All posts by Warmzone Editor

So Happy We Invested in Radiant Heated Floors

Solution: RetroHeat Floor Heating System

I just wanted to let you know how our living room/dining room retrofit with radiant under floor heat went.  The RetroHeat system has been wonderful.  Of course, we are out of the cold season now, but it totally changed the ambiance in our living room/dining room.  The floor was warm and  the room was warmer and we are so happy we made the investment in doing this.  And it is not even our main source of heat, but it has been so inexpensive to operate and makes the living space so comfortable.

RetroHeat floor heating systems can be installed to heat existing floors

I want to thank you so much for hanging in there with us thru the design and all the little things that are bound to happen with an installation like this.  You were always so quick to get back to me/us, and so helpful in getting the glitches get worked out when they happened.

I cannot recommend you, Warmzone and the product too highly.  We would do it again in a heartbeat.  Thanks so much!

Your very satisfied and grateful customer,

Betsy W.

An Easy, Affordable Solution for Ground Fault Protection Requirements

Warmzone Continues to Listen to Contractors and Serve the Needs of Homeowners

Electric snow melting, roof deicing and outdoor pipe heating systems installed in the United States and Canada require ground fault protection for safe operation. In many cases, when installing a snow melting system, these breakers can be expensive and difficult to find. However, thanks to Warmzone, this is no longer an issue.

In addition to offering contactor panels with ground fault protection, Warmzone also offers separate ground fault protection units with snow melting systems and activation devices. These units provide an inexpensive, easy-to-integrate solution to meet the NEC requirements for ground fault protection equipment.

The GF-1 unit provides single circuit protection and the GF-2 provides dual circuit protection (for 120/208/240VAC circuits up to 60A). Unlike highly sensitive GFCI breakers, Warmzone’s GF unit maintains a 30mA fault trip point to reduce nuisance tripping. The unit’s unique design allows installation of standard, off-the-shelf overload breakers into the customer load center. Size the breaker and wiring for the system (15A to 60A), then install the GF unit between the load center branch circuit and the sensor/controller and heat cable. The overload breaker protects the wiring while the GF unit provides the ground fault protection.

The unit is housed in a rugged, NEMA 4X/IP65 rated enclosure, suitable for indoor or outdoor installation. The enclosure features a gasket-sealed front access door for easy testing and reset. All internal electronic components are specified for -40°C to +60°C operation. The enclosure can be easily surface mounted near the load center or near the snow melting system, depending on the installer’s preference. Numerous knockout locations on the enclosure provide flexibility for installation and wiring. The enclosure base can accommodate standard ½ and ¾-inch conduit hubs. Four mounting holes outside the enclosure gasket make mounting a breeze while assuring weather-tight performance.

Ground fault protection unit enclosure
Enclosure for ground fault protection equipment

Features

  • Easy installation; convenient access for wiring
  • Works together with inexpensive, off-the-shelf overload circuit breakers
  • Provides true 30mA trip point GFPE protection
  • Meets NEC Article 426.28, 427.22, and CEC 62-300 requirements
  • Protects 120/208/240VAC systems up to 60A (#14-#6 CU-only conductor capacity)
  • Not Compatible With 277VAC or L-N-L 240VAC
  • UL listed (U.S. and Canada) NEMA 4X enclosure for indoor or outdoor installation
  • Latching, sealed, hinged front cover for easy testing and reset access
  • No overload rating means just two part numbers for simple stocking
  • Weatherproof and corrosion resistant enclosure
  • Operating temperature range of -40°F/C to +140°F/+60°C

The GF-1 and GF-2 can be used directly with Warmzone’s WS-2C, WS-5C and WS-8C aerial mount snow sensors. They can also be used with contactor panels, switches, and any system up to 60A. Since the overload protection is provided by the load center breaker, only two GF models are required to cover the full range of 15A to 60A, one or two circuits. This allows ground fault protection with kitted systems without the requirement of identifying the customer’s load center type or need to research if a combined overload/GFPE breaker is available and how long it will take to receive.

Including a GF unit completes the snow melting system and makes it ready to install. And the GF unit provides a ready-made solution when installing or retrofitting a snow melting system in an older facility that was wired well before the term “GFPE” was coined. It’s an easy upgrade to help bring an existing system into compliance with modern code requirements.

