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Articles

ClearZone Heat Cable and Mats

It’s that time of year to dig out the coats, snow boots and Halloween costumes again. But there is still time for homeowners to decide how to spend this winter season. Will they choose to labor all season with a snow shovel to keep their walks and driveways clear, or are hoping to relax and let a heated driveway do all the work?

October is a prime month to help homeowners plan for winter. While a driveway heating system may seem like a luxury for many customers, Warmzone is making it easier than ever. Whether your customers want to heat an existing driveway or create a stylish new brick paver driveway, Warmzone offers the ideal snow melting cable – ClearZone heat cable – to keep driveways free of snow all winter long.

ClearZone snow melting heat cable in mat.

The ClearZone cables are ideal for melting snow in just about any outdoor area, including the growing trend for building outdoor living spaces for recreational and entertainment purposes. Several past articles have highlighted outdoor heating projects, such as parlors and patios, each of which utilize the CZ cables to ensure the ultimate in comfort, longevity and ease of use. An outdoor space is a great way to add value and comfort to homes, while still keeping within budget.

ClearZone heat cables are made specifically to withstand the harshest construction applications and extreme weather conditions. Durable ClearZone snow melting cables can be embedded in concrete and asphalt, as well as under brick pavers.

Many snowmelt systems are not capable of withstanding the harsh temperatures of new asphalt; and low-voltage systems do not pass the ASHRAE standard for snow melting systems. Warmzone offers one of the most comprehensive warranties on the market. Warmzone is a trusted manufacturer of radiant heat solutions and has a reputation for offering only the highest quality radiant heat products.

Installing a snow melting system eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and snow removal devices, and will increase the life span of your driveway and the value of the home. Whether you’re looking to install a heated driveway or create a new, warm outdoor space, Warmzone can help you plan a system that keeps within your customers’ budgets while providing a lifetime of benefits.

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Don’t Get Spooked by Winter Weather

Meet Winter Head on with a Radiant Snow Melting System

You’ve no doubt heard about El Niño this year and the predictions of all the so called “weather experts”. Well, the truth is, we can never fully know what Mother Nature will bring us each year. Sure, we make the most educated guess possible, but it’s still just that – a guess.

So don’t let the doomsday sayers intimidate you into believing you’ll be lucky to escape winter alive this year. Halloween may be coming, but there’s no reason to be spooked by winter too. Certainly, it’s good to be prepared and keep some important items on hand for those times when you can’t make it to the store for a day or two, but chances are that winter will come and go, and spring will greet you with a smile – just like it did last year, and the year before.

But how you choose to deal with winter is up to you. For homeowners with steep driveways or business owners with outdoor steps, ramps and busy customer access points, installing a heated driveway or snow melting system is a pretty obvious solution. Radiant snow melting systems are fully automated and operate only when needed. That means that regardless what day or time the snow falls, the systems will respond to keep your driveway or walks clear of ice and snow during all of winter’s cold assaults.

Using salt to melt snow damages lawns and nearby shrubs.

Many consumers have opted to forego stocking up on salt and other snow melting chemicals prior to winter. Some have even been swayed not only by the convenience and effectiveness of radiant heat, but because of the added benefit to the environment. Salt and snow melting chemicals, while somewhat convenient in melting snow, are not so friendly on the surrounding landscape. The adverse environmental effects of salt and snowmelt chemicals leave scars year round. When spring arrives, the bordering grass and shrubs often reveal the ugly scars from the repeated use of snow melting chemicals during the winter.

But the greatest advantages of radiant snow melting systems are their convenience, clean, silent operation and round-the-clock reliability. And electric snow melting systems are maintenance free, saving your back from shoveling and your head from aching.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

Warmzone radiant snow melting systems are easy to customize and install. In addition to offering the industry’s most reputable heat cable and system components, Warmzone also includes professional system design and installation support services. When you work with Warmzone, you are partnering with experienced professionals who see your project through – from start to end. After all, radiant heat is a considerable investment in your home, so it makes sense to deal with the best, most trusted experts in the field.

Contact a radiant heat professional at Warmzone today (888.488.9276). Warmzone also offers free installation training. For more information about our training courses, call us at 801.948.7545.

Avoid These Common Installation Mistakes!

Important Do’s and Dont’s when Installing Radiant Heat

Record Resistance Values in Warranty Card – First and foremost, keep your warranty valid by following the installation instructions and using a megohmmeter to measure the cable readings before, during and after the installation process as outlined. (The megohmmeter is a special type of ohmmeter used to measure the electrical resistance of insulators.) Measuring the cable’s ohm reading during the installation process provides the required warranty information and can reveal if any cable has been damaged during the install.

 ► Upon receiving the heat cable, check the ohm value shown on the cable tag. Write this figure in the space provided on the warranty card.
 ► Measure the ohm reading of the cable and record the results in the space provided on the warranty card.
 ► Lay the cable out and secure it so that it is ready to be embedded (under concrete, asphalt or pavers). Measure the cable’s ohm reading prior to being embedded. Record this value in the space provided on the warranty card.
 ► Apply the top layer and measure the ohm reading. Record the results in the space provided on the warranty card.
Cable Installation Tips
 ► Always maintain proper cable spacing. (Cables should be spaced no less than 2 inches apart (center-to-center) and no more than 4 inches, center to center. Minimum spacing is 2 inches. Maximum cable spacing is 4 inches.)
 ► Never allow the cables to cross or touch each other.
 ► Never cut the heating cable.
 ► In concrete and asphalt applications, the installed heating cable should be 2 inches from the finished surface. (The heating cable should never be resting on the ground prior to the pour.)
 ► Never run heating cable through an expansion joint. (Make sure the joint is tooled or cut NO deeper than 1¼-inches. The cable must be ¾ to 1-inch below the bottom of the joint.)
 ► Do not flex or strain the cable splice by pulling on the cable. All of the cable must be embedded, including the entire splice and 6-inches of cold lead.
 ► Avoid kinking or bending the cable sharply (which causes the insulation to “bubble” and pull away from the cable).
 ► When installing heat cable in paver applications, make certain that there is ½-inch of compacted paver sand or stone dust on top of the heating cables or mats. (Cables must be completely encased with no air gaps.)

