Radiant Heat News

Unique Plumbing Challenges Can be Addressed with Pipe Tracing

Stop Pipes from Bursting

Living or working in a cold climate means you have to address certain challenges each winter. Snow removal, heating the interior, and keeping your pipes safe are just a few of the many quirks that come with enduring the winter. Homeowners and business owners alike have to face these challenges. Keeping your family and employees safe is the top priority, followed closely by keeping your property safe and running efficiently. Water pipes are a delicate part of your plumbing that must be monitored diligently and protected from freezing. Pipe tracing is an important part of the solution to that problem.

Heat trace cable installed on pipe of industrial facility.

Warehouses, attics, crawl spaces, or bonus rooms all have one thing in common; they are hard to heat and insulate properly. Insulation is always one of the top things on the check-list of things to do for these areas; and the pipes that weave in and out of these spaces should be added in the spot just below that in order to ensure they don’t burst during the coldest days and nights of winter. An unexpected cold snap could be the difference between a happy home or business and a miserable one. Bursting pipes resulting from frozen water can be potentially messy and very expensive to repair. Water damage is always a loaded problem, but pipe tracing can aid in the process of keeping your pipes safe. The heat cables wrap around your pipes and keep them consistently warm throughout the winter and are worth looking into if you have exposed pipes at home or in your work space. Contact Warmzone to request a quote to protect your pipes today!

Radiant Heat News

Driveway Heating is What You Wanted You Just Never Knew It

A Heated Driveway Should Be on Your Wish List

Heaven forbid I be the bearer of bossy news, especially since you don’t know me. But trust me, driveway heating is truly what you want, you just might not know it yet. Allow me to illuminate the reasons you should put a heated driveway on your wish list. I feel confident that once you investigate driveway heating a bit more you’ll soon be on the heating bandwagon.

Heated tire tracks in driveway

First up, if you live where it snows make the call today to find out more. It’s simple really; if you have a heated driveway you don’t have to plow, shovel, or swear at the snow anymore. Snow melting systems will melt all the snow on your driveway plus your sidewalk if you choose to install heating cable there as well. Electric snow melting systems are easy to customize and can be installed just about anywhere or in any application possible.

Second, a heated driveway is an affordable and efficient way to maintain heavy snow loads on your property. The heat cables require very little electricity, plus they only run when conditions warrant. When the temperature is below a set point and the sensor detects precipitation, it signals the system to send heat to the cables. So these energy efficient systems operate only when needed, but they also feature manual override capability for times when it may be needed..

There are plenty of other reasons to consider a heating driveway system. But I’ll let you discover those for yourself as you explore this website and see for yourself that yes, you do want to put a heated driveway on your wish list.

HOTNEWS

Protect Your Roof With a RoofHeat System

Don’t Get Snowed-in by an Inferior Radiant Heat Solution: Protect your Home with a RoofHeat STEP Deicing System

Put the finishing touch on that new roof installation, or preserve the integrity of your roof and your home with a RoofHeat STEP low-voltage deicing system by Warmzone. It is a top-of-the-line radiant heat system that is a good fit for you roof, and your budget. Paired with an existing or new gutter ice melting system, you will benefit this winter from the convenience and peace of mind that comes with a complete roof deicing solution.

Heated roof edge

RoofHeat STEP deicing systems involve three main components: a transformer, a heating element and an activation device (usually a sensor to trigger system operation in inclement weather). Here is a look at each of these elements at a glance:

  • A transformer is an individual control unit responsible for a specific section of the deicing system, and can step down from high voltage to low voltage (60V or less). It is the source for monitoring the power and output to the system heat cables to ensure safe, accurate performance of your radiant roof heating and deicing system.
  • Thin, semi-conductive polymer RoofHeat heating elements can be easily cut to size and discreetly nailed or stapled under shingles for a quick and easy installation. The heating element is polypropylene fused during fabrication for water proofing and protection from alkaline or salt damage.
  • When temperature and precipitation indicate snow, the activation device/snow sensor triggers the control panel. The control panel then sends power to the heating element to activate the RoofHeat STEP deicing system and heat your roof.

RoofHeat STEP deicing systems are a wise home improvement investment. It protects your home from the harmful effects of moisture caused by ice damming—moisture that can seep into roof decking, and eventually into your home. And it is fully automated—simply set the power unit and forget it. No more precarious perching on a ladder or slippery roof with a rake or push broom. Once the system is activated, the roof warms to efficiently prevent snow from accumulating and protects your roof from ice and water damage.

