Tag Archives: Heated floors

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Floor Heating Systems; What’s the Difference?

A Guide to Finding the Best Radiant Heat System for Your Home or Business

As growing numbers of consumers search for clean, renewable-energy heating solutions, more home and business owners are turning to radiant heat. Being the most efficient heating technology available, the benefits of installing a radiant heat system are tough to deny. Not only is radiant floor heating growing in popularity, but energy-efficient driveway heating systems are also becoming more popular. The efficiency and reliability of radiant heat have made it a logical choice for new construction, as well as remodeling applications.

Certainly, radiant heat has earned its rise to the top of home heating and snow melting options. Given the public’s emphasis on clean, renewable heating sources, radiant heat is becoming commonplace in new construction projects. Naturally, the increasing demand for interior and exterior radiant heat systems has resulted in a proliferation of radiant heat products and system providers. But what products are best? What should consumers be looking for? How does one differentiate one floor heating system from another?

Heated floor and a heated driveway.
Heated floor with cutaway view and a radiant heated driveway with heated tire tracks.

Whether you’re looking to install a heated driveway, a radiant floor heating system, or a roof de-icing system, be sure to work with an established provider. You’ll want to deal with people who have a lot of experience designing and providing radiant heat systems. You’re making a significant investment, so you’ll want to deal with professionals who have been around the block a few times. And you’ll want to have a provider who also provides complete system design and installation support. But why are there so many different types of heated floors?

Because there is a wide variety of flooring options for homeowners, it only follows that there are several different types of floor heating systems. The key is to match your floor heating system with your flooring. Some floor heating systems are designed to heat tile floors, while others are better suited for warming hardwood or floating floors. The type of subfloor you have as well as the insulation (if any) can also impact the performance of your radiant floor heating system. Speak with a Warmzone floor heating expert to learn more about your options.

As a leading provider of radiant heat solutions, Warmzone offers a wide range of proven floor heating systems. One of the most popular, and versatile, is the ComfortTile floor heating cable and mats. ComfortTile features thin heat cable that is available off the spool as well as pre-spaced in mats, and is one of the most popular floor heating systems on the market. The ComfortTile system is typically the best choice for heating tile, stone and luxury vinyl tile floors. The Prodeso membrane system can also be used in conjunction with the ComfortTile cable. This ensures ideal cable spacing and offers protection from shifting and cracking, and provides waterproofing for the substrate in the case of overlaying on cracked or imperfectly cured floors with a risk of vapor stress. 

ComfortTile floor heating mats being installed
ComfortTile floor heating mats being installed.

FilmHeat floor heating systems are designed for easy installation under laminate and floating floors. The FilmHeat heating element features a thin, flexible panel that is only 0.16-inch thick. Installation requires no floor buildup. There is no need for mortar or self-leveling compounds. The heating element is laid out over the underlayment and secured, and then the electrical connections are made and the floating floor is installed directly over the panels. These thin “film” heating elements can also be used to heat existing floors. The RetroHeat floor heating panels are stapled up between the floor joists and then batt insulation is placed over the element, directing all the heat upward to heat the floor. This is a popular choice for homeowners looking to add luxurious radiant heat to their existing floors.

In-Slab heat cable features a durable heating cable that is installed directly in concrete slabs. This floor heating system is ideal for taking the chill out of basements. It is also one of the most effective and efficient floor heating systems available.

A heated stained concrete floor.
A heated stained concrete floor.

Another excellent option for heating laminate, carpet, engineered wood and floating floors is the FoilHeat system. This system features thin heat cable that is sandwiched between two layers of reinforced aluminum, which reflects and optimizes the heat. Warmzone also offers the low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system. This popular radiant heating solution utilizes thin, self-regulating polymer heating panels that make it ideal for heating hardwood floors. The installation requires virtually no floor buildup, and in addition to heating hardwood, the versatile system can be used to heat other floor types, including carpet, laminates, and tile. The semi-conductive polyethylene heating element is available in rolls 9 and 12-inches wide.

Warmzone carries several other trusted floor heating solutions, including hydronic floor heating systems. With each system, Warmzone includes free installation training, technical support, and professional system design. When you work with Warmzone, you’ll be working with experienced professionals who stand with you throughout the installation process. Warmzone also offers several payment methods, including financing options that range from no interest, reduced interest, and deferred interest programs. The payment and financing options are designed to give customers a variety of choices that allow them to purchase the radiant heat system of their dreams now.

