Tag Archives: Roof heating solutions

HOTNEWS

An Easy, Affordable Solution for Ground Fault Protection Requirements

Warmzone Continues to Listen to Contractors and Serve the Needs of Homeowners

Electric snow melting, roof deicing and outdoor pipe heating systems installed in the United States and Canada require ground fault protection for safe operation. In many cases, when installing a snow melting system, these breakers can be expensive and difficult to find. However, thanks to Warmzone, this is no longer an issue.

In addition to offering contactor panels with ground fault protection, Warmzone also offers separate ground fault protection units with snow melting systems and activation devices. These units provide an inexpensive, easy-to-integrate solution to meet the NEC requirements for ground fault protection equipment.

The GF-1 unit provides single circuit protection and the GF-2 provides dual circuit protection (for 120/208/240VAC circuits up to 60A). Unlike highly sensitive GFCI breakers, Warmzone’s GF unit maintains a 30mA fault trip point to reduce nuisance tripping. The unit’s unique design allows installation of standard, off-the-shelf overload breakers into the customer load center. Size the breaker and wiring for the system (15A to 60A), then install the GF unit between the load center branch circuit and the sensor/controller and heat cable. The overload breaker protects the wiring while the GF unit provides the ground fault protection.

The unit is housed in a rugged, NEMA 4X/IP65 rated enclosure, suitable for indoor or outdoor installation. The enclosure features a gasket-sealed front access door for easy testing and reset. All internal electronic components are specified for -40°C to +60°C operation. The enclosure can be easily surface mounted near the load center or near the snow melting system, depending on the installer’s preference. Numerous knockout locations on the enclosure provide flexibility for installation and wiring. The enclosure base can accommodate standard ½ and ¾-inch conduit hubs. Four mounting holes outside the enclosure gasket make mounting a breeze while assuring weather-tight performance.

Ground fault protection unit enclosure
Enclosure for ground fault protection equipment

Features

  • Easy installation; convenient access for wiring
  • Works together with inexpensive, off-the-shelf overload circuit breakers
  • Provides true 30mA trip point GFPE protection
  • Meets NEC Article 426.28, 427.22, and CEC 62-300 requirements
  • Protects 120/208/240VAC systems up to 60A (#14-#6 CU-only conductor capacity)
  • Not Compatible With 277VAC or L-N-L 240VAC
  • UL listed (U.S. and Canada) NEMA 4X enclosure for indoor or outdoor installation
  • Latching, sealed, hinged front cover for easy testing and reset access
  • No overload rating means just two part numbers for simple stocking
  • Weatherproof and corrosion resistant enclosure
  • Operating temperature range of -40°F/C to +140°F/+60°C

The GF-1 and GF-2 can be used directly with Warmzone’s WS-2C, WS-5C and WS-8C aerial mount snow sensors. They can also be used with contactor panels, switches, and any system up to 60A. Since the overload protection is provided by the load center breaker, only two GF models are required to cover the full range of 15A to 60A, one or two circuits. This allows ground fault protection with kitted systems without the requirement of identifying the customer’s load center type or need to research if a combined overload/GFPE breaker is available and how long it will take to receive.

Including a GF unit completes the snow melting system and makes it ready to install. And the GF unit provides a ready-made solution when installing or retrofitting a snow melting system in an older facility that was wired well before the term “GFPE” was coined. It’s an easy upgrade to help bring an existing system into compliance with modern code requirements.

Including a GF unit completes the snow melting system and makes it ready to install. And the GF unit provides a ready-made solution when installing or retrofitting a snow melting system in an older facility that was wired well before the term “GFPE” was coined. It’s an easy upgrade to help bring an existing system into compliance with modern code requirements.

As your radiant heat partner, Warmzone makes the process of installing a snowmelt system as easy as possible. For more information, call 888.488.9276 today.

Finding the Right Roof Heating System

Keeping your roof free and clear of ice and snow comes down to proven radiant heating elements, proper system design, and proper installation. A good radiant heat solution is one that addresses all of the potential problem areas of your roof.  Warmzone offers a variety of roof heating solutions designed to not only melt snow and ice, but to keep the runoff flowing from your roof before it has a chance to freeze. Warmzone products are specifically designed to target all aspects of a roof, including gutters, downspouts, roof lines, roof eaves and edges—the places icicles, ice dams, and snow build-up are most likely to occur. To keep your roof free of ice and snow, it’s important to target the typical problem spots.

