Category Archives: Articles

Articles

Winter Weather Blamed for Toppling Bricks in Philadelphia

In January of 2015, bricks from a downtown Philadelphia building tumbled onto a neighboring roof and into the Lululemon Athletica clothing store, injuring three women. According to Philadelphia inspectors, the repeating process of water freezing and thawing likely weakened the structure, causing its collapse.

The “freeze-thaw” process is also what leads to ice dams, the culprit behind costly roof and water damage in homes and businesses throughout the country.

Skyscrapers in downtown Philadelphia
Skyscrapers in downtown Philadelphia.

While falling snow and ice presents a significant safety threat to pedestrians in cities like Philadelphia, ice dams pose the greatest threat to homeowners. As heat rises from the home, it can escape into the attic and warm the roof, causing water to trickle down near the roof’s edge. But the roof eaves are colder, causing the water to refreeze. As this process is repeated, water can build up behind the ice where it can seep into tiny cracks of the roof. Each night, as the water refreezes, it expands, paving the way for more water to seep into the cracks and eventually into the home. The resulting water damage within walls and ceilings can be expensive to repair.

Warmzone roof de-icing and gutter trace systems offer one of the best roof heating solutions available for preventing hazardous ice dams and heavy icicles from forming on roofs. The roof heating systems are easy to customize and install. Once installed the roof de-icing and gutter heating systems operate only when conditions warrant, keeping heavy ice from damaging roof gutters and preventing ice dams from forming along roof edges.

In addition to Warmzone’s large variety of industry leading roof de-icing systems, Warmzone radiant heat experts work closely with customers to determine the best and most affordable option for each roof.

Philadelphia during a snowstorm
Downtown Philadelphia during a winter snowstorm.

The most popular roof heating system features an advanced polymer heating element (RoofHeat STEP) that can be installed directly under roof shingles. This low-voltage system has proven to be a favorite roof heating solution among professional installers and homeowners throughout the Philadelphia area. Heat trace cable can also be installed to heat gutters and downspouts, or the systems can be combined to produce optimum results.

Warmzone professionals are experts when it comes to roof heating, and the customer service is second to none. In addition to providing complete system designs (AutoCAD), installers have access to free installation training as well as personal installation support. If installers encounter any issues or have any questions during the process, he/she can speak with one of the dedicated installation support staff to resolve the issue.

To learn more about Warmzone’s roof heating options, call 888.488.9276. Many home and business owners in Philadelphia are already enjoying the benefits of a Warmzone roof de-icing system. Call a Warmzone consultant to learn more – with no obligation or sales pressure. Or visit Warmzone online. As an industry leader, Warmzone offers one of the most informative radiant heating websites available. Visit warmzone.com and learn more about radiant heating systems and why some systems (and services) are better than others when it comes to heating specific projects.

Articles

Radiant Heated Floors Warm New England

Many homeowners in the Boston area are installing radiant heated floors for use as their primary home heating source as well as in select rooms to supplement their existing home heating system. As many owners of radiant floor heating systems attest, nothing is finer than walking on a warm floor during a cold winter day. Radiant heated floors are often installed in bathrooms as well as in rooms where children spend a lot of time playing on the floor.

Warmzone offers a variety of electric and hydronic floor heating systems for homeowners in Boston and the New England area. And because Warmzone manufactures and carries the industry’s most trusted floor heating systems, our experts can evaluate your needs and determine the best system for heating your specific floor type. Our selection helps to ensure that you receive the most effective floor heating system for the unique layout and floor type of your home.

Boston Charles River and Back Bay, Boston during winter
Boston Longfellow Bridge across Charles River during winter, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

While there are some standout radiant floor heating systems, it is important to know that no single floor heating system is ideal for every type of flooring. That’s why it’s so critical to speak with an unbiased radiant heating expert who can offer you a wide selection of reputable floor heating options to choose from. Don’t be talked into purchasing a floor heating system simply because it’s the only system that the provider offers. Deal with an industry leader that can show you a wide selection of radiant floor heating solutions and explain the benefits and traits of each one.

Heating Tile Floors
The most proven system for heating tile floors is the ComfortTile floor heating system. ComfortTile features thin 1/8 to 3/16-inch diameter heat cable that is available on spools or pre-spaced on flexible fiberglass mesh backing with adhesive so it can be rolled out and then secured to the subfloor for easy installation. ComfortTile heat cable is also one of the most versatile floor heating systems.

