All posts by Jordan Ricks

HOTNEWS

Automated, Maintenance Free Snow Melting Systems

Turn Winter into a Wonderland with a Heated Driveway

As the first snowfall of winter’s 2019-2020 campaign begins to fall, it’s not uncommon to dream about owning a radiant heated driveway system. After all, who can blame you for wanting to wake up after a snowstorm and see a beautifully cleared driveway parting a sea of snow? Who wouldn’t prefer holding a hot cup of coffee rather than a cold snow shovel? Who can blame you for wanting to stay in your PJs and slippers instead of dressing up like you’re going to go skiing?

A warm mug of hot chocolate by the fire

A radiant snow melting system can give you new appreciation for winter’s beauty. Sure, a soft blanket of snow draped over a quiet neighborhood is pretty, but it’s downright gorgeous when that landscape includes a clear driveway leading to your garage. Yep, winter can be a beautiful time.

We can’t vouch for the commute, but with a heated driveway you’ll not only create convenient access to and from your home, but you’ll enjoy a safer environment as well. Heated driveways are designed to operate only when needed. After each storm the systems remain on for a short period to dry the driveway. This prevents ice from forming, helping to enhance pedestrian safety.

For nearly two decades Warmzone has been providing homeowners and businesses with state-of-the-art snow melting systems. While the benefit of eliminating the need for manual snow removal is obvious, there are other, less obvious benefits of radiant heated driveways and sidewalks.

Electric snow melting systems are fully automated. The systems utilize an advanced snow sensor, either mounted aerially (usually unobstructed, near the roof line) or in the pavement being heated. The sensor detects the temperature and precipitation, so as the first snow begins to fall it sends a signal to the controller and power is sent to the heating elements embedded in the driveway. The surface is warmed to prevent any snow accumulation.

These electric systems are also maintenance free. There is no need to change filters or monitor a boiler. (Just make sure the snow sensor remains clear so that it can detect snowfall.)

Radiant heat is inherently efficient. The efficiency and automated operation of these systems combine to make heated driveways and snow melting systems effective and affordable.

Heated driveway with heated tire tracks

Electric snow melting systems are also very easy to customize. The systems can be tailored to not only meet your layout and snow melting needs, but also your budget. For example, instead of heating the entire driveway, you can heat an 8-foot path in the middle, or just install two heated tire tracks. Warmzone heat cable is available in mats that can be rolled out for quick, easy installation. Each mat heats an area 24-inches wide. Installing heated tire tracks is an effective and affordable solution for those on a budget. Call a radiant heat expert today to learn more about your many options (888.488.9276).

In addition to providing the most trusted systems and components, Warmzone also includes unparalleled customer services. These industry leading services include professional system design, free installation training and technical support during the installation.

The system design includes all the information necessary for the installer and electrician. Information provided includes proper layout and materials, load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, etc. This is the road map for the installation.

Installers can also take the free installation training course. The instructor will cover every aspect of your installation so you have the confidence to move forward with the install. If you encounter any issue during the installation, Warmzone radiant heat experts are just a phone call away. We’re happy to walk you through any issues during the installation.

When it comes to quality products and superior customer service, you won’t find a better company to work with. Call Warmzone today to learn more about your options, or to receive a free quote. Call us toll free at 888.488.9276.

HOTNEWS

Warmzone Adds to its Home Amenities

Electric Panel Heaters and Fog-free Bathroom Mirrors

Warmzone continues to provide customers with the latest innovative radiant heating and home amenity products. The latest additions to Warmzone’s renowned product offerings are the series of electric panel heaters and the stunning fog-free mirrors with LED lighting options. Home heating amenities now include Warmzone’s FeelsWarm® Countertop Heaters, ClearMirror washroom mirrors and premium electric panel heaters.

Warmzone’s Fog-free Washroom ClearMirrors

Warmzone’s ClearMirror series of stunning shower and vanity mirrors have a thin low-voltage heating pad (defogger) mounted behind the mirror to prevent mist from forming. The defogger makes these mirrors ideal for use in showers and vanities. The mirrors are also available with or without LED lighting panels mounted within the mirror. A variety of mirrors and sizes are available for installation in showers, vanities and studios.