Heating Gutters, Edges and Problem Areas

Warmzone self-regulating heat cable is an extremely effective and energy efficient way to prevent ice dams and keep water flowing through gutters and downspouts. Comprised of a rugged, durable outer construction and an irradiated conductive core that responds to variations in temperature, this durable cable is the affordable choice for heating problem areas of your roof.

Heating Roof Edges

The single greatest snow and ice problem for roofs is due to ice dams. Snow and ice buildup occurs when runoff reaches the colder roof eaves and refreezes. Over time, the buildup increases, resulting in large dams of ice near the roof’s edge, causing water to pool behind it. As that water seeps under the shingles and refreezes, damage can occur, and may eventually lead to costly water damage inside the home.

Low-voltage roof heating element

Low-voltage RoofHeat STEP systems can be installed discreetly under the shingles to keep roof edges completely free of snow and ice. This advanced system utilizes a thin, semi-conductive polymer heating element that can be nailed or stapled through to make installation quick and easy. The self-regulating heating element is polypropylene fused during fabrication to achieve water proofing and protection from alkaline or salt damage.

A 24-inch roof heating panel for heating roof edges.             An 18-inch roof heating panel

Attractive roof deicing panels can also be installed to eliminate the possibility of ice dams. Available in a variety of sizes, these aluminum panels feature channels of self-regulating heat cable that effectively heats the aluminum to keep roof edges free of snow and ice. The panels have an attractive Kynar finish and can be used in new construction and on existing roofs with most types of roofing materials, including asphalt, wood shake shingles, tile, slate or standing seam metal. Visit our roof deicing panel documents page to learn more.

Heating Roof Valleys

Four and six-inch RoofHeat deicing panels are also available to heat roof valleys. Keeping these channels free of snow and ice facilitates runoff and helps to protect your roof by eliminating potential trouble spots. The Valley Panel system will create an open area (up to 10 inches) for water to safely flow from the roof through the valleys without the possibility of water refreezing over unheated portions of the roof. The Valley Panel roof heating system provides an aesthetic look to any structure while keeping a more efficient and cleaner method of eliminating ice dam issues in a valley or dormer.

Eliminating Icicles

For areas of your roof where gutters are not present heated roof edges can be used to channel water away from the structure. Heated Drip Edge systems are extremely effective in battling icicle build-up while maintaining the aesthetic look of the original roof. This is a common, reliable solution for businesses to ensure the safety and convenience of pedestrian traffic. These Kylar-finished edge lines are offered in a wide variety of materials, including steel, copper, aluminum and more, so they’re great for concealing wiring along the drip line to create a more attractive, polished appearance.  An existing metal roof can also be retrofitted with roof heating panels, which can be laid on top of the old metal roof, in direct contact with the self-regulating heat cable to prevent icicle formation.

Still not sure what you need for your roof? Our radiant heat experts work with customers to evaluate project challenges and determine an affordable roof deicing system that is best for your unique circumstances. Warmzone roof heating experts are also available to walk you through the process, from system selection to installation. Call 888.488.9276 for more information today.

HOTNEWS

Automated Snow Sensors

High-Tech Snow Switches for Heated Driveways and Roof Deicing Systems

Are you contemplating radiant heat for your next home improvement project? Equipped with high-tech snow switches, radiant heated driveways and gutter systems are fully automated, making them efficient and effortless when it comes to snow removal.

The automated snow switch detects temperature and moisture conditions to initiate ice- and snow melting systems at the first signs of inclement weather. Depending upon what you’re heating, there are two general types of sensors.

A pavement mount snow sensor

An in-pavement (ground) sensor mounts in the concrete, asphalt, or pavers of your driveway or walkways, making it very indicative and accurate of the driveway conditions and includes many programmable features including:

  • Electronic on/off control up to 11 KW
  • 2 zone control with zones that can be individually controlled
  • Economical control
  • Temperature and moisture detection
  • Control of electrical or hydronic (water-based) ice and snow melting systems

The aerial mounted snow sensor activates your snow melting system only when needed. These sensors are typically mounted on the roof, and automatically triggers your heated driveway or gutter snowmelt system when it detects precipitation and temperatures are below 39°F. Smart system compatible, the sensor has several other notable features, including adjustable temperature trigger point, adjustable delay off cycle, and upgradeable remote activation.