Call us to discuss your project and learn more about the many options that are available. We pride ourselves in offering the best customer service in the business, and we’re looking forward to working with you. Call 888.488.9276 today.

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Make Life Easier with a Spring Installation

Winter is coming to a close and spring will be here soon. Radiant heat may not be the first thing you think about when it comes to spring, but there is no better time to install a new radiant heat system. Springtime weather is typically more accommodating for installers, and allows you to beat the summer rush. Additionally, you may be able to find better discounts during the early spring.

Don’t wait to start enjoying the many benefits of radiant heat. Install heated floors, heated driveways, a roof de-icing system, or even heated countertops with Warmzone’s state-of-the-art products. Spring installations can be more convenient for home and business owners. Struggling to find a contractor during the construction boom that happens every summer and fall can be hard, and finding one who can work on your schedule can be exasperating. Purchasing your product in spring also means greater availability, so you can rest assured that you will have the heating system for your needs. No matter what project you have, or the product you are looking for, spring is a great time to start.

Floor heating systems are a popular option year-round, providing clean, energy-efficient comfort. The comfort of a heated floor is perfect for coming in after an icy snowstorm, or for that cozy feeling while watching a spring shower. Floor heating is also helpful for those months when pollen and allergens are high. Radiant heat does not circulate dust and allergens like a forced-air system. Instead, heat from the floor rises and silently and efficiently heats the entire area.

Warmzone offers some of the most trusted, advanced systems on the market. Versatile ComfortTile® floor heating cable is available on spools or in mats and installs easily under just about all types of floor surfaces. Another great option is RetroHeat™, which can be installed under existing flooring by simply accessing the floor joists. FilmHeat™ is an almost paper-thin heating element that is an ideal choice for floating floors, and low-voltage FloorHeat STEP® features a self-regulating polymer heating element that is another popular choice for heating hardwood. FilmHeat and FloorHeat STEP require no floor build-up and are easily rolled out over the subfloor during installation. Simply put, Warmzone offers perhaps the largest selection of floor heating systems on the market.

A heated paver driveway.
Paver driveway with radiant snow melting system.

Snow-melting systems are also a great choice for spring installation. Being prepared for winter will provide reassurance and avoid the nuisances that come with the busy summer season, not to mention the rigors of shoveling snow. Snow-melting systems are easy to customize, and can be installed in driveways, walkways, patios, or almost any outdoor space. Snow melting systems are also a prudent choice for business owners. They are great for protecting employees and customers when installed in walkways or areas such as ramps and loading docks. Warmzone’s range of electric snow-melting products includes heating elements that can be installed under concrete, pavers, or even asphalt. ClearZone heating cable and mats lead the industry by providing easy-to-install, energy-efficient heat. Snow melting systems are fully automated and require virtually no maintenance. After a quick installation this spring, you will be enjoying clear, safe sidewalks and driveways every winter.

Roof de-icing is another spring project to prepare for the winter ahead. Snow and ice can build up, freeze, and re-freeze during the winter season. Water freezing and thawing behind ice dams can lead to extensive and expensive roof damage. Warmzone offers several proven roof de-icing products to help keep your roof and home safe from water damage. Self-regulating heat cable can be used on roof gutters, downspouts, edges, or rooftops. Warmzone’s cable is durable and self-regulating. This means when temperature decreases or precipitation increases, the system will automatically activate and clear the roof of ice and snow. The low-voltage RoofHeat STEP de-icing system is another industry-leading self-regulating roof de-icing option. The heating element is a thin polymer that can be installed under shingles and nailed or stapled through during installation. Easy-to-work-with products like RoofHeat STEP and self-regulating heat cable not only can protect your roof from ice dams and snow build-up, but help ensure that your spring project is quick and easy.

Warmzone has each of its industry-leading products available so you can begin your spring project when you are ready. Dedicated customer service specialists can help determine which products are the best fit for your project, and connect you with a local installer if needed. Each system purchased with Warmzone includes a professional system design to assure easy, efficient installation. Warmzone also offers free installation training for installers. Support throughout the installation is another unique benefit available from Warmzone. Whatever questions there are during installation, a Warmzone expert can help you. Moving forward with a radiant heat project this spring can also mean discounts on products that may have less availability during the busy summer months. Reap the benefits of being an early bird and get your radiant heat project started this spring! Call and speak to a Warmzone professional today at 888-488-9276.

