HOTNEWS

Snow Removal Responsibilities

The Changing Legal Climate Surrounding Snow Removal.

While we can hope that this year’s snowfall won’t top last year’s record levels, snow removal will take on an increased sense of urgency this year in Massachusetts. In addition to the grueling physical demands, a recent shift in the laws regarding snow removal will have homeowners much more attentive to the condition of their sidewalks following each storm.

Manually shoveling snow
Keeping your driveway and sidewalks clear of snow and ice during the winter months can be a daunting task.

For business owners, the laws mandating snow removal are clear and unforgiving. Neglecting snow removal can result in fines levied by local government as well as leave businesses vulnerable to costly personal injury lawsuits. The consequences can be devastating, but for the most part, these are avoidable expenses, and as such, businesses in cold climates take their snow removal duties seriously. But the legal responsibilities of snow removal are not confined to businesses. Homeowners in the north east are also feeling the chill of a legal climate change.

A Massachusetts court recently overturned a 125-year-old “slip and fall” accident law. Prior to this latest decision, the state’s courts made a distinction between snow and ice conditions caused by nature and those caused artificially. Not anymore.

In the past, Massachusetts law had stated that property owners did nothing wrong when they didn’t remove ice or snow that accumulated naturally. But now, whether the snow on your sidewalk is a natural accumulation from Mother Nature or the result of a passing snow plow, the responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of the homeowner to clear that snow from the sidewalk. Essentially, the new ruling states that walkways in Massachusetts must be safe to walk on at all times, making homeowners liable for “slip and fall” accidents that occur on their property.

While diligent snow shoveling and timely distribution of ice melting chemicals can enhance safety and reduce the chances of personal injury, it’s hard for any homeowner to feel completely at ease during the winter cold spell. There are no “anti-lawsuit” guarantees, but radiant snow melting systems are proving to be the most popular long term remedy for “litigation angst”. The automated systems ensure safe, snow-free sidewalks, whether you are asleep in bed, at work, or just relaxing in the front room with a hot cup of coffee.

Electric snowmelt systems are activated by a high-tech snow sensor that signals the unit’s controller when it detects precipitation and temperatures are below 39° Fahrenheit. The control unit then sends power to the embedded heat cable, warming the driveway or sidewalks. Installing a heated driveway not only eliminates the time consuming, arduous task of manual snow removal, but provides peace of mind by enhancing safety as well as increasing the value of your property.

Contact Warmzone and find out more about how radiant heat can become a part of your winter weather strategy.

Is Your Roof an Accident Waiting to Happen?

Each Winter Storm May Slowly be Compromising the Integrity of your Roof

Every winter, homeowners in cold climates experience the damaging effects of heavy snow and ice as it accumulates on their roofs. Contrary to the seemingly harmless splendor of winter’s white wonderland, snow can cause as much damage as fires, severe storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards.

Beneath the serene blanket of fresh snow on your roof, destructive forces are silently at work, stressing your home’s structure and gradually infiltrating the vulnerable areas of your roofing like an unrelenting cavity gnawing away at your tooth.

In freezing climates, two common types of roof damage are responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars of roof repair. Ice dams and condensation of water vapor on cold surfaces in the attic slowly take their toll on roofs, and the consequences can lead to safety hazards as well as expensive repairs.

Ice dams are typically the most problematic areas of roofs in climates with freezing temperatures. When the temperature in the attic is above freezing, it can cause the snow on the roof to melt and trickle down the roof valleys. When it hits the colder eaves, it refreezes.

As this cycle repeats over several days, the freezing snowmelt results in ice buildup that acts as a dam, causing water to slowly back up behind it. The melting snow continues to run down the sloping roof, accumulating at the dam and causing several potential risks. It eventually backs up under the roof covering and can leak into the attic, and perhaps, even along exterior walls. Because the warm air of the living space below the roof penetrates the attic, it is difficult to avoid the conditions that cause ice dams naturally. However, the good news is that you can protect yourself from the danger and excessive costs associated with roof damage.

Warmzone roof heating systems are discreetly installed under the roofing and eliminate prolonged ice damming that can cause severe roof damage. Investing in a quality roof heating system and protecting your home from structural damage and dangerous icicles can save you a considerable amount of money in the future.

Roof deicing system heating roof edges and valley

Automated roof heating systems can be customized to accommodate just about any roof type and configuration. Warmzone examines each project individually to determine which system will provide the optimal solution. A valued roof deicing system is based on its cost, performance and aesthetics. Based on your budget and needs, Warmzone will maximize your investment to the best working system possible. (A variety of proven roof heating options are available to choose from.)