Including a GF unit completes the snow melting system and makes it ready to install. And the GF unit provides a ready-made solution when installing or retrofitting a snow melting system in an older facility that was wired well before the term “GFPE” was coined. It’s an easy upgrade to help bring an existing system into compliance with modern code requirements.

As your radiant heat partner, Warmzone makes the process of installing a snowmelt system as easy as possible. For more information, call 888.488.9276 today.


Finding the Right Roof Heating System

Keeping your roof free and clear of ice and snow comes down to proven radiant heating elements, proper system design, and proper installation. A good radiant heat solution is one that addresses all of the potential problem areas of your roof.  Warmzone offers a variety of roof heating solutions designed to not only melt snow and ice, but to keep the runoff flowing from your roof before it has a chance to freeze. Warmzone products are specifically designed to target all aspects of a roof, including gutters, downspouts, roof lines, roof eaves and edges—the places icicles, ice dams, and snow build-up are most likely to occur. To keep your roof free of ice and snow, it’s important to target the typical problem spots.

Heating Gutters, Edges and Problem Areas

Warmzone self-regulating heat cable is an extremely effective and energy efficient way to prevent ice dams and keep water flowing through gutters and downspouts. Comprised of a rugged, durable outer construction and an irradiated conductive core that responds to variations in temperature, this durable cable is the affordable choice for heating problem areas of your roof.

Heating Roof Edges

The single greatest snow and ice problem for roofs is due to ice dams. Snow and ice buildup occurs when runoff reaches the colder roof eaves and refreezes. Over time, the buildup increases, resulting in large dams of ice near the roof’s edge, causing water to pool behind it. As that water seeps under the shingles and refreezes, damage can occur, and may eventually lead to costly water damage inside the home.

Low-voltage roof heating element

Low-voltage RoofHeat STEP systems can be installed discreetly under the shingles to keep roof edges completely free of snow and ice. This advanced system utilizes a thin, semi-conductive polymer heating element that can be nailed or stapled through to make installation quick and easy. The self-regulating heating element is polypropylene fused during fabrication to achieve water proofing and protection from alkaline or salt damage.

A 24-inch roof heating panel for heating roof edges.             An 18-inch roof heating panel

Attractive roof deicing panels can also be installed to eliminate the possibility of ice dams. Available in a variety of sizes, these aluminum panels feature channels of self-regulating heat cable that effectively heats the aluminum to keep roof edges free of snow and ice. The panels have an attractive Kynar finish and can be used in new construction and on existing roofs with most types of roofing materials, including asphalt, wood shake shingles, tile, slate or standing seam metal. Visit our roof deicing panel documents page to learn more.

Heating Roof Valleys

Four and six-inch RoofHeat deicing panels are also available to heat roof valleys. Keeping these channels free of snow and ice facilitates runoff and helps to protect your roof by eliminating potential trouble spots. The Valley Panel system will create an open area (up to 10 inches) for water to safely flow from the roof through the valleys without the possibility of water refreezing over unheated portions of the roof. The Valley Panel roof heating system provides an aesthetic look to any structure while keeping a more efficient and cleaner method of eliminating ice dam issues in a valley or dormer.

Eliminating Icicles

For areas of your roof where gutters are not present heated roof edges can be used to channel water away from the structure. Heated Drip Edge systems are extremely effective in battling icicle build-up while maintaining the aesthetic look of the original roof. This is a common, reliable solution for businesses to ensure the safety and convenience of pedestrian traffic. These Kylar-finished edge lines are offered in a wide variety of materials, including steel, copper, aluminum and more, so they’re great for concealing wiring along the drip line to create a more attractive, polished appearance.  An existing metal roof can also be retrofitted with roof heating panels, which can be laid on top of the old metal roof, in direct contact with the self-regulating heat cable to prevent icicle formation.

Still not sure what you need for your roof? Our radiant heat experts work with customers to evaluate project challenges and determine an affordable roof deicing system that is best for your unique circumstances. Warmzone roof heating experts are also available to walk you through the process, from system selection to installation. Call 888.488.9276 for more information today.

