Tag Archives: Heated driveways

HOTNEWS

Brutal Winters Make Radiant Heat an Attractive Option

Automated Driveway Heating Systems Offer a Clean, Affordable Alternative to Manual Snow Removal

With record snowfall from the Midwest to Northeast, many residents are considering upgrading from snow shovels to more automated options like heated driveways. In Amarillo, Texas, a February blizzard surprised residents by dumping over 19 inches of snow in 24 hours, eclipsing a 120-year snowfall record. Even in regularly cold areas like Chicago, where over 1000 flights were canceled due to a December storm in 2012, people see the need to find better ways to keep heavy snowfall from disrupting their daily responsibilities. Beyond the interruption of stopping to shovel snow, property owners are seeing the need to find alternatives to damage caused by corrosive salts and snowplows. Radiant heat for heating driveways and walkways is looking to be one of the best solutions to winter’s surprises.

Radiant heated driveway

Where snow is more frequent, many home and business owners have already turned to heated driveways and snow melting systems for some very good reasons. These systems turn on only as needed, meaning that no energy is wasted when there is no snow to melt. They further eliminate the cost, hassle, and interruption of snow removal. The best heated driveway systems, like those from Warmzone, feature a rugged, high-tech snow sensor that detects temperature and precipitation. When the temperature is below a set point and snow is detected, the sensor signals the system’s control unit, which then sends power to the embedded heat cable to warm the driveway. The heated driveway system remains on for a short period after the storm to ensure that it is clear of ice and snow before shutting off.

Along with the energy efficiency of radiant snow and ice melting systems, home and business owners have come to rely on the automated, maintenance-free advantage found in heated driveways and walkways. Imagine if you are away during a big snowfall. A snow-free driveway is more than a convenience upon arriving home; it makes your home look occupied and less of a target for criminals. You also enjoy the added advantage of the safety it provides. For a home or business, a heated driveway also provides safer access for visitors, delivery people, or anyone coming and going from the building.

Those living in cold climates know that keeping snow and ice away from buildings can help prevent structural damage. Ice can damage concrete both on the surface and by repeatedly building up in cracks. With a driveway heating system, snow and ice are never piled up against a building where ice can melt and refreeze, damaging concrete walls and cracking foundations.

Protect your Home with a Roof Deicing System

Protect your Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts with a Gutter Heat Trace System from Warmzone

If you haven’t thought about your roof much this winter, be proactive with a gutter melt system from Warmzone. They are specifically designed to melt ice and snow on roofs, in gutters and downspouts to prevent costly damage, not only to your roof, but for your home as well.

Gutter damage from snow and heavy ice buildup

Warmzone radiant roof heating systems quickly melt heavy ice and snow from gutters and trouble spots on your roof. They can be easily installed in existing roofs to prevent icicles, ice buildup and ice dams from occurring. Moisture buildup from ice dams can seep up under shingles and into the roof decking before making its way into your home and causing significant water damage.

Made up of a rugged, durable outer construction designed to withstand winter extremes, Warmzone’s RoofHeat self-regulating gutter heating cable is extremely effective, energy efficient and safe. Noted for its durable and self-regulating characteristics, RoofHeat radiant heat cable is one of the most recommended roof heating solutions available. The systems are easy to install and easy to customize.

RoofHeat snow melting systems respond to weather changes to anticipate events conducive to snow fall. Melting occurs as a snow event is happening. And since these roof heating systems are fully automated, there’s no switch to flip or roof raking to be done, making snow removal extremely convenient for you. Simply install it and forget it with the knowledge your roof is safely protected.

Warmzone offers the widest selection of radiant heat products, you’re assured of getting the best solution for you, at a price you can afford.

For more information on a RoofHeat radiant snow melting systems for your home, visit www.warmzone.com or call 888.488.9276.

Articles

Radiant Heat vs. Snow Melting Chemicals

Now is the Time to go “Green” with Clean Radiant Heat

(Read the PRWeb article.)

