Tag Archives: Snow melting systems

Spring into Home Projects: Install a Radiant Heated Driveway Now to Be Winter-Ready

As we bid farewell to winter and welcome the warmth of spring, it’s the ideal time to start planning home improvement projects—especially those that will make next winter more comfortable and convenient. One of the most innovative and practical solutions for combating harsh winter conditions is the installation of a radiant heated driveway. If you’ve ever struggled with shoveling snow or dealing with icy driveways, investing in a snow-melting system for the coming season could be a game-changer.

What Are Radiant Heated Driveways?

Radiant heating systems use electric or hydronic (water-based) heat to melt snow and ice on driveways, walkways, and other outdoor surfaces. These systems are installed beneath the surface and operate quietly and efficiently to clear your driveway of snow accumulation and ice buildup. Whether you’re looking to eliminate the backbreaking task of snow removal or want to prevent dangerous slipping hazards, radiant heating offers a reliable and effective solution.

Why Order a Radiant Heated Driveway Now?

Although next winter may seem far away, planning is the key to a smooth and hassle-free installation. Radiant heating systems for driveways, walkways, and patios are becoming increasingly popular, and many homeowners are realizing the benefits of having clear, safe, and snow-free surfaces throughout the colder months. However, waiting until later in the year could result in long scheduling delays and higher costs due to increased demand.

By acting now, you can secure an early installation date before contractors’ schedules fill up. Scheduling your installation for spring or summer ensures that your system is fully operational before the first snowfall. Spring is also an ideal time for installation because it allows the system to settle correctly, ensuring optimal functionality when winter arrives.

Install Your Radiant Heated Driveway This Spring for Next Winter

Another significant advantage of ordering now is the ability to schedule your installation during spring and summer when demand is lower, and availability is more flexible. Waiting until winter could leave you scrambling to find an installer and facing long wait times due to peak-season demand.

Spring and summer provide the best conditions for installing radiant-heated driveways, as the heating elements must be laid beneath the driveway surface—a process that requires precise placement and expert integration into your existing infrastructure. Working with a radiant heat professional who can assess your driveway’s layout, ensure proper heating element placement, and integrate the system into your existing infrastructure is essential. By scheduling your installation now, you can rest assured that your outdoor spaces will be fully prepared for the cold months ahead.

Plan for the Best System

Whether you choose a radiant heating system to integrate with concrete, pavers, or asphalt, the key takeaway is to start the process early. Acting now allows you to select the ideal system that meets your aesthetic, budget, and functional needs—without feeling rushed due to rising demand or limited supply.

Types of Radiant Heating Systems

Warmzone offers industry-leading heated driveways and radiant snow-melting options. The ClearZone™ electric snowmelt system is commonly used in commercial and residential settings. Whether you need a heated driveway, walkway, ramp, or parking area, ClearZone systems are customizable, durable, and reliable.

Homeowners can choose from three main options for their radiant heated driveway:
–          Heated Concrete: A durable and practical choice for large areas, offering a sleek, modern look and even heat distribution.
–          Heated Pavers: Ideal for those who prefer a customized design with various colors and patterns to enhance curb appeal.
–          Heated Asphalt: A budget-friendly option that provides efficient snow melting, though it may lack the visual appeal of concrete or pavers.

No matter which system you choose, securing your materials and installation date now ensures you get the best deal and avoid last-minute delays.

A Smart Investment for the Future

Planning for a radiant heated driveway is not just about convenience—it’s a wise long-term investment. Delaying installation could mean missing out on the best pricing and scheduling opportunities, leading to last-minute stress as winter approaches. By installing a heated driveway now, you’ll save yourself from the hassle of snow removal while ensuring a high-quality system is in place before the first snowfall.

Beyond financial savings, radiant heated driveways offer long-term benefits. They reduce the need for traditional snow removal, minimize wear and tear on driveways from shoveling or plowing, and provide peace of mind by keeping outdoor spaces safe and accessible during winter.

If you’re considering adding radiant heating to your driveway, now is the time to act. Installation schedules are quickly filling up, so placing your order today will ensure you’re ready for next winter. You will save time and money and enjoy a snow-free driveway that enhances your home’s safety, functionality, and curb appeal for years.

