Warmzone Offers FeelsWarm® Countertop Heaters
Warmzone Expands Offerings to Include FeelsWarm® Countertop Heaters
Salt Lake City, Utah (PR WEB) August 22, 2019 – Warmzone, a leading radiant heat provider offering one of the industry’s largest selections of radiant heat solutions adds FeelWarm® countertop heaters to its vast selection of premier products. In keeping with its commitment to provide customers with a wide selection of the latest proven radiant heat products, Warmzone has added this innovative, state-of-the-art counter and desktop heating solution. Warmzone’s FeelsWarm heating panels provide an easy and effective means for heating kitchen counters, islands, bars, and overhangs as well as other marble or stone surfaces.
Homeowners can add an elegant upgrade to their home or office with the easy-to-install heaters. The low-voltage countertop heaters can be discreetly mounted to the bottom of counter overhangs (or under countertops) to provide safe, comfortable warmth to the most popular gathering place in homes today –the kitchen.
The countertop heaters feature easy peel and stick installation. Because they are under 0.024-inches thick they can be discreetly mounted under the counter near the edge to provide warmth to the most commonly touched areas.
FeelsWarm countertop heating technology utilizes a passive warming system to slowly warm the stone, taking 90 minutes to raise the temperature about 20-25°F. This slow warming approach and lack of temperature pulsing protects your beautiful counters by eliminating shock to the stone.
View the Countertop Heater with Overhang video
View the Countertop Heater with no Overhang video
The innovative heaters are designed for counters with or without overhangs, and are available in several standard rectangular shapes as well as custom sizes and shapes. In addition to being custom designed to accommodate the unique shape of your stone counters, the heaters can also be custom-engineered to accommodate your wattage and electrical input location.
For customers who are installing a new countertop where the top of the cabinet has a solid substrate, Warmzone offers a customized heating mat that compresses between the substrate and the stone. The compressed heaters are designed to withstand the weight and compression of any stone countertop, which can be as high as 30 pounds per square foot. Plus, the mats are designed to comply with uneven compression forces due to variances in the wood such as gaps, raised cabinet edges, embedded supports and non-smooth bottom surfaces. The workmanship of Warmzone’s FeelsWarm heating mats is second to none. The ductile’, or soft/pliable construction of the heaters further enables them to bend and conform instead of breaking during a compression action.
No matter what your countertop heating needs are, Warmzone now offers an effective warming solution. The thin, low-voltage, plug-and-play heating mat installs in minutes and can be plugged into standard outlets without the need for special wiring. Simply peel off the backing and then stick the thin panel to the underside of the countertop.
For more information, contact a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276.
Customer Comments
“Our nice expensive granite would remain cold all the time so we decided to install a FeelsWarm heater just under where my keyboard sits. Now I am happy I don’t have to deal with a freezing work surface.” – Dan D., Waterloo, Ontario
“We eat at our granite countertop most of the time and our arms and hands were always cold. Now we are warm! Loved this product from the beginning.” – Patricia F., Cresco IA
“Worked like a charm. Installation was easy and the mat was thin enough to fit in our 3/16-inch gap. Hate to say it, but I can’t wait for winter.” – Carmen V., Cinnaminson, NJ
“When we remodeled our home office with quartz desktops, we were extremely concerned about the cold of the stone. FeelsWarm heaters exceeded my expectations.” – DJM, Apex, NC
FeelsWarm® technology is a registered trademark of Heated Stone Products, patent pending.
Complete Radiant Heat Solutions
Warmzone has the Products, Expertise and Services
Homeowners looking for the best radiant heat solutions for their new home or remodel need look no farther than Warmzone. With one of the largest selections of trusted radiant heat systems available, customers are assured of choosing from a variety of proven, industry-leading solutions. But Warmzone’s diverse product offering is only part of the advantage customers enjoy by working with the company.
Warmzone complements its many products with unmatched customer support and services. Whether you’re looking to install a heated driveway, a heated floor, or a roof deicing system, Warmzone’s experienced design team will provide a detailed layout of the system prior to the installation. These professional drawings not only include the precise layout of the heating elements and components, but also the proper load calculations for the system, the breaker sizes, number of breakers, and so on. This helps to eliminate any unwanted surprises during the installation and ensure that the system is properly installed and meets all the warranty requirements.
