All posts by Laura Carter

Joanne "Jo" Rowling, OBE, FRSL, pen names J. K. Rowling and Robert Galbraith, is a British novelist, screenwriter and film producer best known as the author of the Harry Potter fantasy series.
HOTNEWS

Turn up the Heat on your Summer Home Improvement Projects with Warmzone

If you are staying put in your home for the foreseeable future, and looking to fix up your digs, radiant heat might be the home improvement project for you. Sheltering in place has really fueled the demand for radiant heated flooring, heated driveways and more. As homeowners continue to reimagine their living spaces inside and out, they are gravitating towards spa-like features and conveniences designed to make their lives easier.

Did you know that radiant heat is also attracting the attention of homebuyers as well? According to Real Simple magazine, among the top features they are clamoring for this year are radiant heated floors, making them a great equity booster. So, if you haven’t already considered adding a radiant heat project to your to-do list, Warmzone can certainly help you stay on top of this trend. Warmzone is a leading manufacturer, designer, and supplier of radiant heat solutions of all kinds. They have the products and the expertise help you find a state-of-the-art automated snow melting system, self-regulating roof and gutter heat trace solution or radiant heated flooring system to fit your lifestyle. Whatever you’re are looking for, Warmzone has the experience, pricing, and support services to help you, every step of the way.

Not only are radiant heat solutions a great investment, they are also an affordable alternative to more costly home improvement projects that are guaranteed not to send you into sticker shock. Consider recent shortages in lumber, glass, copper, and other construction materials, which have aggravated demand and caused building materials and home improvement projects to skyrocket over the recent months. As a result, you may find yourself putting off your home improvement goals. Take heart! Warmzone offers a comfortable alternative to shoppers on a budget. Instead of trending upward, Warmzone pricing on radiant heat supplies have remained consistent and competitive. That’s because Warmzone has a large warehouse filled with inventory, and plenty of products in stock. More inventory allows Warmzone to pass on the savings to you without feeling the constraints of the current market. In fact, you might say working with Warmzone can make or break your project by offering you a fast, affordable way increase the value of your home.

Heated pavers at outdoor mall.
Heated pavers at an outdoor mall.

The quality of our products is informed by years of deep industry knowledge, making Warmzone the most trusted supplier of residential radiant heat solutions in the business, and the supplier of choice for builders and contractors. If you’re a handy type, get ready to roll up your sleeves—Warmzone offers do-it-yourselfers some great product options to dive into. Radiant heat system options range from thin, twin-conductor heat resistant cable and mats (with a 25-year warranty) to low-voltage polymer heating panels, paper-thin “film” heating elements, to premier hydronic (water-based) heating systems. Warmzone floor heating products are easily configurable and designed to operate comfortably under laminate, tile, vinyl, and wood flooring. And our exterior radiant heating systems can be used to heat concrete, asphalt, and pavers, as well as provide discreet de-icing for your roof. The big take away here is radiant heat system flexibility! Warmzone offers a huge variety of top-performing products that allow you to stretch and flex your imagination to create one of-a-kind, unique solutions for any space. Whatever you need, Warmzone definitely has your back when it’s time to tackle that radiant heated flooring system, automated snow melting system or roof de-icing system.

If you don’t know how to identify the right contractor for the job, Warmzone can help. Warmzone provides free installation training and maintains relationships with favorably reviewed contractors from all over the country, so we may be able to recommend an experienced installer in your area. And, while it’s important that your electrician wire the system, you can do much of the installation labor yourself, if you are interested. Warmzone system designers and support staff are more than happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have during the installation.

Warmzone recognizes that our success is only as good as your installation, and it starts with the design of your radiant heat system. From your first contact with Warmzone, a radiant heat professional will listen to you and learn about your project before providing you with options, and eventually a detailed radiant heat system design and layout. You (and your electrician) will receive everything you need to execute the design, including heating cable, sensor, and panel placement, as well as all the electrical information to successfully install the radiant heat system (breaker sizes, number of breakers, load calculations and system performance expectations). As questions or challenges come up during the radiant heat installation, the Warmzone team is there for you. Electrical experts and system designers are a phone call away and can walk you through the process or address any concerns you may have about your project. To fill in the gaps, Warmzone’s online library offers instructional videos, product documentation and newsletters, available at any time. Summer is a great time to avoid the fall rush for materials and install the radiant heat system of your dreams! Whatever your aspirations this summer, Warmzone offers the products, technical support, and professional design and layout expertise to get you there. Call Warmzone today for more information, at 888-488-9276.

