Tag Archives: Radiant heat

HOTNEWS

Learning About Radiant Heat

I’m a bit of a nerd. Or maybe I’m a geek. Regardless, I like techy stuff, and I enjoy learning how things work. While my wife is watching reruns of Gilligan’s Island, I’m in the other room, watching “How it’s Made” on the Science Channel. On the weekends, I get a little wild and watch documentaries on the Smithsonian and History channels. I like to mix it up.

The point is, I like to understand what makes things tick. That way, I tend to appreciate them a little more. I’m not the least bit interested in keeping up with the Kardashians, or watching adults behave like ill-mannered adolescents on staged “reality” shows. I’d much rather know important things like, how Silly Putty is made, or how they put those little model ships into glass bottles. You know, life-skills type of stuff.

Being of curious mind, I’ve also found myself intrigued with radiant heat technology. Radiant heat is becoming more and more popular nowadays, for both interior (heated floors) and exterior (snow melting) applications. Apparently, the Europeans got a jump on us when it came to installing radiant heat in their homes. (Yes, I’m setting my grandiose American ego aside and conceding that the Europeans were way ahead of us in the home heating race.) I’m not sure why North America was slower to adopt radiant heat, but we’re certainly making up for lost time now. Radiant heated floors and heated driveways are rapidly becoming commonplace in today’s new homes. In fact, seeing so many heated driveways, and experiencing homes with heated floors are what piqued my interest in radiant heat.

But how do these systems work? Why are Americans making the shift to radiant heat? And is it true that radiant heat is the most efficient heating technology available today? These are just a few questions that launched me on my quest.  

Early in my investigation, I was surprised to discover how many different types of heating elements are available, and how they work with different floor types. Thin heat resistance cable was the only heating element that I knew about, but apparently, there are many, very different, heating elements, each with their own specific features and benefits.  

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

Floor heating systems that use thin heating cable are probably the most popular. Most heat cable is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats. I gotta say, these heating mats are slick. Ya just roll ‘em out over the area to be heated, and the adhesive on the back of the mat sticks to the subfloor. Needless to say, this makes installation quick and easy. System that use heat cable, s like ComfortTile, are ideal for heating stone, marble, and tile floors. And because the heat cable is thin, there is very little floor buildup. ComfortTile seems to be the cable of choice for many homeowners and installers. (It doesn’t hurt that the cable also has a 25-year warranty.)

There are also thin heating panels that can be installed under just about any surface, including hardwood, vinyl tile, linoleum, and more. One remarkable – and very popular – system is FilmHeat. FilmHeat utilizes ultra thin panels that are barely thicker than a sheet of paper. (The element is just 0.016-inch thick.) The heating element is used with an underlayment, and doesn’t even require the use of thinset or mortar. This makes for a clean and easy installation! A special version of this system, called RetroHeat, can also be used to install between floor joists. This allows homeowners to heat their existing floors! I love the idea of heating my floors without having to do any major renovations.

Special heat cable is also available for installation in concrete slabs. Because of its intended applications, the In-Slab heat cable is thicker, and more robust than other floor heating cables. It’s ideal for heating rooms in the basement.

Another unique floor heating system is the low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system. The system features thin, flexible polymer heating panels that have proven to be especially well-suited for heating hardwood floors.  

All these systems are incredibly efficient. In fact, 99 percent of the energy used by these systems translates directly into heat. There’s virtually no heat loss. In today’s environmentally conscious mindset, radiant heat is a winner. It’s clean. It runs on renewable energy, and it provides far more comfort than traditional furnace-blower heating systems. I also like the flexibility that radiant heat offers. I can heat specific rooms and areas as I see fit. Because each zone (or room) is controlled by its own thermostat, I have precise control over my home heat. The systems can also be programmed to accommodate my family’s schedule. (Hydronic floor heating systems are also available. A closed loop of PEX tubing is installed under the floor, and then specially treated water is heated and pumped through the tubing to warm the floor.)

FilmHeat for heating hardwood floating floors.
Rolls of the FilmHeat floor heating element.

When it comes to exterior applications such as heating driveways, steps, and walkways, etc., the most common heating element is durable heat cable. The ClearZone system is a favorite among professional builders, and can be customized to accommodate just about any layout and application. The systems utilize an advanced snow sensor activation device that detects precipitation and temperature so that the system is activated just as the first snowflake falls. The sensor signals a small controller that is typically installed on a wall in the garage, and then power is sent to the embedded heat cable. The driveway quickly warms so that snow is prevented from accumulating. After the snowstorm, the system remains on for a short time to dry the surface. This is a great safety feature that eliminates ice from forming on the driveway.

