Roof Heating Winners

Prepare for Winter by Protecting your Home with a Trusted Roof De-icing System

Another winter has kicked down autumn’s door, blasting its way across the Pacific Northwest in the form of a rare bomb cyclone. As if hurricane force winds weren’t enough, the “cyclone” was coupled with an “atmospheric river event”, resulting in mass flooding, downed trees, and power outages that affected more than 500,000 customers. But this wasn’t the only storm during the week of November 18.

In addition to the rare weather event impacting the West Coast, a series of storms simultaneously affected other large swaths of the country as well. Violent weather erupted across the northern Plains, dumping snow and spawning tornadoes, while an upper-level, low-pressure system above the Great Lakes resulted in cool temperatures and cold rain throughout the Ohio Valley and points east. A massive three-day storm also dumped up to 2 feet of snow across the higher elevations of West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and northern New Jersey. You might say that the face of this year’s winter could be compared to that of Jack Nicholson’s character in ‘The Shining’ as he’s breaking down the bathroom door. “Here’s Johnny!”

We all prepare for “Johnny winter” in our own ways, but one smart recommendation is to make sure that our roofs are prepared for the onslaught. While many home and business owners install ice guards to protect pedestrians from sheets of falling ice, some take “protection” to a higher level by installing radiant heat to protect their roofs as well as pedestrians.

Heavy snow accumulation on roof

Roof de-icing systems not only can enhance safety for pedestrians, but the systems can also enhance a roof’s lifespan and prevent expensive water damage to homes. Water damage is typically the result of ice dams, the most common, and far-reaching cause of roof problems. So, the number one goal for homeowners is to prevent ice dams from forming.

Ice dams are often the result of poorly insulated attics. Warmth escapes from the home into the attic where it rises and warms the roof. The underlying layer of snow on the roof begins to melt, and trickles down toward the gutters. However, before reaching the gutter, the runoff hits the colder roof eave. In the evening when temperatures drop, the water freezes again, also because the overhanging roof has not been heated by the warm air in the attic. Over time a ridge of ice develops as more and more runoff reaches the eave. Eventually, that ridge grows, and before long it is large enough that runoff begins to pool behind it. This spells trouble for the roof.

The arch nemesis of a roof is pooled water. Trapped behind the ridge of ice, the water can seep into every tiny crack and crevice. As temperatures drop in the evening, the water refreezes, where it expands, threatening the integrity of the roof. Overtime, the tiny cracks can damage shingles, and turn into large cracks that allow water to seep into the attic and eventually down interior walls. This can even lead to the development of mold and mildew in the home, which often require costly repairs – not to mention the stress and frustration affecting the homeowners. This is why it is recommended to inspect your roof every fall, and always check for any signs of ice dams during the winter.

Common solutions to prevent ice dams from forming range from self-regulating heat cable to low-voltage heating panels, which can be installed discreetly under roof shingles (and even metal roofs).

Self-regulating heat cable in roof de-icing application.
Self-regulating heat cable installed along a roof eave.

Self-regulating heat cable is zigzagged along the roof eave so that it provides channels for the runoff to reach the gutter. To keep entire roof eaves and valleys free from snow and ice, homeowners turn to the low-voltage RoofHeat STEP® de-icing system. This discreet roof heating system features thin, flexible, polypropylene-fused polymer heating panels that are easy to install. Each section of the de-icing system is controlled by an individual power unit that steps down from high voltage to low voltage (60 V or less).

Heated roof under shingles
A roof de-icing system installed under the roof shingles of a mountain lodge.

RoofHeat STEP is available in 3-, 6-, 9-, or 12-inch-wide rolls, making it easy to customize and install in any problem areas. The heating element is also self-regulating, so it efficiently increases the heat output as the outside temperature falls, and decreases the heat output as the temperature rises.

Warmzone also carries attractive aluminum heating panels that can be installed along the roof edges and eaves. Self-regulating heat cable is routed through channels in the panels, which serve as an ideal conductor, spreading heat evenly throughout the area to eliminate any snow or ice accumulation.

A variety of custom roof de-icing options are available through Warmzone. Call a roof heating expert today to learn more about the solutions that are available, at 888-488-9276.

Warmzone is one of the largest providers of radiant heat solutions, ranging from floor heating and snow melting to roof de-icing systems. Warmzone also carries a wide variety of luxury home heating amenities. For more information about Warmzone radiant heat systems or luxury amenities, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

Happy Veterans Day

To all the men and women who have served in our country’s armed forces, WE THANK YOU!