For more information about automated snow melting systems, contact a Warmzone representative at 888-488-9276. Warmzone offers premier floor heating, roof de-icing solutions, and luxury home heating amenities. Don’t wait—start planning your radiant-heated driveway today and stay ahead of the winter rush!

Make Your Life Easier with Radiant Heat

Life comes with many challenges, but technology continues to whittle down the hardships to counter the difficulties we face every day. Granted, some of us wonder whether technology adds to our stress, or alleviates it, but one thing most home and business owners agree on is that the technology behind radiant heat systems has made things a whole lot easier and more comfortable for us.

One of the most popular applications of radiant heat is that of heating driveways. Given that radiant heat is the most energy-efficient heating technology available today, radiant snow melting systems are a popular choice for keeping driveways, sidewalks, ramps, outdoor steps, and more, clear of snow and ice during the winter months. Radiant heat is also used for roof de-icing applications. Self-regulating heat cable is used to prevent ice dams and to keep roof gutters and downspouts free from heavy snow and ice.

In addition to efficiently operating on renewable energy, Warmzone driveway heating and snow melting systems are fully automated. Once installed, the homeowner can kick back and enjoy a morning coffee as the driveway defies the onslaught of snow that is blanketing the rest of the neighborhood. There will be no need for gloves, salt, or shovels today!

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

In addition to the unbeatable efficiency of radiant snow melting systems, electric heated driveways are also fully automated and maintenance free. Automated snow melting systems utilize advanced snow sensors that detect precipitation as well as temperature. When the temperature is below the adjustable set point (usually set at 39°F), and precipitation is detected, the sensor (activation device) sends a signal to the system’s controller (or contactor panel). Upon receiving the signal, the panel then sends power to the heating element that is embedded in the driveway or sidewalk. The surface area quickly begins to warm, thus preventing the snow from building up.

The efficiency and effectiveness of these radiant heat systems is due largely to the advanced system components and heating element. Both aerial-mount and pavement-mount sensors are available. Warmzone also offers contactor panels that are with or without GFEP. The panels are designed for both electric and hydronic snow melting systems, with a variety available for all types of commercial and residential applications.

Another key component of Warmzone’s radiant snow melting systems is ClearZone heat resistance cable. The twin-conductor cable is cCSAus listed, and available in various lengths off the spool, as well as in mats that can be rolled out for quick and easy installation. The proven cable provides easy customization, and is effective for heating concrete, asphalt, and paver driveways. The versatile snow melting systems can be installed to heat virtually any outdoor areas, ranging from steps and ramps to walkways and driveways.      

Snow melting systems are also commonly used for a variety of roof de-icing applications. A variety of systems is available, most of which utilize self-regulating heat cable. The heat cable can be installed individually, or placed in aluminum panel, which are installed on the roof eaves or roof valleys. The individual cable is “zigzagged” along the roof eave to prevent ice dams from forming by providing channels for the runoff.

Complementing all of Warmzone’s premier radiant heat products are Warmzone’s unparalleled customer support services. Each snow melting system includes free installation training. The valuable training is available online and can usually be completed in less than an hour. An instructor thoughtfully covers all aspects of the installation, and answers any questions the installer(s) may have. Videos and photos of installation procedures are provided as well.

Video of a driveway heating system during and after a snowstorm.

Additionally, complete system design services are provided. Each system is carefully laid out, and the design includes the placement of all the system components as well as all of the pertinent electrical information, including the proper layout and materials of the system, proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and so on. Electricians and installers will have all the necessary information at their fingertips.

Warmzone also includes free technical support for installers during the installation. Despite the comprehensive training and installation videos, at times, installers may encounter unforeseen issues during an installation. If there are any questions, the installer or electrician can call a Warmzone expert for assistance. Warmzone is committed to providing the best service in the industry, so installers can proceed with confidence, knowing that a team of experts is standing beside them throughout the installation.