Contractors Benefit from Working with Warmzone

Proven Radiant Heat Installers Gain Repeat Business from Warmzone

Warmzone Connects Experienced Contractors with Customers to Deliver Top-notch Radiant Heat Installations

As a contractor, are you interested in increasing your business? Are you looking for a radiant heat solutions provider you can trust? As a premier provider of radiant heat services, Warmzone has a longstanding reputation for connecting the best talent with their customers, generating more business for contractors, and greater peace of mind for consumers. So radiant heat installers benefit by partnering with Warmzone and customers benefit by having a proven, experienced contractor install their system.

Warmzone keeps track of radiant heat installers and their performance; thereby maintaining a map of the top independent installers throughout the country. This assists customers in identifying the most reputable professionals in their area to install radiant heat. Initially, professional builders teamed up with Warmzone because of its trusted products and unmatched customer support. Now, knowing that they can gain additional jobs adds even more incentive for installers and also benefits consumers as well. Currently, Warmzone can recommend preferred installers in virtually any region of the country.

Heated sidewalks being installed

Warmzone’s extensive catalog of proven products, awareness of current trends and profound industry knowledge currently supports a vast network of installers across the country. These resources provide impressive technical support, including complete system design and layout services, free installation training, “how-to” videos, and personal installation support. These resources are supplemented by the vast instructional documents and diagrams provided in Warmzone’s library of system manuals and technical guides residing on Warmzone’s website. Installers can put this wealth of online information to work for them and allow them to install radiant heat systems with confidence.

In addition to the online information, customers can utilize Warmzone’s free consulting services so they can make the best decision when it comes to purchasing and installing a radiant heat system. Warmzone is more than a provider of radiant heat – Warmzone is a partner that is committed to offering the best customer service in the business. We are determined to see that your snow melting, roof heating or floor heating system is installed properly and performing as expected.

Applying hot asphalt over heat cable mats

Contractors and installers have come to particularly appreciate Warmzone’s free installation training courses. Here a radiant heat expert covers all the aspects of installing a radiant heat system. Again, this benefits the installer and the customer. If the installer still encounters any questions during the installation process, he can speak to one of our dedicated support staff to assure that the installation goes off without a hitch. Installers are never left out in the cold when they work with Warmzone. Our goal, of course, is to give construction professionals the resources and the confidence they need to add radiant heat installation to their menu of services and provide the best service to our customers.

When it comes to all things radiant heat, Warmzone is the perfect partner. If you’re a contractor, it’s a great time to team up with professionals who have your back, and improve your bottom line. As a homeowner, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing you have a trusted installer and team of experts working for you. To learn more, call Warmzone at 888.488.9276.


Visit Warmzone.com for all things Radiant Heat

If you’re currently contemplating a radiant heat solution for your home, Warmzone can help you stay on top of your radiant heat installation with a comprehensive library of online resources. Whether you choose to purchase that top shelf solution from your local big box hardware store, or enlist our help, these online resources are absolutely free and available whenever you need them.

Rather than mucking blindly through a home improved project, it is the informed consumer that makes the best decision. And keep in mind: a radiant heat system is only as good as its installation, so it pays to work with a professional who will walk you through the entire purchase and installation process.

The prospect of researching a radiant heat project can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to look. Warmzone.com takes a deep dive into all aspects of radiant heat, allowing you to research and compare systems efficiently, including individual components and applications. The site helps you begin the process of discovering and weighing all of your options to help you make better decisions when you shop. It will also open you up to the realm of creative possibilities a radiant heat system home improvement project provides.

Beyond the initial shopping experience, we’ve made it easy for consumers by providing free consulting and an extensive library of online resources available whenever you need them. You’ll find high level overviews of radiant heat systems including their benefits, how they operate and current applications. You’ll discover an extensive archive of articles on a range of topics, as well as technical guides, installation videos, installation manuals and system component specs to suit your project needs. Here’s a sampling of the many topics you can expect to see the Warmzone archives:

In addition to this information, Warmzone offers instructional videos you can watch in real time to help you move through all aspects of a radiant heat project, whether you are installing a heated bathroom floor, a gutter-trace system or installing heat cable for your heated driveway.