Here at Warmzone, we stand united to salute our veterans, and publicly give thanks for your dedication, commitment, and sacrifice. It is because of your service that we enjoy the freedoms and blessings of living in this great land.

We also recognize that you continue to serve this country through your experience and example. Local communities benefit because of the character and leadership of our veterans. The devotion you have shown to this country serves as an example to all of us, and will forever keep us mindful of our freedoms.

We are also proud and honored that so many of our customers, and others in the Warmzone family, have served within various branches of the U.S. military. It is our privilege to serve you with the same commitment, integrity, and devotion as shown by this nation’s veterans.

We look forward to the future. We are grateful for your service, and know that together, we can continue our pursuit of happiness in a free and secure country in which we are proud to raise our children.

Happy Veterans Day, 2024!

With gratitude,
The Warmzone family

House with American flag.

Thanks for Radiant Heat

During this “month of gratitude”, many homeowners are expressing thanks for their radiant heat systems. Whether they’re heating their homes or keeping their driveways and roof eaves free of snow and ice, customers are grateful for the effectiveness and efficiency of radiant heat.

Radiant floor heating systems are becoming very popular among new homeowners today, as the efficiency and luxury of the systems are unparalleled. There are a variety of systems, each with their own unique features and benefits.

One of the most popular electric floor heating systems is the ComfortTile® system. This popular floor heating system is perhaps the most versatile. The system features thin heat resistance cable that is available in individual lengths off the spool, or pre-spaced in flexible mats (with an adhesive backing) that can be rolled out for quick, convenient installation. Although ComfortTile is remarkable versatile, it is particularly well suited for heating ceramic tile, vinyl tile, marble, and stone floors. The ComfortTile floor heating cable carries a 25-year warranty.

For those looking to heat floating floors, perhaps the most popular and highly recommended solution for this application is FilmHeat™. This innovative floor heating system utilizes an ultra-thin heating element that is just 0.016-inch thick, which is laid out over the underlayment on the subfloor, and then the floating floor is installed directly over the element. There is no need for mortar, self-leveling compounds or other special tools. The system is highly effective and convenient to install.

Large photo with cutout showing FilmHeat floor heating element installed under hardwood floor.
Image with cutout showing FilmHeat installed under hardwood floor.

Another outstanding floor heating system features heat cable that is installed directly in the concrete slab. In-Slab™ floor heating systems are affordable, and perhaps the most efficient systems on the market. Because the heat cable is designed to withstand the rigorous demands of concrete slab installations, the cable is thicker than most other floor heating cable. The cable is installed so that it remains about 2-inches below the surface of the concrete. Just about any type of flooring can then be installed over the concrete floor. This is one of the most popular systems for heating cold basement floors, or any floors on concrete slabs.

While homeowners love the comfort and efficiency within the walls of their homes, they are also grateful for their dependability when it comes to keeping driveways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice during the winter months.

Radiant snow melting systems are fully automated and maintenance free, so once a system is installed, there’s no need to worry about activating it or maintaining it. The automated systems rely on a snow sensor (activation device) that detects temperature and precipitation to trigger the system. When the temperature is below the adjustable set point (typically set at 39°F) and precipitation is detected, it sends a signal to the control panel, which is typically mounted on a wall in the garage. The controller then sends power to the embedded heat cable to warm the area and prevent snow and ice from building up. Aerial mount sensors and ground mount sensors are both available, depending on the customers preference.

A heated paver walkway.

In addition to providing a wide selection of the industry’s most trusted products, Warmzone provides customer support services that truly set it apart from the competition. Customers agree that one of the most valuable services is Warmzone’s free installation training. This training can be completed online, via web conference, where an experienced instructor personally covers every aspect of your installation. The installer can interact and ask questions at any time during the training, which includes installation photos, illustrations, and video clips.

Additionally, when customers purchase a Warmzone system, professional system designers create a detailed layout for the system. In addition to a detailed layout of the system components, the design also includes all of the proper materials, specifications, and electrical information needed by your electrician. This layout serves as the roadmap for installers, and helps to ensure all the system components are installed correctly.

Warmzone also extends full-time installation support personnel. If installers have a question during the installation, they can call Warmzone and speak with a friendly radiant heat expert. Warmzone also maintains relationships with experienced installers around the country, so we may be able to recommend a trusted, experienced installer in your area.

Warmzone is one of the largest providers of floor heating, snow melting, and roof de-icing systems, as well as luxury home heating amenities. For more information about Warmzone radiant heat systems or luxury amenities, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

Premier Radiant Heat Solutions