All posts by Jordan Ricks

New Yorkers Deal with Increasingly Harsh Winters

Coming off New York’s record setting winter storms of 2015-2016, New Yorkers are growing accustom to regular appearances of “monster snowstorms” and heavy snowfall. One such storm, the blizzard of January 22-23, 2016, produced over 27 inches of snow alone. Needless to say, city residents and building owners worked overtime to keep their driveways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice. And with New York City receiving over 50 inches of snow in each of the last three years, residents have learned to stock up on supplies and prepare for the rigors of snow removal.

But snow removal doesn’t have to be an endless cycle of grueling physical workouts with the snow shovel. Many home and business owners in New York City are turning to radiant heat. In addition to eliminating the need for manual snow removal, automated snow melting systems enhance safety for pedestrians entering and exiting businesses in New York City.

Apartment buildings in New York City after snowstorm
Brownstone apartment buildings in New York City after a significant snowstorm.

Warmzone snow melting systems are fully automated, so they operate only when needed. The system includes an advanced snow sensor that detects temperature and precipitation. When temperatures are below a set point – typically 39 degrees Fahrenheit – it signals the controller which sends power to the heat cable.

As an industry leader, Warmzone snow melting systems feature trusted heat cable that is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats that can be rolled out for easy installation. The electric radiant heating mats are laid out and secured, and then the medium (concrete, pavers, or asphalt) is applied directly over the cable.

The proven ClearZone electric snowmelt system is commonly installed in both commercial and residential applications. From large heated driveways and parking areas to custom sized walkways, ramps and loading docks, ClearZone systems are versatile and can be easily customized.

Warmzone’s fully automated system includes the embedded heat cable, an activation device (snow sensor), contactor panel, and marker plate (as required by the NEC). These electric systems are also maintenance free and relatively easy to install.

In addition to providing the highest quality radiant heating products, Warmzone also offers unmatched customer services. Each system is professionally designed, so you’ll know the exact layout and materials, proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and system performance expectations before one foot of heat cable is installed.

The morning after a massive winter storm in New York City.
New York City wakes up to a heavy blanket of snow and colossal snow drifts the morning of January 24, 2016.

Warmzone also includes free installation support services. Our expert staff is on hand during your installation if you need. Should your installer have any questions during the installation, he/she can speak with one of our installation experts to resolve any issues. Free installation training is also available. When it comes to customer service, you’ll find that Warmzone is second to none.

Contact Warmzone today and learn more about the radiant heating options that are available. In addition to offering heated driveways and snow melting systems. Warmzone also offers premier roof de-icing and floor heating systems. Call 888.488.9276 to learn more.

Record Setting Storm Batters Baltimore

On January 22-23, Baltimore experienced the largest snowstorm on record. Snow totals reached 22-35 inches west, north, and northwest of the Beltway, and 18-24 inches inside the Beltway. Eleven eastern states declared a state of emergency in preparation of the impending blizzard, which affected approximately 103 million people and canceled more than 13,000 flights. Needless to say, the storm incapacitated much of the city, leaving commuters stranded and residents trapped. Even with Baltimore’s significant fleet of snowplows and snow removal vehicles, the city couldn’t keep up with massive storm.

Homeowners were essentially trapped in their neighborhoods and were hard pressed to comply with Baltimore County’s snow removal ordinances. According to Baltimore County Code of Ordinances “Roads, Bridges and Sidewalks, 18-3-107 Removal of Snow and Ice.”, sidewalks MUST be shoveled within 24 hours after a snow storm.

The morning after a massive winter storm.
The colossal storm of 2016 incapacitated several cities throughout the eastern United States.

Given the property owners’ responsibility for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice, Baltimore residents have been busy these past few winters. The recent record-setting winters have made it difficult for city snow plow drivers as well as homeowners to keep up with the demands of snow removal.

The storm of January of 2016 proved to be Baltimore’s fourth largest snowstorm in history, dumping 22.4 inches of snow on the city. And the storm left a wide path of icy destruction across several states. Much of the Eastern Seaboard experienced record breaking snowfall during the storm, as well as for the winter of 2015-2016. And weather experts expect more of the same for the next several upcoming winters.