Warmzone snow melting systems can be easily customized to meet your specific snow melting needs, power demands, and budget. Warmzone system designers create the ideal system for your home or business. When you work with Warmzone, you can be assured that you are receiving premium system components and expert, custom design and support. To learn more about these industry-leading radiant heat systems, call a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

Warmzone is one of the largest providers of custom snow melting, floor heating, and roof de-icing solutions. Warmzone also offers a wide variety of luxury home heating amenities. For more information about Warmzone radiant heat systems or luxury amenities, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

Thanks for Radiant Heat

During this “month of gratitude”, many homeowners are expressing thanks for their radiant heat systems. Whether they’re heating their homes or keeping their driveways and roof eaves free of snow and ice, customers are grateful for the effectiveness and efficiency of radiant heat.

Radiant floor heating systems are becoming very popular among new homeowners today, as the efficiency and luxury of the systems are unparalleled. There are a variety of systems, each with their own unique features and benefits.

One of the most popular electric floor heating systems is the ComfortTile® system. This popular floor heating system is perhaps the most versatile. The system features thin heat resistance cable that is available in individual lengths off the spool, or pre-spaced in flexible mats (with an adhesive backing) that can be rolled out for quick, convenient installation. Although ComfortTile is remarkable versatile, it is particularly well suited for heating ceramic tile, vinyl tile, marble, and stone floors. The ComfortTile floor heating cable carries a 25-year warranty.

For those looking to heat floating floors, perhaps the most popular and highly recommended solution for this application is FilmHeat™. This innovative floor heating system utilizes an ultra-thin heating element that is just 0.016-inch thick, which is laid out over the underlayment on the subfloor, and then the floating floor is installed directly over the element. There is no need for mortar, self-leveling compounds or other special tools. The system is highly effective and convenient to install.

Large photo with cutout showing FilmHeat floor heating element installed under hardwood floor.
Image with cutout showing FilmHeat installed under hardwood floor.

Another outstanding floor heating system features heat cable that is installed directly in the concrete slab. In-Slab™ floor heating systems are affordable, and perhaps the most efficient systems on the market. Because the heat cable is designed to withstand the rigorous demands of concrete slab installations, the cable is thicker than most other floor heating cable. The cable is installed so that it remains about 2-inches below the surface of the concrete. Just about any type of flooring can then be installed over the concrete floor. This is one of the most popular systems for heating cold basement floors, or any floors on concrete slabs.

While homeowners love the comfort and efficiency within the walls of their homes, they are also grateful for their dependability when it comes to keeping driveways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice during the winter months.

Radiant snow melting systems are fully automated and maintenance free, so once a system is installed, there’s no need to worry about activating it or maintaining it. The automated systems rely on a snow sensor (activation device) that detects temperature and precipitation to trigger the system. When the temperature is below the adjustable set point (typically set at 39°F) and precipitation is detected, it sends a signal to the control panel, which is typically mounted on a wall in the garage. The controller then sends power to the embedded heat cable to warm the area and prevent snow and ice from building up. Aerial mount sensors and ground mount sensors are both available, depending on the customers preference.

A heated paver walkway.

In addition to providing a wide selection of the industry’s most trusted products, Warmzone provides customer support services that truly set it apart from the competition. Customers agree that one of the most valuable services is Warmzone’s free installation training. This training can be completed online, via web conference, where an experienced instructor personally covers every aspect of your installation. The installer can interact and ask questions at any time during the training, which includes installation photos, illustrations, and video clips.

Additionally, when customers purchase a Warmzone system, professional system designers create a detailed layout for the system. In addition to a detailed layout of the system components, the design also includes all of the proper materials, specifications, and electrical information needed by your electrician. This layout serves as the roadmap for installers, and helps to ensure all the system components are installed correctly.

Warmzone also extends full-time installation support personnel. If installers have a question during the installation, they can call Warmzone and speak with a friendly radiant heat expert. Warmzone also maintains relationships with experienced installers around the country, so we may be able to recommend a trusted, experienced installer in your area.

