Radiant Barriers Protect Your Home from Radon

Ground Insulation Blocks Dangerous Gases

Before you can hang your pictures on your wall or place your welcome mat at your front door, there are many steps to take before completing a new home. The construction site it dusty, chaotic, and overwhelming for homeowners as they watch their dream home take shape. You can help guide them along by helping make informed decisions about each step of the way, from the ground up. The ground is an important part of any new construction, especially when considering ground insulation . Under-concrete ground insulation can save time and money for you as a builder and in the long run offers safety and cost savings for your customers too.

Using proper ground insulation is key for many reasons. Installing radiant barrier insulation assists with heated flooring once the home is built and also provides a strict barrier against harmful gases found naturally beneath the surface. Radon is of particular note for those home noted for living in areas with high concentrations of this odorless gas. Radon exposure over long periods of time has been linked to many harmful health hazards, most specifically lung cancer. Informing your potential homeowners of these dangers will help build trust and confidence in you, helping your reputation as a contractor flourish. Choosing high quality ground insulation gives you the added satisfaction of knowing you are installing a health conscious product that offers a radiant barrier and keeps harmful gases out of homes.

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.

It’s never too late for a Radiant Heated Driveway

Running out of snow removal options already? It’s never too late to put down the shovel and install a radiant heated driveway. If you’re tired of waiting on your snow removal service when the white stuff hits hard, there’s still time to make one call and install a radiant heated driveway. Warmzone can get your product fast, and you can use Powerblanket concrete curing mats in colder temperatures to cure the concrete and thaw the ground to acceptable levels, making the install easy and quick. Sure it’s going to get cold soon, but you can still install radiant heat before winter hits (whether we’re talking months, weeks or even days).

No need to grapple over which radiant heated driveway provider to go with. With Warmzone, all you need to know is your budget and your expectations. Not only does Warmzone have the highest quality heated driveway and radiant snow melting systems available—they have the experts and the expertise to quickly configure a heated driveway that meets or even exceeds your requirements for snow melting during the cold winter months.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

Generally an installation can happen within the context of a day, or even a few hours, whether you’re retrofitting existing pavement or coordinating with a new concrete pour. And that’s about what you can expect once your system is installed—lightening quick response times and efficient snow removal. That’s because the technology behind a ClearZone heated driveway is sophisticated enough to sense changes in temperature and humidity indicating snow, and respond before any accumulation occurs on your driveway.

ClearZone snow melting systems truly set the bar in the industry, and are versatile (and incredibly efficient) enough to quickly melt snow and ice in both commercial and residential applications, from large heated driveways and parking areas to custom-sized walkways, ramps and loading docks. Fully-automated, energy-efficient and maintenance free, ClearZone snow melting systems are easy to install and fully customizable to meet your needs.

If you’re a procrastinator like I am, you’ll be relieved to know that ClearZone snow melting systems can be installed in most mediums, including concrete, asphalt and under pavers, in just about any location and nearly at anytime of the year. The heat generated by these outdoor heating blankets gets through frozen ground quickly, and can thaw up to 18 inches of ground overnight, perfect for preparing select areas for a heated driveway installation, above or below ground.

So what are you waiting for? If you want a snow melting system that will outperform your current snow removal service (or your own shoveling abilities), Warmzone can have a ClearZone radiant snow melting system up and running long before you run out of excuses. Simply call 888.488.9276 for a free consultation today!

Warmzone Appointed as the Exclusive U.S. Distributor of STEP Warmfloor Roof Deicing Systems

Warmzone Continues to Lead the way with Proven Radiant Heat Solutions and Complete System Design Services

Draper, Utah (PR WEB) – September 28, 2012 – Warmzone, a leading provider of radiant heat solutions, has announced that it will be the exclusive distributor of STEP® Warmfloor’s advanced roof deicing systems. As one of the largest radiant heat solutions provider, Warmzone offers a vast selection of radiant heat products and services. The STEP Warmfloor™ system complements Warmzone’s existing product line and is touted as one of today’s most innovative radiant heating technologies.

