Tag Archives: Snow melting system installation
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Winter in Philadelphia
Given Philadelphia’s typical winter weather, the city boasts an “army” of snow removal personnel and equipment. Commuters depend on this army to keep roads clear so they can travel to and from work, but homeowners also have the responsibility to do their share of snow removal.
The City Ordinances regarding snow removal in Philadelphia read:
(1) The owner, agent and tenants of any building or premises shall clear a path of not less than 36 inches in width on all sidewalks abutting the building or premises within 6 hours after the snow has ceased to fall. The path shall be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. Where the width of any pavement measured from the property line to the curb is less than 3 feet, the path cleared may be only 12-inches in width. When the building in question is a multifamily dwelling the owner or his agent shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of this Section. 160 Amended, Bill No. 100752 (approved January 5, 2011).
(2) Snow or ice removed from sidewalks, driveways, or other areas shall not be placed or piled in the street.
(3) Any person who violates this Section shall be subject to the provisions and penalties set forth in § 10-718 and § 10-719.
Given the property owners’ responsibility for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice, Philadelphia residents have been busy these past few winters. The recent record-setting winters have made it difficult for city snow plow drivers as well as homeowners to keep up with the demands of snow removal.
During the blizzard of 2016, Philadelphia residents experienced the fourth largest snowstorm in the city’s history, receiving 22.4 inches of snow during a massive two-and-a-half-day storm. In fact, several parts of the country experienced record setting storms and snowfall for the winter of 2015-2016. And weather experts expect more of the same for the next several upcoming winters.
But Philadelphia residents have options when it comes to preparing for the next snow season. In addition to having some extra supplies and keeping the cupboards and refrigerator well stocked, some Pennsylvania residents are dumping the snow blower and shovels in favor of radiant heat.
Fully Automated Snow Melting Systems
Warmzone snow melting systems are energy efficient and maintenance free. Not only do these systems eliminate the need for manual snow removal, but they have proven valuable to businesses by keeping entrances and parking areas clear of snow and ice for customers. Providing a safe environment not only enhances business, but reduces the chances of costly litigation as a result of personal injury.
In addition to the silent, maintenance-free operation of radiant heat, electric snow melting systems are fully automated, so they operate only when needed. The system includes an advanced snow sensor that detects temperature and precipitation. When the temperature is below a set point – typically 39° Fahrenheit – it sends power to the embedded heat cable, warming the area and preventing snow accumulation.
As an industry leader, Warmzone snow melting systems feature trusted ClearZone heat cable that is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats that can be rolled out for easy installation. The electric radiant heating mats are laid out and secured, and then the medium (concrete, pavers, or asphalt) is applied directly over the cable.
The proven ClearZone electric snowmelt system is commonly installed in both commercial and residential applications. From large heated driveways and parking areas to custom sized walkways, ramps and loading docks, ClearZone systems are versatile and can be easily customized.
Warmzone snow melting systems include the heating cable, an activation device (snow sensor), contactor panel, and marker plate (as required by the NEC). These fully automated systems require no maintenance, and are relatively easy to install. In fact, much of the installation can be done by any ambitious homeowner, but wiring the system must be completed by a licensed electrician in order to keep the warranty valid.
In addition to providing the highest quality radiant heating products, Warmzone also offers unmatched customer services. Each system is professionally designed, so you’ll know the exact layout and proper materials, load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and system performance expectations before one foot of heat cable is installed.
Warmzone also includes free installation support services. A dedicated staff of experts is on hand during your installation if you need. Should your installer have any questions while installing the system, he/she can speak with one of our installation experts to resolve any issues. Free installation training is also available. When it comes to customer service, you’ll find that Warmzone is second to none.
Contact Warmzone today and learn more about the radiant heating options that are available. In addition to offering heated driveways and snow melting systems, Warmzone also offers premier roof deicing and floor heating systems. Call 888.488.9276 to learn more.
