Stairs covered in snow and ice are treacherous. The best snow melt stairs allow you to enjoy the winter weather outside without dreading the chore of shoveling off stairs and walks. While getting some fresh air and exercise in the winter cold can be healthy, shoveling stairs can be a real challenge if you are not accustomed to extensive exercise. A great solution for homeowners is snow melt mats or heated stair treads.
Snow melt stairs or walkways have heating cables installed in or under the surface padding. The surfaces heat up fast and are designed in a way that drains the snow and ice melt away from the stairs and sidewalks. Snow melt stairs melt the ice and snow away while providing helpful traction to people in boots or shoes.
Some new construction buildings have built-in snowmelt stairs and walkways that use electricity or hot water to heat a radiant surface like brick or concrete. For existing homeowners there are snow melt treads and mats that install easily and provide the same benefits. These heated mats get hot fast and work efficiently without requiring any professional installation. Read below to learn more about our favorite snow melt stairs.
Best Snow Melt Heated Stair Treads
WarmlyYours Snow Melting Cable is a leading in-ground installation that buries under your asphalt driveway, concrete sidewalks, or masonry to keep them free of snow and ice.
- FLEXIBLE CABLE-HEATING SYSTEM: WarmlyYours...
- EMBED IN CONCRETE, ASPHALT & MORE: These handy...
- AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL CONTROL OPTIONS: Available...
- CSA CERTIFIED: WarmlyYours Electric Radiant Snow...
- NO MORE SHOVELING: Get started on this project in...
Last update on 2024-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner Up: Best Heated Snow Melt Stairs
HeatTrak ‘No Slip’ Heated Stair Tread Mat provides an easy aftermarket solution for homeowners looking to avoid the high cost and difficult installation process of in-ground models. They install easily and plug into your home electrical outlet for power.
Last update on 2024-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Budget Choice: Heated Snow Melt Stairs
Summerstep Snow Melting Heated Stair Mat lays over existing stairs to provide an all-season, slip proof, heated solution. Quickly and easily melts snow and ice to keep steps and walkways clear.
Last update on 2024-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Heated Snow Melt Stairs Buyer’s Guide
Slippery steps covered in ice and snow present a serious risk of injury. Each year over 3 million older people are treated in ER rooms for fall injuries and over 800,000 people are hospitalized each year because of a fall injury according to US government statistics.
As a home or business owner you have an obligation to the people who will be using your stairs or sidewalk. Winter snow and ice, especially on stairs, can easily create a situation where people might slip and fall, and where injury might ensue. Keeping your stairs free of snow and ice using a heated mat helps reduce the risk of injury.
Who Should Buy Heated Snow Melt Stairs
Anyone who is tired of shoveling snow, and who lives in an area where you can count on shoveling snow all winter long, should buy some type of heater for your steps and sidewalks. You will not only reduce your health risks, you will increase the time you might have for enjoyment of the snow. That white stuff that falls out of the sky is a lot more fun when you are not obligated to move it around.
Shoveling snow from stairs can be dangerous and requires good balance and coordination. Winter exercise, such as shoveling snow, walking through drifted snow, or even participating in winter sports can cause heart strain. As you exercise, your heart rate increases and your blood pressure increases. But at the same time the cold makes your blood vessels constrict. That can cause stress on your circulatory system. Think twice before shoveling stairs if you have had a heart attack, circulation problems, high cholesterol, or are a smoker.
Important Features to Consider
The most important feature to consider when shopping for snow melt stairs is deciding between a permanent in-ground installation or a seasonal easy-install mat. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages so it is up to the homeowner to consider what is best for them. Deciding this determines whether the snow melt device needs to be installed at the same time as the steps or walk.
Homeowners should also consider if the heating element can be placed on a wide variety of premade surface options. Consider if your deck is made of wood or plastic or a masonry material. If you are installing a mat or stair tread then be sure to look for non-slip or non-skid features. These are important considerations if your main goal is to make it easier for people to use the sidewalks or stairs all winter long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do heated snow melt stair treads and mats actually work?
A: Yes, within the manufacturers parameters, the snow melt devices do work. Some units work better than others, but all will melt a certain amount of snow as it falls. The in-ground installations typically melt above the 2 inches per hour rate of the above ground mats.
Q: Can they be placed on surfaces that have a plastic component?
A: Although this might vary from product to product, most heated stair treads will not get hot enough to damage outdoor walk or floor surfaces. Look for products that sandwich the heating element between two non-stick pads.
Q: How do I install the mats so they don’t slip?
A: Most mats will hold well on their own but homeowners can apply a double sided industrial carpet tape to better secure them to the stairs. Avoid using nails or screws that could puncture the heating device and create a risk of fire.