Even seasoned Baltimore residents are taking winter preparation a little more seriously after the trend of “monster” storms blanketing the area in recent years. In addition to having a few extra supplies on hand, some Maryland residents are turning to automated radiant heat systems to deal with the white deluge.

Warmzone radiant snow melting systems are energy efficient and maintenance free. Not only do these systems eliminate the need for manual snow removal, but they have proven valuable to businesses by keeping entrances and parking areas safe and inviting for customers.

Electric snow melting systems are fully automated, so they operate only when needed. The systems include an advanced snow sensor that detects temperature and precipitation. When temperatures are below a set point (typically 39° Fahrenheit) it sends power to the embedded heat cable, warming the area and preventing snow accumulation.

As an industry leader, Warmzone snow melting systems feature trusted heat cable that is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats that can be rolled out for easy installation. The heating mats are laid out and secured, and then the medium (concrete, pavers, or asphalt) is applied directly over the cable.

The proven ClearZone electric snowmelt system is commonly installed in both commercial and residential applications. From large heated driveways and parking areas to custom sized walkways, ramps and loading docks, ClearZone systems are versatile and can be easily customized.

Warmzone’s fully automated system includes the industry leading heat cable, activation device (snow sensor), contactor panel, and marker plate (as required by the NEC). These snowmelt systems are also maintenance free and relatively easy to install.

In addition to providing the highest quality radiant heating products, Warmzone also offers unmatched customer services. Each system is professionally designed, so you’ll know the exact layout and proper materials, load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and system performance expectations before any heat cable is installed.

Warmzone also includes valuable installation support services at no extra cost. The expert staff is available during your installation if you need. Should your installer have any questions during the installation, he/she can speak with one of our installation experts to resolve any issues. Free installation training is also available. When it comes to customer service, you’ll find that Warmzone is second to none.

Contact Warmzone today and learn more about the radiant heating options that are available. In addition to offering heated driveways and snow melting systems, Warmzone also offers premier roof deicing and floor heating systems. Call 888.488.9276 to learn more.

Record Breaking Snowstorm Blankets Newark

In 2016, Newark City, New Jersey broke the record for receiving the most snow from one multi-day snowstorm. As of January 24, the Weather Service lists Newark’s snowfall total at 28.1 inches, breaking all records set since 1931. As city snowplows struggled to keep the main thoroughfares open, homeowners struggled to keep in compliance with local snow removal laws by shoveling and salting sidewalks and driveways.

Manually shoveling snow

According to the Newark Municipal Code, owners, tenants, or occupants of homes in the city must remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to residential properties after snow ceases to fall or ice ceases to form. The code requires that a path three feet in width be cleared on sidewalks in front of homes. If ice cannot be removed from sidewalks, the code requires that sand or other substances be spread on the ice to make the surface safe for pedestrians.

Given the property owners’ responsibility for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice, Newark residents have been busy these past few winters. And weather experts continue to predict above average snowfall for upcoming winters.

But Newark residents have options when it comes to preparing for the next snow season. In addition to having a few extra supplies on hand and a full refrigerator and cupboards, some New Jersey residents are turning to radiant heat to make the snow removal process a bit easier.

Warmzone snow melting systems are energy efficient and maintenance free. Not only do these systems eliminate the need for manual snow removal, but they have proven valuable to businesses by keeping entrances and parking areas clear of snow and ice for customers.

Electric snow melting systems are fully automated, so they operate only when needed. The systems include an advanced snow sensor that detects temperature and precipitation. When temperatures are below a set point – typically 39° Fahrenheit – it sends power to the embedded heat cable, warming the area and preventing snow accumulation.

As an industry leader, Warmzone snow melting systems feature trusted heat cable that is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats that can be rolled out for easy installation. The electric radiant heating mats are laid out and secured, and then the medium (concrete, pavers, or asphalt) is applied directly over the cable.

The proven ClearZone electric snow melting system is commonly installed in both commercial and residential applications. From large heated driveways and parking areas to custom sized walkways, ramps and loading docks, ClearZone systems are versatile and can be easily customized.