Shower Series Mirrors

The Shower Series ClearMirrors mount flush in the shower, providing elegant looks while making shaving and grooming a convenient, luxurious experience. The mirrors are available in four standard sizes: 12″x12″, 16″x16″, 18″x18″ and 12″x24”.

ShowerLite fog-free Series Mirrors

The ShowerLite fog-free series features the same attractive shower mirrors, but with beautifully crafted banks of LED lights built in to the mirror. The ShowerLite ClearMirror with built-in defogger and ultrathin LED lights is a great way to add elegant functionality to your bathroom. The LED lights simulate natural daylight and are perfect for tasks and accent lighting. The LED panels are 5300 K, 94 CRI, and are rated for 70,000 hours.

ShowerLite clear mirror

The mirror’s built-in defogger features a very thin low-voltage heating pad that prevents mist from building up on the mirror,  providing a convenient grooming experience. So toss out those old hanging mirrors and temporary solutions and add a touch of class to your shower.

ClearLite Vanity Mirrors

Mist-free vanity mirror with LED lights.

The ultrathin ClearLite Vanity Mirrors provide functionality and gorgeous looks to any bathroom vanity. Designed with hotel designers and architects in mind, the popular ClearLite Vanity Mirror can be found in high-end hotels throughout the world. The beautiful mirrors feature side or top mounted high-output LED panels along with the defogger mounted behind the thin mirror. The standard size of the ClearLite Vanity Mirror is 24 by 26 inches, but this elegant series can also be custom made to your specifications with the LED lighting configuration of your choice.

The 94+ CRI LED lights are the best in the industry, providing full and even lighting coverage. The mirror has flat polished edges and bright anodized aluminum sides, and comes with a Z bracket hangar for easy installation. (It is CL and C/UL listed for safety.)

The Body ClearMirror

The Body Mirror is designed for the professional groomer. The 20 x 36-inch mirror makes shaving and grooming convenient with a fog-free (heated) zone of 16 x 30-inches. This elegant mirror is installed flush in your shower surround and can be turned on by having the mirror wired to your bathroom light or bath fan (recommended). The fog-free mirrors come with a low-voltage transformer.

The Grand Body ClearMirror

The Grand Body ClearMirror is a full length shower mirror that is 5 feet tall and 2½ feet wide. The mirror (with pre-attached defoggers on the reverse side) is mounted flush in your shower, providing you with a beautifully styled, grand fog-free mirror. Installing the Grand Body Mirror adds elegance and grooming convenience to your shower. We are also able to make custom modifications to your mirror if you wish. Call a Warmzone representative today for more information at 888.488.9276.

Studio Mirror Series

A Studio Mirror Series is also available. The beautiful bevel-edged mirrors with optional fog-free technology can be custom made to your specifications, and are available in a variety of Pantone® colors. Warmzone’s ClearMirror washroom and studio mirrors are handcrafted in the USA.

Another popular home heating amenity offered by Warmzone is the Runtal® Electric Panel Heater. These stylish heaters can be used as wall-mount or freestanding heaters to complement the existing heating system or to serve as the primary home heating source.

Warmzone’s Electric Panel Heaters

Warmzone’s Runtal® electric panel heaters, baseboard heaters and towel warmers are designed to combine safe, high-heat output with attractive looks. The durable flat tube design of the wall panel heaters blends high output performance and low surface temperature to provide superior energy-efficient performance. The wall panel and freestanding baseboard heaters can be used to add comfort to your favorite rooms or as your primary heating system.

Warmzone’s electric wall panel heaters complement your home’s interior and can be installed under windows or on walls where floor space is at a premium. With high output and sleek profile these versatile heaters can either accentuate the room’s style or discreetly blend into the existing interior design while adding comfortable warmth. Electric wall panel heaters are available in heights of 17¼-inches and 23⅛-inches, and lengths of 2, 3, and 4 feet. All units are available in 120, 208 and 240-volt configurations.

Electric wall-mount panel heaters

The wall-mounted baseboard series offers simple, conventional installation for either new build applications or for direct replacement of existing wall-mounted electric baseboard products. The stylish wall-mount and baseboard heaters provide comfortable warmth to eliminate cold spots in your favorite rooms, making them an attractive and effective complement to your existing heating system and home décor. Wall-mount baseboard heaters are 10⅛-inch tall and are available in lengths from 3 to 10 feet (in increments of one foot). Freestanding baseboard heaters are also available.