Radiant heat warranty card
      Warranty card for snow melting system.

Do not hesitate to take advantage of Warmzone’s personal installation support services. We have dedicated experts on hand to assist installers, so if you have any questions during the installation process, our electricians and designers are happy to assist you. Warmzone also offers free installation training, both in-house as well as training via web seminar. It is our goal to ensure that our customers are happy and that each system is installed correctly and performing as intended.

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Warmzone Roof Deicing Systems

Low-Voltage, Self-Regulating System Helps to Prevent Damage

Another brutal winter is looming on the horizon. It seems that average snowfalls are increasing while winter temperatures are decreasing for much of the country, and climatologists are predicting heavier than normal snowfall and colder than average temperatures. . Fortunately, there are steps you can take now to deal with brutal winters – especially when it comes to protecting your roof and home from snow and ice damage.

The RoofHeat STEP system features a unique and highly effective low-voltage heating element that can be installed discreetly under shingle or even metal roofs to prevent ice dams from forming and facilitating runoff in roof valleys. The system utilizes a thin polymer heating element that can be nailed and stapled through, and cut on site, facilitating quick, easy installation. The flexible heating element is polypropylene fused during fabrication to ensure that the panel is protected against UV rays and other potential damages.

Low-voltage heating element

Installing the RoofHeat STEP roof deicing system along the edge of the roof can eliminate ice dams from forming. Ice dams are by far the biggest culprit when it comes to costly roof and water damage. Ice dams typically form when heat escapes the attic to warm the snow on the roof. There, it melts during the day and trickles down towards the roof edges. Because there is no attic along the roof edges, the roof is colder and the water refreezes near the edge of the roof. Each day more water runs down to this point and accumulates near the roof’s edge to form a considerable dam of ice. As water pools behind the dam, it can seep into small cracks and expand as it refreezes, causing damage to the roof and even finding its way into the home. This is where expensive water damage can take place – often beginning well before the homeowner is aware of any problem.

Warmzone offers an ideal way to protect homes and businesses from water damage. RoofHeat panels feature attractive aluminum panels with self-regulating heat cable. The panels are installed long the roof edge between the waterproof membrane and the shingle. The roof heating panels are supplied in 4-foot lengths and can be cut to length on site. Self-regulating heat cable is channeled through the panel, creating an effective roof deicing system that efficiently warms the roof edges help prevent ice dams from forming. The aluminum panels can also be installed in roof valleys to facilitate runoff.

Features of the RoofHeat STEP Roof Deicing System

  • Panels can be nailed or stapled through (but do not penetrate the bus braids.
  • Low-voltage, self regulating system is extremely energy efficient.
  • Different panel widths are available to heat roof edges, valleys and gutters.
  • The system is fully automated and operates quietly.
  • Heating element comes in rolls that can be installed quickly and easily.
  • The heating element is installed discreetly under the shingles.
  • The versatile heating element can be installed under metal roofs.
  • Warmzone includes professional system design and installation support services. To view a system installation overview, visit the Installing Heated Roofs general overview web page.

Contact a Warmzone representative at 888.488.9276 for more information on our industry leading roof deicing solutions. There are many options available, and Warmzone will design a roof heating system that is tailored to your specific roof heating needs. Call for more information or send us your project details for a free quote.

El Niño Expected to Affect Winter Weather in Northern America

According to climatologists, a colossal weather event is brewing in the Pacific. Every few years, the Earth’s winds shift and the water in the Pacific Ocean gets warmer than usual. This effect, called an El Niño, not only affects winter in the U.S., but can also impact weather on a global scale. According to climatologists, conditions in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific ocean are showing the potential for a record-breaking El Niño weather event. While predicting the weather is still somewhat of a guessing game, scientists are confident that this El Niño is going to impact winter weather in the U.S. – to what extent, we can’t say for certain. But given the current conditions in the Pacific, meteorologists are warning U.S. residents of a potential record-breaking El Niño.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

Fox News reports that the current El Niño, nicknamed Bruce Lee, is already the second strongest on record for this time of year and could be one of the most potent weather changers of the past 65 years. The NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, stated in its latest forecast release that this year’s El Niño is “significant and strengthening.”

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac this year’s El Niño will deliver a wetter than normal winter to much of Northern America, as well as impact weather conditions on a global scale. The weather reference book predicts “super cold temperatures with heavier than normal snowfall” for much of the country.

With recent and projected winters of increasingly colder temperatures and heavier precipitation, consumers are searching for reliable, round-the-clock snow removal solutions. Automated heated driveways and snow melting systems have proven to be the answer for many businesses and homeowners.

ClearZone snow melting systems have long served as the best, most trusted method for keeping driveways, sidewalks, ramps and steps free from snow and ice buildup. The snow melting systems feature industry leading heat cable and state-of-the-art snow sensors and controllers combined with professional system design and installation support services.