ComfortTile heat cable can also be used in conjunction with the Prodeso membrane. The underlayment membrane is placed over the subfloor and the heat cable is installed in the pre-engineered channels provided by the series of reliefs. The floor surface is then installed over the membrane and cable.

Heating Hardwood and Laminate Floors
Many homes in New England feature hardwood or laminate flooring. Warmzone offers several choices for heating hardwood and laminate, but the most popular solution is the low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system.

This unique floor heating system features a self-regulating, semi-conductive polyethylene heating element. Because the flexible heating element is so thin, it won’t affect the floor buildup, weight loads, or your choice of flooring.

Heated hardwood floor

The unique attributes of FloorHeat STEP make this versatile heating element a popular choice for heating roofs as well. RoofHeat STEP is one of the most trusted roof heating systems available. (Learn more about heating hardwood floors. and tips for Installing Heated Floors.

Heating Concrete Underfloor Slabs
The In-Slab radiant floor heating cable is designed for installation in new concrete slab applications. The heat cable is embedded at least ½-inch below the floor’s surface. In-Slab cable uses the concrete slab to efficiently store and distribute heat evenly throughout the intended area. The cable is affordable and can be installed to warm any type of flooring, including hardwood, carpet, tile, and more.

Heating Existing Floors
Warmzone also carries RetroHeat, a thin “film” heating element that can be stapled up between floor joists to heat existing floors. The paper-thin heating element can be cut on site and is then stapled up between the floor joists and common Batt insulation is then installed over the heating panel. This directs all the heat upwards to warm the existing floor.

These are just some of the choices Boston residents have to heat their floors. Whether you’re looking to heat carpet, tile, marble, hardwood or any other type of floor, you won’t go wrong dealing with Warmzone.

In addition to Warmzone’s industry leading products, Warmzone provides unparalleled customer services, which include professional system design, free installation training courses, and personal installation support. Call a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276 to discuss your floor heating options.

Articles

Transform Your House into a Dream Home

Warmzone Radiant Floor Heating Systems Provide Luxurious Warmth

(Read the PRWeb article.)

In today’s economy people are thinking less about buying their “dream home” than they are about converting their existing house into their “dream home”. Homeowners are updating their kitchens, renovating their bathrooms, replacing old linoleum floors with lavish hardwood or elegant tile and transforming their once modest dwelling into the home of their dreams.

One of the most common – and luxurious – yet, practical upgrades is the addition of radiant heated floors. In this unprecedented era of energy awareness, radiant floor heating systems have proven to be extremely efficient; and therefore, increasingly popular. But it’s not just the efficiency of these systems that have homeowners abuzz. Heated floors provide luxurious, comfortable warmth that truly needs to be experienced to be appreciated.

Radiant floor heating mats being installed

Many homeowners have been pleasantly surprised to discover that they can install radiant floor heat without tearing out the existing floor. Two popular floor heating systems (RetroHeat film heating panels and low-voltage FloorHeat) can be installed by accessing the floor joists from below. Both of these systems rank among the best when it comes to performance and ease of installation.

Adding radiant floor heat is also a smart investment for those who are remodeling or adding tile, hardwood or new laminate floors. Warmzone ComfortTile is an exceptional floor heating system that is highly recommended for heating tile floors. The heating cable is available on spools or pre-spaced in mats. ComfortTile mats feature heat cable that is attached to an adhesive-backed fiberglass mesh and can be rolled out like a sleeping bag and secured to the floor, making the cable installation quick and easy. The mats are compatible with all standard sub-flooring materials and have a low 3/16-inch (3 mm) profile, making this an excellent system for renovations.

The ComfortTile system features a shielded dual-conductor cable with single-point connection. This means that rather than having to run the cable across the floor and then return back to the starting point, the single lead is simply run to the thermostat and connected. The finish floor is then installed directly over the system. (Most of the cable and floor installation labor can be performed by the homeowner; however, the wiring of the system should be completed by a qualified electrician.)

ComfortTile heat cable on the spool allows more flexibility in terms of heating odd, custom-shaped rooms. The cable is routed across the floor and attached to the subfloor with the use of thin, malleable steel strapping (supplied with the system). The straps have tabs that fold down over the cable to ensure accurate spacing of the heating element.