A wide variety of towel warmers and bathroom radiators are also available from Warmzone. The bathroom radiators with towel warming bars can create a toasty, comfortable environment for small to average-sized bathrooms as well as warmth for your towels. The wall-mounted heater’s easy installation and attractive looks conveniently adds comfort and elegant style to the existing décor of the washroom.

While providing warmth for the bathroom, nothing quite matches the feel of a warm towel or bathrobe after showering. Because the towel warmer helps to heat and dry the room, the added benefit is that the radiator helps to reduce mold and mildew, and keeps towels fresh between laundering. Various model types and sizes are available for different heat outputs that enable a towel radiator to be used as a supplemental heater or as the sole source of heat for entire bathrooms.

Bathroom radiator with towel warmer

Warmzone’s line of wall-mount and freestanding heaters provides comfortable warmth and energy-efficient performance, and are available in a wide range of colors. A Wi-Fi enabled thermostat option is also available, allowing homeowners to control the heating units remotely.

For more information about Warmzone’s premium quality home heating amenities, please call us today at 888.488.9276.

HOTNEWS

Warmzone Offers Countertop Heaters

Introducing Innovative Stick-on Countertop Heaters

Add a new level of elegant comfort to your home’s most popular gathering place – the kitchen. Warmzone’s countertop heaters with FeelWarm® technology feature flexible low-voltage heating panels that conveniently stick to the bottom of your countertop. The countertop heaters adhere to the underside of the stone or they can be placed on a support substrate (compressed) prior to the countertop being placed.

Heated countertop with curved overhang

The innovative countertop heating system uses a passive warming system to slowly warm the stone by 20-25 degrees. This measured warming approach and lack of temperature pulsing prevents any shock to the stone. These heating panels are designed specifically for warming stone countertops without introducing a risk of cracking the stone. Warmzone’s countertop heaters are also easy to install. While contractors installing new countertops are typically involved with installing the heaters, most homeowners install the panels for their existing countertop. The simple peel-and-stick heating panels can be installed by homeowners with basic “handyman” skills.

View the Video: Heating Countertops with Overhang

View the Video: Heating Countertops with no Overhang

The low-voltage countertop heating mats are ultra thin (between .015″ and .025″ thick) and are custom-engineered for each stone including shape, wattage, and electrical input location. The heating mat is designed to overcome the poor thermal characteristics of stone so that an even heated surface is created and that the front edge is the same temperature as the center of the heated zone. The system is also very economical. Most homeowners leave their heated countertop running at all times, resulting in a cost of less than $0.20 a day.

Stick-on countertop heater

Countertop Heaters – Features and Benefits

  • Discreet: No physical changes to the cabinet or counter
  • Easy Installation: Peel-and-stick application
  • Low Voltage: Utilizes 12-24 volts for complete safety (no special wiring)
  • Convenient: Utilizes a standard 120 volt outlet
  • Easy to Customize: Can accommodate all corbels and support beams
  • Cost Effective: Heats only commonly touched areas
  • Ultra Thin: Only 1/32-inch thick
  • Temperature Adjustment: Controller included with heater
  • Versatile: Works well with all stone surfaces

Applications

Warmzone’s FeelsWarm countertop heaters are commonly installed to warm kitchen countertops and islands and bars (with overhang), desks, bathroom counters, bars, vanities, reception desks and any indoor application where stone is being considered. The ideal heating solution is to only warm the overhang, or edge of the counter where most people touch the counter. Therefore the most ideal placement for the heating panel is along the underside of the counter’s edge to about 12-14 inches deep. The countertop heaters efficiently warm all types of stone, engineered stone and concrete countertops.

Designed for easy installation, the heater’s shape and size is configured specifically for the customer’s unique counter and corbels, whether overhanging or resting on framework, angled or curved. The heating mats are an easy do-it-yourself installation that safely and effectively warms the stone.

