Important Note about Decorative Concrete & Composite Decking:
If your walkway or patio is a form of decorative concrete, also known as stained concrete, it most likely has a sealer on the top surface that could degrade when exposed to large amounts of heat. As a result, discoloration of the concrete may occur. To eliminate this possibility, it is advisable to place a small layer of insulation under the heat mats to prevent the heat from penetrating the sealer. Examples of insulation could be thin pressure-treated plywood (tip – Home Depot and Lowes will cut it for free); outdoor carpet strips; or 1⁄4″ thick polyethylene or neoprene foam insulation (available through multiple online resources).