Given the snow removal laws such as those passed recently in Massachusetts, homeowners are mandated to remove snow and ice from walkways for pedestrians. If the sidewalks are not cleared, property owners are not only susceptible to personal injury lawsuits, but they also face the possibility of fines levied by the local government. Removing snow from driveways and sidewalks is no longer an option – it’s the law.

To comply with the city ordinances, many homeowners find the convenience of using salt and other snow melting chemicals preferable to the time consuming, physically exhausting rigors of shoveling or plowing the heavy snow. So, many consumers stock up on salt and other snow melting chemicals prior to the winter months. But the convenience of using snowmelt chemicals comes at a price – a price not reflected in the actual purchase of the salt or chemicals.

The adverse environmental effects of these chemicals can be evident year round. While effective in melting snow, salt and chemicals are not so friendly to the surrounding landscape. When spring arrives, the bordering grass and shrubs often reveal the ugly scars from the repeated use of snow melting chemicals during the winter, as evidenced in the photo. Installing a heated driveway eliminates this problem.

Using salt to melt snow and ice from a driveway can damage nearby grass and bushes
The results of using salt to melt snow and ice from a driveway are clearly evident in the spring.

For those who are serious about going green in this day and age of environmental awareness, radiant heat snow melting systems have proven to be an ideal solution.

The Benefits of Radiant Heat Include:

♦ Operate on clean, renewable energy (hydronic or electric)
♦ Both electric and hydronic systems are environmentally friendly
♦ Many options are available and the systems are easy to customize
♦ Fully automated so that they efficiently operate only when needed
♦ Discreetly installed under the surface and operate silently
♦ Radiant heat can enhance the lifespan of your driveway
♦ Eliminate the time consuming, physical demands of snow removal

The best time to purchase and install a snow melting system is during the early spring. This is a time when homeowners are more interested in outdoor grills and barbecues than snow melting systems, so naturally, the demands for these systems wane. As such, consumers are more likely to discover discounted prices. Of course, once the summer has run its course and Old Man Winter can be seen on the horizon, consumers tend to scramble to install a snow melting system before the first storm hits.

Heated driveway on incline with heated tire tracks

While snow melting systems have become more affordable, it is still not a home improvement purchase that should be done on a whim. It pays to do some research and deal with experts who will talk openly with you about the various products available. Don’t be fooled into thinking that there is a ready-made system that is perfect for all your needs. You need unbiased professionals who can design and engineer your custom solution. Warmzone is one of the largest and most experienced radiant heat providers that consults freely with consumers to help them learn the “how’s, what’s and why’s” – before any decisions are made.

Warmzone is a trusted, leading provider of radiant heat systems, for good reason. They’ve been around a long time, and offer a wide variety of proven systems from only the most reputable manufacturers. Unlike many providers, Warmzone is not “locked in” to selling one brand or “one size fits all” system. In fact, Warmzone provides customized solutions to meet the snow melting and budget needs of its customers. The professional design team reviews every aspect of the project and also provides installation support, resulting in the complete solution.

For those who are serious about the environment and looking for a “green” solution for snow melting, visit Warmzone online or call today, at 888.488.9276.

Radiant Heat News

What Types of Radiant Snow Melting Systems are Available?

Driveway Heating and Roof Deicing Systems are Customized to Meet Your Specific Needs

You can always count on unexpected expenses, especially if you own a home and are raising a family. Heck, just plain existing means that there will always be various financial surprises. Your daughter needs braces, the car breaks down, your wife needs an unexpected surgery, or the roof leaks. One way to avoid leaking roofs and other forms of snow damage is with radiant snow melting systems from Warmzone. While there are limitless combinations and ways to customize a snow melting system, there are two general types of a radiant snow melting systems available: driveway heating and roof deicing.

Heated patio and sidewalks

Automated snow melting systems can be designed for any size or shape of your driveway, walkway, ramp, steps or whatever. Driveway heating eliminates the need for harsh snowmelt chemicals and manual snow removal to keep snow and ice clear from your driveway or sidewalks. Heating cables are embedded beneath the surface of your driveway and when the system is engaged the cables warm the surface to eliminate snow and ice accumulation. Heated driveways use either electric or hydronic radiant heat technology for snow melting.