It’s no wonder that radiant heat has become the new standard for home heating and snow melting applications. If you’d like to learn more, call and talk with a radiant heat expert today, at 888-488-9276. The more you learn about radiant heat, the more you’ll like it. Or, you could just catch an old episode of Gilligan’s Island. Fortunately for the crew of the S.S. Minnow, they didn’t need to heat their bungalows. But if they did, I bet the Professor would have found a way to incorporate radiant heat.

HOTNEWS

Turn up the Heat on your Summer Home Improvement Projects with Warmzone

If you are staying put in your home for the foreseeable future, and looking to fix up your digs, radiant heat might be the home improvement project for you. Sheltering in place has really fueled the demand for radiant heated flooring, heated driveways and more. As homeowners continue to reimagine their living spaces inside and out, they are gravitating towards spa-like features and conveniences designed to make their lives easier.

Did you know that radiant heat is also attracting the attention of homebuyers as well? According to Real Simple magazine, among the top features they are clamoring for this year are radiant heated floors, making them a great equity booster. So, if you haven’t already considered adding a radiant heat project to your to-do list, Warmzone can certainly help you stay on top of this trend. Warmzone is a leading manufacturer, designer, and supplier of radiant heat solutions of all kinds. They have the products and the expertise help you find a state-of-the-art automated snow melting system, self-regulating roof and gutter heat trace solution or radiant heated flooring system to fit your lifestyle. Whatever you’re are looking for, Warmzone has the experience, pricing, and support services to help you, every step of the way.

Not only are radiant heat solutions a great investment, they are also an affordable alternative to more costly home improvement projects that are guaranteed not to send you into sticker shock. Consider recent shortages in lumber, glass, copper, and other construction materials, which have aggravated demand and caused building materials and home improvement projects to skyrocket over the recent months. As a result, you may find yourself putting off your home improvement goals. Take heart! Warmzone offers a comfortable alternative to shoppers on a budget. Instead of trending upward, Warmzone pricing on radiant heat supplies have remained consistent and competitive. That’s because Warmzone has a large warehouse filled with inventory, and plenty of products in stock. More inventory allows Warmzone to pass on the savings to you without feeling the constraints of the current market. In fact, you might say working with Warmzone can make or break your project by offering you a fast, affordable way increase the value of your home.

Heated pavers at outdoor mall.
Heated pavers at an outdoor mall.

The quality of our products is informed by years of deep industry knowledge, making Warmzone the most trusted supplier of residential radiant heat solutions in the business, and the supplier of choice for builders and contractors. If you’re a handy type, get ready to roll up your sleeves—Warmzone offers do-it-yourselfers some great product options to dive into. Radiant heat system options range from thin, twin-conductor heat resistant cable and mats (with a 25-year warranty) to low-voltage polymer heating panels, paper-thin “film” heating elements, to premier hydronic (water-based) heating systems. Warmzone floor heating products are easily configurable and designed to operate comfortably under laminate, tile, vinyl, and wood flooring. And our exterior radiant heating systems can be used to heat concrete, asphalt, and pavers, as well as provide discreet de-icing for your roof. The big take away here is radiant heat system flexibility! Warmzone offers a huge variety of top-performing products that allow you to stretch and flex your imagination to create one of-a-kind, unique solutions for any space. Whatever you need, Warmzone definitely has your back when it’s time to tackle that radiant heated flooring system, automated snow melting system or roof de-icing system.

If you don’t know how to identify the right contractor for the job, Warmzone can help. Warmzone provides free installation training and maintains relationships with favorably reviewed contractors from all over the country, so we may be able to recommend an experienced installer in your area. And, while it’s important that your electrician wire the system, you can do much of the installation labor yourself, if you are interested. Warmzone system designers and support staff are more than happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have during the installation.

Warmzone recognizes that our success is only as good as your installation, and it starts with the design of your radiant heat system. From your first contact with Warmzone, a radiant heat professional will listen to you and learn about your project before providing you with options, and eventually a detailed radiant heat system design and layout. You (and your electrician) will receive everything you need to execute the design, including heating cable, sensor, and panel placement, as well as all the electrical information to successfully install the radiant heat system (breaker sizes, number of breakers, load calculations and system performance expectations). As questions or challenges come up during the radiant heat installation, the Warmzone team is there for you. Electrical experts and system designers are a phone call away and can walk you through the process or address any concerns you may have about your project. To fill in the gaps, Warmzone’s online library offers instructional videos, product documentation and newsletters, available at any time. Summer is a great time to avoid the fall rush for materials and install the radiant heat system of your dreams! Whatever your aspirations this summer, Warmzone offers the products, technical support, and professional design and layout expertise to get you there. Call Warmzone today for more information, at 888-488-9276.

