Make Your Life Easier with Radiant Heat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ultimate Control

What better way to ring in the new year than by installing a radiant snow melting system? Warmzone snow melting systems feature industry-leading components, and offer a variety of benefits that make them popular among homebuilders today. In addition to eliminating the need to shovel and salt sidewalks, steps, and driveways during the winter months, the systems are fully automated, maintenance free, and extremely energy efficient.

The reason these systems are so efficient is not only because of the inherent characteristics of radiant heat, but because of the industry-leading controllers provided with the systems. Warmzone automated snow melting systems utilize advanced snow sensors (activation devices) that detect temperature as well as precipitation. Customers have the option of installing an in-ground sensor that is mounted directly in the pavement of the driveway, or installing an aerial-mount snow sensor.

Aerial mount snow sensors

Most residential driveway heating systems utilize the aerial-mount sensor. The small unit is typically mounted near the roofline where it has clear access to the elements. The WS-2C activation device features an adjustable setpoint, so when precipitation is detected, and the temperature is below the setpoint (usually set at 39°F), the sensor sends a signal to the contactor panel, which is typically mounted on a wall in the garage. When the panel receives the signal, it then sends power to the embedded heat cable in the driveway, warming the surface to eliminate snow from accumulating. The systems operate only when needed. (Warmzone offers contactor panels that are available with and without GFEP. These advanced panels are designed for electric and hydronic snow melting systems, with a variety available for all types of commercial and residential applications. The contactor panels are pre-wired and UL listed, complete with a NEMA 4 weatherproof enclosure, wiring diagram, terminal connection block and contactors.)

In-ground (pavement-mount) snow sensor for radiant snow melting system.
The in-ground (pavement-mount) snow sensor for radiant snow melting systems.

After the snowstorm, the system remains on for a short time. This “afterrun” function dries the driveway to reduce the chances of ice from forming. This is a valuable feature that helps to ensure safety. Different sensors are available to accommodate other types of snow melting and de-icing systems. The WS-5C is similar to the WS-2c aerial-mount sensor, but is designed for bigger heating loads, such as regulating cable operation in commercial driveways, sidewalks, ramps and more.

The WS-8C is another state-of-the-art aerial-mount sensor, but it designed specifically for roof de-icing systems. The activation device can be used for gutter, downspout, and small satellite antenna de-icing applications. The sealed, low voltage, remote mount precipitation sensor head can be installed in a downspout, the bottom of a gutter, or at the end of an antenna boom, up to 10 feet away from the main controller, which is typically mounted in a more convenient location.

Warmzone WS-8C snow sensor (activation device) for roof de-icing systems.
The aerial-mount WS-8C snow sensor with remote sensor head for radiant roof de-icing systems.

In addition to Warmzone’s premium controllers and system components, Warmzone also includes the industry’s top customer support services. Radiant heat system experts design the system, and provide installers with a detailed AutoCAD, which includes the precise layout of the system components and materials, as well as the proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and other electrical information needed by your electrician. These detailed layouts serve as the roadmap for installers, and help to simplify the installation.

Additionally, Warmzone includes free installation training for installers. This valuable training can be completed online, via web conference, where the instructor covers every aspect of the installation. The installer can interact and ask questions at any time during the training, which includes installation photos, illustrations, and instructional video clips.

Technical support is also provided by Warmzone radiant heat experts. If installers encounter any issues, or have questions during the installation, they can simply call and talk with an installation expert. Warmzone stands ready to assist installers to help ensure that the system is installed correctly and operating as intended. Warmzone also maintains relationships with experienced installers throughout the country, so you may be recommended a trusted, experienced installer in your area.

For more information about radiant heat systems, and system components, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

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