By teaming with Warmzone, customers have the peace of mind knowing that they are dealing with experienced professionals who go the extra mile in terms of customer service. By providing a detailed AutoCAD of the snow melting system, installers know all the technical information such as power requirements, breaker sizes, etc., prior to any installation taking place. And Warmzone’s dedicated installation support experts are on hand to assist you during the installation process if you need. At Warmzone, we do much more than sell radiant heat systems. We understand that a snow melting system is only as good as its installation. While industry leading heat cable and components are important, they are of little benefit if not installed correctly.

That’s why Warmzone insists on providing unparalleled customer support and installation services. And in addition to receiving your system design and installation support, Warmzone also offers free installation training courses. Installers may call Warmzone and receive personal training online or visit Warmzone headquarters in Salt Lake City to attend training courses in person.

After the training, installers receive a certificate of completion from Warmzone, and future projects can then be referred to those trained installers with experience. This not only helps installers gain more business, but helps homeowners by referring construction professionals who have been trained and are experienced when it comes to installing radiant heat systems.

Given Warmzone’s unmatched customer services and top tier products, it’s no surprise why Warmzone is a favorite among professional builders. So if you’re looking to install a heated driveway – or floors, or roof deicing system – go with the experienced pros who will stand beside you throughout the design and installation process. Installing a radiant heat system is a smart investment in your home, so do it right and go with the friendly professionals you can trust – Warmzone.

For more information about Warmzone products and services, call888.488.9276.

HOTNEWS

Warmzone Slab Heating Cable

Warmzone’s In-Slab Floor Heating Cable is Tops in Efficiency

If you’re looking for a way to efficiently, effectively heat concrete floors, In-slab radiant heat cable is much less expensive than hydronic radiant heat and much more effective. Designed for installation in new concrete slab applications, this cable can heat a variety of surfaces quickly, from carpet to tile, hardwood and more.

By its very nature, in-slab heat systems require less upfront investment, are much easier to install and feature much quicker response times. Consider hydronic systems–they’ve been around the longest, and are definitely a reliable source of heat. However, these systems rely on a boiler and a network of pex tubing to heat concrete surfaces, making their installation and configuration much more labor and cash intensive. A boiler is also required to heat the water first, before pumping it through a series of pex tubes embedded in the concrete, resulting in a significant pause before the water is warm enough to generate any heat.

Radiant heated floor and roll of In-Slab floor heating cable

Conversely, In-slab radiant heat cables are controlled by a technologically advanced, easy-to-used thermostat with a built in GFCI and an in-floor sensor. And radiant heat cables do not share the same rigidity in design and installation as hydronic Pex tubing does. Extremely bendable, electric radiant heating cable can be bent to fit into tight spots and can be installed to fit the most challenging spaces. Once installed, a turn (or pre-programming) of the thermostat dial allows the system to generate heat within just a few minutes.

Durable, rugged and waterproof, In-slab heating cable is designed to work under a variety of surfaces, wet or dry. The cable produces 10-15 watts per square foot of concrete surface, making it equally perfect for small, custom, residential applications and large commercial jobs. Quick activation times and heat storage within the concrete slab also end up saving you money in the long run. The In-Slab heating system is one of the most efficient floor heating systems available.

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, choosing electric radiant heat over a hydronic system can also save you some hand-wringing and a few bucks to boot. Laying out of series of Pex tubing for a hydronic system requires some serious planning and coordination as the pipes are assembled, connected and sealed. In addition to In-Slab heat cable that is provided on spools, floor heating cable is also available in easy-to-roll-out mats that can be installed directly under the flooring. Visit Warmzone’s ComfortTile floor heating web pages to learn more about this electric radiant heat cable that can be purchased right off of the spool or in pre-configured mats. It’s another industry leading floor heating solution that can be used to heat a variety of floor surfaces.

Contemplating an electric radiant floor heating system? Be sure to contact Warmzone for more information on the benefits of In-slab and ComfortTile radiant heat cable at 888.488.9276.

Warmzone’s Professional System Design Services are Second to None

Heated floors and heated driveways can take a very little time to coordinate and install with the right company behind you. Warmzone can take all of the guesswork out of your installation with one simple phone call, so you can get back to boating or barbecuing. What makes Warmzone your best bet for radiant heat installation? They offer a vast selection of premiere products at very competitive prices, along with deep industry knowledge, allowing them to quickly assess your needs to deliver the perfection radiant heat system for you.

Professional radiant heat system design

In addition to offering the highest quality radiant heat products, you’ll get unmatched customer service and complete design services. Unlike your typical big box one-size-fits-all solutions, Warmzone custom designs radiant heated driveways, heated floors, and roof deicing systems to ensure they meet each project’s specific needs. Warmzone understands that regardless of the quality of your system components, a radiant heating system is only as good as its installation. In addition to Warmzone’s personal installation support services, you’ll receive a computer-aided professional system design, giving you all of the specs, from power needs to performance expectations including load calculations, and breaker sizes.

Warmzone’s complementary engineering and design services have set the industry’s gold standard when it comes to accurate, professional system layouts. These technical drawings minimize any issues you may encounter by providing you with all the necessary information prior to any installation taking place. This saves you the time and helps to ensure that your system is installed correctly and performing as advertised.

