Tag Archives: Roof Heating

HOTNEWS

Brutal Winters Make Radiant Heat an Attractive Option

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

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

Radiant heated driveway

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

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

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

Protect your Home with a Roof Deicing System

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

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

Gutter damage from snow and heavy ice buildup

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

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

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

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

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

Radiant Heat News

Cut Down on Icicles with Roof Gutter Heating

Family and Guests are Safer Thanks to Roof Deicing

Icicles are really cool to look at. They are even fun to break and shatter into pieces onto the sidewalks below. Icicles are a good sign of upcoming warmer weather too, as they drip and shrink they predict the welcome upcoming spring. But as pretty as they are, icicles can also be incredibly dangerous. Icicles can fall without warning and small children, pets, and the elderly won’t be able to move out of the way fast enough. This often leads to injuries that could otherwise be avoided. Many business owners and homeowners alike worry about the best way to keep to their patrons and families safe.

Self-regulating roof heating cable

To create a more hospitable entryway into any building, consider installing a roof gutter heating system . Heat cables from one of these fully automated systems stretch the length of your roof line and keep icicles from ever forming.

Roof gutter heating is the #1 way to provide a safe entrance to any dwelling. Roof deicing isn’t a new concept but it is one catching on as people strive to protect the people they love as well as the structure itself. Extensive roof damage has been known to occur thanks to large ice dams forming in the winter. The daytime temperatures often never reach melting levels so the ice melts and then re-forms repeatedly. And then it snows again, creating several more layers of damaging ice that potentially could ruin your roof. Ice dams and icicles don’t have a chance to form with roof deicing, which protects your gutters and the people walking beneath them too.

Radiant Heat News

You Won’t Need an Entire Posse to Install Radiant Roof Heat Cable

Roof Snow Melting is a Simple Do-It-Yourself Weekend Project

Our time, or rather our spare time, is minimal these days and seems to be shrinking with each new technological development. Although designed to make our lives easier, these handy gadgets seem to draw us further from free time than ever before. So tackling a home improvement project seems like an overwhelming hill to climb, when time, or rather spare time, is rare and precious. Keeping your home safe from future water damage is an important undertaking and you need not fear that undertaking this undertaking will over-take your weekend plans. You won’t even need to bring in a massive posse to help you install radiant roof heating cable. It’s a fairly simple process, and there are many different roof heating options to choose from.

Roof deicing system heating roof edges and valley
A mountain lodge with heated roof edges (to prevent ice dams from forming).

Once you’ve decided to install a roof deicing system to keep your gutters free of damaging ice and snow dams then you need only call a Warmzone expert to find out how much snow melting cable you will need. The rest is a simple do-it-yourself project that can easily be tackled in a day. You’ll need to ensure you have a power source nearby so once you are done the radiant roof heating can be plugged in, but other than that the installation is fairly straightforward. The length of radiant roof cable you’ll need is the key component and once you have that figured out you can call your posse and tell them to come over Sunday afternoon to admire all your handy-work and enjoy some time relaxing inside together boasting over your success

Articles

Repairing Roofs Damaged by Hurricane Sandy

Consider a Radiant Roof Heating System When Repairing or Remodeling

In late October of 2012, the largest Atlantic hurricane on record, Hurricane Sandy, crashed into the Northeastern Seaboard, decimating entire neighborhoods in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and other eastern states. The tempest left homeowners facing repairs that ranged from replacing a few windows to rebuilding an entire house. New Jersey and New York were particularly affected by Sandy, but as many as 24 states (and much of Eastern Canada) were also impacted by the colossal storm. Damage in the U.S. was estimated at over $63 billion.

Damage from Hurricane Sandy
Aerial shot of Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath.

As residents in New Jersey and New York rebuild, there is no better time to consider installing a roof de-icing system. Installing a roof heating system is a smart investment, particularly for residents in cold climates such as Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. Roof de-icing systems can eliminate costly repairs in the future by protecting roofs from snow and ice damage. These radiant roof heating systems are installed discreetly under shingles, metal, or most other roof surfaces, and can extend the life of your roof as well as enhance safety.

There are many different types of roof de-icing options available that not only can fit your roofing needs, but your budget as well. You can heat the entire roof, just the edge, or only the gutters and downspouts – or any combination. The key for homeowners is to work with radiant heat professionals to determine the best custom roof heating solution for your home. The radiant heat professionals will assist you in finding the best roof de-icing solution for you, whether it’s heating just the roof’s edge, the gutter or both.

Ideally, it is best to install a roof de-icing system and a gutter trace system to eliminate ice buildup in the gutter. Ice buildup in the gutter can damage the eaves and downspouts, but beyond that it can be extremely dangerous for pedestrian traffic below. By combining the protection that comes with a roof heating and gutter heating system, the lifespan of a new roof can be extended and the value of a home can be increased.

One of the best roof heating systems on the market that combines roof de-icing and gutter de-icing is provided by Warmzone, an established leader in the radiant heat industry. Warmzone offers complete roof heating solutions for residents in New Jersey, New York and the Eastern Seaboard, ranging from top products and system design to expert installation support.