Aerial mount snow sensor

That’s great, you say, but I have a snow removal service already, so why pay for a fancy system? Snow fall is unpredictable. Sometimes you wake up to the stuff, and sometimes it accumulates throughout the day. Snow removal services are certainly very handy, but they can’t compete with the reliability and efficiency of an automated radiant heated driveway system. With an automated radiant heated driveway or gutter system, it’s like having your very own snow melting service on call, 24/7. There’s no waiting involved, and no slippery patches of ice that got overlooked. Automated snowmelt systems only run when it’s snowing, eliminating residual or standby operation costs involved with snow removal services. And most importantly, they offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing your driveway and walkways are completely clear of ice and snow.

If you’re not sure how an automated snow melting switch fits into your radiant heat snow melting project, take heart. Warmzone has the experience and expertise you’ll need to meet your project requirements, and can configure an automated snow melting system with your needs and budget in mind. To discover more about radiant heat snow melting systems, contact 888.488.9276 today.

Roof Heating Solutions

Melt Snow and Ice With a Radiant Roof Heating System
Radiant heated roof and gutter heating systems can dramatically enhance the life span of your roof and protect it from damage caused by heavy snow and ice accumulation. Older buildings are a visible testament to the damaging effects of roof ice and snow that can destroy fronts, roofs, drainpipes, and gutters. Roofs that have substandard support structures, and such shortcomings can enable water to enter the building. As technology improves insulation value, there is less heat gain from inside of the building, causing an increased hazard of ice damage and damming on the roof. Once winter frost sets in, damage is often inevitable. Flat roofs on industrial buildings often give in to excessive weight loads generated by accumulations of ice and snow. This can be prevented by installing a quality heated roof and gutter deicing system, eliminating potential damage from snow and ice buildup.

Working with Warmzone on your roof heating system installation allows you to shop a number systems, and find the solution that is right for your home and your budget. Warmzone’s low-voltage roof heating system is another excellent solution for melting snow and ice from roof eaves, valleys, and entire roofs. The RoofHeat STEP deicing system features an extremely thin, self-regulating, semi-conductive polyethylene heating element. Embedded between two layers of vinyl, the panel is protected against UV rays, alkaline or other potential physical damages for durability.

Roof deicing system heating roof edges and valley

What’s great about Roofheat STEP is its versatility. It can be installed under new or existing asphalt, shake, or tile shingles, and is ideal for new construction as well as remodeling projects. Available in rolls 9 or 12-inches wide, the lightweight heating panel can be cut to size, and nailed or stapled through the existing roof, making installation quicker and easier than other traditional roof heating systems.

You can never predict the weather, but with a Warmzone roof heating system, you can often predict the outcome. Prepare now and say goodbye to pesky snow buildup and ice damming for good. To find out more about the Warmzone roof heating system, request a FREE quote or contact us at 888.488.9276.

Radiant Heat News

Roof Heating vs. Ice Dams

The Battle You’re Sure to Never Lose

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes warmer weather. While we’d all like to see the sun again, we don’t want those pesky ice dams to form on our roofs that can quickly turn a delightful spring into an expensive season of our discontent. Fortunately for all of us, radiant roof heat is here to keep our upcoming months pleasant and ice-dam-disaster free.

Ice dams are a common problem that often lead to catastrophic solutions. The good news, however, is that radiant roof heating systems are an easy and affordable option to prevent ice dams before they even start.

Ice dams occur when warmer weather or interior heat warms the heavy snowfall on your roof, leaving a pool of water under the feet of snow that quickly accumulates and starts leaking into your home.  Besides causing catastrophic water damage, these ice dams can also destroy your gutters, promote toxic mold growth, and potentially cause structural damage that’s sure to leave you with a headache. With so much on the line, it only makes sense to install a radiant roof heating system.

Radiant roof heat is the best way to stay ahead in the battle against ice dams. Warmzone offers a variety of roof heating solutions that are sure to keep your home safe from structural damage and your family safe from dangerous icicles. You can experience the benefits of a radiant roof heating system no matter what type of home you have—new or old. Additionally, our team will work with you to create a roof heating solution that’s catered specifically to you.

Don’t wait for the dam to break—install a radiant roof heating system now before it’s too late!