All posts by Benson Ricks

Driveway Snow Melting Cable

Automated, Maintenance Free Heated Driveway Systems

We’re getting close to the time of year when we can put away the snow shovels and snow blowers. Or, were you one of the lucky ones who enjoyed the services of a radiant heated driveway this year?

Electric snow melting systems have proven their value in cold climates throughout the country, particularly during the brutal winter of 2009-2010. Designed for convenience and rugged reliability, these automated snowmelt systems lie in wait to ambush the white flakes as they silently descend from the gloomy sky. Okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic and falling into my romance novel writing mode, but you get the point. The system melts the snow before it even has a chance to stick.

Driveway with heated tire tracks

Heated driveway systems include an aerial or pavement mounted snow sensor that detects the impending snow barrage and signals the control unit, which then sends power to the ClearZone heat cable, heating the driveway. After the storm, the driveway remains warm for a period of time, ensuring that it is clear of ice before it automatically shuts off. More often than not, this all takes place before you’ve even slipped on your Daffy Duck slippers or poured your first cup of Joe. Isn’t technology great?

In addition to the convenience (as if that wasn’t enough), heated driveway systems increase the value of your property and are friendly to the environment. Using renewable energy, electric heated driveways eliminate the need for abrasive, and often damaging, snow removal methods as well as the use of harsh snowmelt chemicals that harm nearby grass and other vegetation. So naturally, there’s no salty runoff from your driveway filling your street gutters. Ya gotta love that!

ClearZone heat cable is the preeminent snow melting cable on the market, and features the most impressive manufacturer warranty in the industry. Whether embedded in concrete, asphalt or under pavers, ClearZone cable has a proven track record for a wide variety of applications, and is a favorite among contractors and professional builders. It’s no surprise then that it is most commonly chosen by homeowners.

Radiant snowmelt systems have been around a while now but are continually gaining popularity because of their affordability and effective, maintenance-free operation. Homeowners from coast to coast are discovering the many advantages and enhanced safety from installing a radiant heated driveway and/or sidewalk.

Heated driveways can be customized to fit your driveway surface and shape as well as your budget. While most homeowners install radiant heat throughout their driveway surface, you can also choose more affordable options, such as installing heat cable in tire tracks. Or, simply heat only the areas that you use. Warmzone professionals will evaluate your needs and provide several options and a detailed drawing of your radiant heat system. If you are going down the radiant heat road, make sure you deal with respected industry leaders who will guide you along the way.

Low Profile, Electric Underfloor Heat

Efficient, Discreet Radiant Heat

Radiant heat has been around many years now for very good reasons. Electric underfloor heating is just plain hard to beat when it comes to ways of providing efficient heat for your home or business. I’m sure you have heard of heated floor technology by now. Rows of heat cable, mats or other heating elements are laid out on the subfloor and the finish surface is applied over that. ComfortTile floor heating cable is a proven, and commonly chosen radiant heat system that is easy to install, and has become the workhorse of radiant heating systems. ComfortTile systems offer a single point connection, allowing you to connect one end to the thermostat and be done. No need to “loop” or connect the other end to a controller.

FoilHeat and FloorHeat are also excellent choices when there is need to keep the profile extremely low. Both floor heating systems are almost paper thin, and the low profile also makes FloorHeat idea for discreet roof heating systems (aka, RoofHeat STEP). Both FoilHeat and FloorHeat systems come in rolls that are conveniently rolled out for easy installation. Virtually any finish surface can be applied over the top. The FloorHeat system is also a low-voltage, self-regulating floor heating system.

One of the nice features of a radiant heated floor system is that you program or control zones separately, so you can shut down any rooms that you aren’t using. There is not a more comfortable and energy-efficient heat solution than an electric radiant floor heating system. It’s simply a heat that can’t be beat.