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Home Heating with Radiant Heat

Radiant Heat – the Most Efficient Heating Technology Today

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), prices for heating homes with fuels from natural gas to heating oil have risen to multiyear highs. With the demand for energy outpacing the growth in supply, homeowners can now expect to see a significant increase in their monthly heating bills this winter. In fact, with nearly half of U.S. households relying on natural gas for heat, those homeowners can expect an average cost increase of 30 percent this year when compared to last year’s cold months.

With rising costs, it’s important for heating systems to be as efficient as possible. Traditional forced-air systems are the most common heating solution, but unfortunately, they are notoriously inefficient. Advances have been made in furnace technology, yet still, the best systems boast an efficiency of only 80 to 90 percent.

Given the impending increase in home heating expenses, today’s homeowners are focusing on more efficient ways to heat the home – as well as ways to supplement their current heating system. If an alternate heating method also produces an increase in comfort, so much the better.

Whether you’re looking for comfort or efficiency, or both, radiant heat fits the bill. As the most efficient technology for heating homes and businesses today, radiant heat is fast becoming the heating system of choice for new homeowners, as well as commercial buildings.

ComfortTile floor heating system installed under tile floor
Ceramic tiled floor heated with ComfortTile floor heating system.

Ninety-nine percent of the energy used for heating floors translates directly into heat. No other heating technology comes close to matching this efficiency. And the comfort produced by a radiant floor heating system is rich and luxurious. One must experience radiant heat to fully appreciate its splendor.

Not all floor heating systems are created equal. Some are designed for heating hardwood floors, while others are designed for heating tile, or vinyl tile or laminate flooring. Feel free to call and speak with a floor heating expert at Warmzone. We will gladly go over all the options and suggest the systems that would be best for heating your home – without any pushy sales pressure.

As an industry leader, Warmzone offers one of the largest selections of radiant floor heating solutions on the market. Our heating elements range from thin heat cable and mats to paper-thin panels, flexible low-voltage polymer panels, in-slab heating cable, and even systems that can be installed under existing floors. The thin panels are installed between the floor joists, allowing homeowners to add warmth to rooms without tearing up the current flooring.

Despite the varied electric and hydronic (water based) systems that Warmzone offers, all the electric floor heating systems offer specific benefits. These systems operate silently, are maintenance free, and significantly more energy efficient. Radiant heating systems also offer health benefits that can be important for the elderly and those with allergies. Traditional forced-air heating systems blow warm air through a series of ducts, circulating dust and allergens throughout the house. Because radiant heat operates silently, heating the home from the floor up, there is no need for vents and a blower. Radiant heated homes have significantly less dust and allergens circulating through the house.

With multiple floor heating options for a variety of applications and mediums, finding the right choice can be tough for homeowners. But that’s why we’re here. At Warmzone we are dedicated to providing the absolute best customer service in the industry. Not only does that mean free installation training, technical support, and professional system design services, but our free consulting is available so you can feel comfortable with your decision. Take your time, talk with the pros and discover the best system for meeting your heating needs and budget.

Warmzone offers several payment methods, including financing options ranging from no interest, deferred interest, and reduced interest programs. The payment and financing options are designed to give customers a wide range of choices that best suit their needs while allowing them to purchase the radiant heat system of their dreams now.   If you’re thinking about adding a radiant floor heating system to your home or business, visit our floor heating web pages and call a friendly radiant heat expert today at 888-488-9276.

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Trusted Floor Heating Options

Warmzone’s Vast Offering of Proven Products is Unmatched

Radiant heat is becoming more popular each day, given its luxurious comfort and remarkable energy efficiency. The versatile heating technology can be used in many applications, whether you are heating your floors, heating a driveway, or melting snow and ice from your roof or gutters. Warmzone offers industry leading products and customer service that make adding radiant heat to any home or business a simple, pain-free process.

Radiant heat differs from traditional forced air heating systems as it heats objects as opposed to air. With radiant heat, the air comes into contact with the heated object, such as the floor, and produces warmth that needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated. The room warms evenly from the floor up, adding to the efficiency while creating a particularly comfortable environment for small children. Using radiant heat to warm your floors helps reduce heat loss and keeps the temperature steady throughout the heated area. Radiant heated floors also offer other benefits. Because there is no blowing air through ducts and dusty vents, the transmission of dust and allergens in the home is greatly reduced.

Dog and cat on warm floor

To achieve this clean, even and efficient heat, all radiant heat systems have three main components. The first component is a heating element. The heating elements can be electric or hydronic (water based), and provide heat to the object they are in contact with. To begin this heating process, the element is triggered by an activation device/thermostat that utilizes either an ambient temperature sensor or an in-floor (embedded) sensor. The thermostat sends power to the heating element to warm the floor.