For heating hardwood or laminate floors, FloorHeat STEP and FilmHeat floor heating systems are both excellent choices. FloorHeat is a low-voltage system that features a unique, thin, flexible polymer heating element while the FilmHeat system consists of a lightweight, near paper-thin heating element (0.16-inch thick), which has quickly become a favorite among homeowners and installers. The easy-to-install panels are ideal for heating floating floors, require no floor build up and can be cut on site. The heating panels provide a remarkably efficient floor heating system that significantly reduces energy consumption.

The FilmHeat system is also easy to install. The panels are placed on the subfloor and require no mortar or adhesives, making the system quick, easy, and affordable to install.

Floor heating system being installed

For new construction applications, homeowners also have the option of installing heat cable directly in the concrete slab of the floors. The rugged In-Slab heat cable is engineered to withstand the stress of heavy concrete pours and will efficiently heat the slab to warm your floors.

There are a variety of choices when it comes to heating floors, but beware of “bargain shopping”. A radiant heating system is only as good as its installation, so it is vital to work with an experienced installer and a reputable system provider that offers complete system design services and installation support as well as quality products.

Warmzone is an established, reputable radiant heat provider that combines competitive pricing and top product offerings with complete radiant heat design and engineering services. Unlike most other providers in the industry, Warmzone has an expert staff on hand to offer personal installation support. It’s no secret why Warmzone has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted providers of radiant heat solutions. For more information, call a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276.

Articles

Radiant Heat vs. Snow Melting Chemicals

Now is the Time to go “Green” with Clean Radiant Heat

(Read the PRWeb article.)

Given the snow removal laws such as those passed recently in Massachusetts, homeowners are mandated to remove snow and ice from 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 driveways and sidewalks is no longer an option – it’s the law.

To comply with the city ordinances, many homeowners find the convenience of using salt and other snow melting chemicals preferable to the time consuming, physically exhausting rigors of shoveling or plowing the heavy snow. So, many consumers stock up on salt and other snow melting chemicals prior to the winter months. But the convenience of using snowmelt chemicals comes at a price – a price not reflected in the actual purchase of the salt or chemicals.

The 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 arrives, the bordering grass and shrubs often reveal the ugly scars from the repeated use of snow melting chemicals during the winter, as evidenced in the photo. Installing a heated driveway eliminates this problem.

Using salt to melt snow and ice from a driveway can damage nearby grass and bushes
The results of using salt to melt snow and ice from a driveway are clearly evident in the spring.

For those who are serious about going green in this day and age of environmental awareness, radiant heat snow melting systems have proven to be an ideal solution.

The Benefits of Radiant Heat Include:

♦ Operate on clean, renewable energy (hydronic or electric)
♦ Both electric and hydronic systems are environmentally friendly
♦ Many options are available and the systems are easy to customize
♦ Fully automated so that they efficiently operate only when needed
♦ Discreetly installed under the surface and operate silently
♦ Radiant heat can enhance the lifespan of your driveway
♦ Eliminate the time consuming, physical demands of snow removal

The best time to purchase and install a snow melting system is during the early spring. This is a time when homeowners are more interested in outdoor grills and barbecues than snow melting systems, so naturally, the demands for these systems wane. As such, consumers are more likely to discover discounted prices. Of course, once the summer has run its course and Old Man Winter can be seen on the horizon, consumers tend to scramble to install a snow melting system before the first storm hits.

Heated driveway on incline with heated tire tracks

While snow melting systems have become more affordable, it is still not a home improvement purchase that should be done on a whim. It pays to do some research and deal with experts who will talk openly with you about the various products available. Don’t be fooled into thinking that there is a ready-made system that is perfect for all your needs. You need unbiased professionals who can design and engineer your custom solution. Warmzone is one of the largest and most experienced radiant heat providers that consults freely with consumers to help them learn the “how’s, what’s and why’s” – before any decisions are made.

Warmzone is a trusted, leading provider of radiant heat systems, for good reason. They’ve been around a long time, and offer a wide variety of proven systems from only the most reputable manufacturers. Unlike many providers, Warmzone is not “locked in” to selling one brand or “one size fits all” system. In fact, Warmzone provides customized solutions to meet the snow melting and budget needs of its customers. The professional design team reviews every aspect of the project and also provides installation support, resulting in the complete solution.