Warmzone is one of the largest providers of floor heating, snow melting, and roof de-icing systems, as well as luxury home heating amenities. For more information about Warmzone radiant heat systems or luxury amenities, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

Fall has Arrived

Preparing for, and Coping with Winter

Alas, another fall season is upon us. With summer having bid adieu, we can’t help but wonder what winter has in store for us this year. In anticipation of the changing weather, many of us head to the store to stock up on rock salt, snow shovels, and other items to prepare for the cold season.

It’s true that there are many of us who look forward to the winter months, excited by the reemergence of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and so forth. But I confess that I am no longer one of those winter sports enthusiasts. I’m afraid that those days are behind me. My winter “sporting activities” now include snow shoveling, salting, and occasional downhill skiing (without skis), immediately followed by impromptu luge runs (minus the luge) down my sloping driveway. 

Yes, these “senior games” can be quite exhilarating, but not very sustainable. I think it’s time to retire these activities and adopt a safer alternative. My idea of a safer alternative is to install a radiant heated driveway.

Clearing sidewalks with a snow blower.
Installing a heated driveway would greatly reduce my winter head – and back aches.

My neighbor, who has never been a winter sports enthusiast, installed a heated driveway a couple of years ago. Now, he can hardly wait for the first heavy snowfall of the season. And I get the distinct impression that he revels in watching his neighbors shovel snow from their driveways while he sits in his La-Z-Boy recliner, sipping hot chocolate. I guess I can’t really say that I blame him though.

But, without question, installing an automated radiant heated driveway is the ultimate “game ender” of my typical winter activities. Fortunately, there is still time to install a snow melting system before the winter hits.

The process is not all that complicated, especially if you deal with a seasoned professional like Warmzone. Warmzone offers electric and hydronic snow melting systems. Both will do the job, but I personally prefer the electric systems. I know that the electric snow melting systems are a lot cheaper to install, and from what I’ve seen, the performance of these systems can’t be beat.

Electric systems use durable ClearZone resistance heat cable that is available in individual lengths off the spool, or in mats that can be rolled out for quick, easy installation. The mats feature pre-spaced heat cable, so it makes installation a snap. ClearZone heat cable is a proven industry leader that is often installed to heat driveways, sidewalks, steps, ramps, loading docks, and more.

Heated driveway and sidewalk

Radiant heat systems can be installed in concrete, under brick or stone pavers, and there is even a special ClearZone heating cable for hot asphalt installations. The cable is rated for a temperature of 464°F (240°C) for up to 10 minutes. 

As my neighbor has reminded me (several times), radiant heated driveways are maintenance free and fully automated. Ya gotta love that. Another attractive feature is that the systems are very customizable. They can be designed to fit your precise layout needs, as well as your budget. Having lots of options to choose from makes installing a heated driveway a very real possibility for me.

Heat cable can be installed wherever you need. While many homeowners opt to heat their whole driveway, others choose to heat specific areas, with one of the most popular options being to install heated tire tracks. Others may prefer heating an 8-foot strip in the middle of the driveway. The systems can be designed to accommodate any need – and budget – of the customer.

As mentioned, electric radiant snow melting systems are maintenance free and fully automated. A high-tech sensor detects temperature and precipitation, so when the snow starts to fall, the system immediately kicks on and the driveway begins to warm. This prevents snow from building up. At the end of the storm, the heated driveway remains on for a short time to dry the surface. This eliminates the chances of thin sheets of “black ice” forming. That way the driveway is clear and dry, making it safe for vehicles and pedestrians.

If you’re considering adding a heated driveway or sidewalk or steps, give Warmzone a call. Their professionals will explain all the options and answer any questions you may have. Call today to learn more, 888-488-9276.

Warmzone – the Complete Radiant Heat Provider

Find the Ideal Snow Melting, De-icing, or Heating Solution

November is here, and winter will be here before you know it. Winter brings cool evenings filled with family gatherings, parties, and holiday errands. You may be warm and cozy in your home, but snow and ice build up outside your home can create hazards. These hazards can make the season frustrating instead of bright. Preparing your home for winter beforehand is one of the best ways to ensure the holidays at your home are warm, cozy, and worry-free.  