Record Setting Storm Batters Baltimore
On January 22-23, Baltimore experienced the largest snowstorm on record. Snow totals reached 22-35 inches west, north, and northwest of the Beltway, and 18-24 inches inside the Beltway. Eleven eastern states declared a state of emergency in preparation of the impending blizzard, which affected approximately 103 million people and canceled more than 13,000 flights. Needless to say, the storm incapacitated much of the city, leaving commuters stranded and residents trapped. Even with Baltimore’s significant fleet of snowplows and snow removal vehicles, the city couldn’t keep up with massive storm.
Homeowners were essentially trapped in their neighborhoods and were hard pressed to comply with Baltimore County’s snow removal ordinances. According to Baltimore County Code of Ordinances “Roads, Bridges and Sidewalks, 18-3-107 Removal of Snow and Ice.”, sidewalks MUST be shoveled within 24 hours after a snow storm.
Given the property owners’ responsibility for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice, Baltimore residents have been busy these past few winters. The recent record-setting winters have made it difficult for city snow plow drivers as well as homeowners to keep up with the demands of snow removal.
The storm of January of 2016 proved to be Baltimore’s fourth largest snowstorm in history, dumping 22.4 inches of snow on the city. And the storm left a wide path of icy destruction across several states. Much of the Eastern Seaboard experienced record breaking snowfall during the storm, as well as for the winter of 2015-2016. And weather experts expect more of the same for the next several upcoming winters.
Even seasoned Baltimore residents are taking winter preparation a little more seriously after the trend of “monster” storms blanketing the area in recent years. In addition to having a few extra supplies on hand, some Maryland residents are turning to automated radiant heat systems to deal with the white deluge.
Warmzone radiant snow melting systems are energy efficient and maintenance free. Not only do these systems eliminate the need for manual snow removal, but they have proven valuable to businesses by keeping entrances and parking areas safe and inviting for customers.
Electric snow melting systems are fully automated, so they operate only when needed. The systems include an advanced snow sensor that detects temperature and precipitation. When temperatures are below a set point (typically 39° Fahrenheit) it sends power to the embedded heat cable, warming the area and preventing snow accumulation.
As an industry leader, Warmzone snow melting systems feature trusted heat cable that is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats that can be rolled out for easy installation. The heating mats are laid out and secured, and then the medium (concrete, pavers, or asphalt) is applied directly over the cable.
The proven ClearZone electric snowmelt system is commonly installed in both commercial and residential applications. From large heated driveways and parking areas to custom sized walkways, ramps and loading docks, ClearZone systems are versatile and can be easily customized.
Warmzone’s fully automated system includes the industry leading heat cable, activation device (snow sensor), contactor panel, and marker plate (as required by the NEC). These snowmelt systems are also maintenance free and relatively easy to install.
In addition to providing the highest quality radiant heating products, Warmzone also offers unmatched customer services. Each system is professionally designed, so you’ll know the exact layout and proper materials, load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and system performance expectations before any heat cable is installed.
Warmzone also includes valuable installation support services at no extra cost. The expert staff is available during your installation if you need. Should your installer have any questions during the installation, he/she can speak with one of our installation experts to resolve any issues. Free installation training is also available. When it comes to customer service, you’ll find that Warmzone is second to none.
Contact Warmzone today and learn more about the radiant heating options that are available. In addition to offering heated driveways and snow melting systems, Warmzone also offers premier roof deicing and floor heating systems. Call 888.488.9276 to learn more.
Record Breaking Snowstorm Blankets Newark
In 2016, Newark City, New Jersey broke the record for receiving the most snow from one multi-day snowstorm. As of January 24, the Weather Service lists Newark’s snowfall total at 28.1 inches, breaking all records set since 1931. As city snowplows struggled to keep the main thoroughfares open, homeowners struggled to keep in compliance with local snow removal laws by shoveling and salting sidewalks and driveways.