“We’re excited to be the exclusive distributor of these efficient systems,” stated Brandon Weaver, VP Systems Design and Engineering at Warmzone. “The STEP roof deicing systems are proven solutions that help to protect structures and enhance safety by eliminating ice dams and heavy ice buildup.”

Installing roof heating system at roof edge and valley

As the manufacturer of one of the most advanced, energy efficient roof heating systems on the market, STEP Warmfloor™ was very selective in determining the ideal distributor for its roof heating product. While Warmzone had already established a track record of successfully selling the system, this was only one aspect involved in the decision making process. Warmzone’s customer service, system design, and installation support is second to none, and was a principle factor influencing the outcome of STEP Warmfloor’s choice to appoint Warmzone as the exclusive distributor.

STEP Warmfloor™ issued the following statement:

Although the STEP roof deicing systems work great, special skills and experience are required to give roofers the confidence necessary to install our system. Warmzone has this knowledge and experience (as well as free installation training), and have been selling our deicing systems with great success for some time now. Their positive results have led us to appoint them as our distribution agent in the United States for all roof deicing applications, and from this point on, all roof deicing orders will be designed by Warmzone. We feel this arrangement will benefit all parties involved.

The STEP deicing system utilizes a unique polymer blend that heats when electricity passes through it. This thin, flexible heating element has the ability to self-regulate its electrical consumption, making it more energy efficient than most other systems. Solar and wind power can also be directly integrated to these heating systems due to its ability to accept AC or DC current. These advanced roof heating products have also been designed to exceed typical low-voltage standards and are now compliant to SELV (safety extra-low voltage) which is 30 volts or less under all load conditions.

RoofHeat STEP deicing systems are extremely versatile and can be applied beneath all roofing materials, including metal. RoofHeat is an effective and discreet heating system that safely melts ice and snow from eaves to prevent structural damage or safety hazards from falling ice.

For a free radiant heat quote, distributorship opportunities or more information on these roof heating systems or other snow melting and floor heating solutions, contact a Warmzone radiant heating expert at 888.488.9276 or visit www.warmzone.com.

Preserve Decorative Concrete With Radiant Heat

Keep Your Decorative Concrete Looking Like the day You Installed it!

When installing decorative concrete, the installer can’t help but wonder, “How long is my work going to last?” One concern may be that in the winter the owners will use snow removal methods that will eventually fade or destroy the beautiful decorative concrete. But what if there was a way for the customer to never lay a snow plow blade, shovel, or snowmelt chemical on the concrete? Would this be worth the slight extra cost for the customer now versus replacing the whole driveway later? There is a solution, and contractors can partner with Warmzone in getting their clients to “go green” and avoid harsh chemicals and salt to remove snow and ice.

Heated paver walkway

What Warmzone offers is a new way to utilize an old technology which has re-emerged in the last 50 years in Europe as a great alternative to other heating methods –  radiant heat . Radiant heat can be used outdoors for melting snow and ice, and indoors to heat the house. There are two technologies that are associated with radiant heat: hydronic, which uses hot water to heat an area; and electric radiant heating, a newer technology that is quickly emerging as a great way to heat homes and keep driveways clear of snow and ice. Set yourself apart from your competition by offering these specialty products for your clients’ decorative concrete projects. It won’t change the normal installation process and can significantly add to your bottom line.

Set up of either radiant heat system is fairly simple while installing the concrete. You just install the cables or PEX pipes directly where you will pour the concrete, hook them up to a controller that is connected to a sensor, set the controller or thermostat and let it go to work. This efficient, even heat source will melt the snow and heat the floors and can reduce heating costs and stress for your customers when the weather outside turns dreary.

To learn more about Warmzone and what they can do for you and your clients, please search the site further or call a sales representative at 888.488.9276.

Unique Plumbing Challenges Can be Addressed with Pipe Tracing

Stop Pipes from Bursting

Living or working in a cold climate means you have to address certain challenges each winter. Snow removal, heating the interior, and keeping your pipes safe are just a few of the many quirks that come with enduring the winter. Homeowners and business owners alike have to face these challenges. Keeping your family and employees safe is the top priority, followed closely by keeping your property safe and running efficiently. Water pipes are a delicate part of your plumbing that must be monitored diligently and protected from freezing. Pipe tracing is an important part of the solution to that problem.