Warmzone roof heating systems are controlled by automatic sensors that activate the heating elements when conditions warrant. Warmzone roof heating systems have been installed in most cold regions around the country and are still the most effective for roof deicing. RoofHeat deicing systems are a wise investment that could save you thousands of dollars in repairs if you live in an area with harsh winters. The energy-efficient roof heating systems are ideal for new construction and/or remodeling of existing roofs.

In addition to roof heating, Warmzone is a premier provider of radiant heated driveways and floor heating systems. Call a Warmzone radiant heat expert (888-488-9276) to learn about the systems and options available for you.

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Radiant Heating Systems

Heating systems for homes and businesses are faced with an increasing number of options to consider for their primary and secondary heating. While fire places and coal burning stoves become less popular, other alternative heating methods are quickly becoming more common. Traditional furnaces as a primary heating system are now being challenged from radiant baseboards, radiant floor heating systems and even radiant ceiling heaters. Many of these new heating systems are using electricity instead of natural gas or heating oil.

Space heaters are also becoming a less expensive option to upgrading a poorly insulated home or to add supplemental heat to cold areas. Bathroom heaters and heated towel warmers mount to a wall and provide comfortable warmth to bathrooms. Many interior designers are adopting these electric heating systems as fashionable accessories to bathrooms, basements and home offices.

A common challenge to traditional heating systems is the inability to zone your home for specific areas of the home without heating the entire home. Electric radiant heating systems can be easily designed to be independently controlled by zone which enables a home owner to increase the temperature for defined areas of the home during occupancy and conversely allows a particular zone to remain off during down times. This strategy not only saves the home owner money, it gives you complete control to efficiently warm you most used living spaces without comprising cost.

Choosing the best heating system for a new home or to add supplemental heat to a cold spot in your home now takes a little homework. The radiant consultants and designers at Warmzone have been trained in all of the latest heating systems to properly assess your project and prescribe a system that will add value to your home inside of your budget. Contact us by phone or email to learn more about your home heating goals and we will sell you a heating system that works for you.

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Driveway Snow Melting Cable

Automated, Maintenance Free Heated Driveway Systems

We’re getting close to the time of year when we can put away the snow shovels and snow blowers. Or, were you one of the lucky ones who enjoyed the services of a radiant heated driveway this year?

Electric snow melting systems have proven their value in cold climates throughout the country, particularly during the brutal winter of 2009-2010. Designed for convenience and rugged reliability, these automated snowmelt systems lie in wait to ambush the white flakes as they silently descend from the gloomy sky. Okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic and falling into my romance novel writing mode, but you get the point. The system melts the snow before it even has a chance to stick.

Driveway with heated tire tracks

Heated driveway systems include an aerial or pavement mounted snow sensor that detects the impending snow barrage and signals the control unit, which then sends power to the ClearZone heat cable, heating the driveway. After the storm, the driveway remains warm for a period of time, ensuring that it is clear of ice before it automatically shuts off. More often than not, this all takes place before you’ve even slipped on your Daffy Duck slippers or poured your first cup of Joe. Isn’t technology great?

In addition to the convenience (as if that wasn’t enough), heated driveway systems increase the value of your property and are friendly to the environment. Using renewable energy, electric heated driveways eliminate the need for abrasive, and often damaging, snow removal methods as well as the use of harsh snowmelt chemicals that harm nearby grass and other vegetation. So naturally, there’s no salty runoff from your driveway filling your street gutters. Ya gotta love that!

ClearZone heat cable is the preeminent snow melting cable on the market, and features the most impressive manufacturer warranty in the industry. Whether embedded in concrete, asphalt or under pavers, ClearZone cable has a proven track record for a wide variety of applications, and is a favorite among contractors and professional builders. It’s no surprise then that it is most commonly chosen by homeowners.

Radiant snowmelt systems have been around a while now but are continually gaining popularity because of their affordability and effective, maintenance-free operation. Homeowners from coast to coast are discovering the many advantages and enhanced safety from installing a radiant heated driveway and/or sidewalk.

Heated driveways can be customized to fit your driveway surface and shape as well as your budget. While most homeowners install radiant heat throughout their driveway surface, you can also choose more affordable options, such as installing heat cable in tire tracks. Or, simply heat only the areas that you use. Warmzone professionals will evaluate your needs and provide several options and a detailed drawing of your radiant heat system. If you are going down the radiant heat road, make sure you deal with respected industry leaders who will guide you along the way.