HOTNEWS

The Advantages of Radiant Heated Floors and Snow Melting Systems

Today a growing number of homeowners are investing in radiant heat to warm their homes. Indoors or outdoors, radiant heat is an efficient, environmentally friendly, versatile solution for your home heating and snow melting needs.

As you might expect, radiant heat works exactly as it sounds—it radiates through surfaces (think sidewalks, driveways and wood floors) to warm a specific area of your home. Warmzone offers several choices for radiant heat systems; the two most popular being:

  • Electric radiant heat—uses resistance heat cable configured beneath a floor or driveway
  • Hydronic radiant heat—relies on specially treated hot water delivered through a network of pipes underneath an indoor or outdoor surface

Warmzone radiant heat systems are designed to deliver consistent, evenly spread heat throughout your home, according to your specific preferences. Radiant heat generates a feeling comparable to the warm, enveloping heat you would experience sitting on warm sand at the beach. That’s because these systems depend largely on heat transfer from one object to another. The science behind radiant heat systems effectively eliminates the draftiness and heat loss associated with traditional forced air, making them much more comfortable and much more efficient.

A switch from forced air to radiant heat can also improve the air quality of your home, which is especially important if you suffer from hay fever or equally unforgiving allergic conditions. Forced air systems force, or blow air into your living space, along with dirt, dust and allergens that can compromise your environment. With radiant heat, there’s no duct cleaning or dust to contend with. They’re also very green systems. Inside, radiant heat can be programmed to heat your entire home, or timed to heat specific areas as you move from your kitchen, to your living room and then bedroom to retire, conserving energy for pennies on the dollar.

Heated sidewalk and steps

This same science works wonders outside to keep snow and ice away from your home. An outdoor radiant heat system (snow melting system) involves the laying of pipes or electric cable just below the surface of a driveway or walkway. Their flexibility makes them effective under brick pavers, concrete or asphalt pours and are easily configured to accommodate odd-shaped or hard-to-reach areas. Warmzone sensor-activated radiant heat systems are designed to anticipate snowy conditions to heat walkways, driveways and other areas without resorting to harsh snow melting chemicals; chemicals that can kill vegetation, irritate puppy paws and contaminate ground water. They also eliminate the pain of shoveling and, over time, the expense of snow removal services.

Fortunately, whatever your needs are, Warmzone takes a top-down approach to radiant heat system delivery, and it begins with a phone call. When you call Warmzone, you can to talk to radiant heat professionals with years of experience, free of charge to discuss your radiant heat needs. Based on your input, we can determine what system is right for you.

Warmzone offers a vast selection of products and years of industry experience. We can put together the perfect radiant heat system to meet your needs and your budget. And if you are a die-hard do-it-yourselfer, you’ll appreciate not only access to the pros, but our vast library of materials, including articles and schematics to help you along the way. For more information you can reach our radiant heat professionals at 1-888-488-9276.

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Radiant Snow Melting Solutions (Part I)

Anticipating Snow Before the Fall: Warmzone Radiant Heat Snow Melting Solutions

Global consciousness is not only moving us towards social responsibility, but new, more efficient landscaping and snow melting removal solutions. Many have discovered the clean, energy-efficient operation and benefits of radiant heat snow melting solutions. But don’t just take our word for it. Check out these projects and comments from a few Warmzone customers.

Heated City Sidewalks, Municipality, Missouri
During the most recent snow event it was interesting to see that the (city) sidewalks were completely dry and free of snow while the plow trucks were still pushing the snow off the roads. The City of Oak Grove is very pleased with our heated sidewalks and would highly recommend Warmzone products.  – Public Works Director, Missouri.

Heated sidewalks being installed

When a municipality in Missouri was installing heated sidewalks throughout their historic downtown area, they looked to Warmzone to do the job. The city’s Public Works Director, John, contacted Warmzone to discuss the project and provide the requirements of a heated sidewalk system that spanned the downtown area.

Says John, “[Warmzone] designed our system, ordered the materials and made sure that they arrived on time, and they were there whenever we needed their help. They worked with our electricians to solve problems or answer questions as they came up and were willing to go that extra mile when needed.”