The heaters are available in four popular sizes and can also be custom-designed to fit your layout needs. The gentle warmth safely adds luxurious comfort to kitchens, bathrooms, offices and more. To learn more about your countertop heating options contact a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276.

Press Releases

Warmzone Offers FeelsWarm® Countertop Heaters  

Warmzone Expands Offerings to Include FeelsWarm® Countertop Heaters  

Salt Lake City, Utah (PR WEB) August 22, 2019 – Warmzone, a leading radiant heat provider offering one of the industry’s largest selections of radiant heat solutions adds FeelWarm® countertop heaters to its vast selection of premier products. In keeping with its commitment to provide customers with a wide selection of the latest proven radiant heat products, Warmzone has added this innovative, state-of-the-art counter and desktop heating solution. Warmzone’s FeelsWarm heating panels provide an easy and effective means for heating kitchen counters, islands, bars, and overhangs as well as other marble or stone surfaces.

Stick-on countertop heater

Homeowners can add an elegant upgrade to their home or office with the easy-to-install heaters. The low-voltage countertop heaters can be discreetly mounted to the bottom of counter overhangs (or under countertops) to provide safe, comfortable warmth to the most popular gathering place in homes today –the kitchen.

The countertop heaters feature easy peel and stick installation. Because they are under 0.024-inches thick they can be discreetly mounted under the counter near the edge to provide warmth to the most commonly touched areas.

FeelsWarm countertop heating technology utilizes a passive warming system to slowly warm the stone, taking 90 minutes to raise the temperature about 20-25°F. This slow warming approach and lack of temperature pulsing protects your beautiful counters by eliminating shock to the stone.

View the Countertop Heater with Overhang video

View the Countertop Heater with no Overhang video

The innovative heaters are designed for counters with or without overhangs, and are available in several standard rectangular shapes as well as custom sizes and shapes. In addition to being custom designed to accommodate the unique shape of your stone counters, the heaters can also be custom-engineered to accommodate your wattage and electrical input location.

For customers who are installing a new countertop where the top of the cabinet has a solid substrate, Warmzone offers a customized heating mat that compresses between the substrate and the stone. The compressed heaters are designed to withstand the weight and compression of any stone countertop, which can be as high as 30 pounds per square foot. Plus, the mats are designed to comply with uneven compression forces due to variances in the wood such as gaps, raised cabinet edges, embedded supports and non-smooth bottom surfaces. The workmanship of Warmzone’s FeelsWarm heating mats is second to none. The ductile’, or soft/pliable construction of the heaters further enables them to bend and conform instead of breaking during a compression action.

No matter what your countertop heating needs are, Warmzone now offers an effective warming solution. The thin, low-voltage, plug-and-play heating mat installs in minutes and can be plugged into standard outlets without the need for special wiring. Simply peel off the backing and then stick the thin panel to the underside of the countertop.

For more information, contact a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276.

Customer Comments

“Our nice expensive granite would remain cold all the time so we decided to install a FeelsWarm heater just under where my keyboard sits. Now I am happy I don’t have to deal with a freezing work surface.”  – Dan D., Waterloo, Ontario

“We eat at our granite countertop most of the time and our arms and hands were always cold. Now we are warm! Loved this product from the beginning.”  – Patricia F., Cresco IA

“Worked like a charm. Installation was easy and the mat was thin enough to fit in our 3/16-inch gap. Hate to say it, but I can’t wait for winter.”  – Carmen V., Cinnaminson, NJ

“When we remodeled our home office with quartz desktops, we were extremely concerned about the cold of the stone. FeelsWarm heaters exceeded my expectations.”  – DJM, Apex, NC

FeelsWarm® technology is a registered trademark of Heated Stone Products, patent pending.

HOTNEWS

Complete Radiant Heat Solutions

Warmzone has the Products, Expertise and Services

Homeowners looking for the best radiant heat solutions for their new home or remodel need look no farther than Warmzone. With one of the largest selections of trusted radiant heat systems available, customers are assured of choosing from a variety of proven, industry-leading solutions. But Warmzone’s diverse product offering is only part of the advantage customers enjoy by working with the company.

