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Time to Make a Splash
Learning About Radiant Heat
I’m a bit of a nerd. Or maybe I’m a geek. Regardless, I like techy stuff, and I enjoy learning how things work. While my wife is watching reruns of Gilligan’s Island, I’m in the other room, watching “How it’s Made” on the Science Channel. On the weekends, I get a little wild and watch documentaries on the Smithsonian and History channels. I like to mix it up.
The point is, I like to understand what makes things tick. That way, I tend to appreciate them a little more. I’m not the least bit interested in keeping up with the Kardashians, or watching adults behave like ill-mannered adolescents on staged “reality” shows. I’d much rather know important things like, how Silly Putty is made, or how they put those little model ships into glass bottles. You know, life-skills type of stuff.
Being of curious mind, I’ve also found myself intrigued with radiant heat technology. Radiant heat is becoming more and more popular nowadays, for both interior (heated floors) and exterior (snow melting) applications. Apparently, the Europeans got a jump on us when it came to installing radiant heat in their homes. (Yes, I’m setting my grandiose American ego aside and conceding that the Europeans were way ahead of us in the home heating race.) I’m not sure why North America was slower to adopt radiant heat, but we’re certainly making up for lost time now. Radiant heated floors and heated driveways are rapidly becoming commonplace in today’s new homes. In fact, seeing so many heated driveways, and experiencing homes with heated floors are what piqued my interest in radiant heat.
But how do these systems work? Why are Americans making the shift to radiant heat? And is it true that radiant heat is the most efficient heating technology available today? These are just a few questions that launched me on my quest.
Early in my investigation, I was surprised to discover how many different types of heating elements are available, and how they work with different floor types. Thin heat resistance cable was the only heating element that I knew about, but apparently, there are many, very different, heating elements, each with their own specific features and benefits.
Floor heating systems that use thin heating cable are probably the most popular. Most heat cable is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats. I gotta say, these heating mats are slick. Ya just roll ‘em out over the area to be heated, and the adhesive on the back of the mat sticks to the subfloor. Needless to say, this makes installation quick and easy. System that use heat cable, s like ComfortTile, are ideal for heating stone, marble, and tile floors. And because the heat cable is thin, there is very little floor buildup. ComfortTile seems to be the cable of choice for many homeowners and installers. (It doesn’t hurt that the cable also has a 25-year warranty.)
There are also thin heating panels that can be installed under just about any surface, including hardwood, vinyl tile, linoleum, and more. One remarkable – and very popular – system is FilmHeat. FilmHeat utilizes ultra thin panels that are barely thicker than a sheet of paper. (The element is just 0.016-inch thick.) The heating element is used with an underlayment, and doesn’t even require the use of thinset or mortar. This makes for a clean and easy installation! A special version of this system, called RetroHeat, can also be used to install between floor joists. This allows homeowners to heat their existing floors! I love the idea of heating my floors without having to do any major renovations.
Special heat cable is also available for installation in concrete slabs. Because of its intended applications, the In-Slab heat cable is thicker, and more robust than other floor heating cables. It’s ideal for heating rooms in the basement.
Another unique floor heating system is the low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system. The system features thin, flexible polymer heating panels that have proven to be especially well-suited for heating hardwood floors.
All these systems are incredibly efficient. In fact, 99 percent of the energy used by these systems translates directly into heat. There’s virtually no heat loss. In today’s environmentally conscious mindset, radiant heat is a winner. It’s clean. It runs on renewable energy, and it provides far more comfort than traditional furnace-blower heating systems. I also like the flexibility that radiant heat offers. I can heat specific rooms and areas as I see fit. Because each zone (or room) is controlled by its own thermostat, I have precise control over my home heat. The systems can also be programmed to accommodate my family’s schedule. (Hydronic floor heating systems are also available. A closed loop of PEX tubing is installed under the floor, and then specially treated water is heated and pumped through the tubing to warm the floor.)
When it comes to exterior applications such as heating driveways, steps, and walkways, etc., the most common heating element is durable heat cable. The ClearZone system is a favorite among professional builders, and can be customized to accommodate just about any layout and application. The systems utilize an advanced snow sensor activation device that detects precipitation and temperature so that the system is activated just as the first snowflake falls. The sensor signals a small controller that is typically installed on a wall in the garage, and then power is sent to the embedded heat cable. The driveway quickly warms so that snow is prevented from accumulating. After the snowstorm, the system remains on for a short time to dry the surface. This is a great safety feature that eliminates ice from forming on the driveway.
It’s no wonder that radiant heat has become the new standard for home heating and snow melting applications. If you’d like to learn more, call and talk with a radiant heat expert today, at 888-488-9276. The more you learn about radiant heat, the more you’ll like it. Or, you could just catch an old episode of Gilligan’s Island. Fortunately for the crew of the S.S. Minnow, they didn’t need to heat their bungalows. But if they did, I bet the Professor would have found a way to incorporate radiant heat.