No matter what your requirements, Warmzone has the experience and expertise to deliver whatever you dare to dream up, whether it be a basic design or custom patio, walkway and steps scribbled on a cocktail napkin over lunch. If you’re not sure what the best solution for your project is, Warmzone can show you the many custom options that are available and walk you through the process from conception to completion. With free quote services, they’re often a good place to start your research, and often the logical place most consumers return to after they’ve shopped around. Warmzone’s dedicated installation support personnel are available to assist you should you have any questions during the installation process. Warmzone also offers free installation training for installers. You won’t find a more dedicated, knowledgeable and helpful staff than that of Warmzone.

At Warmzone, competence and quality win the day, every time. For more information on Warmzone’s system design and engineering services, call888.488.9276.

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Calculating the Operating Costs

Estimating the Cost of a Radiant Heat System

One of the most common questions among prospective buyers of radiant heat systems is: “How much will it cost to run the system?” While there are many factors that contribute to the answer of this question, we still can offer a formula that will help you determine what you can expect in terms of operating costs.

Keep in mind that the operating cost of a snow melting system will depend on the specifics of the system. Warmzone custom designs each snow melting system to ensure peak performance and energy efficiency. Radiant snow melting systems are designed specifically for the winter conditions in your area. Everything from altitude and average snowfall is considered as well as average winter temperatures. Before using the formula shown here to calculate the operating cost of your snow melting system, you’ll first need to know the kilowatt per hour rates of your local power utility company. These rates vary from region to region, so we used the average kilowatt per hour rate for the formula attached.

Operating cost calculation for radiant heat system in asphalt

Warmzone’s experienced design team configures your snow melting system to best meet your snowmelt needs in the most efficient manner possible. The ClearZone snow melting heat cable is a proven industry leader that is available on spools or pre-spaced in mats for simple “roll-out” installation.

While systems vary, residential snow melting systems typically operate at 37 watts per square foot while commercial snow melting systems operate at 50 watts per square foot. The formula shown here would therefore change accordingly and you would multiply the square footage by 50.

Estimating the Cost for Operating an Electric Snow Melting System

 ❶ Determine the total square footage of the area that will be affected.
 ❷ Multiply the square footage by the heat required (e.g., 37 watts per square foot for residential). This will give you a total for the watts per square footage required.
 ❸ Divide this number by 1,000 to convert to kilowatts.
 ❹ Look up the kilowatts-per-hour rate from the local power utility company.
 ❺ Multiply the total watts-per-square-foot by the watts-per-hour.
 ❻ This gives you the cost per hour of usage for the snow melting system.

To find out more about Warmzone’s industry-leading snow melting systems, call 888.488.9276 and speak to a Warmzone professional today.

Warmzone to Release Instructional Videos

On Tap – Online Resource for Instructional Radiant Heat Videos

If a picture is worth a thousand words – as the saying goes – how much is a video worth?

“Invaluable”, said Troy Lindsay, general contractor and owner of PAE construction in Denver, Colorado.

While installing a radiant heat system is a not an extremely difficult task, it is still crucial to follow the correct procedures to ensure the system performs as intended. Considering the importance of proper installation, Warmzone extends the industry’s most extensive customer services. These customer offerings include personal installation support, detailed system design / layout services, and free installation training courses. These valuable services give professional builders distinct advantages when it comes to purchasing and installing radiant heat. The addition of an extensive online resource of instructional videos will further benefit contractors and simplify the installation process.

A veteran installer of commercial and residential radiant heat projects, Lindsay understands the value of instructional videos. “Having access to training videos will be an asset to installers everywhere,” he added. “It’s great being able to talk with electricians and designers at Warmzone during the installation process, but sometimes it really helps to be able to SEE what is being explained. Videos help to make things clear and can help keep Warmzone and installers on the same page and on track during the installation. Ultimately, the videos can save us time and money in the long run, and every contractor likes the sound of that!” he concluded.

How to videos for installing radiant heat from Warmzone

Warmzone senior training and support specialist, Jim Sage, reiterates the value of the soon-to-be-released video library.

“Many installers take advantage of our free installation training program, and after they complete our course and receive a certificate of completion, we can refer additional business to them. But sometimes we work with construction personnel who have not completed one of our training sessions. It’s one thing to explain a process over the phone, but going over the procedure and then having them view it online clarifies things and gives installers the knowhow to proceed with confidence. And the videos are not only advantageous to us and installers, they can also protect homeowners by providing clear methods and procedures that can help ensure the proper installation of their radiant heat systems.”

Watch for Warmzone’s new online video library launch, and take advantage of the information provided by Warmzone. In addition to our superior customer services, Warmzone radiant heat systems are at the top of their class and can be customized to accommodate virtually any type of radiant heat application. For more information on installing an interior or exterior radiant heating system before next winter, call a Warmzone pro at 888.488.9276.

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Superior Products and Unmatched Services

Warmzone Sets the Gold Standard When it Comes to Customer Service

Tis’ the season for construction and home improvement projects, but finding the right provider and installer for your radiant heat installation can be tricky business. That’s why you should work with experienced pros who emphasize COMPLETE solutions and unparalleled customer services – like Warmzone. So, what’s Warmzone got that the others haven’t?

Knowledgeable Experts who Actually Listen. If you’re on the fence about an installation, no worries. Warmzone professionals are always available to answer your questions. If you’re interested in a radiant heat solution, Warmzone can work with you to determine which system and design is best for your specific radiant heat needs.

Snow melting system installed under pavers

Lots of Choices. Awesome Prices. Warmzone’s selection of radiant heat systems and products represent a wide variety of the best solutions in the industry. Offering more than one brand gives Warmzone the flexibility and freedom to dial in a system that’s just right for your home, and your budget.