Having experienced pros like Warmzone design your system helps to eliminate any surprises during the installation. Warmzone’s design and AutoCAD® layout services make things easier on your electrician and installer, and help to ensure that your system is installed correctly so that it performs as it should.
Warmzone radiant heat systems are also easy to customize. In addition to carrying one of the largest selections of floor heating systems around, Warmzone radiant heat experts can also customize each system to best meet the unique needs of each homeowner. So if you’re looking to add efficient, luxurious warmth to your home, contact a floor heating expert today at 888.488.9276. We’ve been doing this for almost two decades, and we’re happy to put that experience to work for you. Call us for a free, no-pressure consultation. You can tell us about your project and vision, and we’ll be happy to discuss the different features of each system and show you the best options for heating your home. You can also submit your project information and receive a free quote.
Heated Driveways and Snow Melting Systems
While the comfort of radiant heat in the home can’t be matched, neither can the convenience of a fully automated snow melting system. Some homeowners choose to install a heated driveway to eliminate the need for manual snow removal, but other home and business owners find that installing an automated snow removal system is more of a necessity.
Some driveways, parking areas and sidewalks are built on inclines, so when the snow falls these areas become treacherous. Needless to say, businesses cannot afford to have icy sidewalks on their premises. So, rather than paying employees to routinely shovel and salt the grounds, an automated snow melting system ensures that there is never any accumulation of snow or ice. This reduces the chances for litigation because of personal injuries by helping to ensure the customers’ safety.
Consumers have many options when it comes to installing a heated driveway. In addition to heating the entire driveway, some may opt to save money by installing a custom system to only heat specific areas. Installing heated tire tracks is also an affordable option that features two 24-inch wide heated tracks that reduce the power requirements and installation costs. Warmzone experts will work with you to find the best solution to meet your snow melting requirements as well as your budget. Radiant heat can also be installed to heat outdoor steps, bridges, ramps, loading docks and more.
Roof Deicing
Warmzone also offers the most advanced and proven roof deicing and gutter heat trace systems. The most popular and affordable solution for keeping gutters and downspouts free of ice buildup is self-regulating heat cable. This affordable cable can also be installed along the roof edges to prevent ice dams from forming.
The most advanced system for keeping roof edges and valleys clear of snow and ice is the low-voltage RoofHeat STEP system. This system features thin, semi-conductive polymer heating elements that can be installed discreetly under the roof shingles (or safely under metal roofs) to keep areas completely free of snow. The flexible heating element is available in different widths, so it can also be installed under the flashing to keep roof valleys clear and facilitate runoff.
Warmzone has been leading the way for years when it comes to trusted snow melting solutions and services. In addition to the premier design services provided, Warmzone also includes free installation training and installation support. When customers purchase a system from Warmzone, they team up with a trusted partner who will provide customer support from beginning to end. Eliminate the headaches and the hassles by dealing with a seasoned pro like Warmzone. Call today for more information at 888.488.9276.
Designing Radiant Heated Driveways
Warmzone Professionals Take Care of the Leg Work
Installing a driveway heating system represents a significant investment for homeowners. Although the benefits of a heated driveway are impressive, the thought of installing an automated snow melting system may seem somewhat overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Warmzone’s support services are the best in the industry, and we make the process of finding and installing the ideal radiant heat system easy for consumers.
Warmzone system designers are among the best. In addition to designing snow melting system for the specific demands and layout of each project, every snow melting system is also designed according to ASHRAE standards. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an organization committed to advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. Designing systems according to ASHRAE standards is important to homeowners because it means that their system is designed to perform according to the weather conditions specific to that area. This entails careful research of the weather for the region.
ASHRAE standards were established to address variances for consumers such as their location’s general climate, average snowfall, storm duration, low temperatures, and other important factors. The system design is then “optimized” so that it will perform best in the conditions common in that area. Designing systems according to ASHRAE standards is important to homeowners because it helps to protect them by ensuring that their system is designed to perform according to the weather conditions where they live. So, check with your provider and make sure that your snow melting system is designed not only to accommodate your budget, but in accordance with ASHRAE standards.
Warmzone has provided radiant snow melting systems for commercial and residential projects throughout the country, so our designers are experts who have designed systems for just about every application imaginable. From heated driveways and parking areas to runaway truck ramps, public transit stations, and outdoor malls, etc., we’ve seen it all.