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Install Radiant Floor Heat
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We’re Floored
A Company that Customers Trust
Investing in your home is one of the best ways to increase monetary value and pride of ownership. Every homeowner wants their home to have a beautiful exterior and amenities that make life easier and more comfortable. Warmzone offers many amenities for savvy homeowners, including heated flooring, roof de-icing systems, snow-melting systems for driveways, and more. Warmzone’s products can increase home value and make the job of “homeowner” a little easier.
Warmzone that respects and values its customers, and working with a company Warmzone can be invaluable. Customer service support services at Warmzone are unparalleled in the industry and assure that its customers get what they need for their home while keeping within their budget.
Customer support at Warmzone starts the second you browse the website. Information about the basics of radiant heat, from how it works to shipping information is readily available. A good place to start for any customer is Warmzone’s FAQ page. Found here, it contains answers to questions you may have when browsing the website. The FAQ page features questions about individual products, shipping, and a glossary to help you understand anything you may not know. You can also find articles and editorials here with practical information about radiant heat and its applications.
If you’re ready for more in-depth information check out the product literature page. Warmzone’s product catalog, data sheets, technical guides, system overviews, and other valuable documents are available here. This extensive library has any information needed for Warmzone products. Installation guides are also available here to not only make the entire process of buying a radiant heating system a breeze, but to give prospective buyers some insight in regards to the installation process. An online instructional video library is also available through Warmzone University. Here you will find a variety of informational videos. Videos feature everything from showing timelapse footage of snow-melting systems as well as installation how-to videos. Customers can revisit the video center as they see fit. This is another valuable service that provides customers with peace of mind.
In addition to providing a wealth of documentation, videos, and online information, Warmzone provides other support services that truly set it apart from the competition. One of the most valued services is Warmzone’s free installation training. Installers can take the training online, via web conference, where an experienced instructor will cover every aspect of your installation. The courses typically take about an hour, but you can stop and ask questions at any time. Photos, illustrations, and video clips are shown throughout the training.
When you purchase your system, Warmzone’s professional design team will create a detailed layout for your system. The system design will include all of the proper materials, design, and electrical information needed by your electrician. This is a valuable roadmap that simplifies the installation, and helps to ensure the system components are installed correctly.
Warmzone also maintains full-time installation support personnel. If you have a question during your installation, you can call Warmzone and speak with a friendly radiant heat expert who will help to resolve any issues at hand. We also maintain relationships with experienced installers around the country, so we may be able to recommend a trusted installer in your area.
The most important asset that Warmzone offers its customers is its staff of trained, friendly customer service professionals. When you pick up the phone and call Warmzone a customer support specialist will help you with any questions and concerns. Our dedicated team will help you find the right products for your project. Radiant heat experts will work with you to meet your needs and your budget.
Whether you are a homeowner or a business professional, Warmzone is the radiant heat expert you can trust. Warmzone’s commitment to providing the best, comprehensive customer service in the industry means you can rely on us and trust our products. Our comprehensive customer support services assure purchasing, designing, and installing each radiant heat system is as easy and hassle-free as possible. Find more information and links to mentioned services in Warmzone’s pressroom and get started with your radiant heat project today. If you have questions, or you’re ready to speak to a customer support specialist, contact us today at 888-488-9276.
Tips for Installing Radiant Snow Melting Systems
Avoid Common Installation Mistakes
Installing a radiant snow melting system is not a difficult task, but there are a few important tips that installers should keep in mind. Perhaps the most important “tip” for installers is this: Take advantage of the free installation training provided by Warmzone.
We make the training easy. Installers can schedule their training online, via video conference. You’ll have a personal instructor who will cover every aspect of your installation, and you can stop and ask questions any time.
The other most important tip we can offer is to read the installation manual and follow the steps provided. A common mistake is that some installers are so eager to dive into the installation, that they don’t take the time to read the installation manual. Make sure you read the manual (and test the heat cable) prior to beginning the physical installation. Also, confirm that you have the right products for your installation. The voltage and wattage information of the heating cable is provided on the label of the box, so check this beforehand. If you need, you can call Warmzone’s technical support staff. We’re available to you throughout the installation process.
After confirming that you have the right cable, open the box and use a megohmmeter to perform OHM tests of the heat cable. It’s important to text the cable throughout the installation process. Test it before removing it from the box, as well as during and after the installation. This way you’ll discover any potential problems as early as possible. This will save you time and ensure a successful installation. Be sure to document the results (as outlined in the manual) to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.
As you begin to layout the heat cable, keep these important guidelines in mind:
| ● | Always maintain proper cable spacing. Sometimes the cable may shift slightly after laying it out, so double-check the spacing before covering it. |
| ● | Never cut, cross or overlap the heating cable. The heat cable should not be altered under any circumstance, as it may cause overheating and damage the cable. |
| ● | Always embed the cable completely. Leave no air around the cable. |
| ● | Make sure to embed the factory splice (where the heating cable and power lead meet). See the illustration provided. |
| ● | Use a megohmmeter to perform OHM tests of the heat cable before removing the cable from the box, during the installation, and after the cable has been laid out. |
| ● | Always run the cold lead in a conduit (The power lead for the heating cable is not intended for direct burial.) |
When installing snow melting cable in asphalt, the cables should be covered by two inches of asphalt. To prevent heat damage, the asphalt should be allowed to cool to 220°F (105°C) before pouring directly onto the mats or cables. (The in-ground snow sensors/tubes should not be exposed to temperatures above 176°F (80°C).) Warmzone offers specially constructed heat cable for installation in hot asphalt applications. ClearZone heat cable for asphalt is rated up to 460 degrees for up to 10 minutes.
