Tag Archives: Snow melting systems

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Retrofitting Your Driveway with Radiant Heat (Part II)

It’s Not Too Late to Heat Your Driveway (Part II)

Read Part I

The methods outlined in Part I are the least intrusive for retrofitting your driveway with radiant heat. However, there are those particularly ambitious consumers who opt to remove portions – or even all – of their existing driveway. Obviously, the ideal situation is to install a snow melting system during the original construction, but if you have a driveway on a steep hill or have extreme snow melting needs, removing portions of existing concrete to install a radiant heat system is still a worthwhile venture.

Heated driveway on incline with heated tire tracks

As shown in the photos, the old concrete is removed and then new rebar is installed in anticipation of the new concrete. The ClearZone heat cable is secured to the rebar and the concrete is then poured. Much of the cable can be installed by handy “do-it-yourself” types, but all the electrical work should be completed by a qualified electrician. (An important thing to remember is that a heated driveway / radiant snow melting system is only as good as the installation. The cable must be properly spaced and wired in order to accomplish the desired results.)

The Many Benefits of an Electric Snow Melting System
Radiant heat snow melting systems eliminate the need for manual snow removal –such as plowing – that can damage the driveway. Furthermore, there is no need to use salt and other abrasive snow melting chemicals that are harmful to grass and nearby vegetation.

Grass damaged by snow melting salt

The ClearZone electric radiant snowmelt system features an unparalleled, rapid response time when compared to other radiant heating systems. The fully automated systems are energy efficient and maintenance free.

So kick back on those cold mornings and enjoy a cup of coffee instead of shoveling snow from your driveway before you head to work. Installing a snowmelt system is a great investment that adds value to your home and is a great way to save your back from the aches and pains of shoveling heavy snow. It’s also a nice way to ensure safety for your loved ones and guests by eliminating slick ice from your walks and/or driveway.

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Make Every Dollar Count with Radiant Heated Driveways

You might be like many of us and are afraid to even say the word recession. If we say it then we’ll have to admit it’s really here and our spending choices have to be even more prudent. Economic downturns such as the one we find ourselves elbow deep in, dictate wiser, well-researched and more cost-effective purchases. The weak dollar and tighter credit allowances no longer allow the penny-pinching consumer the luxury of frivolous spending sprees. Each purchase needs to count and provide an investment for the future.

A cost-effective investment and smart way to add value to your home is by installing a heated driveway (radiant snow melting system). Once installed, an affordable radiant heated driveway provides low operation costs in the long run, helping you lower your bottom line on home expenses. A heated driveway with an area of 300 square feet operates for under 50-cents per continuous hour of operation. Snow melting generally only takes a few hours to clear your driveway when a storm hits.

Heated tire tracks in residential concrete heated driveway

Driveway heating is an investment that has demonstrated and visible results. Not only does it allow you some free time with your family – not to mention saving your back from shoveling duties – but it is a proven way to protect the life of grass and surrounding vegetation by eliminating the use of salt and harsh snow melting chemicals. It also extends the life of your driveway by defending it from chemicals and other traditional abrasive snow removal methods.

Radiant heated driveways are fully automated so you can stay inside where it’s warm and count the dollars you are saving as you watch the snow fall. An automatic snow sensor signals the snowmelt system’s controller when precipitation is detected and temperatures are below 39° Fahrenheit. The controller then sends power to the embedded heat cable, rapidly warming the driveway and keeping it clear of snow and ice. The system shuts off automatically after the storm. Electric radiant snow melting systems have an extremely fast response time, operate silently, and are maintenance free – and there are several options to choose from when considering a radiant snow melting system. There’s really no better, or easier way to keep your driveway clear of snow and ice during the winter than with a radiant heated snow melting system.

So, instead of shoveling for hours after a Nor’easter or powerful lake effect storm, you can spend time relaxing inside with your family. The peace of mind that comes with making a smart purchase is invaluable right now. We all look for ways to ride out recessions and worrisome economic climates, but you can still enjoy some of the finer things in life by making wise investments in quality products.

Installing a Heated Tile Floor (Part II)

(NOTE: This article is intended only as a general guide for installing a heated floor. For detailed installation instructions, refer to your system’s installation manual. Warmzone also offers an abundance of radiant heat documentation, illustrations, and installation guides online for your convenience.)