According to the Newark Municipal Code, owners, tenants, or occupants of homes in the city must remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to residential properties after snow ceases to fall or ice ceases to form. The code requires that a path three feet in width be cleared on sidewalks in front of homes. If ice cannot be removed from sidewalks, the code requires that sand or other substances be spread on the ice to make the surface safe for pedestrians.
Given the property owners’ responsibility for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice, Newark residents have been busy these past few winters. And weather experts continue to predict above average snowfall for upcoming winters.
But Newark residents have options when it comes to preparing for the next snow season. In addition to having a few extra supplies on hand and a full refrigerator and cupboards, some New Jersey residents are turning to radiant heat to make the snow removal process a bit easier.
Warmzone snow melting systems are energy efficient and maintenance free. Not only do these systems eliminate the need for manual snow removal, but they have proven valuable to businesses by keeping entrances and parking areas clear of snow and ice for customers.
Electric snow melting systems are fully automated, so they operate only when needed. The systems include an advanced snow sensor that detects temperature and precipitation. When temperatures are below a set point – typically 39° Fahrenheit – it sends power to the embedded heat cable, warming the area and preventing snow accumulation.
As an industry leader, Warmzone snow melting systems feature trusted heat cable that is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats that can be rolled out for easy installation. The electric radiant heating mats are laid out and secured, and then the medium (concrete, pavers, or asphalt) is applied directly over the cable.
The proven ClearZone electric snow melting system is commonly installed in both commercial and residential applications. From large heated driveways and parking areas to custom sized walkways, ramps and loading docks, ClearZone systems are versatile and can be easily customized.
Warmzone’s fully automated system includes the embedded heat cable, an activation device (snow sensor), contactor panel, and marker plate (as required by the NEC). These electric systems are also maintenance free and relatively easy to install.
In addition to providing the highest quality radiant heating products, Warmzone also offers unmatched customer services. Each system is professionally designed, so you’ll know the exact layout and materials, proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and system performance expectations before one foot of heat cable is installed.
When you purchase a Warmzone snow melting system, you also receive free installation support services. We have an experienced staff dedicated especially for installation support if you need. Should your installer have any questions during the installation, he/she can speak with one of our installation experts to resolve any issues. Free installation training is also available. When it comes to customer service, you’ll find that Warmzone is second to none.
Contact Warmzone today and learn more about the radiant heating options that are available. In addition to offering heated driveways and snow melting systems, Warmzone also offers premier roof de-icing and floor heating systems. Call 888.488.9276 to learn more.
Don’t Get Spooked by Winter Weather
Meet Winter Head on with a Radiant Snow Melting System
You’ve no doubt heard about El Niño this year and the predictions of all the so called “weather experts”. Well, the truth is, we can never fully know what Mother Nature will bring us each year. Sure, we make the most educated guess possible, but it’s still just that – a guess.
So don’t let the doomsday sayers intimidate you into believing you’ll be lucky to escape winter alive this year. Halloween may be coming, but there’s no reason to be spooked by winter too. Certainly, it’s good to be prepared and keep some important items on hand for those times when you can’t make it to the store for a day or two, but chances are that winter will come and go, and spring will greet you with a smile – just like it did last year, and the year before.
But how you choose to deal with winter is up to you. For homeowners with steep driveways or business owners with outdoor steps, ramps and busy customer access points, installing a heated driveway or snow melting system is a pretty obvious solution. Radiant snow melting systems are fully automated and operate only when needed. That means that regardless what day or time the snow falls, the systems will respond to keep your driveway or walks clear of ice and snow during all of winter’s cold assaults.
Many consumers have opted to forego stocking up on salt and other snow melting chemicals prior to winter. Some have even been swayed not only by the convenience and effectiveness of radiant heat, but because of the added benefit to the environment. Salt and snow melting chemicals, while somewhat convenient in melting snow, are not so friendly on the surrounding landscape. The adverse environmental effects of salt and snowmelt chemicals leave scars year round. When spring arrives, the bordering grass and shrubs often reveal the ugly scars from the repeated use of snow melting chemicals during the winter.