Warmzone’s fully automated system includes the embedded heat cable, an activation device (snow sensor), contactor panel, and marker plate (as required by the NEC). These electric systems are also maintenance free and relatively easy to install.

In addition to providing the highest quality radiant heating products, Warmzone also offers unmatched customer services. Each system is professionally designed, so you’ll know the exact layout and materials, proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and system performance expectations before one foot of heat cable is installed.

When you purchase a Warmzone snow melting system, you also receive free installation support services. We have an experienced staff dedicated especially for installation support if you need. Should your installer have any questions during the installation, he/she can speak with one of our installation experts to resolve any issues. Free installation training is also available. When it comes to customer service, you’ll find that Warmzone is second to none.

Contact Warmzone today and learn more about the radiant heating options that are available. In addition to offering heated driveways and snow melting systems, Warmzone also offers premier roof de-icing and floor heating systems. Call 888.488.9276 to learn more.

Roof Deicing – A Smart Investment for Homeowners in Syracuse, New York

Roof Deicing and Gutter Trace Systems Eliminate Dangerous Ice Hazards

It’s all too common in most Syracuse, New York neighborhoods; falling roof ice and dangerous ice buildup forming on roofs and ledges of homes and businesses. The need for a roof deicing system has long since been the coveted solution, but installing a gutter or roof deicing system was perceived by many consumers as a luxury for the wealthy. However, as home and business owners learn about the benefits and affordability of roof deicing systems, more and more residents in Syracuse are now finding heated roofs to be an affordable and necessary investment.

Safety for family and friends is always a concern, and safety for customers is at the forefront of the minds of business establishments. Ice dams and icicles that form in the winter months cause unnecessary hazards that most homeowners aren’t willing to put up with. Icicles can easily dislodge, and injure pedestrians below. Ice dams not only can cause expensive damage to roofs, but once a roof is damaged, the consequence can be expensive water damage to the interior of homes and businesses. Installing roof deicing heat cables is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent the winter hazards associated with living in Syracuse.

Roof heat can easily be added to your roof eaves, thereby eliminating ice and snow in those areas. Heated roofs keep your home perimeter safe and reduce the risk of costly repairs that come with the destructive powers of winter – not to mention reducing the chances of litigation due to personal injury.

Protecting your home, roof, pedestrians and loved ones with a roof deicing system offers safety and freeze prevention throughout the harsh winter months. Many homeowners in Syracuse, New York are praising the peace of mind that comes from the protection that roof snow melting systems provide. Warmzone offers roof heating systems and gutter heating cable for all types of applications and roofing surfaces, including new construction, remodeling, or existing roofs. For more information, call 888.488.9276 today.

Sergeant Burr and the Snow Brigade

The Battle of Radiant Ridge. The Snow Brigade Takes on the Heated Driveway Fortress

A thick cloud of white specs began falling from the grey sky. “Alright, you snowflakes!” the gruff sergeant bellowed. “Listen up! We’ve got a job to do and we’re gonna do it!” Sergeant Burr studied the troops as they drifted down in the cold breeze.

“Our mission is to harass those two-legged monstrosities down there and bring their travel plans to a halt. Got that? We are to secure the driveway and keep them confined to their house. Make all exit points dangerous and impassible. We will impede all manner of travel, whether it’s by foot or vehicle. Do you understand?”

“Sir, yes sir!” the group yelled in unison.

“Alright then, when you land on that driveway tighten up your ranks and hold your ground. I’ll be taking the high ground by the wintergreen pansies to supervise the operation. I’ll be there with you guys, fighting alongside you.”

Sergeant Burr, snowflake leader.
Sergeant Burr, leader of the Snowflake Battalion.

 

“Um Sergeant Burr, sir?” one timid private stepped forward.

“What’s on your mind, son?”

“Uh, yes sir, I uh, I heard that some of these places are installing heated driveways that pretty much vaporize entire battalions of snowflakes like us. How do we know they don’t have any weapons of mass melting down there?”