If you are replacing your existing floor with a new, radiant heated tile floor, then naturally, step one is to tear out the old floor surface. (In many cases, you can actually install a heated floor over an existing tile surface, but that often presents problems with door clearances and what not, so for simplicity, we’ll stick to removing the old floor.) Once your old surface is removed, make sure you have no sharp objects protruding from the subfloor and clear the surface of all dirt and dust. Next, lay out your ComfortTile heating element.

Cutting mesh backing to make turns with CT mats

The ComfortTile heating mats feature heat cable that is pre-spaced and attached to an adhesive-backed fiberglass mesh that can be easily rolled out during installation. To make turns when laying out the floor heating mats, simply cut the mesh backing and turn the mat accordingly, (see photo). Never cut or damage the heat cable.

When installing the heat cable off the spool, the cable is secured to the floor using thin metal strips (cable straps) that are nailed or screwed to the floor. These straps have small tabs in them where the heat cable is placed. Simply bend the tab over the cable to secure it.

Thinset can be applied directly over heat cable

To install the floor sensor, cut a channel approximately 10 mm (¼-½-inch) deep and about an inch wide in the wall and about 3½ feet out into the subfloor. (This groove runs from the wall-mounted thermostat down to the heat cable in the floor.) Glue the flex pipe for the sensor into this channel and seal the end of the pipe with a piece of tape. Run the wire from the floor sensor up to the thermostat. (It is recommended to have a qualified electrician complete the floor heating system’s wiring.)

Once the cable and sensor are secured, you can install the tile. Using a large notched trowel, apply thinset directly over the heat cable. Another method is to pour a layer of self-leveling lightweight concrete over the heating mats. After that sets, simply apply the tile on the surface. This method is usually preferred among tile setters as it offers more protection for the heating cables when you are installing the tile.

We live in an age of available information for do it yourself people. Imagine the difference you can make in transforming that cold floor into one of extreme comfort. A small radiant heated floor project could be done in a day or two, but the comfort will last a lifetime.

ComfortTile floor heating systems from Warmzone are among the best in the industry and will provide you with reliable, energy-efficient, maintenance-free operation. You’ll not only increase your comfort, but the value of your home as well.

Articles

Reviewing Electric and Hydronic Radiant Snow Melting Systems – Part I

What are the Best Options for Keeping Your Driveway Clear of Snow and Ice?

Every year it comes, and every year we fight it. I’m talking about snow . . . lots and lots of snow. Sure, it’s pretty and helps to put us in a festive, holiday mood, but the truth is that snow can drain our wallets, sap our strength and even impose on our sleep or leisure time.

Most folks who live in cold climates have become somewhat accustomed to getting up a little earlier or staying up a little later in order to shovel snow from their driveways or clear their roofs and gutters. Usually the shoveling of snow is followed by the disbursement of salt or other snow melting chemicals. Some homeowners – and businesses especially – opt to pay someone else to manually remove the snow. But is manual snow removal really the best way to rid our sidewalks and driveways of snow and ice? There is, in fact, another option – radiant heat.

Radiant heat snow melting systems are fully automated, so once they are installed, there’s no need to worry about snow removal ever again. Electric snow melting systems consist of three components: The heat cable, a snow sensor (activation device), and controller. (Hydronic systems also include a boiler and pump.)

Heated driveway in concrete

The heat cable features a thick wire that is surrounded by layers of insulation, copper grounding braid and a protective outer layer of PVC or polyolefin to form a flexible cable about ⅛ to ¼ inch in diameter. Cable is available on spools as well as in mats. These mats have the heat cable that is pre-spaced and attached to a mesh backing, and can be customized (cut) to suit virtually any type of layout, including driveways, ramps, common walkways and sidewalks, etc.

The activation device for the snow melting system activation device can be either an aerial-mounted or pavement-mounted snow sensor. These sensors activate the system when there is moisture present and the temperature is below approximately 38 degrees. Most systems also include a manual timer to preheat an area before a large storm to curb snow and ice accumulation or to eliminate snow drifts.

When the snow sensor detects the right conditions, it signals the control unit which then sends power through the heat cable. The system warms the surface quickly so that the first snowflakes melt immediately as they land on your heated driveway.