Warmzone complements its many products with unmatched customer support and services. Whether you’re looking to install a heated driveway, a heated floor, or a roof deicing system, Warmzone’s experienced design team will provide a detailed layout of the system prior to the installation. These professional drawings not only include the precise layout of the heating elements and components, but also the proper load calculations for the system, the breaker sizes, number of breakers, and so on. This helps to eliminate any unwanted surprises during the installation and ensure that the system is properly installed and meets all the warranty requirements.

Having experienced pros like Warmzone design your system helps to eliminate any surprises during the installation. Warmzone’s design and AutoCAD® layout services make things easier on your electrician and installer, and help to ensure that your system is installed correctly so that it performs as it should.

Radiant heated driveway

Warmzone radiant heat systems are also easy to customize. In addition to carrying one of the largest selections of floor heating systems around, Warmzone radiant heat experts can also customize each system to best meet the unique needs of each homeowner. So if you’re looking to add efficient, luxurious warmth to your home, contact a floor heating expert today at 888.488.9276. We’ve been doing this for almost two decades, and we’re happy to put that experience to work for you. Call us for a free, no-pressure consultation. You can tell us about your project and vision, and we’ll be happy to discuss the different features of each system and show you the best options for heating your home. You can also submit your project information and receive a free quote.

Heated Driveways and Snow Melting Systems

While the comfort of radiant heat in the home can’t be matched, neither can the convenience of a fully automated snow melting system. Some homeowners choose to install a heated driveway to eliminate the need for manual snow removal, but other home and business owners find that installing an automated snow removal system is more of a necessity.

Some driveways, parking areas and sidewalks are built on inclines, so when the snow falls these areas become treacherous. Needless to say, businesses cannot afford to have icy sidewalks on their premises. So, rather than paying employees to routinely shovel and salt the grounds, an automated snow melting system ensures that there is never any accumulation of snow or ice. This reduces the chances for litigation because of personal injuries by helping to ensure the customers’ safety.

Heated sidewalk and steps

Consumers have many options when it comes to installing a heated driveway. In addition to heating the entire driveway, some may opt to save money by installing a custom system to only heat specific areas. Installing heated tire tracks is also an affordable option that features two 24-inch wide heated tracks that reduce the power requirements and installation costs. Warmzone experts will work with you to find the best solution to meet your snow melting requirements as well as your budget. Radiant heat can also be installed to heat outdoor steps, bridges, ramps, loading docks and more.

Roof Deicing

Warmzone also offers the most advanced and proven roof deicing and gutter heat trace systems. The most popular and affordable solution for keeping gutters and downspouts free of ice buildup is self-regulating heat cable. This affordable cable can also be installed along the roof edges to prevent ice dams from forming.

The most advanced system for keeping roof edges and valleys clear of snow and ice is the low-voltage RoofHeat STEP system. This system features thin, semi-conductive polymer heating elements that can be installed discreetly under the roof shingles (or safely under metal roofs) to keep areas completely free of snow. The flexible heating element is available in different widths, so it can also be installed under the flashing to keep roof valleys clear and facilitate runoff.

Warmzone has been leading the way for years when it comes to trusted snow melting solutions and services. In addition to the premier design services provided, Warmzone also includes free installation training and installation support. When customers purchase a system from Warmzone, they team up with a trusted partner who will provide customer support from beginning to end. Eliminate the headaches and the hassles by dealing with a seasoned pro like Warmzone. Call today for more information at 888.488.9276.

HOTNEWS

Designing Radiant Heated Driveways

Warmzone Professionals Take Care of the Leg Work

Installing a driveway heating system represents a significant investment for homeowners. Although the benefits of a heated driveway are impressive, the thought of installing an automated snow melting system may seem somewhat overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Warmzone’s support services are the best in the industry, and we make the process of finding and installing the ideal radiant heat system easy for consumers.

Warmzone system designers are among the best. In addition to designing snow melting system for the specific demands and layout of each project, every snow melting system is also designed according to ASHRAE standards. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an organization committed to advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. Designing systems according to ASHRAE standards is important to homeowners because it means that their system is designed to perform according to the weather conditions specific to that area. This entails careful research of the weather for the region.