For those who are serious about the environment and looking for a “green” solution for snow melting, visit Warmzone online or call today, at 888.488.9276.

Articles

Baltimore Residents Turning to Radiant Floor Heat

Many Baltimore area homeowners have turned to radiant heated floors, either for their primary home heating or to supplement the existing home heating system. And as many owners of radiant floor heating systems will attest, nothing is finer than walking on warm floors during a cold winter day.

Warmzone offers a variety of electric radiant floor heating systems, as well as hydronic heated floors for homeowners in Baltimore and surrounding areas. And because Warmzone manufactures and carries the industry’s most trusted floor heating systems, our experts can determine the system that will be the most effective for heating your specific floor type.

When it comes to heating your floors, it is important to know that no single floor heating system is ideal for every type of flooring. That’s why it’s so critical to speak with an unbiased radiant heating expert who can offer you a wide selection of distinct floor heating options to choose from. Don’t be talked into purchasing a floor heating system simply because it’s the only system that the provider offers. Deal with an industry leader that can show you a wide selection of radiant floor heating solutions and explain the benefits and traits of each one.

Heating Tile Floors
The most proven system for heating tile floors is the ComfortTile floor heating system. ComfortTile features thin 1/8 to 3/16-inch diameter heat cable that is available on spools or pre-spaced on flexible fiberglass mesh backing with adhesive so it can be rolled out and then secured to the subfloor for easy installation. ComfortTile heat cable is also one of the most versatile floor heating systems.

Radiant heated tile floor

ComfortTile heat cable can also be used in conjunction with the Prodeso underlayment membrane. The Prodeso heat membrane is installed over the entire subfloor as an uncoupling, crack isolating and waterproofing membrane. The heating cable is then inserted into the grooves of the membrane, and the flooring is then installed over the cable.

Heating Hardwood and Laminate Floors
Many homes in the Baltimore area feature hardwood or laminate flooring. Warmzone offers several choices for heating hardwood and laminate, but the most popular solution is the low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system.

This unique floor heating system features a self-regulating, semi-conductive polyethylene heating element. The flexible heating element is so thin that it will not affect the floor buildup, weight loads, or flooring choices.

The unique attributes of FloorHeat STEP make this versatile heating element a popular choice for heating roofs as well. RoofHeat STEP is one of the most trusted roof heating systems available.

Helpful Links:
More information for heating hardwood floors.
General Tips for Installing Heated Floors

Heating Concrete Underfloor Slabs
The In-Slab radiant floor heating cable is designed for installation in new concrete slab applications. The heat cable is embedded at least ½-inch below the floor’s surface. In-Slab cable uses the concrete slab to efficiently store and distribute heat evenly throughout the intended area. The cable is affordable and can be installed to warm any type of flooring, including hardwood, carpet, tile, and more.

Heating Existing Floors
Warmzone also carries RetroHeat, a thin “film” heating element that can be stapled up between floor joists to heat existing floors. The paper-thin heating element can be cut on site and is then stapled up between the floor joists and common batt insulation is then installed over the heating panel. This directs all the heat upwards to warm the existing floor.

These are just some of the choices Baltimore residents have to heat their floors. Whether you’re looking to heat carpet, tile, marble, hardwood or any other type of floor, you won’t go wrong dealing with Warmzone.

In addition to Warmzone’s industry leading products, Warmzone provides unparalleled customer services, which include professional system design, free installation training courses, and personal installation support. Call a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276 to discuss your floor heating options.

Articles

Repairing Roofs Damaged by Hurricane Sandy

Consider a Radiant Roof Heating System When Repairing or Remodeling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Articles

Making a Wise, Long Term Investment in Your Home

Prevent Costly Repairs – Explore the Many Options for Roof De-icing

If you’re like most folks, owning a home is the centerpiece of living the “American Dream”, but as every homeowner can attest, owning a home also means maintaining a home, which can seem like a full-time job without end. But there are smart home improvements and wise investments that not only help to reduce your maintenance chores, but can pay for themselves over the years and prevent the need for expensive repairs in the future.