Electric and Hydronic Radiant Snow Melting Systems

What are the Pros and Cons of each Method of Radiant Heating?

First of all, it is important to clarify that one method of radiant heat cannot claim universal superiority over the other. Both types of radiant heat are popular. That being said, each system does possess distinct attributes and advantages.

Electric Radiant Snow Melting Systems

Electric snowmelt systems utilize rugged heat cable that distributes heat evenly across the surface of the driveway or sidewalk. The heating cable is durable enough that it can be installed in new concrete pours, under pavers and even in harsh, high-temperature new asphalt construction projects. It is secured to the remesh and generally spaced at 6 inches while being embedded within about 2 inches of the surface.

The Top Advantages of Electric Radiant Snow Melting Systems

Ease of Installation – Electric radiant heat systems are fairly easy to install. (Handy do-it-yourselfers can do most of the installation. It is important, however, for a qualified electrician to install the wiring.)

Energy Efficient – Electric radiant systems boast a rapid response time, heating the area quickly and efficiently (99% of all energy goes to snow melting, so there is virtually no wasted energy).

Lower Installation Costs – Because electric systems can be installed quickly and easily, the installation costs are minimal.

Maintenance Free – Electric radiant heat systems do not use any moving mechanical parts, so the system is virtually maintenance free.

No Mechanical Room is Required – Electric systems consist of three main components: the heat cable, a snow sensor (activation device), and the controller. So, unlike hydronic systems that utilize a boiler and pump, there is no need for a mechanical room.

SUMMARY: For small to medium sized snow melting applications, electric radiant heat is generally the best choice.

Continued: Read Part II

Articles

Reviewing Electric and Hydronic Radiant Snow Melting Systems – Part II

Hydronic Radiant Heat

Continued from Part I

Hydronic heating was the first form of radiant heat, used by ancient Chinese civilizations and further developed by the Romans. Today’s hydronic floor heating systems feature PEX radiant tubing that is usually installed in concrete. For interior applications, the tubing is sometimes installed in a concrete mass called Gypsum Concrete or “Gypcrete,” or, more commonly in the grooves of the advanced aluminum panel system. The pre-cut panel method is known as a low-mass or modular board underlayment system, and is ideal for remodeling as well as most new construction projects.

Hydronic floor heating system being installed
Hydronic heated floor with Pex tubing inserted into Rau Panels.

The heating element for a hydronic system involves flexible tubing and specially treated water. Hydronic heated driveways use a closed-loop tubing system to heat the surface of the driveway. The tubing is generally made of a durable polymer (PEX tubing) or synthetic rubber to circulate a mixture of hot water and propylene glycol (antifreeze). The fluid is warmed to temperatures between 140 to 180 degrees F to deliver enough heat throughout the snow melting system.

The PEX tubing can be installed under a variety of mediums, including concrete, asphalt, stone pavers, etc. Successful operation of a hydronic heating system depends on proper tubing spacing and layout. Tubes are usually laid out in a spiral or serpentine pattern for even heat distribution, making initial installation a bit more challenging than that of electric radiant heating systems.

A water heater (boiler) is the heat source for a hydronic heated system, which can be powered by any energy source that satisfies the btu requirements, including natural gas, electricity, oil, wood, or even solar collectors. A circulating pump and supply and return manifolds, installed in an easily accessible location, transfer the liquid between the heat source and tubing.

Flexible Power Source Options (Low Operating Costs) – Because the boiler of a hydronic radiant heat snow melting system can utilize natural gas, oil, wood, or other cheap fuel, the operating cost for large hydronic systems can be lower than that of an equally sized electric radiant heat snow melting system.

Snow melting mats laid out to heat asphalt driveway
Retrofitting an asphalt driveway with radiant heat. Snow melting cable is placed on the original surface and new asphalt is then applied over the heat cable.

Electric heated driveway systems are generally more efficient than hydronic systems. Electric cables heat up instantaneously, whereas the liquid within hydronic tubing takes a while longer to be heated up before the snow begins to melt. Installation of electric systems is fairly simple for the “do-it-yourselfer”, and heat cable is also available in mats that can be rolled out for simple installation. The mats feature cable that is pre-spaced, attached to a durable fiberglass mesh backing. They can be easily rolled out to heat tire tracks or an entire driveway. This flexibility is invaluable in retrofit applications, where hydronic system installation is more evasive, and costly.