“Because our intelligence reports didn’t say anything about radiant heat!” the sergeant yelled. “Look down there! That driveway and sidewalk look the same as all the others, right? Now, enough with those crazy thoughts.”

“Um, yes sir.”

“Alright! So stop worrying. We’re going to use the element of surprise and bury ‘em before they can yell ‘Grandma busted her hip’. Got that?”

“Yeh-yes sir,” the snowflake sheepishly resigned and slipped back into rank.

“Dude,” a soldier next to him nudged. “Ya just gotta think positive man. Like, picture in your mind that the driveway down there is totally chill, man. It’s just a frigid slab of cement waiting for us ice-cool dudes to drift on down and cover up. Positive thinking man; just use the power of positive thinking. Believe it will be ice cold and it will be ice cold.”

“Well okay, sure,” the wary private said with a raised eyebrow, while distancing himself from the soldier.

“The rest of you snowflakes,” Sergeant Burr continued, “stop worrying about the radiant heat bogeyman and focus on your assignments. The first wave is to cover the surface. Link up and provide a thin sheet of ice so the next waves can pile on top to pack you down and hide you. You’ll be the tip of the spear; the secret slick surface that will bring down any of those two-legged mammals who dare to step outside.”

“What about the four-legged ones?” a soldier asked.

“We don’t care about them. They don’t have as far to go when they drop. It’s those bipedal ones that are a lot more fun to watch when they go down,” the sergeant said with a devilish grin. “Now let’s go down there and have some fun.”

The group descended closer and closer to the ground. The brown lawns and leafless trees were beginning to be overcome by the white army. In fact, the entire landscape was sinking slowly under a blanket of snow, but the driveway remained defiant. It stood alone in the drowning neighborhood.

“Man, I don’t like the looks of this,” the timid private said to a fellow paratrooper.

“Yeah,” came the reply. “That doesn’t look right.”

“No talking in the ranks!” the sergeant howled. He raised his hand slowly and then threw it down to his side. “First wave, hit the ground! Go, go, go!”

The blanket of snowflakes fell onto the concrete, but shrieks and screams filled the air. The snowflakes were gone. They disappeared. One after another the snowflakes hit the pavement before letting out a yelp and trickling away. The snow was disarmed, turning into little droplets that drained down the driveway and into the gutter.

The young private was now nothing more than a small drop of water. He recognized the droplet next to him and gave him a shove. “Positive thinking, aye? Just think it will be ice cold and it will be ice cold, aye? Rrright. Positive thinking, my lily white icicle!”

“Yeah man. Like, total bummer,” came the sheepish reply.

But some of the first snowflakes to hit the driveway didn’t even make it to the water stage. Like the private said, the snowflakes were vaporized, where they drifted slowly back up to the sky.

“C’mon!” the stubborn sergeant hollered. “Waves two and three. Hit ‘em hard!”

But with each company of snowflakes the results were the same. The icy soldiers were nullified the second they hit the ground.

“Sarge!” a platoon leader yelled. “We can’t break through. It’s too hot down there. The driveway is fortified with radiant heat! We don’t stand a chance.”

The stubborn Sergeant only grew more desperate. “We . . . we gotta. Um,” he stammered and thought for a moment. Maybe it’s not a Warmzone heated driveway. Maybe we can overwhelm it.

“Everybody! he yelled. “We need a full frontal assault. We’ll overwhelm the driveway with sheer numbers!”

“But Sarge!”

“That’s an order,” the sergeant screamed. “Everyone to the driveway! It’s our only chance.” He called for reinforcements.

The sky grew white and thick sheets of snow descended. Snowflake after snowflake hit the ground, but no one could establish a foothold. It was impossible. Even when reinforcements that doubled the size of the assault force arrived, they could make no headway. Snow piled up on the ground next to the driveway, but the troops on the lawn could only watch in horror as their comrades fell to their doom.

Heated driveway and sidewalk
 The scene of the great snowflake massacre at Radiant Ridge; also referred to as Burr’s Last Stand.

“It’s a massacre,” one resigned.

Still the sergeant continued to bark his attack orders.

“That dude’s a lunatic,” a snowflake on the edge of the driveway remarked as he watched the sergeant scream his orders.