Is your roof protecting your home the way it should? Investing in your roof can be one of the most important decisions you can make in safeguarding your home over the long haul. Your home’s roofing provides the front line of defense against the ravages of winter, and doing all you can to protect it and make its job a little easier makes good sense.

A mountain lodge in dire need of a roof de-icing system
A mountain lodge with a dangerously heavy slab of ice and snow weighing down the roof. Roof heating systems eliminate this type of danger and help to protect roofs.

In cold weather climates even the best of homes can fall victim to the persistent, destructive forces that patiently attack your roof every winter. Your roof serves as the barrier between your family and the ravages of Old Man Winter, but standing up to the determined forces of Mother Nature year after year is no easy task. For the most part, a well-constructed roof will repel the bulk of each icy annual offensive; however, after years of repeated assaults, winter may quietly string together a series of subtle victories that can eventually add up to threaten the integrity of the roof.

Water needs only to find and exploit one small weakness in your roof to inflict major damage. The water seepage from roof vulnerabilities, often caused by ice dams, can be like a Trojan Horse that infects your home and quietly wreaks havoc before you realize the extent of the damage.

Ice dams are one of the most common problems associated with roof and water damage. A ridge of ice forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining properly. The water backs up behind the dam where it freezes and melts again. The repeated process of water freezing and melting gradually wears down even some of the best constructed roofs, and eventually water exploits the smallest opportunity to seep inside and gain free reign of your home. It can inflict costly damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation that can get out of hand in a hurry. Before long, mold and mildew join in the fray. Despite the growing damage, there are usually no visible signs that the roof has been compromised.

Warmzone roof de-icing and gutter trace systems can eliminate ice dams and heavy ice buildup in gutters and downspouts. These radiant heating systems may well be your roof’s greatest ally, extending the life of your roof and preventing costly structural damages to your home.

There are several roof heating options that can be customized to meet your roofing needs as well as your budget. Warmzone deals only in top quality, proven systems at the best prices possible. Perhaps the service most appreciated by customers is Warmzone’s expert design services and radiant heat consulting. Simply call Warmzone to learn more and find out what options are available. You can also receive a free roof heating quote for your project. Call 888.488.9276 for more information.

Articles

Radiant Floor Heating in Chicago

Many homeowners in the Chicago area are installing radiant heated floors for use as their primary home heating source as well as in select rooms to supplement their existing home heating system. As many owners of radiant floor heating systems attest, nothing is finer than walking on a warm floor during a cold winter day. Radiant heated floors are also ideal for rooms where children spend a lot of time playing on the floor.

Warmzone offers a variety of electric radiant floor heating systems, as well as hydronic heated floors for homeowners in Chicago and the Midwest. And because Warmzone manufactures and carries the industry’s most trusted floor heating systems, our experts can evaluate your needs and determine the ideal system for heating your specific floor type. Our selection helps to ensure that you receive the most effective floor heating system for the unique layout and floor type of your home.

While there are some standout radiant floor heating systems, it is important to know that no single floor heating system is ideal for every type of flooring. That’s why it’s so critical to speak with a provider who can offer you a wide selection of reputable floor heating options without bias towards one system. Don’t be talked into purchasing a floor heating system simply because it’s the only system that the provider offers. Deal with an industry leader that can show you a wide selection of radiant floor heating solutions and explain the benefits and traits of each one.

Heating Tile Floors
The most proven system for heating tile floors is the ComfortTile floor heating system. ComfortTile features thin 1/8 to 3/16-inch diameter heat cable that is available on spools or pre-spaced on flexible fiberglass mesh backing with adhesive so it can be rolled out and then secured to the subfloor for easy installation. ComfortTile heat cable is also one of the most versatile floor heating systems.

ComfortTile heat cable can also be used in conjunction with the Prodeso underlayment membrane. The membrane is placed over the subfloor, and the thin heat cable is installed in the channels provided by the series of reliefs. The floor surface is then installed over the membrane and cable.

Heating Hardwood and Laminate Floors
Many homes in the Chicago area feature hardwood or laminate flooring. Warmzone offers several choices for heating hardwood and laminate, but the most popular solution is the low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system.

This unique floor heating system features a self-regulating, semi-conductive polyethylene heating element. Because the flexible heating element is so thin, it won’t affect the floor buildup, weight loads, or your choice of flooring.