Having experienced pros like Warmzone design your system helps to eliminate any surprises during the installation. Warmzone’s AutoCAD® layout also includes the proper layout and materials, proper load calculations, breaker sizes, and number of breakers, so your electrician will have all the necessary information before any of the installation takes place.
Custom Heated Driveway Options
There are many options for consumers looking when it comes to installing a heated driveway snow melting system. While the whole driveway can be heated, other popular options include heated tire tracks, or heating an 8-foot strip in the middle of the driveway. The heated tire tracks feature two 24-inch wide heated tracks. This not only reduces the cost of the initial investment, but provides a cheaper operating cost as well.
Electric snow melting systems are easy to customize. In addition to being designed to fit your driveway, walkways or steps, radiant heat can also be installed to heat troublesome areas such as inclines or parts of the driveway that are frequently shaded.
Warmzone also has a wide variety of floor heating systems to choose from. Unlike most providers that only offer one, or perhaps two different floor heating systems, Warmzone offers a vast selection of the industry’s most trusted radiant heat systems.
Warmzone heated floors range from the popular ComfortTile floor heating cable to the near paper-thin FilmHeat system. Other systems include FloorHeat’s thin, low-voltage polymer heating element, FoilHeat’s cable sandwiched between two sheets of specially reinforced aluminum foil, the Prodeso floor heating membrane, and more. We even carry the RetroHeat system that allows homeowners to install radiant heat under existing floors. The thin heating panels are stapled up between the floor joists and then batt insulation is installed to direct all of the heat upward to the floor. This is an effective and affordable solution for heating existing floors.
To learn more about the many radiant heat options that are available, contact Warmzone today at 888.488.9276.
Radiant Heated Driveway System Components
Warmzone Makes it Easy for Installers
There are many options when it comes to installing a driveway heating system. While radiant heated driveways can be installed to keep entire driveways clear of snow and ice, the systems can also be easily customized to meet the specific needs and layout of the customer.
Electric heated driveway systems are fully automated and maintenance free, and simple to customize. Radiant heat can be installed in troublesome areas, such as inclines or shaded areas that are prone to ice buildup during the winter. Or, instead of heating an entire driveway, two 24-inch wide tire tracks can be installed. This not only can reduce the initial investment cost, but also minimize the power requirements and operating costs. Although heated driveways are a popular option for many homeowners and businesses, homes with inclined driveways that spill into a busy street make radiant heat a virtual necessity. Fortunately, the layout options of these versatile systems are unlimited, allowing customers to tailor their radiant heating systems to best accommodate the snow melting needs as well as their budget.
The layout options of these versatile systems are virtually unlimited, allowing customers to tailor their radiant heating systems to best accommodate the snow melting needs as well as their budget. Heated driveways can be a popular, convenient option for many homeowners and businesses, but homes with inclined driveways that spill onto a busy street make automated snow melting a virtual necessity.
Industry Leading Heated Driveway Components
Warmzone automated snow melting systems feature the industry’s most trusted and proven components. The fully automated systems include ClearZone heat cable, snow sensor (activation device), contactor panel (available with or without GFEP), and marker plate (as required by the NEC).
ClearZone Heat Cable
Warmzone’s snow melting heat cable is a proven industry leader that is being used in a variety of radiant snow melting systems throughout Northern America. The ClearZone heating cable features superior workmanship and materials, and is UL listed. The twin-conductor, single-point connection heat cable is designed with FEP/XLPE insulation and polyolefin jacketing (for flexibility and UV protection), allowing the radiant heating system to consistently provide top performance during extreme winter conditions.
Coupled with Warmzone’s proven industry-leading customer support services and 10-year manufacturer warranty, the ClearZone snow melting system is designed and built to outperform all competing products. While ClearZone cable is rated at 220°F, a special version of ClearZone cable is also available for hot asphalt installations. The maximum external jacket temperature for asphalt applications is rated at 460°F (240°C) for up to 10 minutes.
Snow Sensor (Activation Device)
Warmzone carries the premier aerial-mount and in-ground snow sensors. The advanced aerial-mount snow sensor is capable of sensing temperature and precipitation. When precipitation is detected and the temperature is below the ‘trigger point’ (normally set at 39°F), the unit signals the snow melting system controller (contactor panel). Power is then sent to the heating cable embedded in the driveway, warming the surface and preventing any snow buildup.
Smart system compatible, the aerial snow sensor also features adjustable delay off cycle, and upgradeable remote activation, as well as the adjustable temperature set point.