After doing your indoor winter prep tasks, call Warmzone to ensure the outside of your home is ready to go. Warmzone offers snow melting solutions for every area of your home. These systems provide peace of mind by enhancing safety and convenience. Each system eliminates the need for chemical or manual snow removal. Warmzone snow melting systems are automated, using a small activation device to detect moisture and temperature. When weather conditions warrant, the sensor sends a signal to the controller, which then sends power to the heating element. Warmzone systems are also easily customizable. The systems can be tailored to meet your budget needs as well as your specific snow melting demands.

Snow-melting systems can be installed in almost any application or layout. Heating driveways is an ever-popular option, as are large parking and pedestrian areas. If heating an entire area isn’t the right fit, consider these other driveway heating options. One popular option for homeowners is that of installing heated tire tracks. These systems typically include two 24-inch-wide heated tracks. The heated tire tracks require less power to operate, and can also be cheaper to install, making this an ideal option for those with limited power, as well as a tight budget.

Heated driveway and sidewalk
A heated driveway and sidewalk after a large snowstorm.

Another great option is to heat an 8-foot-wide strip in the middle of the driveway. Trusted ClearZone heating cable can also be installed to heat specific problem areas, such as inclines, shaded areas, or parts of the driveway that are susceptible to snow drifts. Warmzone radiant heat systems are versatile, and can be used to hear virtually any outdoor space. Keeping inclines free of snow and ice enhances safety, and homeowners can also install radiant snow melting systems on steps, accessibility ramps, porches, sidewalks, and more.

Heating highly trafficked steps or walkways is especially vital for business owners who must not only keep their stores accessible during business hours, but also provide safe properties to avoid slip-and-fall accidents. Many businesses also heat loading docks and ramps to enhance productivity and protect workers.

Snow melting systems can also be designed for outdoor animals, such as in kennels or dog runs. You can enjoy all of your property year ‘round by installing radiant heat systems in your most popular areas. Steps, outdoor decks, and the pathway to your hot tub can remain clear of snow and ice throughout Mother Nature’s coldest months. Whatever your snow melting needs are, a friendly Warmzone customer service professional can help you with custom design.

Once walkways and driveways are squared away, don’t forget to prepare another vital area of the home. The roof can easily become a problem during the winter without proper maintenance. Inspecting your roof and knowing what shape it’s in can save money, time, and your home from damage. A simple roof inspection each fall starts the cooler months with peace of mind. First, ensure no impediments, such as large branches rest or hang over the roof. Items like branches can break under the weight of heavy snow and damage the roof. Check the condition of your roof shingles. Inspect each shingle carefully and look for worn, missing, or loose shingles. Damaged shingles can allow water into the home. If you see any problems with your shingles check your attic for water damage. While in the attic, be sure it is properly insulated. If the insulation is faulty it can lead to warm air escaping from the attic. This warm air can melt the bottom layer of snow on your roof, causing it to run down the roof before it refreezes at the eaves, creating an ice dam. Ice dams are the number one cause of damage to roofs, and often lead to expensive repairs. Next, take a peek at your gutters and downspouts. Remove any existing leaves, debris, or blockages, and make sure the downspouts drain appropriately.

Heated roof valley and edge
A low-voltage roof de-icing system installed along roof valley and eaves.

Warmzone offers a large selection of roof de-icing systems that can customized to fit the needs and budget of any homeowner. Warmzone’s state-of-the-art self-regulating heat cable is perfect for almost any application. It is affordable and effectively helps to facilitate runoff and prevent ice dams. Its rugged construction allows it to withstand harsh winter conditions. Because it is self-regulating, the heating core increases output when the temperature falls and decreases output when temperature rises. The system can also be activated manually if necessary. Its affordability, flexibility, and efficiency are what make it the choice of customers across the nation. 

Another option is low-voltage RoofHeat STEP. This is one of the most efficient systems available on the market. The heating element features thin, flexible, polymer heating panels that can be installed underneath roof shingles and even metal roofs. The low-voltage polypropylene-fused heating elements also ensure each panel is waterproof and protected from alkaline and salt damage. It is available in 3-, 6-, 9-, or 12-inch wide rolls, making it convenient for installation in a wide variety of unique layouts. Roof de-icing systems can also be combined to create the optimal solution for your home. For instance, a low-voltage system can be installed along the roof eaves while self-regulating heat cable can be used to heat gutters and downspouts. Warmzone de-icing systems can help homeowners ensure that their home is ready for winter’s onslaught.

