How to Heat an Existing Concrete Driveway

Shoveling is an arduous task that is sometimes required two or three times a day during severe blizzards in the Northeast and Midwest. Snow accumulates quickly in cold weather and water freezes in it, making the snow heavier over time. Heating your driveway is one way of eliminating snow without the need for shoveling. While adding a driveway heating system typically requires the installation of a new driveway and professional assistance, you can heat your current driveway through other means temporarily to make snow removal a simpler process.

Sodium chloride salt
Mirror or sun reflector
Extension cord
Hairdryer

Instructions

- 1
  Pour sodium chloride salt over your driveway to melt snow and ice. Follow all instructions on the package to avoid over-salting because in high amounts the sodium damages nearby plant life. The salt doesn't heat the driveway itself, but allows snow and ice to melt more quickly. Rinse the driveway thoroughly with a hose once the temperature warms to remove any remaining salt deposits.
- 2
  Place a mirror or reflector on the lawn and angle it so more sunlight is directed onto the driveway. The reflected heat helps melt any remaining ice and also heats the driveway the longer it is in contact with the driveway surface.
- 3
  Plug a hair dryer into an extension cord and apply it to any stubborn icy areas on the driveway. This is a temporary solution but it is useful for heating the driveway in areas with a lot of shade. Keep the hairdryer and electric cords dry to prevent electrical shocks.

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