Available in 4, 6, 9 and 12 inch widths; RoofHeat heating elements can be cut and customized for just about any application. In fact, installing a Warmzone radiant heat roof deicing system is quite easy compared to competitive radiant heat systems. If you can swing a hammer or use a staple gun, you can install a RoofHeat heating element. The low-voltage heating element comes in a durable vinyl enclosure and can be easily nailed, stapled, or attached with fasteners or screws under a variety of roofing materials, including metal.

Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or hiring a professional roofer, at some point you will require the assistance of an experienced electrician. The good news is that the average electrical professional will find the entire installation process quite intuitive; and Warmzone has the components, professionals and online resources to help you every step of the way. Call 888-488-9276 or visit us online at www.warmzone.com to start planning your radiant roof heating system.

Keep the Snow at Bay with a Radiant Heated Driveway

Just Like Your Favorite Hot Drink on a Cold Day, A Heated Driveway Will Quickly Become Something You Love!
Starbucks™ has made the shift to Pumpkin Lattes, and pretty soon, a warm drink (or a heated driveway) might be your antidote for winter weather. You may have heard of a heated driveway, but may consider it a luxury rivaling that $4.00 coffee drink your favorite barista serves up. What you may not realize—the benefits of electric radiant heated driveways far outweigh their modest installation costs. But to understand just how much you’ll save, you’ll need a basic understanding of how a radiant heated driveway works.

A warm mug of hot chocolate by the fire

Radiant heat is an incredibly efficient method for melting snow and ice from driveways and walkways, and is becoming increasingly popular as a practical home improvement solution. There are two types of systems: electric and hydronic. Electric snowmelt systems use heat cable while hydronic systems generate hot water, then pump it through plastic PEX tubing. In either case, the heating elements are installed under the surface of the driveway, and radiate heat upwards to quickly melt snow and ice before it has a chance to stick.

Every automated driveway snow melting system is composed of three main items: the heating element, the controller and the activation device. Sturdy resistance cable is the main heating element for an electric radiant heated driveway system and is sufficient (and practical) for most residential applications. It can be easily installed in almost any medium, under brick or stone pavers, newly poured concrete, or even hot asphalt. And Warmzone will design the system to best meet your snow melting requirements and budget. Heat the entire driveway or just heat two 24-inch tire tracks. Heated driveway systems can be easily customized to fit your needs.

A wall-mounted control box is the command center for the automated electric radiant heated driveway. It communicates with aerial or pavement-mounted snow switch that activates the system when it detects precipitation and the temperature reaches a set point (usually set at 38-39° Fahrenheit). Because it’s fully automated, there’s no switch to flip, or surfing the net for changing weather conditions. And if you want to get a jump on the weather, most systems include a manual timer for preheating areas before a large storm or melting a snow drift or ice that found its way to your driveway well after the storm hit.

Now that you understand just how an automated driveway snow melting system works, it’s easy to see the benefits. The initial purchase and installation of a heated driveway system more than pays for itself when you consider the fees associated with professional snow removal services. A radiant heated driveway operates for just pennies on the dollar, and is activated before one snowflake ever hits pavement. With a snow removal service, you’re facing much longer wait times, and years of seasonal fees that can be quite large.

So perhaps you’re a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-start-shoveling or snow blowing type. Depending on how deep the snow is, you’re also facing minutes to hours of shoveling or pushing a gas-spewing, noisy snow blower around, plus the risk of serious injury, depending on your age and physical condition. Using salt and other harsh snow melting chemicals destroys the surrounding vegetation, but radiant heat eliminates the need (and cost) of chemicals. Heated driveways can save you money and time. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend the time saved inside with a newspaper and your favorite hot beverage watching the snowfall instead?

The price of an electric radiant heated driveway, along with the ease of installation and low operational costs make it the perfect choice for a homeowner on a budget. But don’t just take my word for it. To learn more about radiant heated driveways, visit www.warmzone.com or call a sales representative to assist you find what best suits your snow melting needs at 888.488.9276.

Radiant Heat News

An Evening Under the Stars with Outdoor Home Heating

Entertain Guest After the Sun Goes Down with an Outdoor Heater

Outdoor heating is slowly catching on as we all attempt to lengthen our summers and thwart the early nip in the air. Each of us long to spend more and more time outside enjoying the fresh air of fall, which proves tricky once the temperatures shift and dip. There are effective solutions to this problem with Warmzone’s line of radiant heat systems. You can install radiant heat around a fire pit and prolong your summer and fall nights under the starts.

