Replies

1. 
   rjw | Jan 05, 2010 07:14pm | #1

   Check with tech support of a system manufacturer

2. 
   DanH | Jan 05, 2010 07:36pm | #2

   I can't imagine what you'd
   I can't imagine what you'd use that would melt the snow on a deck. Best I can imagine is putting down some sort of heating mat on top of the deck.

3. 
   popawheelie | Jan 05, 2010 07:39pm | #3

   I think alot would depend on how fast they want the snow melted. I could see installing an electrical resistance system at the bottom of the joists and not shocking the IPE.

   But it might take a little longer to melt the snow.

   If you installed it on the bottom of the joists you could put some framing on the outside to keep the warmth under the path. In case there was wind.

1. 
   simplemind | Sep 17, 2010 09:39am | #5

   As it turns out, there is not a good solution.  The manufacturer of the heat cable we used on the roof, said that the product requires conducting the heat generated through a substrate. Although Ipe' is more conductive than most woods, still not high enough to be effective.

   We're going look for another way.

4. 
   simplemind | Sep 09, 2010 10:21pm | #4

   Have you come up with a solution yet?  I am considering the same application and was thinking of just snaking heat cable underneath between the joists. Not sure if it would be effective, but it might do the trick.  Here is a link to the product I'm considering

   http://www.tycothermal.com/usa/english/heat_tracing/productsearch/all/productDetails.aspx?crd=3&cg=104&pcg=1132&nm=WinterGard+Wet

1. 
   simplemind | Sep 21, 2010 10:38pm | #10

   Well my solution is to cover the deck with heated living area, and do away with the deck!  Honest!

   I talked with a couple of engineers who work at the company who makes the cable you referenced.  They said snaking the cable under the deck boards would not do it.  The amount of heat generated by that cable is so small and it depends on being in close contact, as in concrete, to form a conductive path for heat generated.  As we know air is a fine insulator.

5. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Sep 17, 2010 12:17pm | #6

   Instead of going from below, what about using heat lamps instead?  They can be placed in such a way during the winter season so they both light AND warm the path to and from the tub.

1. 
   MarkH | Sep 17, 2010 12:43pm | #7

   Snow would reflect most of the infrared light and not melt.

6. 
   oldhand | Sep 20, 2010 06:41pm | #8

   snow melt...

   Years ago an architect name of James Lambeth designed a mirror melting system for the entry walkway for a ski lodge in Colorado. I don't know if it worked or if I even remember correctly but it was a novel idea.

   'course I'm not suggesting it is practical for your application.

1. 
   DanH | Sep 20, 2010 07:24pm | #9

   So could you say he wrote the book on the subject?

7. 
   hammer1 | Sep 22, 2010 10:04am | #11

   Some folks use heat cables up here although I haven't seen any on decks. They would probably work the same.