Do It Yourself Driveway Heating

Keeping the concrete in your driveway heated throughout the winter can reduce the buildup of frozen snow and ice. Ice is common as temperatures dip below freezing, and snow on concrete can freeze or become impacted. You can install electric cables under the concrete to heat it and melt ice in your driveway. But if you don't want to rip up your driveway or pay a contractor, consider quick do-it-yourself methods.

Measuring tape
Outdoor blanket
Heat lamps
Extension cord

Instructions

- 1
  Measure your driveway to calculate the square footage. Take a measuring tape and measure the length and width of your driveway. Multiple the length by the width to compute the square footage.
- 2
  Shop for an outdoor heat blanket. Outdoor blankets can cover and heat hot tubs, steps and other frozen surfaces. Purchase an electric outdoor blanket that's large enough to cover the surface of your driveway. Read the package to determine the square footage. Obtain two blankets for larger driveways, if necessary.
- 3
  Lay the blanket on your driveway and use an extension cord to connect the heat blanket to an exterior power source, if necessary. Heated blankets are effective on top of snow and ice.
- 4
  Get rid of snow and ice with outdoor heat lamps. Infrared winter lamps are designed for outdoor use. Position the lamp(s) on every side of your driveway, and direct the lights onto the concrete to heat the pavement and melt snow and ice.

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