With both radiant snow melting systems, you have great flexibility in terms of the installation configuration (even more so with electric systems). Instead of heating an entire driveway, you may want to install heat cables to only melt snow in the tire tracks of the driveway. The heat cable for radiant snowmelt systems can be customized to heat just about any type of odd shaped area, large or small.

Radiant Heat Offers Flexibility in Terms of Options

If you are considering installing a heated driveway, there are three general driveway heating solutions that are typically recommended:

  1. Install radiant heating cable under the entire driveway pavement.
  2. Install only an 8-10 foot wide strip of heating cable up the middle of your driveway or main traffic area.
  3. Install two 24-inch wide tracks of radiant heat cable up the middle of your driveway.
Heated tire tracks in driveway
Electric heated driveway with heated tire tracks in concrete.

Electric radiant heat systems usually cost less to install, and are much easier to install in small spaces. The installation of a hydronic system is much more labor intensive and costs more for materials. However, for larger systems, you will probably save more money on the heating bill compared to electric warm flooring.

Make sure you work with experienced professionals who also provide system engineering and design services, included detailed CAD drawings. Warmzone is one of the best radiant heat providers that you could hope to find. They will work closely with you to ensure that the radiant snow melting system you install is the absolute best system for your specific needs.

Read Part I of this article

Articles

Radiant Heat Has Arrived in Earnest

Electric Radiant Heating Comes in Many Flavors

Although radiant heat has been around for many years now, new technology has paved the way for it to arrive in earnest. There’s no cleaner form of heating than radiant heat. A wire grid (heat cable) installed in the floor provides a totally clean and quiet heat that radiates upward to all those lucky enough to be in the room. There is no blower cycling on and off or the noise that goes with it. And no dust or allergens are blown around either. What there is is clean, silent, comfortable heat. Time marches on. Just as cars today are equipped with more than just an AM radio with big dials, heating systems have advanced to a point where this form of clean, quiet and efficient heat is making a move to become the standard.

Another large advantage of radiant heating is that it is easily zone able. Each room or “zone” can be controlled separately, so if you have rooms that are not used regularly you can turn the heat off or down in those rooms, adding greatly to the efficiency of these systems. This is not something at which a forced air system excels. Radiant floor heating systems typically have thermostats in every room.

ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and thermostat
ComfortTile floor heating cable in mat and on spools, shown with thermostat.

One of the great things about radiant heating is that technology has provided for its use in many different facets. Did you know that there are radiant roof heating systems that will melt the snow and ice off the roof and gutters? In addition there are driveway snow melting systems that will quietly and efficiently melt the snow and ice off your driveway. Modern technology isn’t just for iPods and iPads. These systems utilize the same type of technology, using low-voltage or line-voltage electric current that runs through heating cable and provides the desired result. These systems are also automated and programmable, and can do their duties when you aren’t even home. There are so many conveniences available to us today at which our parents and grandparents would marvel. Radiant heating is making inroads and it is easy to see why. People are discovering the comfort and efficiency of radiant heating and are adopting it with open arms.

Radiant heating systems can also be installed over existing floors as well. Just because the almost dream home you bought doesn’t have the heating system that would make it the dream home, don’t despair. Heating cable can be installed over the existing floor and a new surface poured over that, thus transforming your almost dream home in to your real dream home. RetroHeat radiant heat systems can also be installed in the floor joists under an existing floor.

With winter knocking on our doors, it’s the season for a snow melting system. Anyone with a snow melting system installed has experienced the joy of driving in to a driveway that has no snow on it when there is snow all around. One might have to try to suppress a smile when your neighbor’s are all snow bound. If you live in an area where snow is a regular concern you can appreciate the convenience of a snow melting system. Perhaps the ultimate dream is that you arrive home from work during a major snow storm and pull into your driveway where all the snow has melted away when it is piling up everywhere else. You park and walk on a sidewalk heated with a snowmelt system, you don’t worry about the ice cycles on the roof above because there aren’t any thanks to a roof snow melting system. You then walk in to the house and take your shoes off and instantly feel the comfort of a warm radiant heated floor. Life is good.