Heated hardwood floor

The unique attributes of FloorHeat STEP make this versatile heating element a popular choice for heating roofs as well. RoofHeat STEP is one of the most trusted roof heating systems available. (Learn more about heating hardwood floors. and tips for Installing Heated Floors.

Heating Concrete Underfloor Slabs
The In-Slab radiant floor heating cable is designed for installation in new concrete slab applications. The heat cable is embedded at least ½-inch below the floor’s surface. In-Slab cable uses the concrete slab to efficiently store and distribute heat evenly throughout the intended area. The cable is affordable and can be installed to warm any type of flooring, including hardwood, carpet, tile, and more.

Heating Existing Floors
Warmzone also carries RetroHeat, a thin “film” heating element that can be stapled up between floor joists to heat existing floors. The paper-thin heating element can be cut on site and is then stapled up between the floor joists and common Batt insulation is then installed over the heating panel. This directs all the heat upwards to warm the existing floor.

These are just some of the choices Chicago residents have to heat their floors. Whether you’re looking to heat carpet, tile, marble, hardwood or any other type of floor, you won’t go wrong dealing with Warmzone.

In addition to Warmzone’s industry leading products, Warmzone provides unparalleled customer services, which include professional system design, free installation training courses, and personal installation support. Call a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276 to discuss your floor heating options.

Articles

Attract More Customers to Your Car Wash

Increasing Profitability While Reducing Liability

The car wash industry boasts annual revenue of approximately $5.8 billion. That’s a large pie to be sure, but with over 113,000 automated and self-serve car wash facilities vying for a slice, the pickings can often be slim and the competition fierce for owners of these businesses. Unlike most significant markets that are typically dominated by large conglomerates, 90 percent of car washes are owned by small businesses or individuals. Given the limited budget of most of these business owners, it is vital to keep maintenance costs at a minimum while keeping the facility operational at all times.

Outdoor car wash

Abundant Demand and Abundant Competition
According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 8 million cars are washed every day. Of the 113,000 car wash facilities competing for business, 58,000 are in-bay automatics and 36,000 are self-service car wash bays. With so many car wash facilities dotting the landscape, how do you distinguish your car wash and attract the most customers? What are the “selling points” that entice consumers to choose one self-service car wash over another?

First, it’s important to know that the busiest and most profitable time for the car wash industry is during the winter. Thirty-two percent of the annual earnings are realized during the cold weather months while spring and summer seasons each account for 25% of yearly revenue and fall income dips to 18%. With winter being the peak earning season for the car wash business, downtime during the cold season must be avoided at all costs.

The Challenge
The very challenges that threaten your operation in the winter (ice and snow) are also the factors that generate increased business. Consumers are eager to wash the salt and sludge from their vehicles after each winter storm, but if your car wash has ice packed around the entrance and exit, you can be certain that you are losing business as a result. Most owners apply salt or snowmelt chemicals or use other labor intensive means in an effort to keep their bays free of ice and snow. Not only can the icy property hinder business, but the dangerous conditions can lead to personal injury and costly litigation.

The demand for safe car washes has become a serious topic due to preventable accidents and expensive settlements in recent years. In addition to the winter precipitation, the overspray from a car wash often creates dangerous, slick areas in and around each bay. Insurance is a necessity but not a catchall solution, and it can come at a high cost. However, installing a radiant snow melting system can decrease your liability as well as reduce your insurance premiums. When comparing the cost savings for insurance and the decreased chances of an expensive lawsuit, installing a snow melting system makes good business sense.

Selling Points
Certainly insurance is essential for your business, but if you are serious about increasing your profits then you must also be aware of the key “selling points” that influence consumers when searching for a self-service car wash. Perhaps the most important factor responsible for attracting business to your car wash is appearance. Customers look for clean and safe (ice-free) property as well as functional looking equipment. But how do you maintain safe, clean conditions around the clock during the icy winter barrage? And how do you avoid downtime to take advantage of the increase in demand during extreme weather conditions?

The Proven Solution
Car wash owners are discovering the reliability, affordability and effectiveness of electric radiant heat systems. Easy to install and surprisingly affordable, electric radiant heat has proven to be the ideal technology to complement the self-service car wash industry.