Q: What is the best heated stair mat to use for snow melt?
A: That depends on your situation and the material used to build your stairs. If you are interested in the lowest maintenance solution you probably want an in-ground cable installation. If you are interested in a lower cost solution consider the seasonal heated stair treads.
Heated Snow Melt Stairs Reviews
WarmlyYours Snow Melting Cable
Key Points at a Glance
- Eliminates snow shoveling and keeps surface ice free
- Installed with new construction of stairs
- Requires knowledgeable, professional installation
- Works best with concrete, brick, or stone
- Easy to use when installed correctly
Dimensions and Specs
- Measures ¼” (6mm) in diameter
- 12 watts per lineal foot
- Draws only 18.75 amps from 120 volts
- Automatic or manual control options
- CSA Certified for outdoor use
The Details
This is one of the premiere built-in snowmelt systems available. Imagine watching those snowflakes evaporate off your doorstep, stairs and walk without even having to think about it. At the first sign of winter weather, this high-end system switches on melting the flakes as they touch down. The heat comes from carefully placed heating cables buried beneath the surface pavers and radiating heat upward. It is powered by your house current, and regulated by auto sensor on/off or an iphone app.
Advantages
These built in systems have tremendous advantages. No snow shoveling is required to have safe, dry walks, stairs, and driveways greet you outside. Snow melting cable is buried in asphalt, concrete, or masonry to provide year round protection and keep it safe from damage. No messing about with mats or pads that might slip, no matter how carefully installed. Automated snow melt keeps walkways clean as if by magic even when you are away.
Disadvantages
The Warmly Yours snow melt stairs is a good product but there are some drawbacks. An initial installation cost will deter some users and then there is the additional cost of the electricity used. Also, unless you are extremely handy this product needs a professional installation. The cables need to be properly spaced, and placed at just the right depth to avoid burning out an element. Most importantly it has to be buried in a surface that will radiate heat so concrete or brick works well but wood does not. Steps without a lip or overhang work best, and always remember to calculate placement of the handrails while installing the heating cable.
The Bottom Line
The safest and most effective way to heat your stairs, walkway, and driveway to keep them free of ice and snow. However it requires a thoughtful, hardwired installation process that buries the cable into a concrete, asphalt, or masonry material.
- FLEXIBLE CABLE-HEATING SYSTEM: WarmlyYours Electric Radiant Snow...
- EMBED IN CONCRETE, ASPHALT & MORE: These handy cables install easily...
- AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL CONTROL OPTIONS: Available with several different...
- CSA CERTIFIED: WarmlyYours Electric Radiant Snow Melting Cables are...
- NO MORE SHOVELING: Get started on this project in time for winter and...
Last update on 2024-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
HeatTrak ‘No Slip’ Heated Stair Tread Mat
Key Points at a Glance
- Easy to place. No complicated installation
- Can be placed on artificial grass or composite patio decking
- Power unit has water-tight electrical connectors
- Melts around two inches of snow per hour
- Covers walkways, stairs, and steps easily
Dimensions and Specs
- Melt rate of 5cm per hour
- 1.0 amps
- 4in Connector cable
- Customized thermoplastic surface
The Details
Quick and easy to install, the Heat Trak Snow Melting Mat is the homeowners answer to retrofitting snow melt capability to previously installed steps, landings, or even walkways. The mats can even be used on wood, composite patio materials or AstroTurf and can be left outside all winter. The mats vary in size with a 20’ x 60’ mat perfect for walkways and a 10 inch by 30 inch mat good for stairs. Strong, waterproof connections to 120 volt power units that melt 2 inches of snow per hour.
The Bottom Line
The mats easily interconnect with additional units for covering the stairs or other walkways. Lay them down and plug them in to install. The mats are designed to be left outside all winter with a non-slip rubber surface that helps keep stairs safe.
- Durable Design: Our HeatTrak mats are made from a durable and...
- Easy to Install: Our snow melting mats are easy to install and require...
- Energy Efficient: HeatTrak melting mats melt snow at 2" (5cm) per hour...
- Simple Controls: One outdoor-safe HeatTrak Power Unit (SOLD...
- 2-Year Warranty: We stand by our products! All HeatTrak products come...
Last update on 2024-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summerstep Snow Melting Heated Stair Mat
Key Points at a Glance
- Easy installation
- Ideal for one or two mat locations
- Power cord sold separately
- No slip backing
- Sold one mat at a time
Dimensions and Specs
- Just .35 inches thick
- Weighs 4.0 lbs
- 120 Volts and 47 watts
- Non skid backing
The Details
The Summerstep Heated Snowmelt Stair Mat shares a lot of the features of the HeatTrak stair mat. Quick easy installation, no software controllers, homeowners just toss it down, plug it in and it works. Ideal for areas where only one or two mats and a couple of stairs are required. The units are effective at keeping ice and snow from accumulating in key areas.