Roof with snow and ice build up, in need of a roof de-icing system.
Roofs and gutters in need of a radiant roof de-icing system.

If you’re considering installing radiant heat, it’s important that you work with trusted professionals with a proven customer service track record, a wide selection of products, complete system design and engineering services, and expert installation support. With Warmzone, you’re guaranteed all of these.

Regardless whether you are looking for a roof heating, radiant floor heating, or snow melting solution, you won’t find a better partner to work with than Warmzone. The professionals at Warmzone will help you find the right system for your specific needs, as well as provide complete services, and unmatched installation support. The best part is that you have a strong partnership with a company that is committed to customer service and will work with you to ensure that the system meets or exceeds your expectations. Call a radiant heat expert today to learn more about your roof heating options at 888.488.9276.

Send us your project information and receive a free roof heating quote.

Radiant Heat News

Save Yourself a Fall Off Your Roof; Install Heated Gutters

Heated Gutters Keep Ice and Debris Clear So You Don’t Have Too

This is a true story. When I was a girl I looked out my bedroom window one winter afternoon and found my dad lying next to an oak tree in our front yard in direct line of our roof. I opened my window to inquire about his health (mental and physical). After a moment, he groaned that he had fallen off our roof. Needless to say, the roof was not a heated roof.

Upon further investigation I saw that the gutters just outside my window had perfect hand grips pulled down where my dad had tried to catch himself as he slipped off the two story roof. Having a roof de-icing system would have prevented his fall since he would never have had to be up there in the first place. The poor guy was trying to clear the gutters and roof from ice and snow when, like so many people do, he slipped and went right off to the ground below. Luckily his injuries were fairly minor, but the soreness of his body reminded him he didn’t need to do that trip to the roof again mid-winter. Installing gutter trace heat cables keeps your roof and gutters clear of slippery ice and snow and allows your feet to remain firmly planted on the ground, where they belong.

This afternoon I heard of another friend’s father falling off a ladder while attempting to gain access to his roof for the same purpose. Also a non-heated roof and also a slippery trap waiting to lure one into its clutches. His injuries were more serious than my dad’s. He sustained a head fracture as well as a broken back. Having a heated roof is not only convenient it’s also much, much safer. I’m sure we all have horror stories of being on the roof, either personally or someone close to us. Be safe, make the smart homeowner’s choice and put a roof deicing system in place and enjoy the safety of a heated roof and gutter trace system.

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.

Articles

Long Term Solutions for Dangerous Roof Snow and Ice

Many of us are diligent about keeping our walkways and driveways free from snow and ice, but we often overlook the hazards of snow and ice build-up on our roofs. If you live an area plagued with heavy snowfall, the accumulation of snow and ice on your roof can cause major structural damage, especially if you own an older home; not to mention the increased risk of serious injury resulting from falling ice. Finding an inexpensive long term solution, such as a radiant heating roof de-icing system, is essential to the structural integrity of your home as well as the safety of you and your guests.

According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, most roofs are able to withstand around 20-pounds per square foot. This means your roof should not exceed 4 feet of new snow, 2 feet of old snow, or one inch of ice. To find out exactly how much weight your roof was designed to withstand, refer to your building design plan.

An even bigger danger is the formation of ice dams on roofs, usually caused by a warm attic melting snow, causing water to run down and refreeze near the roof gutter. Ice builds up and blocks regular drainage, allowing water to seep down and damage the attic and walls. The heavy ice formations on the eaves caused by ice dams are the most significant safety risks for businesses and home owners.

Manual roof snow and ice removal is dangerous business and can increase the chances of damage to the roof. Most safety and disaster prevention organizations recommend hiring a professional contractor to do the removal, but this only provides a one time, short term solution to the problem.

A roof de-icing system, such as Warmzone’s low-voltage roof heating systems, mount discreetly under the shingles (or metal) of the eaves and/or valleys of your roof, preventing the formation of ice dams. The option to heat the entire roof is also available. Warmzone also offers self-regulating radiant heat cable installed in channels of aluminum panels for maximum heat transfer to heat roof eaves. The system eliminates dangerous ice forming and greatly reduces the risk of damage to your roof. You will be able to skip the cost of hiring a professional contractor to remove snow after each heavy storm.

Self-regulating heat cable systems are surprisingly simple to install, offer maintenance free snow and ice removal, and best of all, they are efficient and have low operating costs. Investing in a roof de-icing system also raises the value of your home and extend the life of your roof.

Other preventive measures should be taken before snow begins to fall, such as clearing debris from all drainage systems. During winter months, it is important to keep your window wells and walls free of snow. Simple maintenance and the installation of a roof de-icing system will go a long way towards protecting your home or business from natural disasters, and eliminate the possibility of injury caused by falling ice.

About Warmzone
Warmzone provides consumers with energy-efficient, radiant heating solutions for homes and businesses. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Warmzone’s electricians and radiant heat experts will help you determine the best radiant heating solution, ranging from heated floors to large commercial snow and ice melt projects. Send us a plan or drawings and we’ll be happy to provide you with a FREE estimate and options for your roof heating and ice melting project.