Heated sidewalks

Warmzone’s superior customer service is what distinguishes it from the competition. Unlike other radiant heat providers and distributors, Warmzone provides complete design, engineering and installation services. And unlike most other radiant heat distributors and manufacturers, Warmzone offers a wide selection of products and brands, so the experts cancan recommend the ideal solution for your needs – without bias. The expert consultants and design and engineering staff at Warmzone are second to none. Prior to any installation, Warmzone provides a detailed engineering drawing, so you’ll know all the electrical requirements, layout and performance expectations of the system prior to beginning the installation.

Warmzone stays with you throughout the installation process. If needed, a master electrician is on hand to guide your installer through the process and answer any questions. This emphasis on “after-sale” customer service is just one reason why professional builders prefer working with Warmzone, and why homeowners recommend Warmzone to their friends. Their unparalleled expertise and customer service have earned Warmzone the reputation as the trusted radiant heat leader.

While Warmzone offers many different radiant snow melting systems, it’s also nice to know that Warmzone snow melting systems are easy to customize, so you can be assured your system will meet your specific needs. From small residential projects to large commercial initiatives, Warmzone has a wide selection of proven products and will recommend the ideal solution while keeping within your budget. As John discovered, Warmzone has a highly knowledgeable, experienced professional staff that cares about their customers. It’s no wonder that as a trusted leader of radiant heat solutions, Warmzone has radiant heat snow removal systems installed in residential and commercial properties throughout Northern America.

Continued – Radiant Heat Snow Melting Solutions (Part II)

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Radiant Snow Melting Systems (Part II)

Continued: Read Radiant Snow Melting Systems (Part I)

Heated Driveway, Calgary, Alberta Canada

When I’m outside, a lot of folks in my neighborhood stop and have conversations or ask questions about the heated driveway. I know that some think this would be extremely expensive to operate, but last month, even with all my Christmas lights on every night, I saw only a $150 increase in my electrical bill.

Dennis, a homeowner in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, appreciates the convenience and relatively low cost to install and maintain his heated driveway. “We only have two or three months of significant snow in Calgary,” says Dennis, “so it won’t break the bank – or my back (shoveling) – and delivery people don’t have to crawl up the slope in fear of slipping anymore!”

Snow melting system installed to heat outdoor area

When you consider the benefits of electric radiant heat under driveways, walkways and other common areas, whether you’re a business owner or a homeowner, it simply makes good “dollars and cents” to install a radiant heat snow melting solution. For just pennies on the dollar, you can anticipate and expect your driveways and sidewalks to be clear as the snow falls. How many of your neighbors can say that? And a clear driveway or walkway not only clears the path for foot traffic, it also minimizes possible consequences of improper or inadequate snow removal. One slip and fall not only compromises the safety and security of loved ones, employees and even customers. A heated driveway and/or sidewalk dramatically increases your liability as a home or business owner.

As they say, time is money, whether you’re on your way to work or waiting for your customers to arrive, so why wait for your snow removal service? You don’t have to play the same old game of beat the clock any longer–Warmzone electric radiant snow melting systems are designed to sense changes in moisture and temperature, changes that indicate impending snow. The system is alerted and the heating cable is activated before snow hits pavement, so your walkways, steps, sidewalks and driveways are safely cleared before your boots ever see the pavement. Considering the initial installation cost and overall operational costs (literally pennies on the dollar) of your electric radiant heated snow melting system over time, you’ll benefit far more in the long run from snow melting system that is faster, more dependable and even less damaging than the local crew you’ve been hiring and waiting on to clear your driveway or parking lot.

Heated ramp

What makes Warmzone radiant snow melting solutions so popular? Flexibility, for one. Warmzone’s ClearZone radiant heating cable is the strongest, most durable, effective heat cable on the market and can be purchased in pre-configured mats, or on the spool for more customized applications. It’s also safe and effective to use under just about any type of surface, including asphalt, concrete, tile, brick and more. Which is why you’ll find Warmzone snow melting solutions under a variety of surfaces including: city sidewalks, walkways and parking areas; outdoor steps and stairways; loading docks and platforms; even ramps and bridges.

Typically our competitors are a lot less flexible, offering “one-size-fits-all” snow melting systems, from products, to pricing to installation. Choosing Warmzone means you benefit from the largest selection of radiant heating systems. Warmzone is not limited by one manufacturer, system or solution. With a huge selection of products to choose from, plus the experts and the expertise to complete a project, we can design and execute the installation of the optimal radiant snow melting system for your situation. Warmzone’s professional designers will thoroughly evaluate your radiant heating system before you install it to create the optimal solution for you. You’ll know the electrical requirements, technical specifications and system performance expectations before one foot of heat cable is installed.