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Portable Radiant Heat Solutions

Turn up the Heat with WarmTrax and Powerblanket Heating Mats

Despite the arrival of spring, getting up at 6:00 a.m. to clear the snow from my porch, stairs and walkways is still a fresh and somewhat painful memory. With the help of some blazing innovations, like Powerblanket and WarmTrax portable snow melting mats, I may actually have something to look forward to next winter (but as of now, I’m certainly not rushing it).

Heated traction mats for outdoor steps

      WarmTrax heated stair treads

WarmTrax snow melting mats and stair treads are an inexpensive alternative to shoveling, snow blowing, salt and embedded systems, and require no formal installation. They’re designed to lie on top of existing surfaces to continuously melt snow and ice. Just roll them out over sidewalks, ramps, walkways, your front porch, even your stairs, enough to keep your mail carrier happy through the winter months.

WarmTrax snow melting mats are incredibly durable. An electrically operated heating element is sandwiched between two protective non-slip rubber surfaces that are designed to endure harsh conditions and provide excellent traction, while enduring repeated foot traffic. To get instant heat, just plug them into any standard 120V or 240V outlet after placing them over the surface you wish to heat.

Powerblanket concrete curing mat

PowerBlanket concrete curing and ground thawing blanket.

Powerblankets, another portable, extremely efficient portable heating solution, can also be used in the harsher months as curing blankets, for ground thaw or to warm barrels or engines. Made from rugged, non-flammable material, Powerblankets are durable enough to meet the demands of large construction projects or heat stalls, kennels and common areas where animals congregate during the winter months.

On construction projects, Powerblankets are often used to accelerate concrete curing or as a ground thaw and heating source for working areas, or to protect materials and heavy equipment. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate jobs, large and small (very smart indeed, for those of us whose jobs take us outside during the harsh winter months).

Both of these products are low voltage, durable and incredibly safe, even wet. It doesn’t take a construction professional to appreciate the power of WarmTrax and PowerBlanket products. Knowing that I have a portable snow melting solution at my finger tips provides me with a security blanket of my own. Mother Nature can unleash a barrage of white stuff during winter’s coldest months, but I only have to throw down the heating mat and plug it in to create a safe, ice-free walkway. Not to mention that rolling out my portable snow melting mat during a snowstorm is like rolling out the red carpet as far as my mail carrier is concerned.

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Radiant Floor Heating

The silent operation of a radiant floor heating system free from drafts or flying dust particles is why these systems are becoming so popular. Home owners are searching for ways in which they can create a healthier environment to live in. Forced air systems can spread dust, pollen and germs while a radiant floor heating system uses electric resistance cables under the floor or PEX tubing that circulates heated water. Radiant heating systems warm floors to a comfortable level and naturally spreads its heat to objects in the room making your living areas much more enjoyable. Heating your home with radiant heated floors will make breathing easier and not dry you out. Imagine your floors without the need for vents or hot air blowing down from the ceiling.

Evenly distributed radiant heat in your floors will allow you to turn down your thermostat two to four degrees. This can reduce energy costs by 10-40 percent and can be verified with your local utility company. This setback to your thermostat can happen because a radiant floor heats from the ground up and delivers the heat through objects not air. This makes the lowest three feet of your home the most comfortable where a forced air system loses its heat to the ceiling and is required to heat from the top down. Delivering heat by air also makes it easy to escape and increase your overall heat loss.

A good analogy for radiant floor heating to forced air is a car that has heated seats and a forced air heater/furnace. The forced air in a car can dry you out and can become uncomfortable and is difficult to dial in because of the heat loss due to its air delivery. A heated seat will provide you with quick results and will remain warm long after it is reduced or turned completely off. The heated seat actually warms your body and the car seat, not the air. Forced air will over time will inefficiently heat objects but with the negative side effects of dry air, dust and pollen.

If you are interested in discovering your options for a radiant floor heating system call one of our trained representatives at 888.488.9276. Our staff will match your budget to a radiant floor heating system that best meets your heating goals.

Radiant Heat News

Support Your Home Heating

Electric Heaters and Wall-Mount Heaters Aid Heating

It never hurts to supplement your home heating. From time to time you’ll catch a draft or realize there is a stingy cold spot in your home that can’t be penetrated with your current home heating system. You can offer support to your home heating system by supplementing the hard work it does with electric wall-mount heaters and towel warmers.

Climastar decorative wall heater
Climastar heater mounted on wall in livingroom.