Roof deicing systems prevent ice dams and icicles from forming on your roof. Snow and ice melting systems are available for just about any roof configuration. With roof deicing you can also choose whether or not to use electric or hydronic heating systems. Roof deicing systems take cost, performance, and aesthetics into account, personalizing each to meet the customer’s needs.

Warmzone experts can help you navigate decisions on either type of snow melting system; driveway heating or roof deicing. And detailed system layouts are provided with each snow melting system, so you’ll know the exact power requirements and what to expect prior to any installation taking place. No one can match the expertise, customer service, installation support and friendliness of Warmzone.

Radiant Heat News

Can a Snow Melting System be Installed Beneath an Existing Driveway?

You Don’t Need to Destroy Your Current Driveway to Enjoy A Radiant Snow Melting System

Many people become interested in a snow melting system because of their many winter advantages and then become discouraged thinking they’ve missed the driveway-heating-ship since they’ve already got a driveway. The good news is that you can put those fears aside and still catch the heated driveway wave. Let your fears sail away as you understand that radiant snowmelt systems can be retrofit.

Snow melting systems can be installed with minimal effort if you are willing to put up with a little minor construction dust as new radiant heat cables are placed beneath your existing driveway. Having a heated driveway is definitely something you can achieve if you already have a driveway. You can either tear up the old concrete or asphalt if your driveway needs a facelift, or pour new material over the cables that have been designed and laid out by a Warmzone radiant heating expert. Heated driveways are easily customized to fit your exact heating specifications. If you have a long driveway and it seems cost prohibitive to heat the entire thing, consider doing two strips for the tires of your vehicles. Even if you have a driveway that you hand shovel or plow each winter, you are still a valid candidate for driveway heating.

Radiant Heat News

Will Radiant Heat Protect My Driveway from the Elements?

Driveway Heating Can Preserve the Life of Your Driveway

Snow and ice are hard on almost everything they come into contact with. Snow on roads means more plows on the roads, less visibility, and more accidents. Ice means broken bones, slippery roads and pointy icicles. They are hard on personal property as well. Snow gets heavy and has been known to cave in buildings, create ice damns on roofs, and generally create mayhem on driveways. Driveway heating can protect your driveway from some of these icy pitfalls and even extend the life of your driveway.

Heated driveways are fully automated, energy efficient, and easily customizable. But the benefits don’t stop there. Having a heated driveway means you don’t have to personally attend to any snow levels on your own driving and walking surfaces. The snow sensors that are included with each radiant snowmelt systems are sophisticated enough to detect the temperature and precipitation levels making them sure fire when it comes to snow removal. Without snow on your driveways you cut down on the use of shovels, snow blowers, and other manual methods of snow removal cutting down on the potential for road damage and sidewalk dings. You will increase the life of your driveway by decreasing salt corrosion and frost heaves. Overall having a heated driveway is an affordable method of snow removal, plus you have the added benefit of getting more years of use from your driveway without the harsh side effects of snow and ice build-up.

Radiant Heat News

The Path of Least Resistance is a Heated Driveway

Driveway Heating Eliminates the Heavy Lifting

Can we all agree that the path of least resistance is the most desirable path? It’s not that we’re lazy, it’s just that, well…we’re smart. Right? Smart people find ways to do tasks faster and simpler. Here’s a tip on following the path of least resistance: Try installing a heated driveway. You can thank us later, but seriously, having a heated driveway eliminates all the heavy lifting you usually dread when the winter comes swinging in with its white fury.

Following this path of least resistance allows you to kick back and enjoy the winter from the warmth of your family room. Driveway heating means that radiant heat cables will work on the snow removal quietly and effectively so you can enjoy more time with your family, working, and playing. Once you have driveway heating installed you simply hook up your automatic snow sensor and kick back while the snow melts seamlessly into your lawns and gutters. The heavy snow shovel full of mushy, wet snow is a thing of the past and suddenly you’ll find yourself actually enjoying winter. You might look forward to a big snow storm, taking in the sweeping views of white just outside your front window rather than cursing at the sky for adding one more thing to you to-do list. Driveway heating eliminates the heavy lifting for sure but it also eliminates the stress and strain on your mental and physical well being, because you don’t have to deal with any snow accumulation on your driveways or sidewalks.