The Bottom Line
Built of a tacky anti-slip, durable rubber, this heated walkway mat adds traction while simultaneously melting any frozen precipitation that builds upon it. Run the electrical heating system using a standard home power supply.
- Comes with a peace of mind 1-year warranty
- Will melt approximately 2 inches of snow per hour when operating
- Affordable to operate; usually costs less than 2 dollars per snow day
- Safer and more convenient than shoveling snow or using deicing salt
- Requires one (SMPC) 120-volt GFCI power unit to connect the snow...
Last update on 2024-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Safe Paw Snow Melt
Key Points at a Glance
- Easy to use
- No tech required
- Pet and child safe
- Effective at low temperatures
Dimensions and Specs
- Safe on eyes, skin, and paws
- Non-toxic and biodegradable
- Non corrosive and non conductive
- Long shelf life
The Details
No matter how good your stair mats might be at melting snow, it seems as if there is always a place or two that gets way too slick or that is away from your heat mat installation. Pawsafe Snow Melt is advertised as being both pet and child safe. It is non-corrosive and non-conductive. Use it in the places you have foot traffic but no mat.
The Bottom Line
Save money with this budget solution that keeps stairs free of ice but requires you to bundle up and apply it manually outside.
- PEOPLE & PET SAFE - Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never...
- MELT AT LOW TEMPERATURES - Guaranteed to melt at low temperatures...
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED FORMULA - Unlike other Pet Safe Ice Melts,...
- NON-CORROSIVE & LONG SHELF LIFE - It’s non corrosive and...
- EXCELLENT SPREAD RATE - Allows a typical back yard to be treated to...
Last update on 2024-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Green Gobbler Petsafe Snow Melt
Key Points at a Glance
- Magnesium Chloride
- Safer for pets and plants
- Large size tub avail
Dimensions and Specs
- Works in frigid temperatures
- Low toxicity levels
- Perfect for spreaders
The Details
This melt uses magnesium chloride from the Dead Sea. Extremely effective at low temperatures as it will melt ice at temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Safer for pets – won’t burn paws. Less damaging to plants. Comes in a convenient large-size tub for winter stock-up.
The Bottom Line
Your pet will thank you for this low budget solution that keeps stairs safe but doesnt put paws at risk.
- MELTS SNOW AND ICE IN FRIGID TEMPERATURES (as low as -10°F): Pet Safe...
- MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE FORMULA HARVESTED FROM THE DEAD SEA. Magnesium...
- SAFER FOR PETS AND THE ENVIRONMENT. Pet Safe is highly unlikely to...
- PERFECT FOR SPREADERS. Because of its small, round pellet shape, Pet...
- 30 DAY HASSLE FREE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. We value our customers and we...
Last update on 2024-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Whether you are using a built-in heater for steps and walks, electrical snow melt mats, chemical melt, or a good, old-fashioned snow shovel or even a snow blower, there are places where snow removal is inevitable every winter.
Heat, whether it is in the form of a heated mat or stone step, or a chemical that can be sprinkled on the snow, is the most popular means of removing stubborn patches of ice to prevent painful slips and falls. Also check out the best patio heaters available to warm your porch.
Built-in heating cable is probably the most efficient method of snow removal, followed up by heating mats. But where heat is not available, chemicals that can be sprinkled on stubborn patches of ice are available to help take care of those unfortunate slick spots.
If you find that you must shovel in some areas, use a small shovel to take small bites of snow, or even use a broom to move light, powdery snow. Avoid using a large shovel that might tempt you into trying to heave too much snow all at once. Before you start shoveling, do some stretches and warm up your circulatory system so the exercise isn’t as much of a shock. Finally, for those who have had health challenges, don’t be ashamed to hire someone who is in better shape to clear your drive or walkways.
With that said, you can get excited about the idea of letting technology do the biggest part of the heavy lifting when it comes to snow removal by using one of these heated steps. If you need exercise, indoor isometrics or calisthenics are less stressful for your body than battling the cold. If you love the snow and want to play in it a little while, those tech solutions can give you more time to sled and build snowman instead of shoveling walks.
The leading models of heated stair treads offer a tacky, anti slip surface that helps all season long. They also are more efficient than previous heated steps and use a lot less electricity to melt snow and ice. Homeowners looking for a built in solution or a seasonal solution have great choices to choose from as they battle the winter cold.
Last update on 2024-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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