“He’s a cold-hearted dude,” a soldier observed.

“Yeah, got ice in his veins,” came a reply. 

“He’s got ice in his brain!” another injected, shaking his head. “There’s nothing you can do against a heated driveway. It’s hopeless!”

“For sure,” the soldiers agreed. “I reckon Sarge’s brain is melting. Poor guy has gone bananas.”

“Yeah, old ‘blood and guts’ is just ‘old drooling sludge,’.”

“Well, I’m just glad we landed here on the grass. Those heated driveways are murder on snow.”

The battle raged for over two hours, but when the final troops descended from the sky, the driveway and front sidewalk were completely dry. There was no trace of a battle. The army of snow successfully buried the surrounding yards, roads and roofs, but the pavement remained clear.

Sergeant Burr hugged his knees and rocked back and forth. His eyes stared blankly ahead as he repeated, “It’s a heated driveway. How could I know? It’s a heated driveway . . . ”

His soldiers tried to console him, but it was hopeless.

“C’mon Sarge,” the medics lifted him onto a stretcher. “It’s all over now.”

Heavy Snow Storms Challenge Boston City Snow Removal Services

Snow removal in Boston is serious business. During Boston’s record setting winter of 2014-2015, when the city received 108.6 inches of snow, residents worked overtime to keep their driveways and sidewalks clear of the white stuff. Boston city personnel and snowplows were pushed to their limits during some of the more significant storms. And while Boston city can prepare their trucks and employees for Mother Nature’s next onslaught, is there anything homeowners can do to get a leg up on the harsh New England winters?

The answer is “yes”. Many home and business owners in the Boston area are turning to radiant heat. In addition to eliminating the need for manual snow removal, automated snow melting systems enhance safety for pedestrians entering and exiting businesses in the Boston area.

Parked cars in Boston covered with snow after heavy snow storm.
Boston city workers and snow plows had their hands full after record breaking snowfall.

Warmzone snow melting systems are fully automated, so they operate only when needed. The system includes an advanced snow sensor that detects temperature and precipitation. When temperatures are below a set point – typically 39 degrees Fahrenheit – it signals the controller which sends power to the heat cable.

As an industry leader, Warmzone snow melting systems feature trusted heat cable that is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats that can be rolled out for easy installation. The electric radiant heating mats are laid out and secured, and then the medium (concrete, pavers, or asphalt) is applied directly over the cable. (To view snow melting system installation tips, visit the Installing Snow Melting Systems web page.)

The proven ClearZone snow melting system is commonly installed in both commercial and residential applications. From large heated driveways and parking areas to custom sized walkways, ramps and loading docks, ClearZone electric snowmelt systems are versatile and can be easily customized.

Warmzone’s fully automated system includes the embedded heat cable, an activation device (snow sensor), contactor panel, and marker plate (as required by the NEC). These electric systems are also maintenance free and relatively easy to install.

In addition to providing the highest quality radiant heating products, Warmzone also offers unmatched customer services. Each system is professionally designed, so you’ll know the exact layout and materials, proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and system performance expectations before one foot of heat cable is installed.

Warmzone also includes free installation support services. Our expert staff is on hand during your installation if you need. Should your installer have any questions during the installation, he/she can speak with one of our installation experts to resolve any issues. Free installation training is also available. When it comes to customer service, you’ll find that Warmzone is second to none.

Contact Warmzone today and learn more about the radiant heating options that are available. In addition to offering heated driveways and snow melting systems. Warmzone also offers premier roof deicing and floor heating systems. Call 888.488.9276 to learn more.

Chicago Snow Storm Breaks Record set in 1936

Protecting Roofs and Pedestrians

Chicago winters continue to set new records, both in terms of low temperatures and snowfall. The last two winters have been particularly harsh, as Chicago residents have experienced record low temperatures and record setting levels of snowfall. In February of 2015 Chicago’s O’Hare airport registered a brutal 8 degrees below zero as 20 miles-per-hour wind gusts pushed wind chill temperatures to 30 below, breaking a record set in 1936.