HOTNEWS

About Radiant Heat

Radiant heat is an amenity that can increase comfort and convenience in any home. With its ever growing popularity, many people are looking to see if radiant heat is a good fit for their home or business. Like any home improvement, there are pros and cons to consider when considering radiant heat.

To understand the pros and cons of radiant heat, it’s important to understand what radiant heat is, and how it works. Radiant heat comes in two forms: hydronic and electric. Hydronic radiant heat sends specially treated hot water through durable Pex tubing underneath the floor. Electric radiant heating systems use a network of conductive material placed underneath the floor to heat the room.

Heat hardwood floors with Warmzone's FilmHeat
Heated hardwood floor with cutaway showing the FilmHeat floor heating element.

Electric radiant heat is becoming an increasingly popular choice. These systems are much easier to install and are ideal for heating specific areas or rooms. Electric floor heating systems generally use a heating cable (off the spool or pre-spaced cable in mats) or thin heating panels. The heating element is connected to a thermostat, and each room or zone can be controlled separately, giving you precise, efficient control over your heating system.

Radiant heat differs from conventional heating because it heats objects (like the floor) as opposed to air. The room warms from the floor up. The floor heat spreads to objects in the room, such as furniture and fixtures, which ultimately provides comforting warmth for the room. This dispersal method allows for consistent heat throughout any room.

A Few Advantages of Radiant Heat

Energy Efficient

Radiant heat is an extremely energy-efficient choice, especially when compared to traditional HVAC systems. All the heating in the home radiates upward from the floor, keeping more of the heat where you need it most. With a radiant heating system, you can lower the temperature by a few degrees and still enjoy a nice warm room, reducing the utility budget. Unlike forced-air systems, there is no hot air being wasted by blowing from vents and rising to the ceiling. Radiant heat systems are also room specific, and there is virtually no wasted energy. Heat transfers efficiently from the floor through to other objects. Each room can be heated according to your precise needs, allowing for even greater savings on monthly utility bills.

Consistent, Even Heating

An HVAC system blows warm air throughout the home, but this warm air doesn’t heat the home uniformly, leaving cold and hot spots. With radiant heat, the heat rises evenly from the flooring, warming the entire room. This uniform heat provides luxurious warmth throughout the room, eliminating cold spots.

Hypoallergenic

Radiant heat is also hypoallergenic. HVAC systems not only blow air, but also blow dust, allergens, and other particles that may be trapped in the ducts. With radiant heat, this is not a concern. This advantage is great for the small children, the elderly, or those who struggle with allergies or other health issues.

Easy Installation

Radiant heat is a great choice for new construction homes or homes undergoing a remodel. Simply purchase a radiant heat system, and install before laying flooring. A professional at Warmzone can help identify the best system and layout for any home’s needs. Electric floor heating systems are also very easy to customize, so they can be installed to heat small rooms and areas if you’re looking to supplement your existing heating system.

RetroHeat installed to heat existing tile floor

If considering radiant heat for an existing home, options like RetroHeat from Warmzone are available to keep installation quick and simple. Many homeowners don’t realize that radiant heat can be installed under existing floors – without the need for major remodeling. If you have asses to the floor joists (through a basement or crawl space), you can install the RetroHeat floor heating system. The thin panels are stapled up between the joists and then batt insulation is stapled up over the heating elements to direct all of the heat upward to warm the floor. This is an affordable option for heating existing floors without the need of replacing or tearing out any flooring. RetroHeat can be installed under almost any existing flooring by accessing the floor joists.

Quiet

Radiant heat systems are not only energy efficient, but also almost completely silent when operating. HVAC systems create noise when turning on and off to regulate temperature, but radiant heat makes no noise at all, making it a great choice for any home.

If you’re wondering what the catch is with radiant heat, here are a few more aspects to consider when before installing a radiant heat system.

