Tag Archives: Snow melting systems

HOTNEWS

Prepare for Winter

Ramping up for Winter: Prepare for the White Stuff with a Radiant Snow Melting System

If the recent heat wave is any indication of what winter will be like, an electric radiant heated driveway installation now is great preparation for big snow in the future. These systems are designed to sense temperature, humidity and other changes that indicate impending white stuff. They’re also fully automated, so your driveway is clear and dry before you leave the house.

Electric snow melting systems are comprised of three main items: the heating element, the controller, and the snow sensor or activation device. They rely on a pavement- or aerial-mounted automated sensor to activate the system when precipitation is detected and temperatures dip below the set point. (The system’s adjustable set point is typically set at 39°F.)  The sensor sends a signal to the controller, which in turn sends power through the durable, highly efficient heat cable.  When distributed evenly across the surface of a driveway or sidewalk, radiant heat cable can deliver heat quickly and efficiently before the snow has a chance to stick.

Heated driveway in concrete

Reasons for investing in an electric radiant heat snow melting system:

Affordability – Warmzone electric radiant heat systems are easily installed in a fraction of the time and cost of more elaborate systems, and still outperform the competition.

Safety – Sometimes icy conditions aren’t obvious until you slip and fall. These problems can be prevented with pavement that’s dry and clear, free of ice or snow during the winter months.

Maintenance Free – Unlike many systems on the market, Warmzone snow melting systems have no moving parts, making them extremely reliable and virtually maintenance-free.

Self-contained – Warmzone electric snow melting systems are fully automated and monitored and controlled by an advanced, UL listed master control unit mounted on a garage wall without sacrificing space.

Efficient –Warmzone snow melting systems are extremely efficient, with 99% of all energy used going directly to snow melting.

Low Operation Costs and Minimal Operation Time –Melt snow on a 300-square-foot area for under $0.50 per continuous hour of operation. Operating time of Warmzone’s automated systems typically run about 30% less than other radiant snow melting systems.

Professional Design and Engineering – In addition to Warmzone’s wide selection of proven radiant snow melting systems and products, Warmzone provides unparalleled system design services and installation support. When it comes to the complete radiant heating solution package, no one can match Warmzone.

Added value and protection –A simple radiant heat installation could save your driveway (and surrounding landscape) from the harmful effects of snow removal equipment and harsh snow melting chemicals.

Ok, so you’re probably wondering how much an automated snowmelt system will cost you. (Get a free quote!) You may be pleasantly surprised with the options available. Regardless of your requirements or budget, Warmzone has the expertise necessary to design and install the perfect snow melting solution for you. Snow melting systems are easily customized to meet your needs – and your budget. You can install radiant heating cable under an entire paved driveway, an 8-10 foot wide strip, or two 24-inch wide tracks. (View some radiant snow melting system options.)

Because Warmzone is not limited to offering just one brand of products, the experts there can recommend – without bias – the system that will best meet your needs. By choosing from Warmzone’s wide selection of proven products, you can be assured that you will be receiving the best service, price and solution available.

For more information about automated snow melting systems, heated floors, or roof deicing systems, contact Warmzone at 888.488.9276.

Radiant Roof Deicing Systems

Invest in Your Home with Roof Heating and Gutter Trace Systems
Right now you probably have a good idea of the condition of your home, from top to bottom. If you’re coming up short above the roofline, the fix could be as simple as a Warmzone electric radiant heated roof or gutter trace system. During the winter months, ice and snow build up can have a devastating effect on your roof, causing gutters to sag and shingles to break free. The good news—an electric radiant snow melting system can eliminate this damage without emptying your wallet.

Low-voltage roof heating system being installed.

Just what can a good roof deicing system do for you? A well-fitted, properly installed radiant heat snow melting system along your roof line will eliminate prolonged ice-damming during the winter months. Eliminating ice damming, in turn, can prevent unwanted seepage through roofing materials into roof decking. This can cause some serious damage to the roof before finding its way inside to damage ceilings, walls and floors, resulting in mold growth. A Warmzone roof deicing system is the optimal solution for melting snow and ice from roof eaves, valleys, even entire roofs.