There are two main types of radiant heat systems – electric and hydronic (water-based systems). Electric systems typically use a thin resistance electric heating cable (the heating element). This cable is typically installed in thinset directly under the flooring, such as tile, vinyl tile, or stone, etc. Hydronic systems use a boiler to heat a mixture of propylene glycol and water, which is then pumped through special PEX tubing. Because of the need for a boiler, manifold and pumps, hydronic systems require a dedicated “mechanical” room for the system, and installation is quite complex.

Warmzone offers a number of radiant heating systems that can be installed in almost any area and medium of flooring in the home. Both electric and hydronic systems are available for floor heating, but electric heating is preferred by most homeowners. Any surface in the home can be heated, but choosing a system that best fits the flooring in the area to be heated is crucial to an efficient and safe heating system. Here is a general outline of different systems that are best suited for specific types of flooring.

ComfortTile floor heating cable and mats

Warmzone’s ComfortTile floor heating system is perhaps the most popular and versatile option for heating floors in your home. The heating element is UL listed single-point connection, twin-conductor cable that is durable, and safety approved for wet locations. ComfortTile cable is flexible and is available on spools or pre-spaced mats. The ComfortTile floor heating system can be used with many mediums. From luxury vinyl tiles, to ceramic tile, marble, or stone, ComfortTile is an option that can be customized for any room, and will heat any flooring efficiently and evenly. If using ComfortTile in areas that may be susceptible to water, a membrane system such as Prodeso can be used to house the cable can be installed underneath the flooring to house the cable and protect the flooring and cable from water, as well as shifting and cracking that can come with tile, marble, or stone.

Beautiful wood floors, whether engineered or hardwood, are also great candidates for radiant heat. When choosing a system for wood floors, make sure to know whether the floor is floating or nailed, to ensure matching it with the right radiant heating system. For floating floors, FilmHeat is the most recommended option. (Low-voltage FloorHeat STEP and FoilHeat are also popular options, with the low-voltage system being particularly effective for heating hardwood floors.) These systems utilize three unique heating elements. The FilmHeat system features a near paper-thin “film” heating element that is laid out directly under flooring. FoilHeat features fluoropolymer insulated heating cables that are sandwiched between reinforced layers of aluminum foil.

Low-voltage FloorHeat STEP utilizes thin, flexible polymer heating panels. All of these systems are proven, and easy to install, and a great value for heating floors. For nailed floors, the FloorHeat STEP low-voltage system is an excellent choice because it requires no floor build-up, and the thin self-regulating polymer heating element can be nailed or stapled through.

Heated hardwood floor in living room.

For laminate flooring there are many proven options. FilmHeat, FloorHeat, and FoilHeat are great choices for laminate, but RetroHeat is also available. RetroHeat’s thin heating element panels feature thin “film” elements like FilmHeat, but this system can be used to add heat to existing flooring. If you can access the floor joists from below, the heating element can be stapled up between the joists so you don’t have to tear out your existing floors. RetroHeat panels can be cut onsite to ensure proper length, and simply nailed or stapled to the underside of the subfloor. Batt insulation is then stapled up over the RetroHeat to direct all the heat upward to warm the floor.

Radiant heat can also be installed in concrete flooring. In-Slab heat cable from Warmzone is a heating cable especially designed for installation into concrete slabs. The cable is secured 1 to 2 inches below the surface. Hydronic heating systems can also be used in concrete, and are ideal for heating larger areas.

With all the options available to heat home flooring from Warmzone, finding the right system for your system is easy. Check out the guidelines below to find out which systems are recommended for your type of flooring.

Floor heating systems chart
Different floor types and the recommended radiant floor heating systems.

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The Right Solutions for Heating Your Floors

Premier Floor Heating Options

Radiant heat is one of the cleanest and most efficient ways to heat your home or business. Warmzone’s vast selection of industry leading products ensures an ideal solution for any application – from bathrooms and basements to garages and outdoor steps. Warmzone has one of the largest product selections in the industry, helping to ensure that the best system is matched with your specific heating needs.

When considering floor heating, one of Warmzone’s most versatile products is ComfortTile heating cable. Whether used alone or in conjunction with the Prodeso membrane system, you can be sure that your home will be heated efficiently and safely.