When installing a new heated asphalt driveway, the snow melting cable is laid out on the binder or base coat and then approximately 2-inches of asphalt is hand shoveled directly on top of the cable. The asphalt is then compacted, using a 1-ton roller or less.
When installing the snow sensor (either an aerial-mount or ground-mount), make sure it has a clear, 360-degree “view” of the sky to allow snow to fall onto the sensor plate. This ensures that the system will activate when needed.
Remember, these guidelines don’t supersede the information in the instruction manual. Always refer to the manual, and don’t hesitate to contact Warmzone’s friendly technical support staff. We want you to success, so we are happy to assist you at any time.
Warmzone is one of the largest providers of snow melting, floor heating, and roof de-icing systems, as well as luxury home heating amenities. For more information about our radiant heat systems or luxury amenities, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.
My Summer Projects
Installing a Heated Driveway – Now This is Something I can get Excited About!
Every summer I make a list of all the things that I need (and want) to accomplish – in addition to my list of routine maintenance and other work-related chores. Of course, my sweet wife also cheerfully contributes, so I have a lengthy “honey-do” list as well. Sometimes I think that summer isn’t long enough for me to accomplish all that’s needed, especially when I throw in all the “fun” things that I want to do.
That’s right, I have a pretty hefty list of recreational activities on the docket. You know what they say about “all work and no play”. B-O-R-I-N-G. Ideally, I’d like to plan things out so that I get a day of fun for every day that I spend doing chores. Every afternoon that I spend replacing or repairing sprinklers should be compensated with an afternoon at the lake. Makes sense to me. I guess you could say that I’m committed to an equal opportunity summer.
The dry, warm weather of summer also lends itself to construction activities. If you’re a homeowner, I’m sure you’ve discovered the never-ending list of maintenance and small construction upgrade projects too. (It’s in the top drawer in the kitchen cubby, underneath the mortgage payment notices and insurance forms.)
Unfortunately, most home upgrade or maintenance projects are mundane tasks that I just don’t get too excited about. Sure, I’d rather be kayaking or vacationing in Italy, but nope, I’m a responsible homeowner. I also understand the importance of keeping the illusion alive that my wife married a responsible man.
This year I may have a job that I’m a little more excited about. It’s a substantial home improvement project, but that only enhances the excitement for me. I’m happy to say that my wife and I have decided to install a heated driveway.
I’ve endured many years of shoveling our walks and driveway – at all sorts of hours. I’ve been out there clearing the snow at 5 o’clock in the morning as well as 9 o’clock at night. I’ve paid my shoveling dues. If there were such a thing, I know I’d qualify for the prestigious 1,000-hour gold shovel award. The problem is, sometimes after I shovel and salt, I still manage to miss that one tiny spot that my wife’s foot always finds. Let me tell ya, high heels and ice make for a disastrous combination.
Fortunately, the insurance covered most of the medical costs. Too bad it didn’t address any compensation for the emotional trauma and mental stress. Yes, I was traumatized and stressed from my wife’s verbal reprimands. I tried to not take it personal. Instead, I chalked it up to the colorful ramblings of someone in extreme pain. You can hardly even notice her limp nowadays.
Over the years, my aging back has slowly been urging me to look into getting one of those fancy radiant heated driveways. I guess what pushed me over the edge was when my wife went down. Now, being the responsible husband that I am, I’m taking action. An automated heated driveway would not only keep the entire driveway clear of snow and ice 24/7, it also dries the surface after a storm, so there’s no chance the melted snow will refreeze. Regardless of the storm, or the time of day, our driveway will be clear and safe. I’m such a responsible husband.
Unlike most of my other summer chores, I’m not waiting until fall to start this project. Installing the heated driveway now is a smart move. I don’t have to worry about the frantic seasonal push to complete the work before winter hits. The heated driveway will be ready well before the first snow falls. Man, I’m such a responsible husband.
Fortunately, dealing with Warmzone makes the process of installing a heated driveway easy. Their customer support is absolutely top notch. I knew nothing about radiant heat, but they walked me through the various options and answered all of my questions. They have a team of experienced designers who are creating my custom system, and they even provide free installation training for the installers and electrician. Yep, this project is one that I’m actually excited about this year. My wife and I are going to enjoy this for years to come.
All of Warmzone’s great customer service makes it easier for me to take care of the other summer tasks on hand. But I may not tell my wife how easy Warmzone is making this process. After all, I’m pretty sure our fence will last another year. Heck, most of the chores on the list can wait another year. But I do need to mow the lawn. Yeah, I’m sure a responsible husband.
Read Part II of this series: Upgrading My Driveway.
Warmzone is one of the largest providers of floor heating, snow melting, and roof de-icing systems, as well as luxury home heating amenities. For more information about Warmzone radiant heat systems or luxury amenities, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.