What’s in an electric radiant roof deicing system? These radiant heat systems feature three main components:

  • Heating Element – The low-voltage roof heating systems feature a polymer heating element, which is polypropylene fused during fabrication for water proofing and to provide protection from alkaline or salt damage. The thin, flexible heating element is installed discreetly underneath the shingles. The roof gutter trace systems feature self-regulating heat cable that is placed in the gutters and downspouts to keep gutters free of snow and ice.
  • Power/Control Unit – The controller monitors power and output to ensure safe, accurate, optimal system performance. The power unit monitors the heating element under the roof to melt snow and ice, protecting your roof from ice damage.
  • An activation device (snow sensor) – Warmzone offers different types of sensors. The aerial sensor (which is typically used for roof heating systems) is a gutter-mounted snow switch. Like the aerial sensor, the pavement mounted sensor also detects precipitation and temperatures to signal the controller when conditions warrant. However, this sensor is installed in the pavement (and is used more for heated driveways and snow melting systems than roof deicing. Both sensors provide fully automated snow melting for your roof deicing system.

Warmzone roof heating solutions are customizable for just about any roof type and configuration. And Warmzone is the recognized industry leader for providing one of the largest selections of state-of-the-art radiant snow melting systems, including electric and hydronic options. Unlike other “one-solution-fits-all” providers, Warmzone bases a solution on your budget and specific needs to deliver the best performing roof deicing, driveway heating, or floor heating system possible.

Determining the ideal heat cable, thermostat and sensor for your roof heating job depends in part on the size, type and construction of the roof, and also on the overall requirements of a particular installation. Warmzone is always available, with the experts and expertise necessary to assess your system and determine what you’ll need to optimize overall performance for your home. So, if you’re ready to pull the trigger on a roof deicing system, give Warmzone a call at 888-488-9276 to discuss your options.

Radiant Heat News

Radiant Heat – A Simple Way to Melt Snow

Heated Driveways are Fully Automated and Easy to Operate

A heated driveway is becoming more of a necessity every passing winter. More of us are moving to the outer areas of our cities to find more affordable housing. Often those homes come with long winding driveways or steep access drives to our property. A heated driveway provides a simple snow melting solution which is now quite affordable.

Installing a heated driveway gives you a reliable and fully automated to remove your snow each winter. A gully programmable sensor detects the amount of snow in collaboration with the outside temperature and activates the snow melting system only when needed. You honestly have very little thinking to do with a fully automated, maintenance-free heated driveway snow melting system.

Heated driveways make life so simple by eliminating the constant need to shovel snow or pull out your heavy snow blower and put gasoline in it. You also would no longer need ice melt to keep your sidewalks clear and the stubborn shady part of your driveway clear of ice. Heated driveways are now an affordable and simple luxury you can’t live without. You won’t dread the oncoming winter as long as you have a fully automated, maintenance-free snow melting system. Radiant heat will simplify your life and your winter.

HOTNEWS

Protect Yourself and Your Assets with Radiant Heat

Most municipalities in cold weather climates across the U.S. have snow removal ordinances. If homeowners fail to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks in a timely manner, citations / fines are often the result, adding insult to injury. Here are some examples of just a few snow removal ordinances from cities across the U.S.

According to Philadelphia Code 10-720, “The owner, agent and tenants of any building or premises shall clear a path of not less than 30 inches in width on all sidewalks abutting the building or premises within 6 hours after the snow has ceased to fall.” Failure to comply in Philadelphia sidewalk snow removal could result in penalties ranging from $100 to $300, and residents can also be penalized for dumping the snow from their sidewalks into the street.
The New Jersey “Snow Removal Bill” penalizes the owner or controller of a parking area for failing to remove snow, ice or other obstacles from accessible parking spaces, curb cuts and other improvements designed to provide accessibility. Ice or snow must be removed from the parking space, curb cut or other improvement within 48 hours after snow has stopped falling. A violator of this provision would be subject to a penalty of not less than $200 or more than $500.
According to the Municipal Code of Chicago (4-4-310 & 10-8-180), property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice.

Following the severe winter storms of 2009-10 (a.k.a. Snowmageddon), many business owners, property managers and homeowners started exploring the options of radiant heat. Radiant snow melting systems are fully automated and can dramatically enhance safety as well as increase property values. Radiant heated driveways and sidewalks not only eliminate the time consuming task of physical snow removal, but also eliminate the need for harsh snow melting chemicals that can damage surrounding grass and vegetation.

Heated cement steps

Electric snow melting systems are maintenance free. The automated system is activated by a high-tech snow sensor that detects temperatures and precipitation. When the sensor detects moisture and temperatures are below a set point (usually 39° Fahrenheit), it signals the snow melting system’s master control unit. The controller then sends power to the embedded heat cable to warm the driveway as the first snowflake hits.

Installing a radiant snow melting system is one sure way to protect yourself from personal injury liabilities and fines from failing to comply with local snow removal ordinances. For more information about automated snow melting systems, contact Warmzone at 888.488.9276.

Got Questions About Radiant Heat?