Warmzone customer service professionals can help you find the perfect solution to meet your needs and budget. Warmzone’s industry-leading customer service is unmatched, and will help to ensure a hassle-free purchase and installation.  Contact Warmzone today at 888-488-9276 to speak with a customer service professional who can help you with winter prep today!

The Versatility of Radiant Heat

Keep Your Favorite Outdoor Spaces and Walkways Clear of Snow During the Winter Months

Radiant heated driveways are becoming commonplace in upscale neighborhoods nowadays. The efficiency and convenience of these automated systems make them attractive options for homeowners. In addition to operating on renewable energy, the systems eliminate the need for salt and harmful snowmelt chemicals. For environmentally conscious consumers, these traits are strong selling points. The features and benefits of these reliable systems ensure that they’re here to stay, but radiant heat is often called upon to do much more than heat driveways. These systems are used for a wide variety of other snow melting applications – as well as roof de-icing and home heating applications.

Given the nature of Warmzone’s versatile ClearZone snow melting system, radiant heat is easily customized to accommodate a range of consumer demands. In addition to heated driveways, some other demands include heated dog runs and kennels, heated outdoor steps, sidewalks, loading docks, and accessibility ramps. The systems are also frequently designed and installed to keep favorite, or heavily trafficked outdoor areas clear of snow as ice, such as pathways to a jacuzzi, or to the garbage cans, etc. The systems can be installed to heat concrete, asphalt, brick and stone pavers, and more. Warmzone snow melting systems have also been installed in a variety of large commercial applications, such as train platforms, bus stops, airport aprons, parking ramps, and more.

Customers are often surprised to learn that radiant heat can be installed to keep outdoor steps free from snow and ice during the winter months. Aside from heating driveways, heating steps is another popular request from home and business owners.

Heated steps being installed.
Radiant snow melting system being installed to heat outdoor steps.

We all know how treacherous steps can be during snowstorms. Some of us (with bruises, scars, or a limp) know better than others. Installing a radiant snow melting system is one sure way to greatly reduce the chances of slip and fall accidents during the winter. Needless to say, the enhanced safety provided by a radiant heat system is a godsend for business owners.

Most Warmzone heated step systems utilize ClearZone heat cable. ClearZone heat cable is a premium heat-resistant cable that is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats. For heated step installations, cable off the spool is recommended. To prevent snow and ice from forming on outdoor steps, three or four runs of heat cable are installed along each step (depending on the depth of the step), including one run near the bullnose edge of the step. The cable is then run to the next step and laid out in a similar fashion.

Warmzone system designers are also frequently called upon to design systems to keep loading docks and accessibility ramps safe during winter. The heat cable is easily installed in concrete (as well as other mediums), and the system activates only when needed. If a snowstorm hits during the night, you can be assured that the ramp will be clear and safe for pedestrian traffic in the morning.

Heated entryway
A radiant heated accessibility ramp after a snowstorm.

Warmzone snow melting systems consist of the best available components, which include an activation device (snow sensor) and controller. When the sensor detects snow, it sends a signal to the control unit, and power is then sent to the embedded heat cable. The heated surface prevents snow from accumulating during the storm. A safety feature, called the “afterrun” function allows the system to remain on for a short time after the snowstorm. This allows the heated concrete (or other medium) to dry, ensuring that no water is left on the surface, and preventing thin sheets of “invisible” ice from forming. In addition to the automated features of the snow melting systems, Warmzone systems also include a manual override feature, so it can be activated if needed. (Sometimes wind may blow snow onto the driveway, or snow has melted and pooled in the driveway.)

Every radiant heat system is backed by the best customer service in the business. In addition to providing customers with a detailed design/layout of the system, Warmzone also includes free installation training and technical support. To learn more about radiant snow melting systems, or Warmzone’s industry-leading support services, call and talk with a radiant heat expert today, at 888-488-9276.