ASHRAE standards were established to address variances for consumers such as their location’s general climate, average snowfall, storm duration, low temperatures, and other important factors. The system design is then “optimized” so that it will perform best in the conditions common in that area. Designing systems according to ASHRAE standards is important to homeowners because it helps to protect them by ensuring that their system is designed to perform according to the weather conditions where they live. So, check with your provider and make sure that your snow melting system is designed not only to accommodate your budget, but in accordance with ASHRAE standards.

Warmzone has provided radiant snow melting systems for commercial and residential projects throughout the country, so our designers are experts who have designed systems for just about every application imaginable. From heated driveways and parking areas to runaway truck ramps, public transit stations, and outdoor malls, etc., we’ve seen it all.

Having experienced pros like Warmzone design your system helps to eliminate any surprises during the installation. Warmzone’s AutoCAD® layout also includes the proper layout and materials, proper load calculations, breaker sizes, and number of breakers, so your electrician will have all the necessary information before any of the installation takes place.

Custom Heated Driveway Options

There are many options for consumers looking when it comes to installing a heated driveway snow melting system. While the whole driveway can be heated, other popular options include heated tire tracks, or heating an 8-foot strip in the middle of the driveway. The heated tire tracks feature two 24-inch wide heated tracks. This not only reduces the cost of the initial investment, but provides a cheaper operating cost as well.

Electric snow melting systems are easy to customize. In addition to being designed to fit your driveway, walkways or steps, radiant heat can also be installed to heat troublesome areas such as inclines or parts of the driveway that are frequently shaded.

Warmzone also has a wide variety of floor heating systems to choose from. Unlike most providers that only offer one, or perhaps two different floor heating systems, Warmzone offers a vast selection of the industry’s most trusted radiant heat systems.

Warmzone heated floors range from the popular ComfortTile floor heating cable to the near paper-thin FilmHeat system. Other systems include FloorHeat’s thin, low-voltage polymer heating element, FoilHeat’s cable sandwiched between two sheets of specially reinforced aluminum foil, the Prodeso floor heating membrane, and more. We even carry the RetroHeat system that allows homeowners to install radiant heat under existing floors. The thin heating panels are stapled up between the floor joists and then batt insulation is installed to direct all of the heat upward to the floor. This is an effective and affordable solution for heating existing floors.

To learn more about the many radiant heat options that are available, contact Warmzone today at 888.488.9276.

HOTNEWS

Radiant Heated Driveway System Components

Warmzone Makes it Easy for Installers

There are many options when it comes to installing a driveway heating system. While radiant heated driveways can be installed to keep entire driveways clear of snow and ice, the systems can also be easily customized to meet the specific needs and layout of the customer.

Electric heated driveway systems are fully automated and maintenance free, and simple to customize. Radiant heat can be installed in troublesome areas, such as inclines or shaded areas that are prone to ice buildup during the winter. Or, instead of heating an entire driveway, two 24-inch wide tire tracks can be installed. This not only can reduce the initial investment cost, but also minimize the power requirements and operating costs. Although heated driveways are a popular option for many homeowners and businesses, homes with inclined driveways that spill into a busy street make radiant heat a virtual necessity. Fortunately, the layout options of these versatile systems are unlimited, allowing customers to tailor their radiant heating systems to best accommodate the snow melting needs as well as their budget.

The layout options of these versatile systems are virtually unlimited, allowing customers to tailor their radiant heating systems to best accommodate the snow melting needs as well as their budget. Heated driveways can be a popular, convenient option for many homeowners and businesses, but homes with inclined driveways that spill onto a busy street make automated snow melting a virtual necessity.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

Industry Leading Heated Driveway Components

Warmzone automated snow melting systems feature the industry’s most trusted and proven components. The fully automated systems include ClearZone heat cable, snow sensor (activation device), contactor panel (available with or without GFEP), and marker plate (as required by the NEC).

ClearZone Heat Cable

Warmzone’s snow melting heat cable is a proven industry leader that is being used in a variety of radiant snow melting systems throughout Northern America.  The ClearZone heating cable features superior workmanship and materials, and is UL listed. The twin-conductor, single-point connection heat cable is designed with FEP/XLPE insulation and polyolefin jacketing (for flexibility and UV protection), allowing the radiant heating system to consistently provide top performance during extreme winter conditions.