Q. What are the operational costs of snow melting systems?
The average operational cost for a snow melting system is approximately $0.28 per 100 square feet per hour. This figure is based on a system producing 35 watts/sq. ft. with a kwh rate of $0.08 per hour (the national average kwh is $.08/hour). If you know the square feet of the area you want to heat and your kwh rate, you can calculate the operational costs with this formula: heatable sq. ft. times watts/sq. ft., divided by 1000, times your kwh rate.

Q. What are the power requirements for your snow melting systems?
The power requirements vary from system to system. Generally, cable heating systems require a 240 V. 30 amp breaker for every 300 square feet you are heating. (On average, a 240 V. 30 amp breaker is required for every 175 square feet you are snow melting.)
Click here for more driveway heating information.

Q. Are your snow melting systems manually or automatically activated?
Warmzone systems come standard with an aerial-mounted, automatic snow switch and a 4-hour manual timer. The system automatically turns on when the temperature is below a set point (usually set at 38° or 39°F) and there is moisture on the sensor. Pavement-mounted snow sensors are also available.

Installation Questions

Q. In what types of surfaces can your systems be installed?
Warmzone snowmelt systems can be installed in almost any surface, including concrete, stamped concrete, asphalt, and under pavers. View our snow melting project gallery.

Q. Can the cables be cut or spliced together?
Warmzone systems come with the cold leads pre-spliced and should never be cut or spliced together. If you have questions during installation please consult the installation manual or contact us for assistance.

Q. Can the cold leads be cut or spliced together?
Cold leads can be trimmed if there is excess cable, but they should never be spliced to other cold leads or cable.

Q. Does Warmzone provide detailed layouts for purchased systems?
Yes. Warmzone provides detailed layouts for most systems at the price of $0.35 per square foot. (This price is subject to change. Please call 888.488.9276 for more information.)

Press Releases

Warmzone Growth Continues

Warmzone Moves Headquarters to Larger Facility

Salt Lake City, Utah (PR WEB) – March 2, 2012 – Warmzone, a leading provider of radiant heat solutions has announced that it is moving its corporate headquarters from downtown Salt Lake City to a much larger facility in Draper, Utah on March 5, 2012. Located just 18 miles south of the old Warmzone headquarters, the new facility boasts greater office space and increased warehouse capabilities.

In spite of the sluggish economy and recent economic challenges, Warmzone has continued to experience growth, necessitating the move into a larger building. The new facility will allow Warmzone to significantly increase the amount of inventory it has in its Utah facility, which will ultimately translate into even quicker service for Warmzone customers.

“We feel fortunate that we’ve been able to grow our business in these difficult times,” stated Executive Vice President, Brandon Weaver, “and we attribute the growth to our superior customer service and support. In today’s economy, people are demanding more in an effort to stretch their dollars, and it’s not enough to just offer competitive pricing. Businesses have to earn customers’ trust and provide expert service from beginning to end.”

In addition to Warmzone’s preeminent customer services, the company offers a wide variety of proven radiant heating solutions, ranging from heated driveways and floor heating solutions to roof deicing and portable snow melting systems. This allows Warmzone to offer the ideal solution for the unique needs of each customer. Every project is carefully evaluated and designed prior to any installation. Given the wide product offering and renowned customer services, Warmzone’s growth seems a natural progression.

“We’re looking forward to settling into the new building,” Weaver added. “The move will certainly benefit our customers. One thing’s for certain,” he concluded, “we will continue to focus on what got us here, and that’s our superior products and our industry leading service.”

Radiant Heat News

What’s not to Love About a Heated Driveway?

Radiant Heated Driveways Boast Many Perks

Seriously people, what’s not to love about having a heated driveway leading to your domicile? You literally say goodbye to back breaking snow removal after ever single snow storm for the rest of your life. You should love your radiant heated driveway for that perk alone, but it does so much more.

Heated driveway

Having a heated driveway allows you to stash your snow shovel, snow blower, salt and deicing products. No more harsh chemicals to keep the ice away since your radiant heated driveway will do that for you. So in a round about way it even helps keep the environment clean, by avoiding cruel environmentally toxic products.

Radiant heated driveways are cropping up everywhere. They are a sound investment to any new home construction and a valuable resale home improvement project to your lived in and loved in home. The costs are more minimal that you might imagine as the technology is perfected and the competition more savvy, pushing everyone to improve on the radiant heating cables being used as well as the overall cost to the end users. There are so many pros to using a heated driveway system that you’ll honestly never have an answer to the question above. You’ll love everything about having a heated driveway. Everything

Radiant Heat News

Heated Sidewalks is a Smart Business Choice

Cut Snow Removal Labor Costs and Increase Pedestrian Safety with Radiant Heat

Most of us may associate a radiant snow melting system with a heated driveway. Why not apply the same smart technology that comes in a snowmelt system, to a sidewalk? Pedestrian safety is key when running a business or taking care of public buildings such as schools or libraries. Using a radiant snow melting system underneath a sidewalk would be a significant perk to any existing or new project where pedestrian traffic is being taken into account. Having walks clear of snow at all times would increase traffic and safety.

