Instructions

1. Apply the ice-melting agent to the steps. Spread the de-icer thinly and evenly on the steps, before ice has a chance to form. A de-icer sold in a plastic shaker is easiest to spread.

2. Spray a little water onto the de-icer if ice has already formed on the steps. The water will react with the de-icer to start the de-icing process.

3. Install heat mats to keep the steps ice-free without the use of chemical de-icers. Electric rubber mats emit a low level of heat. They require an electrical plug-in. You can remove the mats at the end of winter and store them for next year.

Tips & Warnings

• --Make a de-icer shaker by drilling holes with a ¼ inch drill bit in the lid of a plastic container with a handle, such as a cat food container. Fill the container with the de-icer and label it, then shake the de-icer on the steps.

• --Some heat mats can be set to turn on and off at a certain temperature and can be left in place year round.

• Don't use rock salt or fertilizer on concrete steps. Chemicals in these substances can pit the concrete.

References

• De-icing Salt and Concrete
• Ice and Snow Removal
• Heated Mats Overview

Resources

• Melting Ice Safely