Other Considerations

Depending on the system you install, one possible disadvantage is that it may result in some floor build up (raising the floor slightly). Several electric systems cause no floor buildup, but this is not true of all systems. Most radiant heat systems are extremely low profile, so the buildup is virtually unnoticeable. However, it is important for your contractor to know the specifics of the floor heating system you are considering. There are many floor heating options available from Warmzone that cause little or no floor build up, so talk with a Warmzone floor heating expert to learn what options are best for you.

Perhaps the biggest question for home or business owners is how much does radiant heat cost? While the initial cost of radiant heat can seem high, it is a great investment that can save money over the life of any home by reducing utility costs. (Learn more about How Much a Radiant Heated Driveway Costs.)

Radiant heat is also a great way to increase the value of a home. If cost is a concern, radiant heat can also be custom installed to only heat certain rooms that could use some additional heat. A Warmzone customer service professional can help you find the right system to best meet the needs of your household, as well as the budget.

If you have questions and would like to see if radiant heat is right for you, call Warmzone and speak to a customer service professional today at 888.488.9276.

HOTNEWS

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

The Advantages of Radiant Heated Floors and Snow Melting Systems

Today a growing number of homeowners are investing in radiant heat to warm their homes. Indoors or outdoors, radiant heat is an efficient, environmentally friendly, versatile solution for your home heating and snow melting needs.

As you might expect, radiant heat works exactly as it sounds—it radiates through surfaces (think sidewalks, driveways and wood floors) to warm a specific area of your home. Warmzone offers several choices for radiant heat systems; the two most popular being:

  • Electric radiant heat—uses resistance heat cable configured beneath a floor or driveway
  • Hydronic radiant heat—relies on specially treated hot water delivered through a network of pipes underneath an indoor or outdoor surface

Warmzone radiant heat systems are designed to deliver consistent, evenly spread heat throughout your home, according to your specific preferences. Radiant heat generates a feeling comparable to the warm, enveloping heat you would experience sitting on warm sand at the beach. That’s because these systems depend largely on heat transfer from one object to another. The science behind radiant heat systems effectively eliminates the draftiness and heat loss associated with traditional forced air, making them much more comfortable and much more efficient.

A switch from forced air to radiant heat can also improve the air quality of your home, which is especially important if you suffer from hay fever or equally unforgiving allergic conditions. Forced air systems force, or blow air into your living space, along with dirt, dust and allergens that can compromise your environment. With radiant heat, there’s no duct cleaning or dust to contend with. They’re also very green systems. Inside, radiant heat can be programmed to heat your entire home, or timed to heat specific areas as you move from your kitchen, to your living room and then bedroom to retire, conserving energy for pennies on the dollar.

Heated sidewalk and steps

This same science works wonders outside to keep snow and ice away from your home. An outdoor radiant heat system (snow melting system) involves the laying of pipes or electric cable just below the surface of a driveway or walkway. Their flexibility makes them effective under brick pavers, concrete or asphalt pours and are easily configured to accommodate odd-shaped or hard-to-reach areas. Warmzone sensor-activated radiant heat systems are designed to anticipate snowy conditions to heat walkways, driveways and other areas without resorting to harsh snow melting chemicals; chemicals that can kill vegetation, irritate puppy paws and contaminate ground water. They also eliminate the pain of shoveling and, over time, the expense of snow removal services.

Fortunately, whatever your needs are, Warmzone takes a top-down approach to radiant heat system delivery, and it begins with a phone call. When you call Warmzone, you can to talk to radiant heat professionals with years of experience, free of charge to discuss your radiant heat needs. Based on your input, we can determine what system is right for you.

Warmzone offers a vast selection of products and years of industry experience. We can put together the perfect radiant heat system to meet your needs and your budget. And if you are a die-hard do-it-yourselfer, you’ll appreciate not only access to the pros, but our vast library of materials, including articles and schematics to help you along the way. For more information you can reach our radiant heat professionals at 1-888-488-9276.

Radiant Heat News

Why Should You Use Electric Radiant Floor Heat?

If you’re going to invest in a new heating solution, you are also going to do your homework before that investment. Why should you use electric radiant floor heat versus more traditional home heating methods? Radiant floor heating works like the sun and warms the objects around it, not just the air, creating a more comforting and effective heat. This method of electric radiant floor heat is also more efficient since it can radiate heat to objects rather than cold air.

Electric radiant floor heating systems evenly distribute radiant heat throughout the floor area and gently warms the objects like furniture and curtains surrounding it. This type of system doesn’t use any blowing warmed air which cuts down on dust too. Your overall environment is healthier with less potential allergens floating around your breathing space.