Pretty woman on wood floor

The ComfortTile floor heating system is UL listed, and features a single-point connection, twin-conductor cable that is rated at 120 or 240 volts. This cable is durable and safety approved for wet locations. ComfortTile heat cable is flexible and can be used in almost any application, as it is available on large spools or pre-spaced in mats. ComfortTile mats are 18-inches wide, but heat a 24-inch wide area. These mats come with an adhesive on the mesh backing, so they are easily installed onto the subfloor, making them a quick and efficient way to install radiant heat for most types of flooring. To ensure your cable or mats keep your floor warm for years to come, ComfortTile heat cable also comes with an industry leading 25-year warranty.

ComfortTile heat cable can also be used in conjunction with Warmzone’s innovative Prodeso membrane system. The Prodeso membrane is a polypropylene uncoupling crack isolation waterproofing membrane that is used for heating floors or other surfaces that do not have movement or expansion joints in the screed. These unique qualities make it possible to install floor heating over what can be difficult substrates, such as plywood. The membrane has rounded square shaped reliefs that create channels that are specifically spaced and designed to embed ComfortTile heat cable. Prodeso membranes are a great choice for ceramic tile or other flooring surfaces that are prone to cracking, or areas such as a bathroom that have high levels of moisture. The Prodeso membrane is also extremely low profile, with a thickness of only ¼-inch, making it ideal for any application. The flexible, lightweight Prodeso membrane makes it a good choice where the load bearing capacity of a sub-floor may be a limitation.

Installing the Prodeso membrane is easy. The membrane comes on rolls, and is laid directly on top of the subfloor. Once the membrane is laid out, the ComfortTile heat cable is installed through the channels of the membrane. The flooring can then be installed directly on top of the membrane. The unique design of the Prodeso membrane makes it extremely versatile. It can be used simply as a membrane to protect flooring, or cable can be installed into the membrane to heat specific areas. The ability to customize heating zones makes Prodeso a great way to ensure your radiant heated floors are energy efficient. Prodeso membrane can also be used on areas such as walls, and in outdoor applications, as it is safe under all weather conditions.

Installing heat cable in the Prodeso membrane

ComfortTile heat cable is one of the most popular floor heating options on the market. Customers love the convenience of the pre-spaced mats, as well as cable off the spool. The system is efficient, reliable and versatile, which is why it remains a top floor heating choice for home and business owners today.

If the ComfortTile or Prodeso membrane system isn’t the right fit for your project, another popular option is Warmzone’s FilmHeat system. This system utilizes an ultra thin heating element that is UL approved and includes a 10 year warranty. FilmHeat is a great value for any home, especially when installing under floating or laminate flooring. FilmHeat is simply cut to size on site, laid out directly under the laminate, and then the electrical connections are secured before finally installing the flooring directly over FilmHeat. FilmHeat has no floor build up and efficiently heats any area. The RetroHeat version of the FilmHeat floor heating system is also a great choice for those looking to install radiant heat under existing flooring. If you can access the joists from below, heating panels are stapled between the floor joists. After the FilmHeat is stapled, Batt insulation is installed over the element to ensure that all the heat goes upward. FilmHeat is a great, affordable choice for any home – and a favorite of those installing floating floors.

Warmzone has many other radiant floor heating options available as well. Warmzone’s low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system features a unique, self-regulating polymer heating element to provide even, energy-efficient, comfortable warmth for hardwood or laminate floors. If your project involves concrete, In-Slab heat cable is an exceptional choice that can be installed directly in the new concrete slab. This durable cable is embedded in the concrete about 1 to 2-inches below the surface to distribute heat evenly across the entire area. FoilHeat is another trusted floor heating option. This system has thin cables that are sandwiched between two layers of reinforced aluminum foil. If you’re looking to heat a large area, a hydronic system that pushes heated liquid through special tubing may be a good choice because of its potential for lower operating costs.

Whatever your floor heating project may be, Warmzone has a proven product to fit your needs and your budget. Customer service specialists are available to help you pick out the perfect product and answer any questions over the phone. Warmzone also has profession system designers who will layout your system and provide all the information needed for your electrician to assure that your system operates efficiently and safely. Free installation training is also available online with an experienced instructor.

If you’re ready for a radiant floor heating system or have more questions, please call Warmzone today at 888-488-9276.

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Ring in the New Year with the Luxurious Warmth of Radiant Heat

The new year is the perfect time to make those upgrades to your home or business you’ve been waiting for. Installing radiant heated floors can be an affordable project that gives any space a feeling of luxury and comfort. If questions about whether radiant heated floors are right for your home have been stopping you from moving forward, here are some answers to help you make the best decision in 2020.