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Warmzone Radiant Heated Driveways

Install Now and Retire Your Shovel Before the Snow Hits

So if you’ve checked out the Farmer’s Almanac, you’ll see that there’s lots of precipitation ahead for us this winter. If you’re from the Midwest, you’ve probably even got your snow removal service on speed dial. It’s great to be prepared, and nothing can prepare you for heavy, unexpected snow fall like Warmzone’s radiant heated driveway solutions.

Heated tire tracks in residential concrete heated driveway

Radiant heat is one of the most efficient and reliable ways to remove snow from your driveway. The system utilizes sensors that can detect moisture and temperature conditions indicating snow and activate the radiant heat snow melting system before snow accumulates. Your driveway is clear before you ever leave your home in the morning. There’s no heavy shoveling, and no waiting on a snow removal service to come and dig you out.

Heated driveway

Why not spend a fraction of the money you’ll invest in snow removal services in a radiant heated driveway solution for your home? Warmzone provides flexible, snow melting solutions to fit your budget and specific requirements. And, once installed, the cost to melt snow on a 300-square-foot area is mere $0.50 per continuous hour of operation, and the time to melt snow off your driveway, per storm, is usually just a few hours, saving you time, money, and the hassle that comes with coordinating snow removal, whether you have a service or shovel yourself.

Call 888.488.9276 today for more information.

Now is the Time to Install

Beware the Hidden Dangers of Old Man Winter

Sometimes what you can’t see will hurt you. This is especially true of black ice, or ice build-up under snow. Ice is not always visible until it’s too late. Fully automated devices are a standard component of all Warmzone ClearZone snowmelt systems. They detect precipitation and temperature, operating only when needed. With the help of sensors, they are able to detect moisture in the air coupled with low temperatures and turn the system on just before a snow storm hits for maximum performance. Warmzone radiant heat snow melting solutions keep driveways and walkways clear as conditions change, protecting your family from slip and fall injuries on icy steps, walkways and driveways.

Last winter Warmzone added a Chappaqua, New York resident to the growing list of radiant heated driveway installations. A renowned neurologist who practices medicine out of his home, was concerned about his patients and wanted to make his property safe, which would help him to enjoy a more stress free winter. To address the issue, he invested in a Warmzone electric radiant heat solution for the walkways and 8,000 square foot driveway leading up to his home. After a substantial snowfall last year, the doctor remarked, “It looks like there was a blizzard all over—except where I live. Now I go to sleep and watch TV and don’t think about it.”

You could be reaping the benefits of a radiant heat snow melting system too. Now is the perfect time to install a radiant heated driveway. At this time of year, demand for professional radiant heat installation experts increase when the temperatures decrease, so act quickly and you stand to save big on your heated driveway. Call Warmzone to find a solution to your radiant heat needs, and a professional to help you with your installation at 888.488.9276.

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WARMZONE – Your Radiant Heating Solutions Begin and End Here

What can be daunting about any radiant heat home improvement project, of course, is where to start. What begins as a simple remodel becomes a full-time job, scheduling contractors, including architects, electricians, and other lay persons for the task at hand. It’s good to know that when you need a radiant heat solutions provider, Warmzone is there with the experts, and the expertise required to tackle literally all of the aspects of a radiant heat project—from the initial consultation, through planning and installation. Warmzone offers up-to-date information about the top quality radiant floor heating and snow melting solutions you’ll need to support just about any radiant heat project. They can design the best solution for you, and direct you to the radiant heat products that best match your needs. Whether you’re interested in heating your driveway, roof or flooring, Warmzone is there to help you complete the job on time, within budget, and to your satisfaction.

Snow melting heat cable laid out for asphalt heated driveway.

Vast Selection of Top Quality, State-of-the-art Radiant Heat Products
Of course, the cornerstone of any Warmzone project is its variety of top quality radiant heat products. When you choose Warmzone, you know you are getting cutting-edge radiant heat technology, backed by the best warranty coverage in the industry. ComfortTile floor heating products use state-of-the-art heat cable, which can be purchased in a spool, or pre-spaced and affixed to an adhesive-backed fiberglass mesh. Other Warmzone offerings, such as FilmHeat panels and In-Slab (SlabHeat) cable are incredibly durable and easy to install. And all of these products, and more, are backed by industry-leading manufacturer warranties.