Choosing Warmzone products yields big dividends for do-it-yourselfers and the most conscientious customers. By tapping a premiere provider, you benefit from the best in radiant heat technology and services available. Warmzone invests years of deep industry knowledge and experience into finding high-performing, cutting-edge radiant heat solutions for customers backed by impressive resources. Their professional design services team custom designs each radiant heat system to ensure it meets your project’s specific needs in terms of performance, installation complexity and price. You’ll know what to expect, every step of the way. Simply bring your creativity and budget requirements to Warmzone. Once you have a system design in place, our dedicated staff of experts are there to assist you throughout the purchase, design and installation process.

Whether you’re researching, shopping, or elbow-deep in an installation, you can call our technical support team or reference Warmzone.com, which is always available. We take pride in offering the most comprehensive library of information available on all-things radiant heat related to help make your project a success. Call today for more information: 888.488.9276.

Installing a Heated Driveway

How is a Heated Driveway Installed?

Whether you’re looking to install a radiant snow melting system in concrete, asphalt, or under pavers, it doesn’t take much to make a heated driveway a reality. The important thing to remember is that a radiant snow melting system is only as good as its installation. That’s why Warmzone emphasizes customer support services such as free training and personal installation support. But how is a heated driveway system installed?

Snow melting system overview

Click image to enlarge.

First, a Warmzone radiant heat expert will work with you to determine the specs and products that will best meet the specific needs of your custom project. After verifying receipt of the heat cable and system components, prepare the area where the system is being installed. Make sure there are no nails, sharp rocks or other items present that can cause damage to the heating cable.

Heated driveway installation with Mesh-Up supports

If you are installing a concrete heated driveway, install wire remesh in the area to be heated. Once the remesh is laid out, heat cable is then installed and secured to the remesh using zip ties.  This keeps the cable from shifting during the concrete pour. Mesh-Up plastic supports are then installed to lift the remesh and prevent the heat cable from resting on the ground. (The heat cable should be about two inches from the finished surface.)

With the Mesh-Ups installed and the cable secured to the remesh, concrete can now be poured over the heating cable/mats. Take care to not damage the heating cable. A typical slab is 4-inches thick. Follow your concrete contractor’s installation methods and follow all building codes. The heating cable is to be within 2-inches of the finished surface.

Mesh-Ups under remesh, supporting heat cable

Click image to enlarge.

Most heated driveway systems utilize an aerial mount snow sensor to activate the system. This is typically installed at the roof’s edge where it has open access to the elements. When precipitation is present and the temperature is below the set point (usually set at 39°F), the sensor signals the contactor panel and power is then sent to the heat cable.

View additional “How to” Videos from Warmzone.

Important Note: For warranty and safety purposes, it is necessary for a qualified electrician to connect the system.

The Versatility of Snow Melting Systems

The Versatility of Radiant Snow melting Systems

Because of the reliability and versatility of radiant heat snow melting systems, these solutions are proving to be popular home improvement and new construction projects. And because radiant heat systems are so easy to customize, homeowners can flex their creative muscles when it comes to installing these systems.

Warmzone radiant heat systems are easily configurable to use in a variety of applications, whether you want to heat an entire driveway, tire tracks, steps, sidewalk or porch, etc. The cables can also be installed under a variety of mediums, such as brick/stone pavers, concrete and asphalt, providing you with endless possibilities when it comes to enhancing your home’s curb appeal.  Whatever your goals and budget, you’ll find a range of versatile, affordable radiant snow melting systems flexible enough to conform to your specific needs.

Snow melting heat cable laid out for asphalt heated driveway.

One of the most popular, affordable, and easy to install applications for radiant heat is asphalt. Where asphalt gives and flexes according to a wide-range of seasonal temperature changes, the specially designed Warmzone heat cable ensures consistent, effective performance to keep driveways clear of snow and ice in all the conditions. Designed specifically for installation in hot asphalt applications, ClearZone heat cable is rated up to 460 degrees for up to 10 minutes. For additional technical specs and installation information, please refer to the ClearZone installation manual.