Coupled with record breaking snowfall, snow and ice quickly accumulates on Chicago’s residential and commercial rooftops, posing potential hazards to pedestrians below. Building owners in the “Windy City” are legally responsible not only for keeping their sidewalks clear of snow, but preventing snow and ice from falling from rooftops.

Panorama of Chicago during winter
The beautiful city of Chicago during winter time.

While some business rely on roof snow and ice dam removal services in the Chicago area, many homeowners and businesses are turning to reliable radiant heat. These automated systems remain “on standby” 24/7, so when a storm does hit, the system activates to prevent any snow and ice from accumulating.

While the safety of pedestrians is paramount for businesses in the city, ice dams pose the greatest threat to homeowners. As heat rises from the home, it can escape into the attic and warm the roof, causing water to trickle down to the roof’s edge. But the roof eaves are colder, and the water refreezes. As this process is repeated, water can build up behind the ice where it can seep into tiny cracks of the roof. Each night, as the water refreezes, it expands, paving the way for more water to seep into the cracks and eventually into the home. The resulting water damage within walls and ceilings can be expensive to repair.

Warmzone roof de-icing and gutter trace systems offer one of the best roof heating solutions available for preventing hazardous ice dams and heavy icicles from forming on roofs. The roof heating systems are easy to customize and install. Once installed, the roof de-icing and gutter trace systems operate only when conditions warrant, keeping heavy ice from damaging roof gutters and preventing ice dams from forming along roof edges.

In addition to Warmzone’s large variety of industry leading roof de-icing systems, Warmzone radiant heat experts work closely with customers to determine the best and most affordable option for the roof.

The most popular roof heating system features an advanced polymer heating element (RoofHeat STEP) that can be installed directly under roof shingles. This low-voltage system has proven to be a favorite roof heating solution among professional installers and homeowners throughout the Chicago area. Heat trace cable can also be installed to heat gutters and downspouts, or the systems can be combined to produce optimum results.

Warmzone professionals are experts when it comes to roof heating, and its customer service is second to none. In addition to providing complete system designs (AutoCAD), installers have access to free installation training as well as personal installation support. If installers encounter any issues or have any questions during the process, he/she can speak with one of the dedicated installation support staff to resolve the issue.

Many home and business owners in Chicago are already enjoying the benefits of a Warmzone roof de-icing system. Call a Warmzone consultant to learn more about Warmzone’s roof heating options – with no obligation or sales pressure. Or visit Warmzone online. As an industry leader, Warmzone offers one of the most informative radiant heating websites available. Visit warmzone.com and learn more about radiant heating systems and why some systems (and services) are better than others when it comes to heating specific projects.

Roof Snow and Ice in Boston, Massachusetts

Residents in Boston are proud to live in one of the country’s great historical cities, but given its location, Boston is also home to some of the country’s harshest winter weather. As such, Bostonians are typically well prepared for the annual New England snowstorms. Yet, in recent years, even the most seasoned Boston residents have been caught off guard.

Snow accumulating on streets and roofs in Boston during blizzard
Snow accumulating on streets and roofs in Beacon Hill, Boston during a blizzard in 2016.

The record breaking snowfall during the winter of 2014-2015 pushed Boston’s snow removal services to the limit and frustrated drivers during a series of heavy storms. With snow totals of 108.6 inches, last year’s snowfall proved to be the most since record books started in 1872.

And with heavy snowfall comes additional hazards for residents. Many homeowners felt compelled to manually remove snow from their roofs while building owners in the city worked overtime to ensure that snow and ice buildup on their roofs didn’t break free and threaten pedestrians below. Although efforts were made to enhance the safety of Boston residents, some found themselves to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In Cambridge, five individuals walking on a path between the Simoni Ice Skating Arena and sports playing fields were suddenly overwhelmed by snow that fell from the roof of the ice rink. One man was buried, but was eventually dug out from the snow without serious injury. This incident brings to light the unseen hazards of snowfall in large cities.

State law mandates that property owners not only clear their sidewalks for pedestrians, but also take reasonable steps to prevent snow and ice from falling onto pedestrians from roofs and other elevated structures. The ideal solution has proven to be the installation of an automated radiant roof de-icing system.