But the greatest advantages of radiant snow melting systems are their convenience, clean, silent operation and round-the-clock reliability. And electric snow melting systems are maintenance free, saving your back from shoveling and your head from aching.
Warmzone radiant snow melting systems are easy to customize and install. In addition to offering the industry’s most reputable heat cable and system components, Warmzone also includes professional system design and installation support services. When you work with Warmzone, you are partnering with experienced professionals who see your project through – from start to end. After all, radiant heat is a considerable investment in your home, so it makes sense to deal with the best, most trusted experts in the field.
Contact a radiant heat professional at Warmzone today (888.488.9276). Warmzone also offers free installation training. For more information about our training courses, call us at 801.948.7545.
Avoid These Common Installation Mistakes!
Important Do’s and Dont’s when Installing Radiant Heat
Record Resistance Values in Warranty Card – First and foremost, keep your warranty valid by following the installation instructions and using a megohmmeter to measure the cable readings before, during and after the installation process as outlined. (The megohmmeter is a special type of ohmmeter used to measure the electrical resistance of insulators.) Measuring the cable’s ohm reading during the installation process provides the required warranty information and can reveal if any cable has been damaged during the install.
| ► | Upon receiving the heat cable, check the ohm value shown on the cable tag. Write this figure in the space provided on the warranty card. |
| ► | Measure the ohm reading of the cable and record the results in the space provided on the warranty card. |
| ► | Lay the cable out and secure it so that it is ready to be embedded (under concrete, asphalt or pavers). Measure the cable’s ohm reading prior to being embedded. Record this value in the space provided on the warranty card. |
| ► | Apply the top layer and measure the ohm reading. Record the results in the space provided on the warranty card. |
| Cable Installation Tips | |
| ► | Always maintain proper cable spacing. (Cables should be spaced no less than 2 inches apart (center-to-center) and no more than 4 inches, center to center. Minimum spacing is 2 inches. Maximum cable spacing is 4 inches.) |
| ► | Never allow the cables to cross or touch each other. |
| ► | Never cut the heating cable. |
| ► | In concrete and asphalt applications, the installed heating cable should be 2 inches from the finished surface. (The heating cable should never be resting on the ground prior to the pour.) |
| ► | Never run heating cable through an expansion joint. (Make sure the joint is tooled or cut NO deeper than 1¼-inches. The cable must be ¾ to 1-inch below the bottom of the joint.) |
| ► | Do not flex or strain the cable splice by pulling on the cable. All of the cable must be embedded, including the entire splice and 6-inches of cold lead. |
| ► | Avoid kinking or bending the cable sharply (which causes the insulation to “bubble” and pull away from the cable). |
| ► | When installing heat cable in paver applications, make certain that there is ½-inch of compacted paver sand or stone dust on top of the heating cables or mats. (Cables must be completely encased with no air gaps.) |
Warranty card for snow melting system.
Do not hesitate to take advantage of Warmzone’s personal installation support services. We have dedicated experts on hand to assist installers, so if you have any questions during the installation process, our electricians and designers are happy to assist you. Warmzone also offers free installation training, both in-house as well as training via web seminar. It is our goal to ensure that our customers are happy and that each system is installed correctly and performing as intended.
Proper Installation Techniques
Installation Tips for Installing an Electric Snow Melting System
Winter is supposed to be colder and snowier than ever this year. If you’re living in the snow belt, you can meet the snowy weather with a solution that’s sure to make your winter much more bearable. From installing radiant heated floors to heated driveways and roofs, Warmzone makes the process of tackling a radiant heating project much easier.
Before installing any heat cable, it’s important to know the ins and outs of radiant heat installation to maximize the performance of your system and ensure that the warranty remains valid. In addition to Warmzone’s free consultation and installation support, a wealth of information is also available online in Warmzone’s radiant resource center, where you can find articles, installation manuals and related information.