Heat trace cable installed on pipe of industrial facility.

Warehouses, attics, crawl spaces, or bonus rooms all have one thing in common; they are hard to heat and insulate properly. Insulation is always one of the top things on the check-list of things to do for these areas; and the pipes that weave in and out of these spaces should be added in the spot just below that in order to ensure they don’t burst during the coldest days and nights of winter. An unexpected cold snap could be the difference between a happy home or business and a miserable one. Bursting pipes resulting from frozen water can be potentially messy and very expensive to repair. Water damage is always a loaded problem, but pipe tracing can aid in the process of keeping your pipes safe. The heat cables wrap around your pipes and keep them consistently warm throughout the winter and are worth looking into if you have exposed pipes at home or in your work space. Contact Warmzone to request a quote to protect your pipes today!

Driveway Heating is What You Wanted You Just Never Knew It

A Heated Driveway Should Be on Your Wish List

Heaven forbid I be the bearer of bossy news, especially since you don’t know me. But trust me, driveway heating is truly what you want, you just might not know it yet. Allow me to illuminate the reasons you should put a heated driveway on your wish list. I feel confident that once you investigate driveway heating a bit more you’ll soon be on the heating bandwagon.

Heated tire tracks in driveway

First up, if you live where it snows make the call today to find out more. It’s simple really; if you have a heated driveway you don’t have to plow, shovel, or swear at the snow anymore. Snow melting systems will melt all the snow on your driveway plus your sidewalk if you choose to install heating cable there as well. Electric snow melting systems are easy to customize and can be installed just about anywhere or in any application possible.

Second, a heated driveway is an affordable and efficient way to maintain heavy snow loads on your property. The heat cables require very little electricity, plus they only run when conditions warrant. When the temperature is below a set point and the sensor detects precipitation, it signals the system to send heat to the cables. So these energy efficient systems operate only when needed, but they also feature manual override capability for times when it may be needed..

There are plenty of other reasons to consider a heating driveway system. But I’ll let you discover those for yourself as you explore this website and see for yourself that yes, you do want to put a heated driveway on your wish list.

Protect Your Roof With a RoofHeat System

Don’t Get Snowed-in by an Inferior Radiant Heat Solution: Protect your Home with a RoofHeat STEP Deicing System

Put the finishing touch on that new roof installation, or preserve the integrity of your roof and your home with a RoofHeat STEP low-voltage deicing system by Warmzone. It is a top-of-the-line radiant heat system that is a good fit for you roof, and your budget. Paired with an existing or new gutter ice melting system, you will benefit this winter from the convenience and peace of mind that comes with a complete roof deicing solution.

Heated roof edge

RoofHeat STEP deicing systems involve three main components: a transformer, a heating element and an activation device (usually a sensor to trigger system operation in inclement weather). Here is a look at each of these elements at a glance:

  • A transformer is an individual control unit responsible for a specific section of the deicing system, and can step down from high voltage to low voltage (60V or less). It is the source for monitoring the power and output to the system heat cables to ensure safe, accurate performance of your radiant roof heating and deicing system.
  • Thin, semi-conductive polymer RoofHeat heating elements can be easily cut to size and discreetly nailed or stapled under shingles for a quick and easy installation. The heating element is polypropylene fused during fabrication for water proofing and protection from alkaline or salt damage.
  • When temperature and precipitation indicate snow, the activation device/snow sensor triggers the control panel. The control panel then sends power to the heating element to activate the RoofHeat STEP deicing system and heat your roof.

RoofHeat STEP deicing systems are a wise home improvement investment. It protects your home from the harmful effects of moisture caused by ice damming—moisture that can seep into roof decking, and eventually into your home. And it is fully automated—simply set the power unit and forget it. No more precarious perching on a ladder or slippery roof with a rake or push broom. Once the system is activated, the roof warms to efficiently prevent snow from accumulating and protects your roof from ice and water damage.

