AboutSteve Young Expertise I will answer questions dealing with home improvement. My specific areas of expertise are flooring (except carpeting), all types of carpentry, water treatment, and minor electrical. I have also built several treehouses and am currently considering expanding my business to concentrate on children's play areas. I love working with all kinds of wood. My favorite types of home repair/remodeling are water treatment, hardwood flooring, cabinetry, bathroom remodeling, and kitchen remodeling. I also have knowledge in residential water treatment, including filters, softeners, reverse osmosis systems and various other types of treatment systems.
Experience I have been working in various forms of construction both personally and professionally for the past 20 years. I am currently the Owner/Contractor of a home repair/remodeling company.
Education/Credentials I have a BS in Environmental Engineering and have done Masters work in Management Development. I have also attended various community college and fine arts classes in the Piedmont Triad area and EPA water quality certification classes.
Question I have a concrete walkway that slants down from our front stairs to the sidewalk. In the winter it is a solid sheet of ice. Long term i may flatten this out and make more stairs. But what can i do this winter? We've tried salt last winter and it just doesn't do it. Any advice?
Answer Hi Scott,
The only other way that I know of is to install a radiant heat system under the walkway - obviously this would more than likely be totally impractical and very expensive. If this is done during construction it is not nearly as expensive.
The trick is to make sure that you put down whatever you are using to melt the ice before it forms, not after it has formed. I would recommend that you look at using products containing Magnesium Chloride instead of rock salt. It works better - especially when applied before the storm. It also works in lower temperatures.
That's all that I know of - good luck and let me know if you have any questions.
Take care,
Steve