Basic Tips for Installing Snow Melting System
Cable Care – Extreme care must be used to ensure the cables/mats are not damaged when using sharp tools, wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes or heavy machinery.
Check Supply Voltage – Make sure that the supply voltage matches the voltage required for your specific snowmelt product.
Measure Cable Resistance – Remember to always measure, verify and record the actual resistance of the heating element throughout the installation process:
1. Out of the box
2. After laying the cable out
3. After applying the surface material
Never cut the Heat Cable – Heat cable is resistance cable. When it is shortened it increases the wattage per foot of the cable. Altering the cable in this way can void the warranty and cause the heat cable to fail due to over-temperature.
Laying out Heating Mats – Unroll the heating mat on to the area you want to heat. Fasten the heating mat to the mesh reinforcement using tie-wraps, zip ties or cable strapping. Do not cause the heating cable of the mat to be compressed or strained.
Do not let Cables Touch – Never allow the heating elements to cross, overlap or touch.
Embed the Cable – Whether you’re installing in concrete, asphalt or pavers, make sure that the cable is completely embedded under the surface. If uncovered, it can malfunction in the area of exposure.
Embed the Power Lead – The power lead/heating cable splice and at least 6 inches of the power lead must also be embedded in the paved surface. The remaining power lead should be run through a conduit.
Making Turns with Mats – Heating mats can be altered to accommodate drains, obstructions or bends in the layout. To make turns or alter the spacing of the heating cables in mats, only cut the tape – NOT the heating cable.
Ground Sensor Placement – The ground sensor must be placed between the heating cables within the heated area at least 3.3 feet (1 m) from the edge of the area. A minimum distance of 0.41 inches (1 cm) should be maintained between the sensor tube and the heating cable.
Aerial Snow Sensor Placement – Aerial sensors should not be placed under eaves but where there is direct exposure to the open sky. Avoid areas that will have delayed or false readings.
Remember, Warmzone includes free installation support with your heated driveway system, so if you have any questions, call a radiant heat expert at 801.948.7577.
The Makings of an Industry Leader
Unmatched Customer Services and Proven Radiant Heat Solutions
What does it take to become an industry leader in the radiant heat business? As an industry leader of radiant heat solutions, Warmzone has set the gold standard. Built on top quality products, superior customer service and solid manufacturer warranties, Warmzone is always innovating, testing and developing new and better products for customers.
Of course, shopping Warmzone gives customers the assurance they are buying the most proven and advanced radiant snow melting solutions, at truly competitive prices. Warmzone has been around for a long time, and has forged relationships with radiant heat manufacturers and installers across the country. They also maintain bragging rights to an impressive group of in-house radiant heat consultants, staffers who have been entrenched in their business with a strong command of everything radiant heat related.
Warmzone holds its products to ASHREA industry standards, creating a good foundation for great radiant heat solutions. Adhering to these standards is all about breaking it down regionally—examining the weather, climate, average snowfall, temperatures, and other factors that play a role in overall system design to ensure each system is optimized for its location. Warmzone designs custom systems in accordance with these standards for consumers throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Warmzone further differentiates itself with outstanding customer service. From free installation training to personal, expert installation support, Warmzone is there every step of the way to assist you through the installation process. Systems are designed to meets customers’ snow melting and budget needs. And the wide selection of products and systems ensures each customer will receive the ideal solution for their snow melting needs.
Offering complementary system design services and installation support are other reasons why builders continually deal with Warmzone. Warmzone radiant heat experts thoughtfully consider all of their customers’ system requirements to design systems on a case by case basis. Customers receive a detailed layout (AutoCAD if requested) that includes critical power requirements and specs prior to any installation. This helps to ensure that there are no “surprise” expenses and that your system is installed correctly.
There’s a whole lot more to talk about, but one thing is clear—Warmzone continues to stand on its own as an industry leader in radiant heat solutions for both residential and commercial customers. For the most innovative radiant heat systems, free installation training, helpful customer support, comprehensive design and installation services, contact Warmzone at 888.488.9276.