Outdoor heating with patio heater

Outdoor entertaining is more popular than ever and more hosts/hostesses want to create a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere for their guests. Outdoor heaters can give much needed time to an evening under the stars. Wine and dine your guests as the sun sets and the air takes on the cooling temperatures of dusk. You can light your fire in your fire pit for a glowing, more intimate setting or fire up your stand alone outdoor heaters and let guest mingle beneath their cast off warmth. Jackets and evening wraps will not be in demand since your overall atmosphere will have a warm and cozy feel to it thanks to your outdoor home heating products from Warmzone.

Radiant Heat News

Bathroom Heat and Towel Warmer

Towel Warmers Radiate Warmth from Top to Bottom

We don’t expect you to literally want a volcano creating havoc in your bathroom spewing molten lava all over the place, but if you can picture heat just like lava pouring over your towels then you have a good visual on the warming perks of having an attractive bathroom heater with a towel warming bar hung next to your shower or bathtub. Towel warmers provide efficient, comfortable heat for most sized bathroom with the added benefit of warming your towels for a toasty, luxurious treat after a bath or shower.

Wall heater and towel warmer

The first few steps out of warm water can be brutal and uncomfortable. You must move fast enough to wipe the chilling water from your skin as your teeth begin to chatter and you curse your skin’s automatic cooling response. Having a warm towel to wrap around your body is a great solution to that post shower chill and teeth chattering moment. A towel warmed by a bathroom heater envelops you in welcoming heat, never as hot as a volcano of course, but very soothing. A wall-mounted heat with a towel warming rack offers easy installation and elegant design. Clearly we don’t wish a natural disaster to strike your bathroom, but having the warmth much like a volcano is a most welcome benefit after a long relaxing shower or soak in your tub. Warmzone also carries a variety of other home heating amenities.

HOTNEWS

Do Your Radiant Heat Project Right With Warmzone

We can Help With Complimentary Consulting, Design and Post-Sales Support Services

If you’re currently shopping radiant floor heating solutions for your home, it’s important to choose a company that can deliver competitive prices, complete system design, and post sales support in equal measure. Warmzone can do just that. The folks at Warmzone have one goal in mind—to offer the best radiant products in the industry and professionals to help with all aspects of your project, making the sale, design and installation as smooth as possible.

You’ll get more for your money with a Warmzone radiant heat system than any competitor. At Warmzone, you’ll benefit from:

  • Radiant experts with the most industry experience
  • Non-biased radiant heat information based on your specific needs
  • In-house expertise to help you with any concerns you or your client might have, including:

Mechanical Engineers / Designers – Warmzone will custom engineer and provide a detailed layout for each job.
Technical Installation Support – We will support you through all aspects of the installation.
Hydronic Experts – Assist with all the details of your designs, installation and applications.

Heated tile floor

A diverse selection of top quality products and unmatched support services during and after installation are key points that separate Warmzone from the competition. Your Warmzone purchase entitles you to an impressive menu of professional support services. From conception to completion, Warmzone’s master electrician and other installation experts are always on hand to assist you with your radiant heat project, if and when you need it.

Before you make any formal purchase decision, you’ll benefit from a thorough assessment of your project. Warmzone’s professional team of mechanical engineers / designers will evaluate your radiant heating system from top to bottom and create a detailed CAD of your system layout. You’ll have a clear understanding of the electrical requirements, technical specifications and system performance before any heat cable is installed.

Warmzone recognizes that radiant heat systems are only as good as the installation. They will work closely with you to ensure proper system installation, long after your initial purchase is completed; and stay with you until your radiant heat system is installed and working properly, to your complete satisfaction.

The fact is, when it comes to radiant heat, you simply won’t find a more knowledgeable, helpful and friendly staff than the folks at Warmzone. Their consultants are highly trained, experienced radiant heat professionals; craftsman who take pride in meeting your needs and are willing to listen. A wide selection of top radiant heat products also gives these professionals the opportunity for honest, unbiased recommendations that fit your needs, from actual heat requirements, to budgetary concerns and project timing.

If you’re going to install radiant heat, then do it right. Use the best products and work with the most experienced, knowledgeable professionals available. A radiant heat system is only as good as its installation, so it makes sense to go with the experienced pros at Warmzone, who offer the best customer service and installation support in the business.

Warmzone: The Most Comprehensive Online Information Resource

Warmzone’s heating up the web as the largest digital radiant heat information and resource provider

If you’re in the market for a radiant heat solutions provider, but waffling on which one to choose, it’s worth putting Warmzone at the top of your list. Because radiant heat is a relatively new technology for many consumers, Warmzone is dedicated to providing convenient, clear information to their customers, a philosophy that begins with interactions between customer and radiant heat expert, and extends to the web.