Our valuable service minimizes any “installation surprises” that you may otherwise encounter, which ultimately saves you time and money in the long run. So if you’re shopping around and evaluating your radiant heat options, make sure you compare product price, quality, experience and customer services. You’ll discover why Warmzone is the trusted radiant heat leader.

While it’s true that Warmzone radiant heated snow melting systems stand to save you a few bucks over traditional snow removal services, the real value comes with the benefits of having a fully-automated heated driveway that is dry and clear before you ever leave the house.

If you can conceive it, Warmzone can achieve it. Warmzone has the experts, and the expertise, to guide you through or execute almost any installation—regardless of the scope—while satisfying your requirements as well as your budget. We offer a comprehensive menu of residential and commercial radiant snow melting solutions, along with the engineering and design services to do the job, and do it well, from large commercial projects to small, custom jobs. Why not call us at 888-488-9276 for your next radiant heated snow melting project for a free consultation and the best solution to your snow removal needs.

                                Go back to Part I of Radiant Snow Melting Solutions

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FloorHeat Radiant Floor Heating Systems

Home Improvement Project you can Truly Build On

FloorHeat floor heating systems are a home improvement project you can truly build on. As you would expect from Warmzone, they are an excellent radiant heating product you can use to heat select rooms or your entire home if you choose. So you can tackle your radiant heating needs, a room at a time if you need to, without disrupting your home or your lifestyle—not such an easy accomplishment with many home improvement projects.

Radiant floor heating systems are a terrific way to build your equity in your home along with some cutting edge, green technology. FloorHeat floor heating systems run on sustainable energy and can be easily integrated with existing wind or solar power. Plus radiant heat technology is equally soft on your home environment. There are no vents to clean, no dirty air circulating through your home, and no fossil fuels to burn. By nature, FloorHeat floor heating systems are clean, silent and virtually maintenance free, compared to traditional forced air systems.

Low-voltage floor heating system being installed

Because the heating element is self-regulating and installed directly under the floor surface, FloorHeat floor heating systems can be decidedly more efficient (up to 30 percent more) than other electric and hydronic systems, and up to 60 percent more efficient than conventional forced air systems. They’re quite conservative, only drawing the energy required to maintain your home’s ideal temperature, so they’re a very efficient choice for home heating.

FloorHeat semi-conductive polymer heating elements can be used for a wide variety of heating applications. This flexible, thin heating element features an extremely low profile that does not affect floor buildup, weight loads, or flooring choices, circumstances potentially complicating your project. And it can be safely cut to size on the work site for a variety of applications, from the straightforward to oddly-sized/shaped areas. And FloorHeat heating elements can be placed directly under any non-conductive floor covering, from carpet, to ceramic tile, hardwood and slate for safe, even and efficient heat distribution.

FloorHeat is a great low-voltage product that can be easily installed under existing floors by accessing the floor joists from below. Available in 9- and 12-inch widths, the polymer heating element can be stapled and nailed through for easy installation. Once the layout is determined, you’re essentially a few easy steps away from radiant heated flooring in you home. Simply cut the element to appropriate length, make the electrical connections, and run the wires to the terminal board(s) and transformer. (It is important to have an electrician perform all the system wiring to ensure the warranty is valid.) Then secure the elements to the subfloor with adhesive, staples, or pegs and cover to trade practices and then place insulation to help direct the heat efficiently upwards to the floor.

With Warmzone’s help, an ambitious do-it-yourselfer can install a FloorHeat radiant heated floor system with ease. Warmzone will provide a detailed system layout as well as expert installation support. You are never alone when you work with Warmzone. In addition to industry leading customer service, Warmzone also provides a wealth of documentation on Warmzone.com, including: manuals, technical guides, illustrations, informative articles and an extensive FAQ section. Unlike many radiant heat system providers, Warmzone provides complete, professional radiant heat services, including detailed layouts with each system, and installation support.

Before you shop anywhere else, why not get expert advice from the radiant heat specialists in the business to use as a baseline? In terms of products, services, support and price, you’ll be pressed to find any radiant heat specialists as competitive as Warmzone. Visit www.warmzone.com or call 888.488.9276 to find out more about FloorHeat radiant heated floor systems, along with all of the other great radiant heat products Warmzone offers.