Available in 4, 6, 9 and 12 inch widths; RoofHeat heating elements can be cut and customized for just about any application. In fact, installing a Warmzone radiant heat roof deicing system is quite easy compared to competitive radiant heat systems. If you can swing a hammer or use a staple gun, you can install a RoofHeat heating element. The low-voltage heating element comes in a durable vinyl enclosure and can be easily nailed, stapled, or attached with fasteners or screws under a variety of roofing materials, including metal.

Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or hiring a professional roofer, at some point you will require the assistance of an experienced electrician. The good news is that the average electrical professional will find the entire installation process quite intuitive; and Warmzone has the components, professionals and online resources to help you every step of the way. Call 888-488-9276 or visit us online at www.warmzone.com to start planning your radiant roof heating system.

Keep the Snow at Bay with a Radiant Heated Driveway

Just Like Your Favorite Hot Drink on a Cold Day, A Heated Driveway Will Quickly Become Something You Love!
Starbucks has made the shift to Pumpkin Lattes, and pretty soon, a warm drink (or a heated driveway) might be your antidote for winter weather. You may have heard of a heated driveway, but may consider it a luxury rivaling that $4.00 coffee drink your favorite barista serves up. What you may not realize—the benefits of electric radiant heated driveways far outweigh their modest installation costs. But to understand just how much you’ll save, you’ll need a basic understanding of how a radiant heated driveway works.

A warm mug of hot chocolate by the fire

Radiant heat is an incredibly efficient method for melting snow and ice from driveways and walkways, and is becoming increasingly popular as a practical home improvement solution. There are two types of systems: electric and hydronic. Electric snowmelt systems use heat cable while hydronic systems generate hot water, then pump it through plastic PEX tubing. In either case, the heating elements are installed under the surface of the driveway, and radiate heat upwards to quickly melt snow and ice before it has a chance to stick.

Every automated driveway snow melting system is composed of three main items: the heating element, the controller and the activation device. Sturdy resistance cable is the main heating element for an electric radiant heated driveway system and is sufficient (and practical) for most residential applications. It can be easily installed in almost any medium, under brick or stone pavers, newly poured concrete, or even hot asphalt. And Warmzone will design the system to best meet your snow melting requirements and budget. Heat the entire driveway or just heat two 24-inch tire tracks. Heated driveway systems can be easily customized to fit your needs.

A wall-mounted control box is the command center for the automated electric radiant heated driveway. It communicates with aerial or pavement-mounted snow switch that activates the system when it detects precipitation and the temperature reaches a set point (usually set at 38-39° Fahrenheit). Because it’s fully automated, there’s no switch to flip, or surfing the net for changing weather conditions. And if you want to get a jump on the weather, most systems include a manual timer for preheating areas before a large storm or melting a snow drift or ice that found its way to your driveway well after the storm hit.

Now that you understand just how an automated driveway snow melting system works, it’s easy to see the benefits. The initial purchase and installation of a heated driveway system more than pays for itself when you consider the fees associated with professional snow removal services. A radiant heated driveway operates for just pennies on the dollar, and is activated before one snowflake ever hits pavement. With a snow removal service, you’re facing much longer wait times, and years of seasonal fees that can be quite large.

So perhaps you’re a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-start-shoveling or snow blowing type. Depending on how deep the snow is, you’re also facing minutes to hours of shoveling or pushing a gas-spewing, noisy snow blower around, plus the risk of serious injury, depending on your age and physical condition. Using salt and other harsh snow melting chemicals destroys the surrounding vegetation, but radiant heat eliminates the need (and cost) of chemicals. Heated driveways can save you money and time. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend the time saved inside with a newspaper and your favorite hot beverage watching the snowfall instead?

The price of an electric radiant heated driveway, along with the ease of installation and low operational costs make it the perfect choice for a homeowner on a budget. But don’t just take my word for it. To learn more about radiant heated driveways, visit www.warmzone.com or call a sales representative to assist you find what best suits your snow melting needs at 888.488.9276.