Heated driveway on incline with heated tire tracks

You’ll find the most comprehensive digital library of radiant heat information and resources available today at Warmzone.com, including downloadable versions of installation manuals, user guides, installation manuals, cross section diagrams and more, available to you, 24/7:

Articles —Read on all types of radiant heat applications, from small home floor heating projects to large industrial snow melting systems. You’ll undoubtedly find what you’re looking for in our vast online catalog of radiant heat articles.

NewsBlogs —These blogs cover many, many topics ranging from indoor radiant heat systems to driveway heating, roof deicing and radiant snow melting systems. You’ll enjoy firsthand accounts from real radiant heat customers, including professional installers and “do-it-yourself” homeowners, as well as installation tips, “how-to” guides, product comparisons and information.

Press Releases —Get up-to-the-minute Warmzone company news and radiant heat product information, including late-breaking industry information and product releases. Or search the archive for past and current industry trends, news and more.

Warmzone University Instructional Video Library —You’ll find lots and lots of television clips as well as installation videos on Warmzone, and various types of radiant heat systems; including broadcasts from the Bob Vila show, the Do-it-Yourself television network, and the Platinum Television Group’s feature of Warmzone on its education series, Great Tastes.

HotNews —Tap into the company newsletter for the most current radiant heat industry information, HotNews. There’s something for everyone—whether you’re a homeowner or a radiant heat installer, you’ll find up-to-date industry news, insightful project spotlights, new product information, technical tips and more.

In addition to these superior online resources, Warmzone offers an unparalleled menu of energy efficient alternatives to traditional heating systems, backed by the experience necessary to truly your needs and propose a radiant heat system that will provide the results you desire without weeks of research. Warmzone has formed relationships with companies worldwide that are best in class, allowing them to offer the highest quality, proven products at the best prices available. Check them out today at www.warmzone.com, or call Warmzone at 888.488.9276 to start planning your next radiant heat project.

Radiant Heat News

Radiant Floor Heat, You are a Superstar

Radiant Heat Has Star Quality

Seriously, what’s not to love about radiant floor heat? This affordable, energy efficient method of home heating is fast becoming a superstar in home improvement projects as well as the first go-to heating method of new construction. If you have a home or an office building and you live in a cold climate you will have to install some form of heating. Radiant floor heat has some star qualities that might help you decide to install a heated floor system.

Superstar Qualities of Radiant Floor Heat Include:

Silent Operation: The way a radiant floor heating system is installed allows it to be virtually noiseless when operating. This quiet operation is more relaxing for everyone inhabiting the dwelling or building.

Air Quality: Without the forced air from a furnace stirring up the air, creating dust particles, you enjoy a higher quality of air when using radiant floor heat. This aids those with allergies and helps to keep dust accumulation lower.

Heat Distribution: Using radiant heat means the entire space/room gets warmth thanks to the even distribution of radiant heat.

Comfort: Tile, hardwood, or laminate surfaces tend to get very cold in the winter. Heated floors gives the added benefit of warming luxury as you walk across an evenly heated floor.

Energy Efficient : You are more likely to feel warmer with your system set at a lower temperature which means your system doesn’t have to work as hard to reach your comfort temperatures and also doesn’t have to work as long, running only when you set it to run at the exact temperature you specify.

Appearance: Underfloor heat means just that; all the equipment is underneath your floor so there are no unsightly heat vents to vacuum around or arrange furniture to accommodate

Radiant Heat News

Add Radiant Floor Heating Any Time

New Construction and Existing Homes Benefit from Radiant Flooring

Radiant floor heating is a fantastic addition to any home and adaptable enough to be added to one room or the entire floor plan. Most homeowners believe that the installation of a heated floor is something best done during the initial construction of a home. The belief also exists that radiant floor heating be cast throughout the entire home, thereby maximizing the heating potential and benefits. The reality is that a heated tile floor can be added at any stage of home ownership and to any size space you desire to have a heated floor.

Heated tile floor in dining area

Who wouldn’t love to walk into a small tiled bathroom or entryway and feel the same luxurious heat offered by radiant heat floor systems? Radiant floor heating can be installed beneath tile, hard wood flooring, or carpet making this a conceivable reality for your smaller spaces. If you have access to the floor joists below then RetroHeat is a great fit for your home.

Achieving heat with radiant floor heating is easier than ever before. RetroHeat makes it possible to receive the same benefits of radiant heat without doing damage to your existing floors or causing costly damage in repairs. RetroHeat uses warming panels that are cut to proper length, then stapled in-between the floor joists. Using a RetroHeat floor heating systems under an existing floor can be added to any space and is an effective floor heating solution at an affordable price.