Inclusive Design Services. All Warmzone custom radiant heat solutions come with a professional system design at no extra cost to you. You’ll know all the technical specs and power requirements before any heat cable is laid out. Warmzone designers are experienced pros when it comes to designing the most effective and energy efficient system possible for each unique installation. This ultimately saves you time and money, and eliminates any costly “surprises” during the installation.

A resource of Qualified Installers. No matter what system you purchase, a radiant heat system will only be as good as its installation. Warmzone understands that finding the right installer can be a bit of a crap shoot for homeowners. Despite having the best radiant heat system components, it can all be for naught if your contractor isn’t up to the job.

Warmzone can help take the guesswork out of the hiring process. In addition to maintaining relationships with professional installers throughout the country, Warmzone also provides free installation training. This means that Warmzone can recommend contractors in your area who are trained in radiant heat installation. This is just one more service in Warmzone’s long list of comprehensive customer services.

Excellent Follow-up. Ever get the feeling that your contractor steps into a project with one foot out the door? At Warmzone, your customer service experience doesn’t end with your purchase. They’ll stay with you throughout the installation process to ensure that your system is installed correctly and performing as it should.

Lots of Support. When you call Warmzone the voice at the other end of the phone is an expert in radiant heat solutions who can answer questions regarding your installation. Installation support is included with every system Warmzone sells.

With any big home improvement purchase comes some serious homework. If you’re shopping products and/or contractors, add Warmzone to your list of possibilities by simply calling 888.488.9276.

Warmzone’s Industry Leading Product Line

Warmzone Offers a Wide Variety of the Industry’s Most Proven Radiant Heat Solutions
When it comes to selection, you’ll find products, products and more products are what makes Warmzone excel in delivering outstanding radiant heat system quality. Unlike many radiant heat providers, Warmzone is not locked into selling customers ONE brand or type of system or heating element. Warmzone offers a wide variety of the industry’s top radiant heat solutions for interior and exterior applications.

Just how vast is their product selection? Warmzone offers a great opportunity to shop brand names and systems that can be installed under virtually any type surface, for virtually any type of application, indoors or out. Consider, for example, Warmzone’s impressive selection of proven, radiant floor heating applications:

Floor Heating Solutions

ComfortTile – Designed specifically for heating ceramic tile floors, this proven industry leader is compatible with all standard sub-flooring materials and can effectively heat virtually all types of floor surfaces.

FloorHeat – This thin, low-voltage polymer heating element can be installed directly under laminate and hardwood floors to deliver luxurious warmth without any floor build-up.

In-Slab Heat Cable – Designed for installation in new concrete slab applications to efficiently store and distribute heat.

RetroHeat – Allows you to heat existing floors. By accessing the floor joists from below, the thin heating element is stapled up in the floor joist and then insulation is applied to efficiently direct the heat upwards to warm your existing floor.

FilmHeat – This paper thin heating element can be cut on site to deliver moderate heat to laminate surfaces without buildup.

FoilHeat radiant floor heating system

FoilHeat – Incredibly thin and efficient floor heating mats for use under laminate, wood, glued hardwood and other types of floating floors.

Hydronic – Lightweight aluminum Rau panels with flex tubing is the premier hydronic radiant heat solution, and is easy to customize for your specific project needs.

To address your needs outside, Warmzone offers industry-leading products designed for concrete, paver, and even hot asphalt installations, as well as the top roof deicing and gutter melt solutions. Warmzone snow melting systems are second to none, and you can take your pick from heat cable off the spool or preconfigured in easy-to-install mats. In addition to its embedded snowmelt systems, Warmzone also offers portable snow melting solutions.

Regardless of your situation, be it time, budget or application, Warmzone has a product and design to best meet your requirements. For more information on their complete line of radiant heat solutions, call 888.488.9276.

Articles

Radiant Heated Driveway Systems – a Safe, Energy-efficient Alternative to Manual Snow Removal

Summer and fall are the best times of the year to install a heated driveway. Many homeowners still recall the previous winter and want to be better prepared for the next cold season. With rising energy costs, Warmzone focuses on energy saving radiant heating options that are appealing to homeowners.

Installing a radiant heated driveway is one way to take away some of the dread of winter. Planning for the next winter before the bad weather hits makes perfect sense. In recent years, the country has endured particularly harsh winters; and ice and snow make getting out of the driveway dangerous, and sometimes, even impossible.

Electric snow melting systems designed for heating driveways, parking areas and walkways are in high demand. “Snow blowers, shoveling, and plowing are cumbersome ways to clear driveways,” says Brandon Weaver, executive vice president of Warmzone. “Homeowners are installing radiant heated driveway systems instead. It’s safer and often more energy efficient.”

Warmzone, a premiere radiant heat company with a large variety of radiant heat solutions, recommends ClearZone snow melting systems. The ClearZone cable is a durable heating cable built specifically for heating driveways, sidewalks and other areas that require snow removal. Installing under-pavement radiant heat systems are ideal because they eliminate a lot of safety risks of people falling or cars sliding.

ClearZone heating cable is designed to produce 30-50 watts per square foot and is programmable to automate the process of heating a driveway. This is an electric radiant heating system, similar to indoor floor heating systems. Electric systems use a line-voltage cable, while hydronic systems generate hot water then pump it through plastic PEX tubing. Electric heating elements are embedded in the surface and use resistant heating to heat the surrounding area. Most systems incorporate an automatic sensor that detects inclement weather to activate the system. The electric radiant heat systems tend to be more efficient, require less maintenance, and heat surfaces quicker. A heated driveway is a great investment and will enhance the value of a home.