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Warmzone Roof De-icing Systems: Boosting Your Equity Above the Roofline

Invest in Your Home with Roof Heating and Gutter Trace Systems

Right now you probably have a good idea of the condition of your home, from top to bottom. If you’re coming up short above the roofline, the fix could be as simple as a Warmzone electric radiant heated roof or gutter system. During the winter months, ice and snow build up can have a devastating effect on your roof, causing gutters to sag and shingles to break free. The good news—an electric radiant snow melting system can eliminate this damage without emptying your wallet.

Just what can a good roof de-icing system do for you? A well-fitted, properly installed radiant heat snow melting system along your roof line will eliminate prolonged ice-damming during the winter months. Eliminating ice damming, in turn, can prevent unwanted seepage through roofing materials into roof decking. This can cause some serious damage to the roof before finding its way inside to damage ceilings, walls and floors, resulting in mold growth. A Warmzone roof de-icing system is the optimal solution for melting snow and ice from roof eaves, valleys, even entire roofs.

Low-voltage roof heating system being installed.

What’s in an electric radiant roof de-icing system? These radiant heat systems feature three main components:

  • Heating Element – The low-voltage roof heating systems feature a heating element, which is polypropylene fused during fabrication to achieve water proofing and protection from alkaline or salt damage, and installed underneath the shingles. The roof gutter trace systems feature self-regulating heat cable that is placed in the gutters and downspouts to keep gutters free of snow and ice.
  • Power/Control Unit – The controller monitors power and output to ensure safe, accurate, optimal system performance. The power unit monitors the heating element under the roof to melt snow and ice, protecting your roof from ice damage.
  • An activation device (snow sensor) – Warmzone offers different types of sensors. The aerial sensor (which is typically used for roof heating systems) is a gutter-mounted snow switch. Like the aerial sensor, the pavement mounted sensor also detects precipitation and temperatures to signal the controller when conditions warrant. However, this sensor is installed in the pavement (and is used more for heated driveways and snow melting systems than roof de-icing. Both sensors provide fully automated snow melting for your roof de-icing system.

Warmzone roof heating solutions are customizable for just about any roof type and configuration. And Warmzone is the recognized industry leader for providing one of the largest selections of state-of-the-art radiant snow melting systems, including electric and hydronic options. Unlike other “one-solution-fits-all” providers, Warmzone bases a solution on your budget and specific needs to deliver the best performing roof de-icing, driveway heating, or floor heating system possible.

Determining the ideal heat cable, thermostat and sensor for your roof heating job depends in part on the size, type and construction of the roof, and also on the overall requirements of a particular installation. Warmzone is always available, with the experts and expertise necessary to assess your system and determine what you’ll need to optimize overall performance for your home. So, if you’re ready to pull the trigger on a roof de-icing system, give Warmzone a call at 888-488-9276 to discuss your options.

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Solar Power for Radiant Floor Heating

Go “off Grid” and Go Green: Pair Solar Power with your Radiant Underfloor Heating System

Solar power is the perfect partner for radiant heat. If your plan is to live off of the grid, Warmzone has the best hydronic underfloor heating solutions for your solar system. Our radiant floor heat is compatible with solar hot water systems. A good set of solar panels, in normal sunlight conditions, can provide adequate water temperatures required to heat your hydronic heated floors.

How it works—a solar-powered radiant heated floor relies on two sub-systems: a common solar hot-water system, and a common hydronic radiant heat system. The type of solar panels and solar water system you’ll need varies with the climate you live in. You’ll also need a backup gas system to provide enough water to the system in bad weather or during peak demand times.

Pair your “solar system” with a hydronic radiant heat system and you’ve got warm floors. Hydronic underfloor radiant heat systems rely on a PEX network of lightweight, durable plastic tubing to circulate water heated by the solar panels from a tank or reservoir, much like a hot water heater to give you warm, even heat, “right off the grid.” And this is where Warmzone comes in. Warmzone offers different solutions for a variety of radiant heat projects, including solar radiant heat systems.

Because your situation and project needs are unique to you, Warmzone does not take a one-size-fits-all approach to hydronic underfloor heat. Our goal is to find the ideal hydronic radiant heated flooring system for each and every project that satisfies our customers’ requirements, and their budgets. We can do this, in part, because of our longstanding relationships with manufacturers. So you get the benefit of a wide selection of top-quality radiant underfloor heating products to choose from, at the lowest prices available.