Radiant Heat News

These Sidewalks Will Never Look the Same

Radiant Heating Cables Offer Simple Sidewalk Snow Removal

Municipal and county buildings are leading out in a fast growing trend. Schools and public buildings everywhere are enjoying the added benefits during the winter of radiant snow melting systems. Paying staff specifically to get up early and clear the snow for public consumption is getting harder to do with tighter budgets and worry about public safety. Having a snow melting system in place does the job perfectly and ensures the snow will be melted for even the earliest bird trudging to work or walking their dog.

Heated sidewalks

Radiant snow melting systems can be controlled and powered from a central location and cover blocks of property. They are ideal for schools, libraries, loading docks, city buildings, and office buildings as they keep everyone safe and sidewalks are always clear of snow. Sidewalks with snow melting systems will never look the same because they will always be clean and safe thanks to the consistent warming the heat cables lying just under the surface. The snow can fall in droves but it will never accumulate on a warmed surface and the public never has to worry about slipping, sloshing, or sliding around on unsafe, un-shoveled sidewalks. Radiant heating cables are a simple solution but nonetheless a solution more and more people are finding handy in a winter riddled climate.

Radiant Heat News

The Secret of Heated Driveways is Out

Driveway Heating is More Well Known Than Ever

If you were trying to keep your driveway heating all to yourselves, convinced that no one else deserved such a luxury, then you may be interested to hear that the heated driveway secret is out. More and more homeowners are catching on to the affordable, once thought of luxury of driveway heating. It is easier and more affordable than ever to lay radiant heat cables beneath your driveways and sidewalks.

Business owners are catching the wave of heat as well. The secret has spilled into their parking lots and loading docks and even showing up on school properties across the country as well. Radiant snow melting systems are a great way to keep property clear of snow. What was once a little known system has become a staple in winter-laden homes and businesses across the states. Heated driveways are efficient and require little power to access their heating power. The warmth keeps the snow from accumulating on the pavement and snow and ice danger is minimized with the flip of a switch. The automatic snow sensor keeps tabs on the temperature and snow fall so you never have to get up in the middle of the night to turn it on. The sensor detects those things for you and turns on and off when needed or not. Share the secret that is not so secret anymore with your friends and neighbors and tell everyone about driveway heating. They’ll love you for it.

HOTNEWS

Taking Snow Melting to the Radiant Degree

Warmzone’s Electrifying Dexterity in Outdoor Radiant Heating

Looking for the A to Z of radiant heating solutions, or somewhere in between? Warmzone offers a full menu of complete radiant heating solutions, and more importantly, they do it well. They have a vast portfolio of industry-leading products and services to choose from. And just like their interest in serving up top notch electric radiant heat and hydronic heating solutions, they take a vested interest in maintaining customer relationships for life. You won’t find better customer service. From your initial contact to your final installation, you’re more than a customer–you’re part of the Warmzone family. As a Warmzone insider, you can expect unbeatable customer service, free installation training, complete design and engineering services, along with installation support before, during and after your home improvement project is completed.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

How do Warmzone radiant snow melting solutions work to preserve the environment surrounding your home? Electric snowmelt systems utilize durable, highly efficient cable that distributes heat evenly across the surface of your driveway or sidewalk. The cable is rugged enough to be installed in new concrete pours, under pavers and even in harsh, high-temperature new asphalt construction projects, alleviating the need for shovels, snow removal services and snow melting chemicals—all of which can have devastating affects on the exterior of your home, from your lawn to your exterior landscaping. Warmzone ClearZone heating cable is the most popular driveway snow melting cable and features efficient, maintenance free operation and a 10-year manufacturer warranty.