The cost to maintain a heated driveway is less than hiring someone to shovel snow. Your concrete lasts longer because you’re not using salt or harsh chemicals (or a plow) to melt or remove ice and snow. Electric snow melting is simple yet durable, and requires no maintenance.

If your driveway needs to be replaced, pouring new concrete is ideal in warmer weather. Warm temperatures allow the concrete to cure properly, which increases the cement’s durability. So, if you are building a home, consider an automated snow melting system before you begin construction. A heated driveway is easier to install now, and it will add safety and value to your property.

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Warmzone Roof Deicing Panels

Prevent Ice Dams from Forming

As we look forward to a warm summer, many residents in the north east are still reeling from the costly effects of record snowfall. Ice dams continue to be winter’s biggest culprit when it comes to roof damage.

Warm air slowly escapes from the home and into the attic where it warms the roof, causing snow to melt. As the runoff trickles down the roof, it reaches the eaves. Because the eaves extend out over the edges of the house, there is no warm air from the attic below. In the evening, the runoff will reach the cold eaves and refreeze. There, the ice continues to build up as more snow melts. The wall of ice causes water to build up behind it, refreezing every time the temperature dips below 32°Fahrenheit.

When the water pools up behind these ice dams, it can seep into tiny cracks in the roofing material where it refreezes and expands. This repeated process can eventually compromise the structure. Water can slowly work its way into the attic and then drip through the ceiling or down walls. Oftentimes the homeowner is not aware of any problem until significant water damage has occurred.

Heat roof edges with aluminum heated panels

Warmzone offers an ideal way to protect homes and businesses from water damage. RoofHeat panels feature attractive aluminum panels with self-regulating heat cable. The panels are installed long the roof edge between the waterproof membrane and the shingle. The roof heating panels are supplied in 4-foot lengths and can be cut to length on site. Self-regulating heat cable is channeled through the panel, creating an effective roof deicing system that efficiently warms the roof edges help prevent ice dams from forming. The aluminum panels can also be installed in roof valleys to facilitate runoff.

Features of the RoofHeat Panels Include:

  • Panels are made of aluminum
  • Deicing cables are inserted into the cable channel
  • Systems feature self-regulating heat cable
  • Shingles are installed on top of the panel, only the cable channel is visible
  • Panels can be painted to match the shingle color
  • Panels are 4-feet long and 6-inches wide with a cable channel
  • Panels that feature a slanted cable channel mount along the roof edge
  • Panels that feature a flat cable channel mount above the roof edge and along the inside of the valleys

Contact a Warmzone representative at 888.488.9276 for more information on our industry leading roof deicing solutions. There are many options available, and Warmzone will design a roof heating system that is unique to your specific roof heating needs. Call for more information or send us your project details for a free quote.

Pipe Trace Systems

Solutions for Industrial, Commercial and Residential Applications
As a leading provider of radiant heat solutions, Warmzone has earned its reputation as a trusted industry leader. Having designed systems that have been installed in large refineries, commercial facilities and custom residential applications, Warmzone’s expertise is a valuable asset to businesses or homeowners seeking a reliable pipe trace solution.

Image showing industrial pipes and valve with heat trace cable

Warmzone pipe trace systems can be installed for pipe freeze prevention as well as process temperature maintenance installations. The self-regulating heat cable is UL listed and approved for hazardous and non-hazardous applications. It can be used for plastic or metal pipe freeze protection and flow maintenance of pipes, tanks, valves.

The self-regulating characteristics of the heat cable means that it automatically varies its power output in response to pipe temperature changes. When the ambient temperature rises, the electrical resistance increases and the consumption of electricity decreases. This ensures energy-efficient operation. The cable will also not overheat or burnout – even when touching or overlapping.

Additionally, because of the self-regulating properties, a thermostat may not be necessary in some applications. With the optional outer jacket, the heating cable is resistant to watery and inorganic chemicals and protected against abrasion and impact damage. RHSR is suitable for use in explosion-hazardous areas up to a maximally admissible work-place temperature of +149° F (65° C).

Pipe trace system installed on industrial piping

Features Include:
Energy Efficient Operation – The self-regulating cable automatically varies its power output in response to pipe temperature changes. When the ambient temperature rises, the electrical resistance increases and the consumption of electricity decreases, ensuring energy-efficient operation. And the cable will not overheat or burnout – even when touching or overlapping.

Lower Cost – Less installation cost than steam tracing; less maintenance expense and less downtime.

Safe / Durable – Does not overheat or burn out, even when touching or overlapping.

Versatile – Suitable for use in non-hazardous, hazardous and corrosive environments.

Easy Installation – The cable can be cut to any length required on site (up to max circuit length) so there’s no wasted cable. And the termination, power connection, splice, tee, and end seal kit reduces installation time and requires no special skills or tools.

Heat Cable Options Include:
Tinned copper braid provides additional mechanical protection and a positive ground path

Flame retardant thermoplastic outer jacket protects against certain inorganic chemical solutions. It also protects against abrasion and impact damage.

The high-temperature Fluoropolymer outer jacket is used when there may be exposure to organic or corrosive solutions, or vapors may be present.

RHSR is UL listed, self-regulating parallel heating cable designed for a variety of industrial applications and environments, including hazardous and nonhazardous. It can be used for plastic or metal pipe freeze protection and flow maintenance of pipes, tanks, valves.

For more information about Warmzone’s products and services, call 888.488.9276. 