The size of the Warmzone product portfolio is impressive. From floor heating mats, heat cable and low-voltage heating elements, there are “Best in Class” products available for almost any radiant heat project you can think of. And variety is key, because with the breadth and depth of Warmzone radiant heat product offerings comes freedom of choice. Our experts aren’t just knowledgeable about the products they sell, they understand what it means to meet your expectations and your budget. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to every radiant heat application, they’ll help you match the best product for your home at the best price. You’ll get sincere, non-biased recommendations and products that are best suited for your particular radiant heating needs.

Complete Radiant Heat Solutions

Do you have big home improvement plans but don’t know where to start? When it comes to radiant heat solutions, if you can conceive it, Warmzone can achieve it. Our professional designers evaluate your radiant heating system from top to bottom and create a detailed CAD of your system layout. You’ll know the electrical requirements, technical specifications and system performance expectations before one foot of cable is installed. We even have a master electrician on staff and available to provide technical support. Sure there’s convenience built-in to this approach—we also see it as a sure fire way to minimize any installation surprises in the short term, to save you time and money in the long term.

Consider our radiant heat specialists as part of your home improvement project team. We’re here for you from start to finish—to answer your questions, provide you with the appropriate resources, and to follow your radiant heat project through to its successful completion. Perhaps that’s why customers continue to turn to
Warmzone, not just for our sage advice but because of our willingness to go the extra mile for our customers. Whether you’re calling to get the answer to a single question, or to get a quote on a radiant heat solution for your home—Warmzone’s knowledgeable, dedicated staff of radiant heat experts is there, offering unbiased information and unwavering support in reaching your radiant heat project objectives.

ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and thermostat

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, not only the depth and breadth of product offerings will make your project easier, but the resources available to you, from start to finish will make your radiant heat project a slam-dunk! Warmzone is your complete resource for radiant heat products, services and installation support for heated floors, roof deicing and snow melting systems. With Warmzone, you’re never more than just a few clicks away from the solution to your radiant heat home improvement project needs. Our customers can visit Warmzone.com, 24/7, for downloadable versions of radiant heat installation manuals, user guides, installation diagrams and more.

When it comes to providing radiant heat snow melting and floor heating products and services, no one can match the comprehensive offerings of Warmzone. Are you gearing up for that next radiant heat project at home? Don’t wait until the chill hits, contact Warmzone at 888.488.9276 and get started!

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Eco-friendly Heated Driveways

Heated driveways from Warmzone do more than just melt snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks, the snow and ice melt systems help preserve your landscaping by eliminating the need to use harmful salt and chemicals. In a nutshell, having an “eco-friendly” Warmzone snowmelt system is a way to protect the environment in your corner of the world. That may sound like an outrageous claim, but the facts are clear.

According to Spring-Green, a recognized leader in the professional lawn and tree care industry, salt spread over asphalt and sidewalks to melt snow and ice damages lawns and landscape plants. When salt products are spread over streets and walkways, the salt inevitably splashes onto nearby foliage. The sodium chloride burns the plants and gets absorbed by the plants’ root systems.

Spring-Green also states that using alternate ice-melt products aren’t the answer either. Commercial products contain potassium chloride which has a lower burn rate than sodium chloride, but fails to effectively melt the ice. What these alternate snow and ice melt products do is break the bond between the ice and the surface below, making it easier for you to remove the ice manually.

Warmzone heated driveways and snowmelt systems are the best option to melt the ice and protect your landscaping. The radiant heat systems don’t use any harmful chemicals, and they efficiently melt the ice and snow so you don’t have to break your back shoveling snow.

Snow melting systems can be installed in almost any driveway and can be retrofitted into existing concrete and asphalt. These energy efficient, eco-friendly systems feature state-of-the-art technology, but are surprisingly affordable and easy to install for any contractor or do-it-yourself expert.

Warmzone carries both low- and line-voltage snow melting systems and will help you determine which system is best for your specific project. A variety of manual and automated radiant heat systems are available to keep snow clear of your walkways and driveway 24 hours a day. Wake up in the morning and relax while the automatic heated driveway prevent snow and ice buildup, or come home from a winter weekend vacation to a snow-free driveway and clear access to your garage.

Contact us to learn more about environmentally-safe heated driveways and snowmelt systems. Warmzone snowmelt experts can help you design a heated driveway, snowmelt system or heated floor system that’s best for your property.