Radiant Heat News

Lazy Winter Afternoons are Possible with Heated Driveways

Kick Back During a Snow Storm

Winter for most of us means a lot of hard work. Snow storms mean back breaking work for those of us stuck shoveling or plowing. Plus, it’s cold outside. Really, really cold. A heated driveway could change most of that. It won’t make it warm outside, but it will reduce your back breaking work. During a snow storm a heated driveway system would do all the hard work for you, keeping the ground heated to a consistent temperature that will not allow accumulation. Imagine the snow melting almost before it even hits the ground.

If you install a heated driveway you can start enjoying lazy winter afternoons, from inside your house. Piles and piles of snow could dump down on your lawn, but you can watch carefree from an easy chair inside the walls of your cozy home, while you sip something warm and steamy from a bright and colorful mug. It won’t bother you to see all that snow on your lawn because you know your driveway is staying clear thanks to the radiant heating cables lightly caressing the surface with warmth. Bright radiating warmth works so you don’t have to at keeping your sidewalks and driveways clear of snow. While you watch your poor neighbors toil endlessly all winter you can smirk and scoff behind the closed doors of your home and the whole time you can enjoy a lazy afternoon.

HOTNEWS

Prepare for Winter

Ramping up for Winter: Prepare for the White Stuff with a Radiant Snow Melting System

If the recent heat wave is any indication of what winter will be like, an electric radiant heated driveway installation now is great preparation for big snow in the future. These systems are designed to sense temperature, humidity and other changes that indicate impending white stuff. They’re also fully automated, so your driveway is clear and dry before you leave the house.

Electric snow melting systems are comprised of three main items: the heating element, the controller, and the snow sensor or activation device. They rely on a pavement- or aerial-mounted automated sensor to activate the system when precipitation is detected and temperatures dip below the set point. (The system’s adjustable set point is typically set at 39°F.)  The sensor sends a signal to the controller, which in turn sends power through the durable, highly efficient heat cable.  When distributed evenly across the surface of a driveway or sidewalk, radiant heat cable can deliver heat quickly and efficiently before the snow has a chance to stick.

Heated driveway in concrete

Reasons for investing in an electric radiant heat snow melting system:

Affordability – Warmzone electric radiant heat systems are easily installed in a fraction of the time and cost of more elaborate systems, and still outperform the competition.

Safety – Sometimes icy conditions aren’t obvious until you slip and fall. These problems can be prevented with pavement that’s dry and clear, free of ice or snow during the winter months.

Maintenance Free – Unlike many systems on the market, Warmzone snow melting systems have no moving parts, making them extremely reliable and virtually maintenance-free.

Self-contained – Warmzone electric snow melting systems are fully automated and monitored and controlled by an advanced, UL listed master control unit mounted on a garage wall without sacrificing space.

Efficient –Warmzone snow melting systems are extremely efficient, with 99% of all energy used going directly to snow melting.

Low Operation Costs and Minimal Operation Time –Melt snow on a 300-square-foot area for under $0.50 per continuous hour of operation. Operating time of Warmzone’s automated systems typically run about 30% less than other radiant snow melting systems.

Professional Design and Engineering – In addition to Warmzone’s wide selection of proven radiant snow melting systems and products, Warmzone provides unparalleled system design services and installation support. When it comes to the complete radiant heating solution package, no one can match Warmzone.

Added value and protection –A simple radiant heat installation could save your driveway (and surrounding landscape) from the harmful effects of snow removal equipment and harsh snow melting chemicals.

Ok, so you’re probably wondering how much an automated snowmelt system will cost you. (Get a free quote!) You may be pleasantly surprised with the options available. Regardless of your requirements or budget, Warmzone has the expertise necessary to design and install the perfect snow melting solution for you. Snow melting systems are easily customized to meet your needs – and your budget. You can install radiant heating cable under an entire paved driveway, an 8-10 foot wide strip, or two 24-inch wide tracks. (View some radiant snow melting system options.)

Because Warmzone is not limited to offering just one brand of products, the experts there can recommend – without bias – the system that will best meet your needs. By choosing from Warmzone’s wide selection of proven products, you can be assured that you will be receiving the best service, price and solution available.

For more information about automated snow melting systems, heated floors, or roof deicing systems, contact Warmzone at 888.488.9276.

Radiant Roof Deicing Systems

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

Low-voltage roof heating system being installed.

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

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

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

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

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

Premier Radiant Heat Solutions