Home heating amenities can target specific areas of your home and inject those smaller spaces with targeted heat designed just for your home’s heating needs. Wall-mount and bathroom heaters are a smart and affordable way to support your home heating. They require a small amount of electricity which is often cheaper than running your furnace at a higher temperature to achieve even warmth throughout your home. You can buy one or seven, depending on how many spaces in your home could use a little heating boost. Even if you need several you can rely on electric heaters to be more cost effective than replacing your entire home heating system. It also helps avoid the headache of tearing your home apart to gain access to the duct work or vents that require attention. Electric heaters offer very specific heat to very specific areas of your home and can aid your current system to achieve its highest potential without working too hard.

Radiant Heat News

Proper Insulation for Radiant Floor Heating

Improve the Performance of Your Radiant Heated Floors

You may have seen an increase in the number of radiant floor heating systems being installed in new construction projects. Radiant heat technology is more popular and affordable than ever, and more consumers are enjoying the benefits of radiant heat.

Heated bathroom floor

Proper radiant heat installation requires an effective insulation beneath your radiant floor heating system. The response times of radiant heating systems are quicker and much more consistent thanks to the specific physical characteristics of proper ground insulation. Insulation provides critical protection for any radiant heated floors. Insulation decreases heat loss below the slab, allowing the radiant floor heating system to perform more efficiently and accurately in the face of drastic temperature shifts.

Think of it as laying a warm blanket beneath your radiant heated floor, allowing your radiant floor heating system to operate properly and most efficiently. You don’t want to spend your precious money on heating an already cold ground and losing much of the generated heat beneath your radiant floor heating. Proper ground insulation will catch the heat and throw it back upward where you want it, instead of allowing the valued warm air to seep needlessly into the ground below your home. Radiant floor heating is showing up more and more and home builders need to be aware that laying the proper foundation is key to having a radiant heated floor system operate at 100 percent.

Call a radiant heat expert at Warmzone (888.488.9276) to learn more about ground insulation for heated floors and the radiant floor heating system that is best for you.

HOTNEWS

Hydronic and Electric Radiant Heating Systems – Comparing Operational Costs

If you’ve decided to add a heated driveway or underfloor heating system to your list of home improvement projects, hydronic heat might be the popular choice, but it’s not necessarily the best, or least expensive way to go. Electric radiant heat is a new, equally viable option that may give you some pause when it comes time to fork over that cash you’ve been stashing for your home improvement projects.

Installing a hydronic heated floor. Pex tubing being installed in Rau Panel.

Let’s say you are considering adding radiant heat to your bathroom-remodeling project. In a small space, typical heating times can make all the difference, right down to the floorboards. A hydronic heated floor system installation requires PEX tubing placed 1½-2 inches into a cement slab for optimal results. At this depth, you could be waiting a few hours for things to heat up. To avoid the inconvenience of those long wait times, most homeowners tend to leave their hydronic heat systems on throughout the winter months, consuming more energy. An electric radiant heated floor can reduce that wait time by as much as 6½ hours. Radiant heating mats can be easily rolled out above the sub-floor, just under the flooring material, and can heat a tile floor in 30 to 60 minutes flat. With more reasonable wait times, programming the system to turn on and off potentially saves you more dollars, and frankly, makes more sense.

Installation costs tend to be higher for hydronic heating systems. Returning to our bathroom project, the $300 to $400 you would expect to spend installing a radiant heated floor will cost you upwards of $4,000 to $5,000. The upfront investment for equipment, labor and floor height issues make hydronic systems cost prohibitive in small- to medium-sized areas. Hydronic systems require a boiler, which accounts for a big chunk of the budget. Unlike radiant heated floor mats, hydronic floor heating systems also elevate the floor by a couple of inches, a significant difference that can cause big problems for you during your bathroom remodeling job. Radiant heated flooring installed will elevate the floor by only ⅛ of an inch. In this scenario, at least, it probably would not make much sense to run a series of tubing for a hydronic system in your bathroom.

Placing heat cable in the grooves of a floor heating insulation panel

Installing heat cable in a floor heating insulation panel.

Of course there is the issue of maintenance and repairs. Hydronic systems circulate continuously, and rely on a system of valves and manifolds prone to sedimentation, mechanical problems and maintenance issues. If a hydronic heating system installation is faulty, it is difficult to find a leak, and because of the nature of the installation, even if the leak is found, it is difficult to repair. With electric radiant heat systems, fault detectors can pinpoint the exact location of a break. After breaking just one or two tiles, the electric cable can be spliced and the tiles replaced, a far better (and less costly) scenario than I’m imagining with our hydronic heated bathroom floor. Fortunately, Warmzone’s electric floor heating systems are built to last and feature the best warranty in the business. Generally, most homeowners opt for electric radiant heating. It’s well suited for small- to mid-sized home improvement projects. And the initial investment is modest enough that you won’t find yourself over your head, or under water when it’s time to tap into your home improvement budget.

ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and thermostat

      ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and thermostat.

The floor heating mat features pre-spaced heat cable woven into a durable mat that simplifies the installation process.

Radiant Snow Melting for the Masses

We are nearing the end of another snow season, one that has been especially brutal in terms of snowfall, and it’s likely that most of us have grown tired of shoveling snow from our driveways. As you sit to rest your aching back, imagine a winter without having to shovel snow or throw down any deicing salt. Enter radiant heated driveways and snowmelt systems. Electric radiant snow melting systems are not just a fantasy anymore; they are the ticket to easy snow removal, and a much more pleasant winter.

Radiant heated driveway

What used to be regarded as a luxury for exclusive upscale neighborhoods is now a reality for all of us. Given the custom options and affordability of radiant snow melting systems, heated driveways, steps and walkways have become increasingly popular among homeowners and businesses alike. Warmzone electric snow melting systems are fully automated, extremely durable and are built to last a lifetime.

The advancements in technology have translated into many benefits for consumers, including a wide range affordable installation options. Radiant snow melting systems can be installed in new and existing driveways, and in just about any type of custom configuration. Whether you want your whole driveway surface heated or just the tire tracks or other specific areas, Warmzone can design the ideal snow melting system for you.

Snow melting systems consist of a heat cable or wiring system installed within the surface of the driveway or sidewalk. When conditions for snow are present, a sensor will automatically signal the control unit which actives the system. The surface is heated and your driveway is now a “snow-free zone”. How much more convenient can it get than arriving at home on a snowy day to a nice clear driveway? No shoveling required!

Radiant Heat News

You Wanna be Popular – and Comfy?

Invite Neighbors to Enjoy your Patio Heater and Your Popularity Will Soar

You’ve just moved into a new neighborhood. Rumors are circulating about Sam and Suzy Socialite down the street that throw raging block parties, complete with late night barbecues and mingling. Your anxiety is reaching an all-time high. How can you compete with such magnificent neighboring skills? You’ve got to come up with something fast. It is still early in the season, perhaps a bit brisk to host outdoor soirees. What if you could get a jump on the cocky neighborhood socialites by staging an early block party thanks to your patio heater from Warmzone. It will be a celebration of the summer to come, but you do it when spring is still fresh in the air and the crisp night air keeps most people hunkered down for a few months. Yep, the neighbors’ collective jaw just dropped as they opened your invitation to your spring fling.

Suddenly thanks to your patio heater your popularity with the new neighbors is soaring. Your patio heater is the talk of the block, the must see item of all the families within eyesight. A patio heater means that you can get a jump on summer barbecues and make it comfortable for your guests to stay outside as the stars twinkle overhead. The patio heater will kick out soothing warmth as you mingle as the King of Bunker Lane, circulating with smiles and warm food. Your guests smile and sink into a relaxing evening they will never forget. Then they will eventually retire to their own beds and talk about just how cool you are and wonder why Mr. and Mrs. Socialite didn’t think of a patio heater before now.

Radiant Heat News

Heated Driveways are Winning Battle Against Snow

Automatic Snow Melting – A Winning Solution

A snow shovel competing with an automatic snow melting system is like pitting a fly against a wind machine. The automatic snow melting system has proven snow melting capability on its side and the snow shovel, well, it just offers a lot of grief and aches and pains. When keeping score, the snow melting system wins every time. Snow doesn’t stand a chance against the advanced radiant heat cable technology. Snow melting systems are becoming more and more widespread because those keeping score at home can see clearly for themselves that heated driveways are winning the war on snow every time it falls from the sky.

The radiant heated driveway is a smart driveway. The snow melting cables radiate consistent warmth beneath the surface of your driveway to provide a snow-free environment every time. The snow still falls, we haven’t figured out a way around that yet, but it doesn’t stick on a warm surface. It quickly turns to water and evaporates on the next dry day with some sun. Snow doesn’t have a chance to accumulate because the minute it begins to fall the snow melting cables kick into gear thanks to the automatic sensors included in the radiant snowmelt systems. Chances are the automatic snow melting system is going to keep on winning, so you better get on the right team.

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