The in-ground snow sensor is also optional for Warmzone snow melting systems. This activation device is more commonly used in large commercial snow melting applications, but can be used in residential systems if desired. The pavement-mounted sensor requires the small control unit rather than the contactor panel. The control unit is a small, NEMA 1, wall-mounted control panel, approximately 6×3.5 inches wide and about 3.5-inches tall. The unit can be controlled from an external signal (day/week timer, GSM-module or other signal source) and can be switched on/off (standby). The controller features a 4-hour timer that serves as a manual backup to melt snow drifts or ice that may have formed on the driveway due to wind or shade.
Contactor Panel
To save installers time and money, Warmzone offers contactor panels with and without built in ground fault equipment protection (GFEP).
With GFEP: The ground fault equipment protection helps to minimize the risk of faults and eliminate extra wiring installation steps and costs. The panel is activated by a Warmzone activation device (either an in-ground or aerial-mount sensor).
Without GFEP: The Warmzone contactor panels are designed for snow and ice melting applications. All panels are pre-wired and UL listed complete with a NEMA 4 enclosure, wiring diagram, terminal connection block, and two or four 3-pole contactors. Timer panels can be used stand alone or in conjunction with an automatic controller. Contactor panels must be used in conjunction with an automatic controller.
In addition to Warmzone’s industry leading system components, Warmzone provides unparalleled customer services, including free installation training, technical support, and system design and layout services. A vast online library of installation videos and product documentation is also available on Warmzone’s website. Contact Warmzone today for more information or to receive a free quote. Call 888.488.9276 today.
Roof Deicing Systems
It’s time for your spring roof and gutter inspection.
According to experts, homeowners should inspect their roofs, gutters and downspouts at least twice a year. Roofing pros suggest checking it during spring time and in late fall, in preparation for the upcoming winter.
Roofs are generally very sturdy and built to last. But sometimes extreme weather or accidents can jeopardize the integrity of a roof. And even the slightest flaw can lead to costly water damage. So before you fall victim to water damage from a leaky roof, make the effort to inspect your home’s lid so you can rest easy during summer rain and winter snowstorms.
Ice dams pose the single greatest threat to roofs in cold climate areas. Ice can cause problems that start out so small it’s difficult for homeowners to recognize. However, the small problem can grow into a large problem and result in serious water damage to the home. The damage may even take years to develop as ice dams tend to form in the same area year after year. That’s why it’s so important to keep up on the biannual inspections.
During winter in locations that receive significant snowfall, warm air can escape from the living area and into the attic where it continues upward, warming the roof and causing the bottom layer of snow to melt. The runoff trickles down the roof, but when it reaches the colder eaves (where the roof extends out and no heat from the attic can reach), the water refreezes, causing a small ridge of ice to form.
This process tends to repeat itself day after day, and before long the small ridge of ice has grown into a large ridge. The runoff from the roof eventually pools behind the ice dam, and this is where things can get ugly. When a pool of water sits on a roof, every tiny crack and imperfection in the shingles or plywood can be exploited. Water finds its way into every crack or flaw in the roof. At nighttime the water refreezes and expands, enlarging the cracks and breaking down the overall integrity of the roof.
After your spring inspection of the roof, perhaps now is a good time to invest in an affordable roof deicing system. Several options are available, ranging from affordable self-regulating heat cable to low-voltage polymer heating panels that are installed directly under the roof shingles.
Self-regulating heat cable can be run through roof gutters and downspouts, as well as in a zigzag pattern along the roof eave. By installing the heat cable in a serpentine pattern the cable provides channels for the runoff to reach the gutters, thereby minimizing the chances of ice dams from forming.
The low-voltage RoofHeat STEP system features thin polymer heating panels that can be installed under shingles or metal roofs. The element can be nailed or stapled through and cut on site. The heating element is also self-regulating.
These industry leading roof deicing systems keep the entire roof edges free from snow and ice, whereas the individual runs of heat cable simply provide channels for the runoff. Because the RoofHeat STEP system is low-voltage, it uses transformers to step down high voltage to low voltage (60 V or less). Each transformer controls a specific section of the roof deicing system. And Warmzone roof heating systems can be easily customized to meet the precise needs of each customer.
Industry Leading Support Services
Warmzone is an innovative industry leader in terms of product offering and customer services. Free installation training is provided as well as installation support and professional system design and layout. Electrical and radiant heat experts are on hand to assist you during the training and/or the installation. A library of helpful installation videos is also available on Warmzone’s website, as well as a wealth of product information and documentation.