Warmzone is one of the country’s leading radiant heat solutions providers, and offers both hydronic and electric radiant snow melting solutions. Hydronic snowmelt systems can be very efficient for heating large areas, but for small, custom areas such as car wash bay aprons, electric radiant heat has proven to be the best answer. Electric snow melting systems can be easily customized, so heating small strips of pavement at the entrance and exit is simple and affordable. There’s no need for a control room and electric systems feature rapid response times so the pavement is heated quickly and efficiently. Warmzone snow melting systems are also maintenance free and fully automated, but can also be controlled manually when needed.

In addition to providing one of the most comprehensive radiant heat information resources on the web (www.warmzone.com ), Warmzone also makes it easy to explore the options for installing radiant heat by offering free quotes and professional consulting. Simply call a representative to discuss the options and costs with no obligation (888.488.9276).

Statistical Sources: MSSP, IRS, Professional Car Washing and Detailing, and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Articles

Installing Heated Floors Enhances Comfort for Homeowners in Newark NJ

Many homeowners in the Newark area are installing radiant heated floors for use as their primary home heating source as well as in select rooms to supplement their existing home heating system. As many owners of radiant floor heating systems attest, nothing is finer than walking on a warm floor during a cold winter day. Radiant heated floors are also ideal for rooms where children spend a lot of time playing on the floor.

Heated bathroom floor
Radiant heated floors are a common addition to bathrooms and rooms where children spend the majority of their time.

Warmzone offers a variety of electric radiant floor heating systems, as well as hydronic heated floors for homeowners in Newark and New Jersey. And because Warmzone manufactures and carries the industry’s most trusted floor heating systems, our experts can evaluate your needs and determine the best system for heating your specific floor type. Our selection helps to ensure that you receive the most effective floor heating system for the unique layout and floor type of your home.

While there are some standout radiant floor heating systems, it is important to know that no single floor heating system is ideal for every type of flooring. That’s why it’s so critical to speak with an unbiased radiant heating expert who can offer you a wide selection of reputable floor heating options to choose from. Don’t be talked into purchasing a floor heating system simply because it’s the only system that the provider offers. Deal with an industry leader that can show you a wide selection of radiant floor heating solutions and explain the benefits and traits of each one.

Heating Tile Floors
The most proven system for heating tile floors is the ComfortTile floor heating system. ComfortTile features thin 1/8 to 3/16-inch diameter heat cable that is available on spools or pre-spaced on flexible fiberglass mesh backing with adhesive so it can be rolled out and then secured to the subfloor for easy installation. ComfortTile heat cable is also one of the most versatile floor heating systems.

ComfortTile heat cable can also be used in conjunction with the Prodeso underlayment membrane. The heating cable is inserted into the pre-engineered channels of the membrane.

Heating Hardwood and Laminate Floors
Many homes in New Jersey feature hardwood or laminate flooring. Warmzone offers several choices for heating hardwood and laminate, but the most popular solution is the low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system.

This unique floor heating system features a self-regulating, semi-conductive polyethylene heating element. Because the flexible heating element is so thin, it won’t affect the floor buildup, weight loads, or your choice of flooring. (Visit our heating hardwood floors, and tips for Installing Heated Floors online to learn more about radiant floor heating systems.)

The unique attributes of FloorHeat STEP make this versatile heating element a popular choice for heating roofs as well. RoofHeat STEP is one of the most trusted roof heating systems available.

Heating Concrete Underfloor Slabs
The In-Slab radiant floor heating cable is designed for installation in new concrete slab applications. The heat cable is embedded at least ½-inch below the floor’s surface. In-Slab cable uses the concrete slab to efficiently store and distribute heat evenly throughout the intended area. The cable is affordable and can be installed to warm any type of flooring, including hardwood, carpet, tile, and more.

Heating Existing Floors
Warmzone also carries RetroHeat, a thin “film” heating element that can be stapled up between floor joists to heat existing floors. The paper-thin heating element can be cut on site and is then stapled up between the floor joists and common Batt insulation is then installed over the heating panel. This directs all the heat upwards to warm the existing floor.

These are just some of the choices Newark residents have to heat their floors. Whether you’re looking to heat carpet, tile, marble, hardwood or any other type of floor, you won’t go wrong dealing with Warmzone.

In addition to Warmzone’s industry leading products, Warmzone provides unparalleled customer services, which include professional system design, free installation training courses, and personal installation support. Call a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276 to discuss your floor heating options.