A DIY Heated Concrete Driveway

The ability to heat your concrete driveway and remove ice can reduce slipping and sliding, and quickly melt snow that accumulates on the surface. Various methods can help keep your driveway clear from snow and ice, and some property owners have a professional contractor install radiant heat cables under the pavement. However, instead of spending thousands to heat your driveway with electrical lines, consider less expensive alternatives.

Heat lamps
Heat blanket
Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase outdoor infrared heat lamps from the hardware store. Heat from these lamps can thaw frozen concrete rapidly and melt snow on pavement.
- 2
  Place a lamp at each corner of your driveway for maximum coverage. Adjust the light to face the concrete pavement and plug the lamp into an exterior or interior power source. Connect the lamp's electrical cord to an extension cord, if necessary.
- 3
  Determine the square footage of your driveway. Calculate this number by measuring the width and length of the concrete area, and then multiplying the width by the length.
- 4
  Purchase a concrete electrical blanket from the hardware store. Situate the blanket directly over snow and ice, plug the cord into an outlet and turn on the power source. A single concrete heat blanket might not cover your entire driveway. For example, if the heat blanket is 120 square feet, and your driveway measures 240 square feet, you will need two blankets to thaw the concrete completely.

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