ClearZone heat cable is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats. The mats can be rolled out for quick and easy placement over the area to be heated. Cable off the spool allows greater flexibility for custom shapes and hard-to-reach areas of snow melting systems. In the case of a retrofitting an asphalt driveway with radiant heat, the cable is simply placed on the existing asphalt and new asphalt is then applied on top. A compacted layer of 2 inches is recommended. Refer to the installation manual for compacting instructions. (In addition to the benefits of heating asphalt applications, snow melting systems can also prolong the life of concrete driveways and pavers as well.)

If you’re seriously considering heating an asphalt driveway or ramp, be sure to take advantage of Warmzone’s unparalleled customer services, including free installation training, installation support, system design and layout, and online installation tips and guides.

A Few Helpful Installation Tips:

  • Heating cables should never touch, cross, overlap or get bunched up. A minimum cable spacing of 2 inches is required.
  • Check the maximum rated heat temperature of the heating cables before you apply hot asphalt. The asphalt must not exceed this temperature.
  • Pouring small quantities of asphalt on the heating cables helps to ensure a safe installation and prevent damage to the cables.
  • Never cut or alter heating cable. To accommodate your layout needs, cut the tape backing of the cable mats, but do not cut the heat cable.
  • Manually lay the asphalt, and be sure to spread it evenly around and over the heating cables.
  • Always handle heating cables with care—especially when using tools such as shovels, rakes and wheel barrels to avoid damaging the cables. When using wheelbarrows, lay down sheets of plywood over the cable to avoid damaging the cable’s outer jacket.
  • Use a Megger to consistently check the cable resistance during installation.

Whether you choose to go with Warmzone radiant snow melting solutions, an understanding of the proper installation, in accordance with your local laws, codes and regulations is important. Call us toll-free at 888-488-9276. Our professionals are available and always happy to answer any questions you may have.


Warmzone Provides a Wealth of Online Information for Customers

Warmzone offers a wealth of information online regarding just about anything and everything radiant heat related. And the best part—it’s all free.

While you may be tempted to visit your local hardware store or big box chain for a do-it-yourself kit, it’s important to keep in mind that these one-size-fits-all approaches to radiant heated systems can be risky, particularly if you are tackling a radiant heat project for the first time. Once you choose one of these off-the-shelf solutions, you may be hard pressed to find anyone to answer your questions. What consumers must understand is that a radiant heat system is only as good as its installation.

Laying out snow melting mats
Warmzone offers a large selection of helpful “how to” videos for installing radiant heat.

Warmzone has taken the sting (and the stigma) out of home improvement projects with informative, easy-to-follow videos on all things radiant heat related. Warmzone’s comprehensive video library includes time lapse videos and detailed “how to” clips of installations you can watch again and again, any time of the day or night. You’ll also find plenty of tips and tricks from the pros at Warmzone to help make your installation a success.

Stuck on a step or concerned about a technical aspect of a project?  Warmzone offers more detailed instruction on topics ranging from simple cable placement to cable testing, so you can be assured you’ll have your radiant heat snow melting system up and running in no time. As far as thoughtful extras go, there’s even a video to help you fill out warranty information for your recently purchased Warmzone radiant heat system to help keep you covered. Best of all, you also have access to personal installation support from a Warmzone radiant heat expert.

If you’re a hands-on type of learner, you may want to shorten the learning curve with Warmzone’s free webinar training. Warmzone’s valuable online installation training program has helped many contractors and ambitious do-it-yourselfers learn the art of radiant heat installation. Once you call and register, you can login and participate in real-time training to learn how to properly install ClearZone snow melting systems, roof deicing or floor heating systems with confidence. For those in the area, you can attend in person at Warmzone’s headquarters in Salt Lake City.

Sometimes all you need is a little time to “hit the books.” In the Warmzone online library you’ll find plenty of detailed information and product literature posted to help you with your studies. Simply click on a link to familiarize yourself with manuals, user guides, installation diagrams and more. In addition to links, Warmzone also offers downloadable versions of these resources for free. All you have to do is ask!

If you haven’t purchased a radiant heat system yet, it’s worth the call to Warmzone at 888-488-9276. You can discuss your radiant heat system requirements with a professional who can give you a free schematic, help you select the products for the job or set you up with an experienced contractor in your area to install your radiant heated snow melting system.