Radiant snow melting systems are relatively affordable and save you in the long run when it comes to snow removal cost and headaches. The fully automated snow melting systems are simple to maintain because they require no human intervention. They do however come with a manual override should you ever need to melt a snow drift that collected on your driveway or ice that formed in some shade.

Radiant snow melting systems utilize radiant heat beneath the concrete or asphalt to help keep walks clear of snow and ice. This makes walking much safer for pedestrians in cold climates. Each snow melting system can be customized to meet your specific project needs and they fit in uniquely shaped areas as well. Using a snow melting system anywhere there are pedestrians is a sure way to keep everyone safe and dry

Radiant Heat News

The Snow. The Heated Driveway. The Melting.

Radiant Heated Driveways Make Snow Removal So Simple

Every day it snows millions of us curse its accumulation. We point our fist to the sky, shaking it with fury and scream WHY? ENOUGH ALREADY! MAKE IT STOP!!! It’s not that we don’t enjoy the beauty of snow or the extremely fun winter sports that it allows, it’s just that, well, we’re sick to death of shoveling, snow plowing, slipping, sliding, falling, and wishing it would just melt on its own. The oversimplification of snow removal is possible. First you get the snow, then the heated driveway , and then oh heavenly day, the melting. Once a radiant heated driveway is installed the hard work is over.

Heated driveway and parking entrance

It does sound simple. Maybe a little too simple, but the beauty of it is that it’s real and exists. A heated driveway takes the once burdensome snow and makes it pretty again. You can sit back and watch it fall without a single curse word uttered or fist shaking. A radiant heated driveway does all the work for you.

These fully automated systems activate when temperatures reach a certain set point and precipitation is detected. There’s no labor involved. The systems also feature manual override capability in case you want to turn on the heated driveway to melt a snow drift or if some ice somehow formed in the shade. All in all, these heated driveway systems couldn’t be easier or more reliable

Articles

Heated Driveways and Snow Melting Systems (Part I)

Whether you’ve been living comfortably in your house for years or you are building a new home, installing a radiant heated driveway is a viable option for you. Certainly it is more practical to install a radiant snow melting system during the initial construction phase of a driveway, but unknown to some homeowners is that both asphalt and concrete driveways can be retrofitted with electric radiant heat systems.

Hydronic Snow Melting Systems

There are two types of driveway heating systems available today: hydronic systems and electric systems. Hydronic snow melting systems utilize a mixture of water and propylene glycol (anti-freeze) that circulates through a closed-loop network of flexible polymer (Pex) tubing that is installed in the concrete or asphalt. The liquid is heated by a water heater/boiler and then circulated through the Pex tubing by a pump to heat the driveway and melt snow. The condensing boiler (water heater) can be powered by any energy source, including natural gas, electricity, oil, wood, or even solar collectors. Because of this, hydronic snowmelt systems can offer a slightly lower operating cost than electric systems, especially for large snow melting applications.

Warmzone hydronic systems feature highly efficient condensing boilers with an Energy Star Rating as well as industry leading pumps, valves and tubing. Unfortunately, when it comes to retrofitting a driveway with hydronic radiant heat, the only way to accomplish this is to tear out the old driveway and install a new one.

Electric Heated Driveways

Electric radiant snow melting systems are easier and cheaper to install than their hydronic counterpart. Both existing concrete and asphalt driveways can be retrofitted with electric radiant heat.

Heated sidewalks being installed

Electric snow melting systems utilize specially engineered ClearZone heat cable that is available on spools or pre-spaced in mats that can be easily rolled out during installation in concrete, asphalt or under brick and stone paver driveways and sidewalks. The ClearZone cable is UL listed and consists of a twin conductor with FEP/XLPE insulation and polyolefin jacketing that provides flexibility and excellent UV protection. The heat cable is rated at 220°F and has a minimum 10-year warranty. Designed to produce 30-50 watts per square foot, ClearZone radiant heat cable has the quickest response time (time to heat the driveway upon system startup) of any snow melting system on the market. Because electric snowmelt systems do not rely on heating water heater before pumping the liquid through PEX tubing, the response time is considerably less than that of hydronic systems.