HOTNEWS

Pipe Trace Systems

Solutions for Industrial, Commercial and Residential Applications

As a leading provider of radiant heat solutions, Warmzone has earned its reputation as a trusted industry leader. Having designed systems that have been installed in large refineries, commercial facilities and custom residential applications, Warmzone’s expertise is a valuable asset to businesses or homeowners seeking a reliable pipe trace solution.

Heat cable on pipes for pipe tracing system

Warmzone pipe trace systems can be installed for pipe freeze prevention as well as process temperature maintenance installations. The self-regulating heat cable is UL listed and approved for hazardous and non-hazardous applications. It can be used for plastic or metal pipe freeze protection and flow maintenance of pipes, tanks, valves.

The self-regulating characteristics of the heat cable means that it automatically varies its power output in response to pipe temperature changes. When the ambient temperature rises, the electrical resistance increases and the consumption of electricity decreases. This ensures energy-efficient operation. The cable will also not overheat or burnout – even when touching or overlapping.

Additionally, because of the self-regulating properties, a thermostat may not be necessary in some applications. With the optional outer jacket, the heating cable is resistant to watery and inorganic chemicals and protected against abrasion and impact damage. RHSR is suitable for use in explosion-hazardous areas up to a maximally admissible work-place temperature of +149° F (65° C).

Features Include:

Energy Efficient Operation – The self-regulating cable automatically varies its power output in response to pipe temperature changes. When the ambient temperature rises, the electrical resistance increases and the consumption of electricity decreases, ensuring energy-efficient operation. And the cable will not overheat or burnout – even when touching or overlapping.

Lower Cost – Less installation cost than steam tracing; less maintenance expense and less downtime.

Pipe trace heating cable installed

Safe / Durable – Does not overheat or burn out, even when touching or overlapping.

Versatile – Suitable for use in non-hazardous, hazardous and corrosive environments.

Easy Installation – The cable can be cut to any length required on site (up to max circuit length) so there’s no wasted cable. And the termination, power connection, splice, tee, and end seal kit reduces installation time and requires no special skills or tools.

Heat Cable Options Include:

Tinned copper braid provides additional mechanical protection and a positive ground path

Flame retardant thermoplastic outer jacket protects against certain inorganic chemical solutions. It also protects against abrasion and impact damage.

The high-temperature Fluoropolymer outer jacket is used when there may be exposure to organic or corrosive solutions, or vapors may be present.

RHSR is UL listed, self-regulating parallel heating cable designed for a variety of industrial applications and environments, including hazardous and nonhazardous. It can be used for plastic or metal pipe freeze protection and flow maintenance of pipes, tanks, valves.

For more information about Warmzone’s products and services, call888.488.9276. 

Warmzone Roof Deicing Panels

Prevent Ice Dams from Forming

As we look forward to a warm summer, many residents in the north east are still reeling from the costly effects of record snowfall. Ice dams continue to be winter’s biggest culprit when it comes to roof damage.

Warm air slowly escapes from the home and into the attic where it warms the roof, causing snow to melt. As the runoff trickles down the roof, it reaches the eaves. Because the eaves extend out over the edges of the house, there is no warm air from the attic below. In the evening, the runoff will reach the cold eaves and refreeze. There, the ice continues to build up as more snow melts. The wall of ice causes water to build up behind it, refreezing every time the temperature dips below 32°Fahrenheit.

When the water pools up behind these ice dams, it can seep into tiny cracks in the roofing material where it refreezes and expands. This repeated process can eventually compromise the structure. Water can slowly work its way into the attic and then drip through the ceiling or down walls. Oftentimes the homeowner is not aware of any problem until significant water damage has occurred.

Warmzone offers an ideal way to protect homes and businesses from water damage. RoofHeat panels feature attractive aluminum panels with self-regulating heat cable. The panels are installed long the roof edge between the waterproof membrane and the shingle. The roof heating panels are supplied in 4-foot lengths and can be cut to length on site. Self-regulating heat cable is channeled through the panel, creating an effective roof deicing system that efficiently warms the roof edges help prevent ice dams from forming. The aluminum panels can also be installed in roof valleys to facilitate runoff.

Roof heating panel and heat cable

Features of the RoofHeat Panels Include:

  • Panels are made of aluminum
  • Deicing cables are inserted into the cable channel
  • Systems feature self-regulating heat cable
  • Shingles are installed on top of the panel, only the cable channel is visible
  • Panels can be painted to match the shingle color
  • Panels are 4-feet long and 6-inches wide with a cable channel
  • Panels that feature a slanted cable channel mount along the roof edge
  • Panels that feature a flat cable channel mount above the roof edge and along the inside
    of the valleys

Contact a Warmzone representative at 888.488.9276 for more information on our industry leading roof deicing solutions. There are many options available, and Warmzone will design a roof heating system that is unique to your specific roof heating needs. Call for more information or send us your project details for a free quote.

HOTNEWS

Brutal Winters Predicted

Scientists Predict Extreme Winters to Continue for the Next 30 Years

Climatologist John Casey, a former space shuttle engineer and NASA consultant, believes that we’re in for decades of unusually cold winters with greater snowfall. And Casey isn’t alone in his claims. Noted Russian astrophysicist Habibullo I. Abdussamatov has even gone so far as to argue that a new mini-ice age has just begun.

While Casey isn’t proclaiming the dawning of a new ice age, he does say that the facts indicate we are entering a new cold era. In a recent interview with Newsmax, Casey declared, “All you have to do is trust natural cycles and follow the facts, and that leads you to the inevitable conclusion that the sun controls the climate, and that a new cold era has begun.”