Coupled with Warmzone’s proven industry-leading customer support services and 10-year manufacturer warranty, the ClearZone snow melting system is designed and built to outperform all competing products. While ClearZone cable is rated at 220°F, a special version of ClearZone cable is also available for hot asphalt installations. The maximum external jacket temperature for asphalt applications is rated at 460°F (240°C) for up to 10 minutes.

Snow Sensor (Activation Device)

Warmzone carries the premier aerial-mount and in-ground snow sensors. The advanced aerial-mount snow sensor is capable of sensing temperature and precipitation. When precipitation is detected and the temperature is below the ‘trigger point’ (normally set at 39°F), the unit signals the snow melting system controller (contactor panel). Power is then sent to the heating cable embedded in the driveway, warming the surface and preventing any snow buildup.

Aerial mount snow sensor
A WS-2C aerial mount snow sensor for automated snow melting systems.

Smart system compatible, the aerial snow sensor also features adjustable delay off cycle, and upgradeable remote activation, as well as the adjustable temperature set point.

The in-ground snow sensor is also optional for Warmzone snow melting systems. This activation device is more commonly used in large commercial snow melting applications, but can be used in residential systems if desired. The pavement-mounted sensor requires the small control unit rather than the contactor panel. The control unit is a small, NEMA 1, wall-mounted control panel, approximately 6×3.5 inches wide and about 3.5-inches tall. The unit can be controlled from an external signal (day/week timer, GSM-module or other signal source) and can be switched on/off (standby). The controller features a 4-hour timer that serves as a manual backup to melt snow drifts or ice that may have formed on the driveway due to wind or shade.

Contactor Panel

To save installers time and money, Warmzone offers contactor panels with and without built in ground fault equipment protection (GFEP).

With GFEP: The ground fault equipment protection helps to minimize the risk of faults and eliminate extra wiring installation steps and costs. The panel is activated by a Warmzone activation device (either an in-ground or aerial-mount sensor).

Without GFEP: The Warmzone contactor panels are designed for snow and ice melting applications. All panels are pre-wired and UL listed complete with a NEMA 4 enclosure, wiring diagram, terminal connection block, and two or four 3-pole contactors. Timer panels can be used stand alone or in conjunction with an automatic controller. Contactor panels must be used in conjunction with an automatic controller.

In addition to Warmzone’s industry leading system components, Warmzone provides unparalleled customer services, including free installation training, technical support, and system design and layout services. A vast online library of installation videos and product documentation is also available on Warmzone’s website. Contact Warmzone today for more information or to receive a free quote. Call 888.488.9276 today.

HOTNEWS

Roof Deicing Systems

It’s time for your spring roof and gutter inspection.

According to experts, homeowners should inspect their roofs, gutters and downspouts at least twice a year. Roofing pros suggest checking it during spring time and in late fall, in preparation for the upcoming winter.

Roofs are generally very sturdy and built to last. But sometimes extreme weather or accidents can jeopardize the integrity of a roof.  And even the slightest flaw can lead to costly water damage. So before you fall victim to water damage from a leaky roof, make the effort to inspect your home’s lid so you can rest easy during summer rain and winter snowstorms.

Ice dams pose the single greatest threat to roofs in cold climate areas. Ice can cause problems that start out so small it’s difficult for homeowners to recognize. However, the small problem can grow into a large problem and result in serious water damage to the home. The damage may even take years to develop as ice dams tend to form in the same area year after year. That’s why it’s so important to keep up on the biannual inspections.

Clearing snow off of roof

During winter in locations that receive significant snowfall, warm air can escape from the living area and into the attic where it continues upward, warming the roof and causing the bottom layer of snow to melt. The runoff trickles down the roof, but when it reaches the colder eaves (where the roof extends out and no heat from the attic can reach), the water refreezes, causing a small ridge of ice to form.

This process tends to repeat itself day after day, and before long the small ridge of ice has grown into a large ridge. The runoff from the roof eventually pools behind the ice dam, and this is where things can get ugly. When a pool of water sits on a roof, every tiny crack and imperfection in the shingles or plywood can be exploited. Water finds its way into every crack or flaw in the roof. At nighttime the water refreezes and expands, enlarging the cracks and breaking down the overall integrity of the roof.