Woman in sunlight on warm floor

Radiant heated floors from Warmzone feature top-of-the-line components that are easy to install and easy to operate. Each system features a heating element, a sensor, and an activation device (thermostat). Warmzone offers the best thermostats in the industry. A variety of thermostats are available, ranging from fully programmable thermostats with an in-floor and ambient temperature sensor to simple on/off thermostats with a single temperature sensor. The programmable feature allows homeowners to program the heating system according to their daily and weekly schedule.

Floor heating system thermostats coordinate with sensors to keep the floor at optimum temperature. Sensors are available that sense floor temperature (embedded in the floor) or air temperature in the room, depending on your preference. The popular ComfortTile TOUCH floor heating thermostat is programmable and controls the temperature of the system with either an in-floor or external (ambient) sensor. This advanced thermostat is engineered to ensure that the floor heating system operates efficiently and economically. All of Warmzone’s floor heating thermostats include an integrated Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI, Class A).

Radiant floor heating offers many benefits. Because the systems operate silently, without the need for blowers and duct work, they help prevent the spread of dust, allergens and other particles, keeping the environment cleaner than a forced air system. This is especially beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory problems.

Radiant heat is also the most efficient technology today for heating homes and businesses. Each room with a floor heating system is controlled by its own thermostat, giving the homeowner precise control over the temperature in individual spaces and further adding to the system’s efficiency. Depending on local utility rates, radiant heat can cost less to run than a standard heating system, while providing more luxurious warmth.

ComfortTile floor heating system installed under tile floor
Ceramic tiled floor heated with ComfortTile floor heating system

With its vast selection of heated floor options, Warmzone makes it easy to find the ideal system for just about any application. Warmzone also custom designs each floor heating system to best meet the customer’s specific needs. The experienced design team provides professional layout and design services so your electrician has all the layout and electrical information necessary to ensure a successful installation.

When choosing a floor heating system, the biggest difference is the heating element. Heating elements come in a variety of forms at Warmzone, such as low-voltage panels, paper-thin sheets, reflective insulated panels, heat resistance cable, and more. ComfortTile heating cable is the most popular and versatile option for heating homes and businesses, and is available off the spool or pre-spaced in flexible mats with an adhesive backing. The twin-conductor heating cable is pre-terminated for simple installation and is only ⅛-inch in diameter, resulting in minimal floor buildup. ComfortTile heat cable also has ground fault protection (GFCI) and does not emit any measurable electromagnetic fields, making it a safe, reliable choice. With this cable, any spacing or coverage adjustments can be made onsite, making it perfect for custom areas where flexibility is needed. ComforTile cable can also be installed in a floor heating membrane such as Prodeso, further adding to its versatility.

ComfortTile heating mats make installation a breeze. The cable is pre-spaced and affixed on a flexible fiberglass mesh backing, which can be rolled out and then secured to the subfloor. These mats are compatible with almost any type of flooring, and are safety approved for wet locations. CT mats heat an area 24 inches wide and are available in different lengths, and can be used with 120 or 240 volts. Mats make it simple and easy to quickly install a floor heating system in areas such as a kitchen or bathroom. ComfortTile radiant heating mats come with a 25-year manufacturer warranty, making this proven system one of the best in the industry, and a great choice for any homeowner.

Installation of a new floor heating system may seem daunting, but by dealing with Warmzone, customers can be assured of receiving premium quality systems and components and unparalleled customer service and support.

Warmzone has set the gold standard when it comes to customer service. Some of our services include professional system design and layouts, free installation training, expert installation/technical support, and a host of online “how-to” videos and documentation. With perhaps the largest selection of floor heating options and unmatched customer service, Warmzone offers customers a hassle-free, quality radiant floor heating solution. We understand that installing a heated floor system in your home is a significant investment for any homeowner, so we want to help ensure that finding and installing the system is done right.

Heated floors are a great way to turn your house into a dream home. For more information or a free quote, contact a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276. Or check out Warmzone’s online installation resources, product documentation, and radiant floor heating options today.

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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.

Heated bathroom floor

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.

ComfortTile floor heating mat

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.

Prodeso floor heating membrane
Prodeso radiant floor heating membrane and cable shown installed on cement base slab to heat a tile floor.

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.

Low-voltage radiant heating element.

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.