Warmzone offers several hydronic radiant heat system options that are perfect for your solar-powered radiant floor heating system, whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading your existing home. There’s the more traditional hydronic floor heating system, in which PEX radiant tubing is installed in a concrete mass called Gypsum Concrete or “Gypcrete.” There’s also a new alternative that makes hydronic radiant heated floor installation easier. Hydronic heating systems with aluminum panels offer a slab alternative, low mass or modular board underlayment system. Instead of embedding the PEX tubing into concrete, it is laid in the grooves of pre-cut aluminum panels.

Unlike other hydronic radiant underfloor heat providers, the support doesn’t end with your radiant heated flooring purchase. Warmzone consistently exceeds competitive design services. Our in-house team of experienced professional designers will evaluate your radiant heating needs and produce a comprehensive design of a hydronic radiant heat system that is best suited for your needs. They’re ready to partner with solar heating experts to create system for your home that not only lives up to the definition of socially responsible green living, but lives up to the promise of warmth, comfort and convenience you would expect from your solar-powered hydronic radiant heated floors.

It’s a great time to partner with Warmzone and a solar heating specialist to make your green dreams a reality. Contact Warmzone today at 888.488.9276 to find out which underfloor heat product is best for you.

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Radiant Heat for Hardwood and Laminate Flooring

The Ins and Outs of Electric Radiant Heat for Hardwood and Laminate Flooring

The growing trend in wood and laminate flooring installation is radiant heat. Affordable, efficient and comfortable, radiant heated floors are a welcome way to spend the winter months, and roll up your area rugs too. If you’re looking to heat hardwood or laminate flooring, or add some warmth to your existing wood floors, be prepared to do a little homework.

Heated hardwood floor

Find the right flooring for the job. Wood and laminate flooring can be safely installed over radiant heat, as long as you are careful to choose suitable products. It’s not the heat produced by the radiant heat source that’s a concern. It’s the humidity in your home. All wood products expand and contract with humidity, and over time, this process can create gaps between your floor boards. Unsuitable materials or a poorly constructed floor greatly accelerates damage caused by humidity over time.

Styles of wood flooring that are best for radiant heat installation include:

  • Laminated wood flooring
  • Floating floors, laminated/engineered or solid wood floors
  • Certain species of wood including American Cherry, American Walnut, Mesquite and Teak
  • Quarter sawn or rift sawn wood flooring

Some types of wood floors make better candidates for radiant heat than others, so it’s best to go with the manufacturer’s recommendation for suitable types of wood over radiant heat. Quarter sawn or rift-sawn flooring is more dimensionally stable than plain sawn wood flooring. Strip flooring is also a better choice than plank flooring, because narrow boards expand and contract less (take up more movement) than wide boards do. Because of its inherent dimensional stability, laminated wood is also a great choice for radiant heated floors.

Once you’ve chosen the right flooring, it’s important to partner with a reliable radiant heat solutions provider, like Warmzone, to help you choose and install an electric radiant floor heating system under your wood or laminate flooring. At Warmzone, you’ll benefit from an impressive selection of radiant heat products designed specifically for your hardwood or laminate flooring.

For new or existing floors, self-regulating Warmzone FloorHeat is a unique, low-voltage heating element perfect for installation under hardwood and laminate flooring. This radiant heat system uses a self-regulating semi-conductive polyethylene heating element, and is ideal for both new construction and retrofit applications alike. It is also very thin, making it a great option for installation under laminate and wood, without additional floor build up. A safe low-voltage product, FloorHeat can also be nailed through without damaging the heating element. This flexibility makes FloorHeat a good choice for retrofitting existing floors.

If you can access your floor joists from below, you’re also a perfect candidate for the Warmzone RetroHeat floor heating system. The RetroHeat heating element is easy to install so it makes a great do-it-yourself project.  The two most highly recommended options for floors are RetroHeat and FloorHeat. Both systems are very affordable, and allow you to install radiant heat to your existing floors without extensive floor tear ups or remodeling.

To learn more about the ins and outs of electric radiant heat for your hardwood or laminate floors, be sure to contact Warmzone at 888.488.9276.

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Radiant Snow Melting and the Benefits of a Green Winter

Make Life Greener and Cleaner with Radiant Heat

Snow is on its way, and if your resolution for the New Year is to live a greener life, radiant snow melting systems are a great place to start. Electric snow melting is simply kinder to the environment. Clean, silent and compatible with renewable energy sources, electric snow melting doesn’t require harsh snow melting chemicals or additional snow removal equipment, saving your driveway, lawn and surrounding landscaping and your budget.