Roof heating systems are also beneficial for Boston homeowners. Easy to customize and install, roof de-icing and gutter trace systems can keep heavy ice from damaging roof gutters and prevent ice dams from forming along roof edges.

The repair costs from ice dams can be significant. As heat rises and warms the roof, water runs down to the roof’s edge. But the roof is colder at the overhang, and the water refreezes. As this process is repeated, ice and water can build up behind the dam where it can seep into tiny cracks of the roof. Each night, as the water refreezes, it expands, paving the way for more water to seep into the cracks and eventually into the home. The resulting water damage within walls and ceilings can be expensive to repair.

Warmzone roof de-icing and gutter trace systems offer one of the best roof heating solutions available for preventing hazardous ice dams and heavy icicles from forming on roofs. In addition to Warmzone’s large variety of industry leading roof de-icing systems, Warmzone radiant heat experts work closely with customers to determine the best and most affordable option for the roof.

The most popular roof heating system features an advanced polymer heating element (RoofHeat STEP) that can be installed directly under roof shingles. This low-voltage system has proven to be a favorite roof heating solution among professional installers and homeowners throughout New England. Heat trace cable can also be installed to heat gutters and downspouts, or the systems can be combined to produce optimum results.

Warmzone professionals are experts when it comes to roof heating, and its customer service is second to none. In addition to providing complete system designs (AutoCAD), installers have access to free installation training as well as personal installation support. If installers encounter any issues or have any questions during the process, he/she can speak with one of the dedicated installation support staff to resolve the issue.

Many home and business owners in Boston are already enjoying the benefits of a Warmzone roof de-icing system. Call a Warmzone consultant to learn more – with no obligation or sales pressure – at 888.488.9276. As an industry leader, Warmzone offers one of the most informative radiant heating websites available. Visit warmzone.com and learn more about radiant heating systems and why some systems (and services) are better than others when it comes to heating specific projects.

Winter Weather Blamed for Toppling Bricks in Philadelphia

In January of 2015, bricks from a downtown Philadelphia building tumbled onto a neighboring roof and into the Lululemon Athletica clothing store, injuring three women. According to Philadelphia inspectors, the repeating process of water freezing and thawing likely weakened the structure, causing its collapse.

The “freeze-thaw” process is also what leads to ice dams, the culprit behind costly roof and water damage in homes and businesses throughout the country.

Skyscrapers in downtown Philadelphia
Skyscrapers in downtown Philadelphia.

While falling snow and ice presents a significant safety threat to pedestrians in cities like Philadelphia, ice dams pose the greatest threat to homeowners. As heat rises from the home, it can escape into the attic and warm the roof, causing water to trickle down near the roof’s edge. But the roof eaves are colder, causing the water to refreeze. As this process is repeated, water can build up behind the ice where it can seep into tiny cracks of the roof. Each night, as the water refreezes, it expands, paving the way for more water to seep into the cracks and eventually into the home. The resulting water damage within walls and ceilings can be expensive to repair.

Warmzone roof de-icing and gutter trace systems offer one of the best roof heating solutions available for preventing hazardous ice dams and heavy icicles from forming on roofs. The roof heating systems are easy to customize and install. Once installed the roof de-icing and gutter heating systems operate only when conditions warrant, keeping heavy ice from damaging roof gutters and preventing ice dams from forming along roof edges.

In addition to Warmzone’s large variety of industry leading roof de-icing systems, Warmzone radiant heat experts work closely with customers to determine the best and most affordable option for each roof.

Philadelphia during a snowstorm
Downtown Philadelphia during a winter snowstorm.

The most popular roof heating system features an advanced polymer heating element (RoofHeat STEP) that can be installed directly under roof shingles. This low-voltage system has proven to be a favorite roof heating solution among professional installers and homeowners throughout the Philadelphia area. Heat trace cable can also be installed to heat gutters and downspouts, or the systems can be combined to produce optimum results.

Warmzone professionals are experts when it comes to roof heating, and the customer service is second to none. In addition to providing complete system designs (AutoCAD), installers have access to free installation training as well as personal installation support. If installers encounter any issues or have any questions during the process, he/she can speak with one of the dedicated installation support staff to resolve the issue.