HOTNEWS

July Newsletter – Efficiently Warming Your Home

Radiant Floor Heating

Nowadays consumers are not only concerned with saving money, but about doing their part to minimize their carbon footprint and help protect the environment. Perhaps it is these factors that have contributed to the steady growth of radiant heat – in addition to the luxurious warmth that it offers.

Radiant heat systems provide the most efficient way to heat homes and businesses. Unlike forced air systems, radiant heated floors have virtually no heat loss, so there’s no wasted energy. And the systems operate on renewable energy. (Hydronic floor heating systems are also available. These systems utilize a boiler to heat the specially treated water that is pumped through a series of PEX tubing.)

Traditional home heating systems use a series of vents and a blower. While standing over a vent in the winter time can be a nice way to warm up, unfortunately that comfort doesn’t spread evenly across the whole room or last very long. Most of the room can warm quickly, but it cools equally fast. The heated air blown from the vents rises to the ceiling and dissipates, abandoning the floors and lower levels of the home. This is known as stratification – a situation where the top levels of a room are warm and the lower levels are colder, oftentimes by as much as 10 degrees. The cooler temperatures at “knee level” are especially uncomfortable for children who spend a lot of time playing on the floor.

Heated tile floor

Most forced air heating systems use natural gas to produce a flame that heats air. The warm air is then distributed throughout the house through a series of conduits. Some ducts may run through cold basements, causing heat loss in the air being blown from the furnace. In addition to the air cooling slightly as it travels through the house, warm air can also escape wherever there are small openings in the ducts and closed vents. When combined with stratification the inefficiency of forced air heating systems becomes glaringly apparent. Simply put, transferring heat through the air is not an energy efficient solution.

Recognizing the lack of sustained warmth and cooler temperatures at lower levels in the rooms, most parents frequently bump up the thermostat to blow more warm air from the vents. This eventually raises the temperature, but significantly raises the monthly heating bill as well. There’s no escaping the fact that a great deal of heat loss occurs with traditional blower systems. And though vents in some rooms can be closed in an effort to drive more heat to occupied rooms, hot air continues to escape, whistling from the closed vents. When the thermostat is cranked high enough the environment can be warmed, but forced air systems are notorious for heat loss and wasted energy.

Unlike transferring heat through the air, radiant heat warms a surface directly by expanding out from the heat source. This is the most efficient form of energy transfer. Heat radiates through objects via infrared radiation, warming objects and people in the room.

Radiant heat systems offer a significantly more efficient means for heating homes and businesses. In addition to being at least 30 percent more efficient, the floor heating systems provide an even, continuous level of warmth. And since radiant heat originates at the floor, you’ll enjoy the natural benefits of heat rising, minimizing heat loss due to dissipation.

Installing floor heating cable mats

Both electric and hydronic floor heating systems are available. Most electric radiant floor heating systems utilize a network of resistance heating cable that is installed under the floor surface. Because there are no moving parts with electric heated floors, the systems are maintenance free. Warmzone offers a wide variety of electric floor heating systems, including ComfortTile heat cable, Prodeso® floor heating systems, FloorHeat STEP low-voltage systems, In-Slab heating, FoilHeat, and FilmHeat/RetroHeat, which is used for both new construction applications and retrofitting existing floors with radiant heat. Visit our Floor Heating Systems Overview webpage.

Hydronic floor heating systems with RAUPANELs utilize an efficient boiler to heat specially treated water that is then circulated through a closed loop of PEX tubing by a series of pumps. Hydronic systems require a special ‘mechanical room’ for the equipment. Because hydronic radiant heat systems can operate on natural gas or other fuel, the operational costs may be lower than those of its electric counterpart. But both electric and hydronic systems offer the luxurious and energy efficient benefits of radiant heat.

HOTNEWS

March News – Warmzone Prodeso Floor Heating Systems

Advances in tile manufacturing in the past few decades have improved the quality and choices available to consumers. New colors, new materials, larger format, thinner tiles and digital printing have all contributed to a steady growth of the use of tile as a surface. When compared to other flooring options such as carpeting and wood floors, ceramic tiles are normally preferred because they are easy to clean, resilient, and hygienic. Unfortunately ceramic tile and natural stone, if not installed properly, are subject to cracking, delaminating, and are cold to the touch. Use of electrical floor heating can minimize the cold, but can submit the tile assembly to additional stress that can lead to cracking and delaminating.

Traditionally most electric floor heating, and anti-fracturing membrane manufacturers have recommended covering the electrical heating cables with a self-leveling cement layer or a thin-set layer followed by an uncoupling crack isolating membrane and then finally installing the tiles. This process needlessly increases time, difficulty, thickness, height differentials, weight, and cost of the overall installation.