For more information, check out our website or call us today at 888.488.9276.
Radiant Heated Driveway Systems
The weather is warming up and so is the construction season. Perhaps now is the time to install a heated driveway or roof deicing system so you’re prepared for next winter.
Radiant heated driveways provide fully automated, maintenance free snow removal for your driveway and/or sidewalks. The systems are reliable and easy to customize to best suit your exact layout and snow melting needs.
How Heated Driveways Work
Heated driveways rely on a network of heat cables embedded in the driveway medium. The cable can be installed to heat concrete, asphalt or paver driveways. (Hydronic systems utilize Pex tubing, whereby specially treated hot water is circulated.) A snow sensor can be installed in the surface of the driveway or mounted near the roof. It must remain exposed to the elements. The sensor detects temperature as well as precipitation, so when weather conditions dictate, the sensor will signal the system controller and then power is sent to the heating cable, warming the driveway.
Installing a Heated Driveway
Heated driveway systems are not difficult to install. Warmzone provides complete system design and layout services to facilitate quick, proper installation. This document also includes all the information necessary for the electrician, such as proper materials, load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, etc.
The heat cable is laid out according to the design provided. For concrete heated driveways, lay out the cable and then use zip ties to secure it to the re-mesh. (The cable should remain within 2 inches of the surface.) Concrete is then poured over the secured cable. The contactor panel (or controller) is typically mounted on a wall in the garage. Warmzone offers contactor panels with or without GFCI protection.
Electric heated driveways feature fast response times. The driveway is quickly heated after the sensor detects the first snowflake, preventing any snow buildup. Another advantage of electric driveway heating systems is that they are maintenance free and very reliable. Unlike hydronic systems that require a special mechanical room for the boiler, manifold and pumps, electric systems only require a small space on the wall of the garage for the controller or contactor panel.
Radiant heat systems are also remarkably efficient. There’s virtually no heat loss, as 99 percent of the energy goes directly to melting the snow. The efficiency of radiant heat also makes it a popular choice for heating homes.
And the systems are fully automated. The snow sensor, also referred to as an activation device, detects the weather conditions (both temperature and precipitation). Once snow starts to fall the sensor signals the contactor panel and power is sent to the embedded heat cable. The driveway is warmed and snow is prevented from accumulating.
In addition to the beneficial features of a radiant heated driveway, Warmzone also includes complete customer support with each system. In addition to the professional system design, Warmzone also offers free installation training. This is a valuable service that helps to ensure the proper installation of the system. Free installation support is also provided. If your installer encounters any issues during the installation, he/she can call Warmzone to receive support. We are committed to providing the best products and best support services in the industry.
For more information about our radiant heat systems, call 888.488.9276 today.
Timing is Everything
The Benefits of Installing Radiant Heat During the “Off” Season
Although you may feel that you’re still firmly in the cold clutches of Old Man Winter, take solace in the knowledge that spring is just around the corner. And with warmer weather comes the opportunity to start – or finish – those construction projects that you’ve been planning. For professional builders, warmer temperatures thaw out the slow winter business and the trickle of work often turns into a torrent, complete with deadlines, demands, and new challenges.
Get a jump on your radiant heat projects by purchasing your materials early. There’s a good chance that you may be able to take advantage of “early bird” discounts on self-regulating roof deicing systems, floor heating, and ClearZone snow melting system components. And if you’re a homeowner, you’re much more likely to find an available installer at this time of the year. Later in the season – during prime construction time – finding a contractor – let alone, the one you prefer – who can accommodate your schedule can be a real challenge.
Speaking of contractors and installers, Warmzone maintains a database of experienced, favorably reviewed professionals in your area, so you can be assured that your system is being installed by pros who know about radiant heat systems. And finding these experts early in the construction season is a whole lot easier (and sometimes more affordable) than trying to find one late in the summer.
Warmzone is an industry leader, not only because of the quality of our systems, but because of the wide selection of radiant heat systems and our unparalleled customer services. In addition to one of the largest and most diverse selections of radiant floor heating, roof deicing, pipe tracing, and snow melting solutions, Warmzone provides the industry’s most comprehensive service.
When you first contact Warmzone, our professionals will learn about your needs and then provide you with information about the options that would be best for your needs. Because we carry several different brands we’re not locked into offering just one or two options by one manufacturer. Our experts will carefully evaluate your needs and then recommend accordingly.