To learn more about Warmzone’s roof heating options, call 888.488.9276. Many home and business owners in Philadelphia are already enjoying the benefits of a Warmzone roof de-icing system. Call a Warmzone consultant to learn more – with no obligation or sales pressure. Or visit Warmzone online. As an industry leader, Warmzone offers one of the most informative radiant heating websites available. Visit warmzone.com and learn more about radiant heating systems and why some systems (and services) are better than others when it comes to heating specific projects.

Radiant Heated Floors Warm New England

Many homeowners in the Boston area are installing radiant heated floors for use as their primary home heating source as well as in select rooms to supplement their existing home heating system. As many owners of radiant floor heating systems attest, nothing is finer than walking on a warm floor during a cold winter day. Radiant heated floors are often installed in bathrooms as well as in rooms where children spend a lot of time playing on the floor.

Warmzone offers a variety of electric and hydronic floor heating systems for homeowners in Boston and the New England area. And because Warmzone manufactures and carries the industry’s most trusted floor heating systems, our experts can evaluate your needs and determine the best system for heating your specific floor type. Our selection helps to ensure that you receive the most effective floor heating system for the unique layout and floor type of your home.

Boston Charles River and Back Bay, Boston during winter
Boston Longfellow Bridge across Charles River during winter, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

While there are some standout radiant floor heating systems, it is important to know that no single floor heating system is ideal for every type of flooring. That’s why it’s so critical to speak with an unbiased radiant heating expert who can offer you a wide selection of reputable floor heating options to choose from. Don’t be talked into purchasing a floor heating system simply because it’s the only system that the provider offers. Deal with an industry leader that can show you a wide selection of radiant floor heating solutions and explain the benefits and traits of each one.

Heating Tile Floors
The most proven system for heating tile floors is the ComfortTile floor heating system. ComfortTile features thin 1/8 to 3/16-inch diameter heat cable that is available on spools or pre-spaced on flexible fiberglass mesh backing with adhesive so it can be rolled out and then secured to the subfloor for easy installation. ComfortTile heat cable is also one of the most versatile floor heating systems.

ComfortTile heat cable can also be used in conjunction with the Prodeso membrane. The underlayment membrane is placed over the subfloor and the heat cable is installed in the pre-engineered channels provided by the series of reliefs. The floor surface is then installed over the membrane and cable.

Heating Hardwood and Laminate Floors
Many homes in New England feature hardwood or laminate flooring. Warmzone offers several choices for heating hardwood and laminate, but the most popular solution is the low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system.

This unique floor heating system features a self-regulating, semi-conductive polyethylene heating element. Because the flexible heating element is so thin, it won’t affect the floor buildup, weight loads, or your choice of flooring.

Heated hardwood floor

The unique attributes of FloorHeat STEP make this versatile heating element a popular choice for heating roofs as well. RoofHeat STEP is one of the most trusted roof heating systems available. (Learn more about heating hardwood floors. and tips for Installing Heated Floors.

Heating Concrete Underfloor Slabs
The In-Slab radiant floor heating cable is designed for installation in new concrete slab applications. The heat cable is embedded at least ½-inch below the floor’s surface. In-Slab cable uses the concrete slab to efficiently store and distribute heat evenly throughout the intended area. The cable is affordable and can be installed to warm any type of flooring, including hardwood, carpet, tile, and more.

Heating Existing Floors
Warmzone also carries RetroHeat, a thin “film” heating element that can be stapled up between floor joists to heat existing floors. The paper-thin heating element can be cut on site and is then stapled up between the floor joists and common Batt insulation is then installed over the heating panel. This directs all the heat upwards to warm the existing floor.

These are just some of the choices Boston residents have to heat their floors. Whether you’re looking to heat carpet, tile, marble, hardwood or any other type of floor, you won’t go wrong dealing with Warmzone.

In addition to Warmzone’s industry leading products, Warmzone provides unparalleled customer services, which include professional system design, free installation training courses, and personal installation support. Call a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276 to discuss your floor heating options.