Radiant snow melting systems use an automatic sensor that automatically activates driveway heat when precipitation is detected and temperatures are below 39 degrees Fahrenheit. System response times are fast, so chances are good that your driveway will be clear long before your boots ever see pavement. There’s no back-breaking shoveling, waiting for a snow removal service, or supplemental snow melting chemicals required.

Unlike electric snow melting systems, snow removal chemicals have a negative impact on your lawn and surrounding landscape. Direct contact from salt spray from roadways, or from salt-laden snow that has been blown or shoveled over them can create yellow, dead patches of grass on your lawn, and cause bud death as well as twig dieback. And salt buildup in the adjacent soil formed by the repeated yearly applications of ice melting chemicals can damage plant roots, rendering them incapable of taking up water.

A high concentration of calcium chlorides can permanently damage your driveway. Heavy application of these products is most often the biggest culprit, which shortens the lifespan of concrete surfaces. In addition to the damage caused by harsh chemicals, chain marks, scratches or gouges often result from the snow removal equipment used by well-meaning commercial snow removal companies. Unlike radiant snow melting systems, there’s also a potential for damage to landscaping that comes with hiring a snow removal service.

Perhaps at this point you’re wondering just how much green a radiant snow melting system is going to cost you. Once you get past the initial cost of installation, operating a radiant heated driveway will literally cost you pennies on the dollar. Once you decide on your heating requirements, Warmzone is there to design a system to suit your needs, whether you’re outfitting a new concrete pour or an existing driveway. Warmzone has the experts and the expertise necessary to come up with an electric heated snow melting solution for your driveway that’s within your budget, without cutting corners on performance. Just think of all of the money you’ll save on lawn repair and snow removal services.

Unlike other snow removal options, outside of that slight tick upward in your electric bill, there’s no snow blower to fill with gas, snow removal service to pay, or snow melting chemicals required. An electric snow melting system is self-contained and virtually maintenance free. Just set it and forget it. The snow will be gone before you even have a chance to warm up that morning cup of joe. And if your goal is to live off the grid to the fullest extent possible, it’s a good idea to include Warmzone radiant snow melting systems in your plans. They’re fully compatible with renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.

Find out more about Warmzone radiant snow melting systems and their impact on a greener lifestyle by calling 888.488.9276.

Read Warmzone’s Green Energy Statement.

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Hot Remodeling Trends

Home Remodeling Trends you can Really Warm up to

CBS Moneywatch.com recently identified twelve trends in home remodeling for 2011. The hottest projects—bathrooms, must-do remodeling and warmer interior design projects made the top three, with green living coming in at number nine. With growing concerns over rising fuel prices and carbon footprints, it’s not surprising that more and more homeowners are investing in their homes to cut fuel consumption. Installing Warmzone radiant heated floors is a great way to keep up with remodeling trends and recoup on home improvement costs.

How does radiant heat work? Heated floors radiate heat from the floor up to keep you warm and comfortable when cold weather sets in. Two types of systems—electric heat cable and hydronic (water-based) tubing systems—when installed in the subfloor of your home act as heating elements to warm the surface above. These heating cables/tubing coordinate with a thermostat and sensors, as do traditional forced air systems, to provide heat to your home.

Heating mats being installed to heat a bathroom floor

Warmzone radiant heat is green heat. Powered by electricity, electric radiant heat cables can heat a surface in 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike forced air systems, they are room specific. With the help of sensors and a programmable thermostat you can heat one room, or heat them all quickly and efficiently, saving money on your monthly gas bill. And unlike forced air systems, they do not belch out the dust and dirt that compromises air quality in your home.

A radiant heated floor installation equals cheap equity. Heated floors give your home an impressive level of comfort and customization with minimal investment. Not sure you want to install heated floors throughout you home just yet? Warmzone offers a variety of heat cable products that can be easily installed under the subfloor of any room in your home, whether it be bathroom tile, wood or even carpet.

If, as CBS Moneywatch.com suggests, the over-arching remodeling trend for 2011 is to tackle small projects while you wait to do the really big remodeling project that’s on your list, why not start by installing heated flooring in your home.  Unlike other “one-size-fits-all” radiant heat providers, Warmzone offers an array of radiant heated flooring solutions designed to better match your individual project, and your budget. The good news—many of these floor heating products can be installed by do-it-yourself homeowners.