Dealing with Record Snowfalls

Surviving the Heavy Hand of Winter’s Atmospheric Rivers

Old man winter has awakened with a vengeance this year. The early weeks of the 2022-2023 winter have socked the West with more precipitation than many of the previous winters combined. Of course, we can’t overlook the recent bombardment of snow that Buffalo, New York received as well. Meteorologists attribute the massive volumes of snow and rain in the western U.S. to atmospheric rivers. Essentially, these airborne rivers are flowing columns of condensed water vapor (tropical moisture) that produce high volumes of rain and snow. Needless to say, atmospheric rivers such as those experienced during the early winter of 2022-23 can be a Godsend to drought stricken areas.

For those living in the higher elevations receiving snow, these “rivers” can dump copious amounts of snow. This year, it seems that as soon as the driveway is shoveled from one storm, another delivers a second round of snow, and then a third, and so on. During winters like these, business owners struggle to keep their parking lots clear and storefronts accessible. Instead of relying on employees or hired snow plows to keep the areas clear of snow and ice, many are turning to automated snow melting systems.

Heated concrete driveway for mountain lodge

Warmzone radiant snow melting systems feature the industry’s top components, and are designed by professionals to provide the best results possible. The systems are fully automated, so there is no need to manually activate the system at odd hours of the night.

One of the components of an automated snow melting system is the snow sensor (activation device). The sensor detects temperature and precipitation, and is installed in an area where it is exposed to the elements. When precipitation is detected and the temperature is below the adjustable set point (typically 38 or 39 degrees Fahrenheit, the sensor sends a signal to the controller. The control unit (typically mounted on a wall in the garage) then sends power to the embedded heat cable, warming the area and preventing snow from accumulating. The system also features an “afterrun” function. This allows the system to remain on for a short time after the storm to dry the surface, eliminating the moisture so that thin sheets of ice do not form. After all, walking to and from the car shouldn’t be like skating on banana peels.

Sometimes “convenience” and safety are the most appealing aspects of a business. When the snow is falling and slush is piling, nothing offers a more enticing invitation to customers than a clear parking lot and snow-free walkways. Let’s face it; if Grandma – or anyone else for that matter – doesn’t feel safe about negotiating a snow-packed parking area or icy sidewalk, she’s likely to forego that shopping experience in favor of a more inviting establishment.

Benefits

Automated snow melting systems keep areas clear of snow and ice around the clock. There is no need for any manual snow removal. Radiant snow melting systems are also very versatile, and can be installed to heat ramps, steps, and a variety of custom shaped areas. Its applications are virtually limitless.

Having a radiant snow melting system installed assures business owners that accessibility is assured for customers throughout the height of winter – atmospheric storms and all. There’s no need to worry about employees forgetting to shovel or apply rock salt to the sidewalks, ramps, or stairs. Automated snow melting systems will keep areas clear throughout the day and night.

In addition to being fully automated, electric snow melting systems can also be manually activated. Sometimes the wind may create snowdrifts, or melted snow may drain from nearby inclines and pool in trafficked areas. The system can be manually triggered to clear the snowdrift or dry the runoff.

Grass damaged by snow melting salt
Grass bordering a driveway where salt was used to melt snow and ice during the winter.

Radiant heat systems are very energy efficient and operate only when needed. Nearly 100 percent of the energy used translates directly into the heat that melts the snow. And because the systems eliminate the need for salt or other harsh snow melting chemicals, the surrounding landscape is better off. Runoff containing salt or other snow melting chemicals can kill nearby grass and vegetation. Snow melting systems operating on renewable energy can help to eliminate threats to the surrounding landscape.

Warmzone offers custom snow melting solutions for customers, and unmatched customer support services. In addition to custom designing each system, complete with a detailed layout consisting of the best components available, Warmzone also includes free installation training and support. Installers can receive free installation training online with an instructor who covers every aspect of the installation.

If installers have a question, or encounter an unforeseen issue during the installation, they can call and talk with an installation expert. Our friendly professionals are happy to assist installers in any way they can. For more details about Warmzone’s custom snow melting system options or free training, please give us a call today, at 888-488-9276.