Free System Design – We can provide you with a detailed AutoCAD system design that not only covers the layout and materials of the system, but also includes all the technical information necessary for your electrician. This information includes proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and so on. You’ll know all the details prior to any installation taking place.
Free Installation Training – Warmzone also provides free interactive installation training. This is an invaluable service that can ultimately save a great deal of time and money in the long run. A radiant heat expert will personally cover all the aspects of your installation, and you can ask questions and proceed at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Most training courses take less than an hour, but having this expertise under your belt allows you to install with confidence, and avoid costly or time consuming mistakes.
Free Installation Support – Our support staff is also on hand during the installation. If you or your installers have any questions during the installation, these can be resolved simply by calling Warmzone. Our staff will walk you through the process and help ensure the proper installation – and a happy customer.
Talk with a friendly professional at Warmzone today and get the ball rolling. Radiant heat systems are easy to customize, and our designers are experienced in designing systems that best meet the customers’ radiant heat needs as well as their budgets. Call and learn more about the many affordable options and Warmzone’s industry leading customer services today at 888.488.9276.
February HotNews – Radiant Floor Heating Systems
Radiant Heat – The Heating System of Choice for New Construction Projects
With the emphasis on renewable energy and enhancing the efficiency of our homes nowadays, it’s no wonder that radiant heat is fast becoming the heating system of choice for new home construction. Radiant heated floors boast virtually no heat loss as over 99% of the energy devoted effectively translates into heating the home. Unlike traditional forced-air heating systems where hot air rises quickly and cools in the room (and escapes from closed vents), radiant floor heating systems feature no heat loss and precise control, as each room (or zone) is controlled by its own thermostat.
In addition to its remarkable energy efficiency, radiant floor heat also provides luxurious warmth. Installing a radiant heat system in your home not only can enhances cost savings and comfort, but can also significantly boost the value of your home.
Radiant floor heating systems consist of three main components: a heating element, a control center and an activation device (thermostat, timer, etc.). Warmzone offers a variety of the industry’s most advanced thermostats with its floor heating systems. The thermostats include simple on/off controllers and 7-day programmable thermostats that can be controlled by an external sensor (embedded in the floor), a built-in sensor, or a combination of the two. By installing heated floors, homeowners can turn a small investment into considerable cost-savings that also increases the value of your home.
The Types of Heating Elements
To accommodate the many different floor types and applications, Warmzone offers one of the largest selections of floor heating systems. The various systems utilize different types of heating elements, each with their own strong points and advantages.
The most common and popular heating element is thin ComfortTile heat resistance cable. The cable diameter is only about 1/8-inch and has a bending radius of about 1 inch. It is twin-conductor cable with a single point connection to facilitate easy installation. And speaking of easy installation, ComfortTile mats feature heat cable that is pre-spaced on a flexible mesh backing for simple “roll out” installation. With a 25-year limited warranty, and UL listed in the U.S. and Canada, ComfortTile heat cable is one of the most trusted and commonly used floor heating solutions today.
Thin heat cable can also be used with other components, such as the Prodeso® floor heating membrane. The uncoupling, waterproofing membranes come in rolls that are laid out over the subfloor and then the heat cable is installed in the channels of the membrane. This ensures precisely accurate spacing and speeds up the installation process. The floor surface is then installed directly over the membrane and heat cable. The system can be used to heat a wide variety of floor types.
A thicker, highly rugged heat cable is also available for installation in concrete slabs. In-Slab heat cable provides an efficient and highly effective means for heating floors that are installed over concrete slabs. The heat cable is secured to the remesh (with zip ties) and the concrete is poured. In-Slab floor heating systems are ideal for heating basement level floors. The twin conductor, single point connection heat cable features a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
Another heating element features thin FilmHeat (only 0.016-inch thick) that can be cut to length on site and either placed on the subfloor to heat newly constructed floors or stapled up between floor joists to heat existing floors. For new floors, this heating element is installed by floating it on top of an underlayment and floating the floor covering on top of the film. No alarms, special tools, or self leveling compounds are needed. This versatile system is very energy efficient, and because it is so thin there is no floor buildup. The system can be used to heat a range of floor types, including laminate, floating tile, engineered wood, and even bamboo.