Radiant floor heating has another big advantage because it distributes heat in the most dramatically efficient direction; from the bottom to the top. Heat naturally rises, and radiant floor heating systems capitalize on this simple principle. Plus it spreads the heat evenly across your flooring surface, eliminating cold pockets that just never seem to get heated. Forced air systems simply can’t compete with efficiency, heating potential, comfort, and cleanliness.

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.

Radiant Heat News

Roman Ruins Have Evidence of Heated Floors

Radiant heated floors are nothing new. There are Roman ruins that have radiant heating, proving that radiant heat stands the test of time. Newer products have such great technology that includes radiant heat cables that come with warranties that last longer and longer. Proving still that radiant heat is here to stay and will outlast the homes it heats. Radiant heated floors have long been prevalent and popular in Europe but are rapidly gaining use and popularity across the country. We’ve seen tremendous growth in radiant heated flooring.

A typical residential radiant heating system utilizes around 2,000 lineal feet of radiant heat cable. Industry sales have gone from 29.8 million lineal feet of cable in the early 90’s to more than 99 million in the late 90’s.* That is close to a 25 percent growth rate per year, which shows the gain in radiant heated flooring popularity. Some people are installing radiant heat throughout their homes; others prefer to use it in smaller areas like bathrooms or basement family rooms. Rooms with high ceilings are harder to heat so radiant floors are a good choice for these types of rooms as well. The Romans were on to something when they started using radiant heat and we still see benefits. As the technology as become perfected more and more modern day use is proving to be invaluable in home heating.

Radiant Heat News

Preserve Decorative Concrete With Radiant Heat

Keep Your Decorative Concrete Looking Like the day You Installed it!

When installing decorative concrete, the installer can’t help but wonder, “How long is my work going to last?” One concern may be that in the winter the owners will use snow removal methods that will eventually fade or destroy the beautiful decorative concrete. But what if there was a way for the customer to never lay a snow plow blade, shovel, or snowmelt chemical on the concrete? Would this be worth the slight extra cost for the customer now versus replacing the whole driveway later? There is a solution, and contractors can partner with Warmzone in getting their clients to “go green” and avoid harsh chemicals and salt to remove snow and ice.

Heated paver walkway

What Warmzone offers is a new way to utilize an old technology which has re-emerged in the last 50 years in Europe as a great alternative to other heating methods –  radiant heat . Radiant heat can be used outdoors for melting snow and ice, and indoors to heat the house. There are two technologies that are associated with radiant heat: hydronic, which uses hot water to heat an area; and electric radiant heating, a newer technology that is quickly emerging as a great way to heat homes and keep driveways clear of snow and ice. Set yourself apart from your competition by offering these specialty products for your clients’ decorative concrete projects. It won’t change the normal installation process and can significantly add to your bottom line.

Set up of either radiant heat system is fairly simple while installing the concrete. You just install the cables or PEX pipes directly where you will pour the concrete, hook them up to a controller that is connected to a sensor, set the controller or thermostat and let it go to work. This efficient, even heat source will melt the snow and heat the floors and can reduce heating costs and stress for your customers when the weather outside turns dreary.

To learn more about Warmzone and what they can do for you and your clients, please search the site further or call a sales representative at 888.488.9276.

Radiant Heat News

Everybody is Talking About Radiant Heat

Radiant Heating is the Newest Trend to Stick

Radiant heat is not a passing trend. Radiant heat is proving its value more and more each day with homeowners, business owners, energy conscious consumers, and every day Joe’s and Jane’s like you and me. Radiant heating is showing up in home heating both inside and out and it is saving money and valuable energy.

Heated bathroom floor

When radiant heat is in use it requires less energy to operate when compared to other forms of home heating. Forced air is constantly trying to heat the rooms by blowing warm air which then rises to the ceiling as fast as it can and sits there in a part of your home where no one lives; unless they are a vampire and sleep like a bat on the ceiling of course.

Radiant heated floors start with your floor and then literally radiate the heat throughout the room, touching everything in its path warming it and retaining the warmth so the floor heating system works less with more energy efficient output. This so called trend using radiant heat in homes is starting to stick because of these reasons and more. If you bring up radiant heat in a casual conversation you’ll note that more and more people are aware of the benefits of using radiant heat to heat your home, driveway, or even your gutters. Everybody is starting to talk about the comfort and efficient heating accomplished with radiant heat and with a little research you can join in the on the savvy conversation.