After your spring inspection of the roof, perhaps now is a good time to invest in an affordable roof deicing system. Several options are available, ranging from affordable self-regulating heat cable to low-voltage polymer heating panels that are installed directly under the roof shingles.

Self-regulating heat cable can be run through roof gutters and downspouts, as well as in a zigzag pattern along the roof eave. By installing the heat cable in a serpentine pattern the cable provides channels for the runoff to reach the gutters, thereby minimizing the chances of ice dams from forming.

The low-voltage RoofHeat STEP system features thin polymer heating panels that can be installed under shingles or metal roofs. The element can be nailed or stapled through and cut on site. The heating element is also self-regulating.

Low-voltage radiant heating element.

These industry leading roof deicing systems keep the entire roof edges free from snow and ice, whereas the individual runs of heat cable simply provide channels for the runoff. Because the RoofHeat STEP system is low-voltage, it uses transformers to step down high voltage to low voltage (60 V or less). Each transformer controls a specific section of the roof deicing system. And Warmzone roof heating systems can be easily customized to meet the precise needs of each customer.

Industry Leading Support Services

Warmzone is an innovative industry leader in terms of product offering and customer services. Free installation training is provided as well as installation support and professional system design and layout. Electrical and radiant heat experts are on hand to assist you during the training and/or the installation. A library of helpful installation videos is also available on Warmzone’s website, as well as a wealth of product information and documentation.

For more information, check out our website or call us today at 888.488.9276.

HOTNEWS

Radiant Heated Driveway Systems

The weather is warming up and so is the construction season. Perhaps now is the time to install a heated driveway or roof deicing system so you’re prepared for next winter.

Radiant heated driveways provide fully automated, maintenance free snow removal for your driveway and/or sidewalks. The systems are reliable and easy to customize to best suit your exact layout and snow melting needs.

Heated driveway in concrete

How Heated Driveways Work

Heated driveways rely on a network of heat cables embedded in the driveway medium. The cable can be installed to heat concrete, asphalt or paver driveways. (Hydronic systems utilize Pex tubing, whereby specially treated hot water is circulated.) A snow sensor can be installed in the surface of the driveway or mounted near the roof. It must remain exposed to the elements. The sensor detects temperature as well as precipitation, so when weather conditions dictate, the sensor will signal the system controller and then power is sent to the heating cable, warming the driveway.

Installing a Heated Driveway

Heated driveway systems are not difficult to install. Warmzone provides complete system design and layout services to facilitate quick, proper installation. This document also includes all the information necessary for the electrician, such as proper materials, load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, etc.

The heat cable is laid out according to the design provided. For concrete heated driveways, lay out the cable and then use zip ties to secure it to the re-mesh. (The cable should remain within 2 inches of the surface.) Concrete is then poured over the secured cable. The contactor panel (or controller) is typically mounted on a wall in the garage. Warmzone offers contactor panels with or without GFCI protection.

Electric heated driveways feature fast response times. The driveway is quickly heated after the sensor detects the first snowflake, preventing any snow buildup. Another advantage of electric driveway heating systems is that they are maintenance free and very reliable. Unlike hydronic systems that require a special mechanical room for the boiler, manifold and pumps, electric systems only require a small space on the wall of the garage for the controller or contactor panel.

Heated paver sidewalk

Radiant heat systems are also remarkably efficient. There’s virtually no heat loss, as 99 percent of the energy goes directly to melting the snow. The efficiency of radiant heat also makes it a popular choice for heating homes.

And the systems are fully automated. The snow sensor, also referred to as an activation device, detects the weather conditions (both temperature and precipitation). Once snow starts to fall the sensor signals the contactor panel and power is sent to the embedded heat cable. The driveway is warmed and snow is prevented from accumulating.

In addition to the beneficial features of a radiant heated driveway, Warmzone also includes complete customer support with each system. In addition to the professional system design, Warmzone also offers free installation training. This is a valuable service that helps to ensure the proper installation of the system. Free installation support is also provided. If your installer encounters any issues during the installation, he/she can call Warmzone to receive support. We are committed to providing the best products and best support services in the industry.

For more information about our radiant heat systems, call 888.488.9276 today.