Prodeso floor heating membrane

In keeping with our commitment to offering the finest and latest radiant heat technologies, Warmzone announces the offering of Prodeso® membrane floor heating systems. The Prodeso membrane is a polypropylene uncoupling, crack isolation, waterproofing membrane, with rounded square shaped reliefs. These reliefs form channels specially designed to embed and hold the ComfortTile heat cable – and is an excellent choice for heating tile floors.

ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and thermostat

The heat membrane features a polypropylene thermo welded woven underneath to increase the bond between the subfloor and the membrane, and comes in rolls that can be laid out directly over the subfloor prior to the ceramic tile or other floor surface being installed. The design of the membrane provides an innovative uncoupling and waterproofing system for heating floors and other surfaces without movement or expansion joints in the screed.

Simplifying the installation process, the uncoupling membrane is laid directly over the entire surface intended for the installation. The electric heating cable can then be installed in the channels formed between the rounded square reliefs of the patented membrane, resulting in quick, easy, and accurate cable placement. It is NOT necessary to use self-leveling cement to cover and protect the heat cable before starting a tile installation. This results in significant savings of material, time, cost and overall weight. The floor surface can be immediately installed over the membrane and cable.

The membrane is versatile and can be used on all types of indoor and outdoor applications. And the Prodeso system is safe under all conditions and weather, and can be used to heat a wide variety of floor surfaces. It even waterproofs the substrate in the case of overlaying on cracked or imperfectly cured floors with a risk of vapor stress.

Some Benefits of Warmzone Prodeso

Warmzone’s Prodeso® Heat System combines the benefit of an underlayment membrane with the comfort and convenience of electrical floor heating.

The Prodeso Heat Membrane can be installed over the entire subfloor as an uncoupling, crack isolating and waterproofing membrane.

Prodeso floor heating membrane
Prodeso radiant floor heating membrane and cable shown installed on cement base slab to heat a tile floor.

  • The innovative and patented Prodeso® heat system is a time saving, cost effective system to install a warm and comforting floor.
  • The floor heating cable is then installed in the channels of the membrane, ensuring quick and accurate cable placement.
  • Once the heat cable is installed you can begin installing the flooring immediately; no waiting is necessary. This allows you to install an underlayment membrane, the floor heat and tile (or other surface) all in the same day.
  • The Prodeso heat system will add only 5.5mm to your overall installation. That’s less than a ¼ inch, which is considerably less than many other leading systems.
  • There is virtually no heat loss, making this floor heating system extremely effective and energy efficient.
  • The patented Prodeso heat system allows you to have the comfort and convenience of under floor electrical radiant heating at an affordable cost.
  • Prodeso heat system thermostat allows you to program and control your floor heat cycles to accommodate your schedule, optimizing comfort and minimizing operating costs. The system gives you the pleasure of under floor heat where you want it, when you want it.
  • The Prodeso heat system is an easy to install floor heating solution, and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

ComfortTile Heat Cable

To ensure the maximum benefit from your Prodeso floor heating membrane, it is recommended to use ComfortTile floor heating cable. ComfortTile heat cable is a premium, proven heat cable that is used for a wide range of radiant floor heating applications. The quality manufacturing is evidenced by the twin conductor heating cable that is matched with premium materials, enabling the ComfortTile heat cable to withstand the harshest conditions while providing superior floor heating performance and fast response times. The heat cable is only about 1/8 of an inch in diameter, and can be quickly and easily placed in the channels of the Prodeso membrane.

Testimonials

So Happy We Invested in Radiant Heated Floors

Solution: RetroHeat Floor Heating System

I just wanted to let you know how our living room/dining room retrofit with radiant under floor heat went.  The RetroHeat system has been wonderful.  Of course, we are out of the cold season now, but it totally changed the ambiance in our living room/dining room.  The floor was warm and  the room was warmer and we are so happy we made the investment in doing this.  And it is not even our main source of heat, but it has been so inexpensive to operate and makes the living space so comfortable.

RetroHeat floor heating systems can be installed to heat existing floors

I want to thank you so much for hanging in there with us thru the design and all the little things that are bound to happen with an installation like this.  You were always so quick to get back to me/us, and so helpful in getting the glitches get worked out when they happened.

I cannot recommend you, Warmzone and the product too highly.  We would do it again in a heartbeat.  Thanks so much!

Your very satisfied and grateful customer,

Betsy W.