Thin polymer FloorHeat panels can also be installed to heat a variety of floor types, including hardwood. This low-voltage system is one of the most unique and innovative radiant heat systems, and features self-regulating heating elements. Purchased in rolls, the thin, 12-inch wide heating element can be cut to size and field wired onsite for easy installation.
Another ultra thin FoilHeat electric radiant floor heating system features thin fluoropolymer insulated heating cables that are sandwiched between two layers of specially reinforced aluminum foil. Featuring superior design and quality construction, FoilHeat is another viable option for heating laminate floors.
The watertight heating element is connected to a power-supply cable that exits the laminate mat from one corner. The power lead is a flat, thin two-core flexible cord, consisting of two insulated conductors with a metal sheath and an outer sheath. The uniform spacing of the heating cable, backed by the conductive aluminum foil, ensures that there are no problems of “hot-spots” or localized heating. FoilHeat mats can be cut and shaped onsite.
In addition to the vast selection of electric radiant floor heating systems, Warmzone also offers industry leading hydronic floor heating solutions. For more information about our radiant heat systems, call 888.488.9276 today.
Heated Driveways can be a Reality for Most Homeowners
Explore the Many Options for Heating Your Driveway
For some homeowners who are considering the installation of a heated driveway, discovering the initial price of a snow melting system can be like getting hit in the face by an errant snowball. The immediate response is to retreat to the garage and embrace the snow shovel with renewed, yet reluctant affection and appreciation. Unaware of the many custom – and affordable – driveway heating options that can accommodate a vast range of budgets and layouts, many consumers unknowingly close the door of possibility and relegate themselves (and their families) to a future of manual snow removal.
In truth, no two heated driveways are alike, as every system is customized according to the specific demands of the homeowner. Each system is not only designed for the specific layout of each driveway, but other factors are considered as well. In addition to the budget, driveway heating systems are also designed according to ASHRAE standards.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an organization committed to advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world.
Snow melting system requirements vary, depending on the specifics of the project. ASHRAE standards were established to address variances such as the location’s altitude, average snowfall and temperature, etc., to allow designers to optimize each system’s performance for that particular location. Basically, if you want the best snow melting system, it’s a good idea to choose a radiant heat solutions provider that adheres to ASHRAE Standards.
To ensure the best snow melting system for your needs, it’s vital that your radiant heat provider design a custom system in accordance with ASHRAE Standards. This ensures that every system best meets the specific needs of each customer. Adhering to these standards means breaking down the design of the system regionally. This entails careful research of the weather for the region, including the general climate, average snowfall, storm duration, temperatures, and other important factors to ensure that the system’s components and design is going to be best suited to perform ideally in that particular location.
While the price of a heated driveway can often be rationalized by the added convenience and time-saving features – or money saved from paying for manual snow removal – perhaps the real benefit of a heated driveway is added safety.
“It’s a classic example of how you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind,” says Alex Geier, of Hinsdale, Illinois (quoted by the Calgary Herald). Safety is likely the single greatest benefit of a heated driveway system.
You also don’t have to heat the entire driveway. Many choose to only heat an 8-foot wide strip up the middle of a driveway, or two 24-inch tire tracks. The options and custom layouts are endless, and so many things can be done to accommodate the budget – without affecting performance.
Snow melting systems can be further customized to accommodate the available power. And don’t worry. You don’t need to be solely responsible for determining the available power of your home. Ultimately it is the electrician who determines this. However, there are some helpful guidelines that may assist you as you work with radiant heat professionals to determine the best snow melting solution.
One 30-amp breaker supplies enough power to heat a 170-square foot area. To heat a driveway of 350-square feet, two 30-amp breakers (or one 60-amp breaker) is needed. You can check your home’s main breaker panel to see the power coming into the house. (Most residences feature either two 100-amp panels or two 200-amp breakers. These are located at the top of the main breaker box, above the main breaker panel.)
If you have limited power there are still options that would allow you to install a heated driveway. Customers with minimal power have installed heated driveways that rely on zoning. This means that only one section of the driveway heats up at a time. For example, if there are three zones, then zone one will first activate. After it clears the area, zone two will then power up, followed by zone three. Certainly this is not as ideal as heating a driveway all at once, but for those with power constraints, this is a viable option. Regardless of your situation and budget, chances are that there is a custom driveway heating solution that will fit your needs.
Call Warmzone for more information (888.488.9276), or visit us online at www.warmzone.com.