Call 888.488.WARM (9276).

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The Latest Trends in Home Improvement

Radiant Heated Floors – Home Remodeling Trends You can Really Warm up to

CBS Moneywatch.com recently identified twelve trends in home remodeling for 2011. The hottest projects—bathrooms, must-do remodeling and warmer interior design projects made the top three, with green living coming in at number nine. With growing concerns over rising fuel prices and carbon footprints, it’s not surprising that more and more homeowners are investing in their homes to cut fuel consumption. Installing Warmzone radiant heated floors is a great way to keep up with remodeling trends and recoup on home improvement costs.

How does radiant heat work? Heated floors radiate heat from the floor up to keep you warm and comfortable when cold weather sets in. Two types of systems—electric heat cable and hydronic (water-based) tubing systems—when installed in the subfloor of your home act as heating elements to warm the surface above. These heating cables/tubing coordinate with a thermostat and sensors, as do traditional forced air systems, to provide heat to your home.

Radiant heated tile floor

Warmzone radiant heat is green heat. Powered by electricity, electric radiant heat cables can heat a surface in 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike forced air systems, they are room specific. With the help of sensors and a programmable thermostat you can heat one room, or heat them all quickly and efficiently, saving money on your monthly gas bill. And unlike forced air systems, they do not belch out the dust and dirt that compromises air quality in your home.

A radiant heated floor installation equals cheap equity. Heated floors give your home an impressive level of comfort and customization with minimal investment. Not sure you want to install heated floors throughout you home just yet? Warmzone offers a variety of heat cable products that can be easily installed under the subfloor of any room in your home, whether it be bathroom tile, wood or even carpet.

If, as CBS Moneywatch.com suggests, the over-arching remodeling trend for 2011 is to tackle small projects while you wait to do the really big remodeling project that’s on your list, why not start by installing heated floors in your home?  Unlike other “one-size-fits-all” radiant heat providers, Warmzone offers an array of radiant floor heating solutions designed to better match your individual project, and your budget. The good news—many of these floor heating products can be installed by do-it-yourself homeowners.

Heated Driveways and Roof Deicing

The Hottest New Trends in Home Remodeling
Among the hottest types of projects listed in the 2011 CBS Moneywatch.com twelve trends in home remodeling are the “must do” and green remodeling projects. If you are finally replacing your roof or pouring a new driveway, consider incorporating a snow melting system into your project list. Radiant heat is green heating technology that actually enhances the life of your roof or driveway without impacting your overall fuel consumption.

Warmzone roof deicing systems are designed to prevent the buildup of snow, ice and large icicles around roof eaves, drains and valleys, preventing damage to your roof and the potential for injury from falling icicles. And you have several roof heating options to choose from.

How it works
Warmzone RoofHeat heating element is polypropylene fused during fabrication to achieve water proofing and protection from UV rays, alkaline or salt damage. Lightweight, flexible and easy to install, these panels can be placed under new or existing asphalt, shake or tile shingles, making roof heating a low-cost, viable home remodeling project.

Installing a heated driveway is another way to add safety, convenience and efficiency to your household while building equity. Warmzone cable is available in pre-configured mats, making easy to roll out under newly poured driveways or pavers. The cable generates heat with the help of an automatic sensor that detects inclement weather and activates the system. It immediately detects changes in temperature and moisture associated with snow and similar weather conditions to warm up your driveway so it’s clear before your boots (or tires) ever see the pavement.

Asphalt driveway with heated tire tracks

Whether you choose an electric snow melting system for your roof or your driveway, you’ll also have the peace of mind that comes with green living. Protecting your roof from inclement weather and damage keeps heat in, so your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, saving you in fossil fuel costs. A Warmzone radiant heated driveway system also saves your driveway from damage caused by harsh snow melting chemicals or the scraping of snow removal equipment, plus the energy you expend clearing them, whether you’re pushing a gas-burning snow blower, or shoveling.

Snow and ice melt systems provided by Warmzone deliver first class performance, efficiency, ease of installation and energy conservation. Partnering with Warmzone to complete your home improvement project means you’ll get the valuable input from radiant heat professionals needed to find a perfect solution for your heating requirements that’s within your budget, so you can save some green!

Request a FREE quote or call 888.488.9276 today.