Fully Automated Snow Melting Systems

The fully automated driveway heating system features heat cable, a control unit (controller), and a high-performance snow sensor (activation device). One of two types of sensors (aerial or pavement mount) can be installed, depending on the project. Aerial mount sensors are typically used for residential heated driveways while pavement mount snow sensors are more commonly used in large commercial snow melting applications.

When the snow sensor detects precipitation and temperatures are below a designated set point (usually set at 39 F), the sensor signals the master control unit, initiating startup of the snow melting system. While the driveway snow melting system is fully automated, it can also be activated manually. The controller includes a manual override function for times when snowdrifts or ice forms because of wind or shaded areas. Another especially attractive feature of electric heated driveways is that the systems do not feature any moving parts, so they are virtually maintenance free and extremely reliable.

 Read Heated Driveways and Snow Melting Systems Part II

Articles

Heated Driveways and Snow Melting Systems (Part II)

Continued from Part I

Installing an Electric Radiant Snow Melting System
To install a ClearZone snow melting system in concrete, the driveway is first prepared for the concrete pour, including the placement of rebar or remesh. The durable heat cable is then secured to the wire remesh or rebar with zip ties and then the concrete is poured. Concrete seats or “Mesh-Ups” are often used with wire remesh to ensure proper positioning of the cable.

In addition to the heavy stress of fresh concrete pours, ClearZone cable is also designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of hot asphalt applications. The cable is laid out and then the asphalt is applied on top and then compacted, resulting in a discreet, maintenance free asphalt heated driveway. You can lay out the mats or space the cable yourself, but it’s important that a qualified electrician connect the wiring for the snow melting system.

Retrofitting Existing Driveways with Radiant Heat
To heat an existing asphalt driveway, the process is surprisingly simple. The cable is laid on top of the old asphalt and then the new layer of asphalt is applied on top and then compacted. Retrofitting a concrete driveway with radiant heat is a more tedious affair. Grooves are cut in the existing concrete, using concrete saw-cut technology, and the heat cable is then placed in the freshly cut grooves. An epoxy topcoat is then applied over the newly embedded cable sealed to seal the heating cable. A sand broadcast can be applied to the surface before the epoxy cures for additional traction and safety. Saw cut technology can also be used for retrofitting asphalt driveways if desired.

Retrofitting a truck ramp with radiant heat snow melting system

Radiant Snow Melting System Options
There are several options when it comes to installing a radiant snow melting system. For example, you can heat the entire area of a driveway, or perhaps just an 8-foot strip in the middle or just a pair of 2-foot-wide tire tracks. Radiant heated driveways and snowmelt systems can be tailor made for virtually any of your snow and ice melting needs. The applications are limited only by your imagination, and the experts at Warmzone will work closely with you to determine the best system for your needs.

Eliminate the need for the use of harsh snow melting chemicals and prolong the life of your driveway with an environmentally friendly radiant snow melting system. Not only can installing a radiant snow melting system increase the value of your home, but it will also increase pedestrian safety. So enhance your safety and peace of mind by calling Warmzone and learning about the options of installing an automated snow melting system today.

Radiant Heat News

Heated Driveway – Your Boss’s Best Friend

You’re Late for a Very Important Date and Snow is to Blame
Do you spend more time making up excuses as to why you are late than you actually do in being on time to your appointments, dates, yoga class, and work? We all have those lists in our head of excuses to our boss or our kid’s soccer coach about why we are late yet again. It’s never easy having to use these excuses. Your number one wintertime excuse of shoveling a foot of snow off your driveway could be a thing of the past however. You can eliminate snow shoveling from your “oh geez, am I late again? So sorry…” routine.

Heated tire tracks in residential concrete heated driveway

Installing a heated driveway is now easier than ever. It’s also a cost-effective, proven home re-sell enhancing feature. Equipping a home with a technologically sound and savvy snow melting system has become a popular and affordable way to beat the snow. Look at the homes in your own neighborhood. Many of them probably already enjoy the benefits of a snow melting system. If they do, they are never late for a date or any other function because of back breaking snow removal. Their driveways remain clear and clean of sticking snow all winter.

Driveway heating has come a long way. It’s no longer something seen exclusively in the affluent neighborhoods or touted by the rich and famous. Heated driveways are now something your sister’s best friend just installed, your son’s basketball coach, your co-workers, next door neighbor or even your kid brother who you were sure was never going to own a home let alone increase its value with something as smart as a snow melting system. Get out of hot water with your boss, pull out of your driveway on-time and relaxed as you calmly wave at your less fortunate neighbors sweating and shoveling out from last night’s whopper of a snow storm. Install a snow melting system right now and start enjoying the benefits of a stress-free, time-saving heated driveway