Radiant heated driveway in Colorado.

According to weather experts, a decline in solar activity has kick-started a major alteration in global climate that is projected to last at least 30 years. The prospect of frigid winters with record snowfall for the next several decades is not a pleasant one, but there are steps one can take to ease the pain of the upcoming “mega winters”.

Installing an automated snow melting system can ease the burden considerably, and even save you money in the long run. Warmzone offers affordable snow and ice melting options designed to keep your driveway, sidewalks, steps, and roofs clear of ice and snow – eliminating the need for manual snow removal. Every snowmelt system utilizes industry leading ClearZone heat cable that is easy to install and can be used in almost every type of snow melting application. Available on spools or in mats with tape backing for easy roll-out installation. (There is no mesh backing to impede concrete pours, making Warmzone solutions the optimum choice when it comes to installing radiant heat in concrete projects.) Self-regulating heat cable and RoofHeat STEP systems are used for roof deicing.

Why Invest in a Warmzone Snow Melting System? 

Fully Automated: You’ll get a fully automated snow removal solution that can sense and respond to snow before it can accumulate. ClearZone systems are activated by aerial- or pavement-mounted snow sensors that signal a small wall-mounted control unit to activate the system when needed. Each system also features a manual on/off switch to deal with snowdrifts or ice that has formed in shade.

Fast Response Time: Warmzone’s electric snow melting systems feature rapid response times, heating your driveway quickly and efficiently.

Enhances Safety: Radiant heat systems offer instant, consistent protection from slips and falls caused by icy steps, walkways and driveways.

Easy to Customize: Warmzone snow melting systems are easy to customize, so you can install a system that meets your specific snowmelt needs as well as your budget. Check out some of the snow melting options.

Energy Efficient: Minimal operation times and low operating costs will save you money and time over the life of your system.

Maintenance Free: These systems are virtually maintenance free, and backed by one of the best warranties in the business, for years of confident operation.

These are just some of the benefits you can expect from a radiant heated driveway. But what really makes Warmzone a great choice for radiant heat is the level of customer service you can expect. Contacting them gives you immediate access to radiant heat professionals with deep industry knowledge, knowledge they are eager to pass on to you at no cost.

When dealing with Warmzone, you’ll benefit from free installation support and in-house engineering and design services. You can get a schematic of your entire design system, plus a solid understanding of system requirements. Warmzone also offers free installation training and an abundance of information online. For a complete radiant heat solution, there’s no better partner than Warmzone. To find out more about Warmzone’s industry leading products and service, call 888.488.9276 today.

The Advantages of Warmzone Snow Melting Mats

The Tape Backing of ClearZone Mats Facilitates Proper Concrete Pours
Radiant heated driveways offer many benefits; however, a snow melting system is the sum of its parts and only as good as its design and installation. While there are many products available, Warmzone systems have proven to be the clear favorites among professional installers. These tried and tested solutions are carefully considered by Warmzone “resident” professionals with deep industry knowledge and experience. What does this mean for you? When dealing with Warmzone, you have a wide selection of affordable products that outperform the competition in all phases of installation and performance.

Consider a recent conversation between a Warmzone professional and an experienced installer. The installer preferred to avoid using electric snow melting mats based on an experience with a competitor’s heating mats years earlier. During the concrete installation, he noticed a significant issue. The mesh backing on the competitor’s mats impeded the concrete pour, which dramatically affected the quality of the concrete installation. When the concrete cannot flow through the mats, small air pockets can result, resulting in a weakened driveway that is susceptible to cracking and collapsing.

ClearZone snow melting heat cable in mat.

For the installer’s next radiant heat install, he opted for heat cable off the spool to ensure a proper concrete pour. As effective as the cable can be, cable off the spool requires more installation time, as the cable must be secured to the remesh with zip ties every 6 to 12 inches.

Shortly after that installation, the installer made a business-boosting discovery. After expressing his concerns with Warmzone, the installer learned that Warmzone snow melting mats offer significant advantages over similar products. Because of the unique construction of Warmzone snow melting mats, concrete maintains its integrity by enjoying an unimpeded pour. Not only is Warmzone heat cable the premier heating cable on the market, but the mats have become the solution of choice for concrete installers.

When it comes to performance and durability, the spacing between the runs of cable, tape and mesh backing truly matter. Warmzone’s ClearZone radiant snow melting mats utilize tape (without a mesh backing) to properly maintain their overall integrity during installation. Because ClearZone mats don’t include a mesh backing, concrete can flow through the mats during a fresh concrete pour, ensuring a strong driveway that will not buckle or cave over time, while enjoying superior performance characteristics.

The ClearZone snowmelt system is an industry leader, and the premier snow and ice melting solution for both commercial and residential applications. ClearZone electric snow melting cable is extremely durable and versatile, and can be used for a variety of residential and commercial applications, from fresh concrete pours, to installation under hot asphalt and stone pavers. On the spool, ClearZone cable allows for greater flexibility in terms of custom layouts, including hard-to-reach, intricate configurations for steps and sidewalks.

Whether you’re embarking on a radiant heat project yourself, or you’ve enlisted the assistance of a contractor yourself, you’d be wise to enlist the help of Warmzone. Warmzone provides professional system design/layout, so you know all the power requirements and technical specs before a foot of cable is installed. You’ll also have access to free installation support from an experienced pro. For more information about Warmzone’s products and services, call 888.488.9276.