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Now is the Time to Buy

Energy Efficient, Environmentally Friendly Radiant Snow Melting Systems

If you’re one of those unfortunate souls who has to manually remove snow from the driveway and walks every winter, you may want to reconsider your methods. The passing of new snow removal laws (as in Massachusetts) don’t make it any easier on homeowners, who are now mandated to provide snow and ice-free walkways for pedestrians. If the sidewalks are not cleared, property owners are not only susceptible to personal injury lawsuits, but they also face the possibility of fines, levied by the local government. Removing snow from your driveway and sidewalks is no longer an option – it’s the law!

Grass damaged from salt applied to melt snow during winter

Many consumers stock up on salt and other snow melting chemicals to ease the physical burden of shoveling the snow, but the amount of time, money and adverse environmental effects of these chemicals can be evident year round.  While effective in melting snow, salt and chemicals are not so friendly to the surrounding landscape. When spring hits, the bordering grass and shrubs often reveal the ugly scars from the repeated salt and chemical use during the winter.

So if you’re serious about going green (in more ways than one), consider this: Radiant heat snow melting systems –

♦ Operate on clean, renewable energy (hydronic or electric)
♦ Are safe and environmentally friendly
♦ Are fully automated so that they efficiently operate only when needed
♦ Operate discreetly and silently

Of course, one of the most significant “selling points” of radiant snow melting systems is that it eliminates the time consuming, physical demands of the homeowner.

The best time to purchase and install a snow melting system is during the early spring. You are much more likely to discover discounted prices, because the demand typically wanes when the weather begins to warm. Springtime is a time when homeowners are more interested in outdoor grills and barbeques than snow melting systems. Of course, once the summer has run its course and Old Man Winter is peeking around the corner, consumers tend to scramble to install a snow melting system before the first storm hits.

While snow melting systems have become more affordable, installing a system should still be done with careful consideration. Do some research and deal with experts who will openly talk to you about the various products available. Don’t be fooled into thinking that some provider has the ready-made system that is perfect for your needs. You need unbiased professionals. Talk to the experienced radiant heat staff at Warmzone and learn the “how’s, what’s and why’s” before you make any decisions.

Warmzone is a trusted, leading provider of radiant heat systems, for good reason. We’ve been around a long time, and we offer a wide variety of proven systems from only the most reputable manufacturers. We’re not “locked in” to selling one brand or “one size fits all” system.

In fact, Warmzone provides customized solutions for all of its customers, and works within your budget. We evaluate, design and review every aspect of your project so that your system meets your needs, while keeping within your budget.

If you are serious about the environment and looking for a “green” solution for snow melting, look no further than Warmzone. Call 888.488.9276 today or email.

Pipe Tracing for Your Business

Keep Your Business Running Safely with Pipe Trace Cables
Owning and operating a business is serious business indeed. Your top priority besides making tons of dough is to keep things running smoothly and safely for all involved. If you own a large building or warehouse you are extra conscientious about keeping things moving at full steam ahead. Frozen pipes during the brutal winter months is a legitimate concern, one that savvy business owners are aware of. Commercial, municipal, and industrial buildings all need pipe tracing to protect pipes during dips in temperatures.

Heat trace cable installed on pipe of industrial facility.

Pipe freeze prevention is one of the first necessary investments you must make when your property is up and running. Pipes should be equipped with electric heat trace freeze protection for optimal temperature maintenance. In the long run, having pipe freeze protection will save you from costly repair and sometimes irreversible damage to inventory, equipment, and property.

Pipe freeze protection systems can be used with both metal and plastic water piping. In the coldest months where pipe freezing is a real danger, the self-regulating heat cable adjusts heat output in response to ambient temperatures. The power output increases or decreases in response to ambient temperature changes. This even occurs at each point along the length of the pipe trace cable effectively adjusting the power output in varying degrees along the length of the pipe. The design and intent of the self-regulating systems ensures safe and efficient operation. Operating your business safely is a whole lot easier with pipe trace cables.

Warmzone stands proudly by the quality of our products and services. Our radiant heat products are tested and proven to be among the best in the industry. Call Warmzone today. Your initial consultation and project estimate is absolutely free.

For more information on pipe tracing, radiant heated driveways, radiant floor heating, or roof deicing and gutter trace systems, browse our web site or call 888.488.9276 today.