Of course, no single radiant heating system is perfect for every type of job. What makes Warmzone more attractive than those “other” radiant heat providers? It’s their ability to match you with the best product for your project at the best price. Warmzone doesn’t partner with just one manufacturer. They carry a variety of top radiant heat solutions for just about any application, allowing them to deliver sincere, non-biased recommendations that best suit your project requirements. Warmzone’s experienced staff is well-versed in each and every one of the products available, and can get you matched up with the best product at a price you can live with.

From heated driveways, heated steps, portable snow melting, heated sidewalks, and heated roofs to gutter and downspout heating solutions, Warmzone’s definitely got you covered; and all these systems can easily be customized:

Radiant heated driveways: Warmzone’s ClearZone snow melting system can heat almost any size, shape and type of driveway. By the spool or with the help of pre-configured mats, ClearZone electric radiant heating cable can be installed under just about any surface (asphalt, pavers or a fresh concrete pour). Driveways can even be retrofitted with a ClearZone snow melting system.

Radiant roof heating and gutter trace systems: These best-in-class radiant heat systems prevent hazardous ice dams and icicles from forming on your roof. They eliminate prolonged ice damming and the severe effects of seepage through roof decking that can work its way inside your home, damaging ceilings, walls and floors, resulting in mold growth.

Portable snow melting: WarmTrax portable snow melting solutions, including portable heated traction mats and stair treads, are a great alternative to the permanency of embedded snow melting systems for heating outdoor walkways, ramps and stairs. Made of electrically operated heating elements sandwiched between two protective surfaces of non-slip rubber, WarmTrax heated traction mats are a popular, affordable and very versatile snow melting solution that serve a wide variety of uses.

    (End of Part I)

Warmzone’s Outdoor Radiant Heating (Part II)

Many of these snow melting products (and projects) are perfect for first-time do-it-yourselfers. If you’re ambitious enough to take on the project, Warmzone is right there to back you up. Not sure where to begin with your next radiant heat project? Warmzone professional designers will evaluate your radiant heating system thoroughly to create a detailed CAD of your system layout. You’ll know the electrical requirements, technical specifications and system performance expectations before one foot of heat cable is installed. You get all the details with minimal installation surprises to save you time, money, and in the end, the heartache of a radiant heat project gone wrong.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

It’s because of this flexibility—in the products, services and ongoing support Warmzone delivers—that gives them the edge in delivering superior radiant heat solutions for heated driveways, walkways, and roof deicing. Warmzone systems can be customized to meet the needs of virtually any area that requires snow and ice removal or ground thawing—for residential customers and contractors alike. And Warmzone’s reach extends throughout Northern America. Dennis S., a Warmzone customer in Calgary said this in regards to the performance of his electric radiant heated driveway, “This past weekend, we received over four inches of snow and temperatures of 15 degrees C – that’s like Green Bay cold.” Despite the ferociously cold temperatures, according to this happy customer, “the heated driveway did its job.” The driveway has also attracted a lot of attention. “A lot of folks in our neighborhood stop by on their walks and have conversations about my driveway, or ask questions if I am outside.”

Dennis is just one of many satisfied Warmzone customers able to realize the benefits of a radiant heated driveway. The biggest, of course, is the benefit of not having to worry about snow removal. No more back-breaking shoveling or wallet-breaking checks to the snow removal service. Because, after all, when you can operate the system for just pennies on the dollar without any effort at all, it just makes plain dollars and cents to install a radiant heated driveway. And what about those curious neighbors Dennis describes? It’s actually quite a boon to him if you think about the positive effects such talk might have on his home’s equity. In a word, radiant heat is an incredibly practical way to boost the equity in your home, while making your life easier. And the word is definitely getting around.

Ready to see how Warmzone can help you find the perfect fit in radiant heated snow melting solutions? Visit them online at www.warmzone.com or call 888.488.9276 for more information.

Testimonials

We had a Blizzard and the System Worked Great!

Solution:  ClearZone Heated Driveway

I just wanted to send a note to tell you thank you so much for your help last Monday evening. We had a blizzard Christmas day and the Warmzone system worked great! I have one blanket that is not working and will have the electrician check it out as it is probably where he joined them together in the junction box outside. Thanks again for your help after hours.

Dave S.