All posts by Jordan Ricks

Articles

Clearing Streets and Driveways of Snow in Chicago

Snow removal in Chicago is serious business. While commuters depend on the city to keep roads clear so they can travel to and from work, homeowners also have the responsibility to do their share of snow removal. According to the Municipal Code of Chicago (4-4-310 and 10-8-180), property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice. But lately, winters have been record-setting in terms of snowfall, making it difficult for city snow plow drivers as well as homeowners to keep up with the demands of snow removal.

And last year, Chicago residents got an early dose of winter with the second heaviest November snowstorm since 1895. In fact, several parts of the country experienced record setting storms and snowfall during the winter of 2015-2016. And weather experts expect more of the same for the next several upcoming winters.

But Chicago residents have options when it comes to preparing for the next snow season. In addition to having extra supplies on hand and keeping the cupboards and refrigerator well stocked, some Illinois residents are turning to radiant heat.

Radiant snow melting system installed in a loading ramp
A radiant heated loading ramp in operation during a snowstorm.

Warmzone snow melting systems are energy efficient and maintenance free. Not only do these systems eliminate the need for manual snow removal, but they have proven valuable to businesses by keeping entrances and parking areas clear of snow and ice for customers.

Electric snow melting systems are fully automated, so they operate only when needed. The systems include an advanced snow sensor that detects temperature and precipitation. When temperatures are below a set point – typically 39° Fahrenheit – it sends power to the embedded heat cable, warming the area and preventing snow accumulation.

As an industry leader, Warmzone snow melting systems feature trusted heat cable that is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats that can be rolled out for easy installation. The electric radiant heating mats are laid out and secured, and then the medium (concrete, pavers, or asphalt) is applied directly over the cable.

The proven ClearZone electric snowmelt system is commonly installed in both commercial and residential applications. From large heated driveways and parking areas to custom sized walkways, ramps and loading docks, ClearZone systems are versatile and can be easily customized.

Warmzone’s fully automated system includes the embedded heat cable, an activation device (snow sensor), contactor panel, and marker plate (as required by the NEC). These electric systems are also maintenance free and relatively easy to install.

In addition to providing the highest quality radiant heating products, Warmzone also offers unmatched customer services. Each system is professionally designed, so you’ll know the exact layout and materials, proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and system performance expectations before one foot of heat cable is installed.

Warmzone also includes free installation support services. Our expert staff is on hand during your installation if you need. Should your installer have any questions during the installation, he/she can speak with one of our installation experts to resolve any issues. Free installation training is also available. When it comes to customer service, you’ll find that Warmzone is second to none.

Contact Warmzone today and learn more about the radiant heating options that are available. In addition to offering heated driveways and snow melting systems, Warmzone also offers premier roof deicing and floor heating systems. Call 888.488.9276 to learn more.

Articles

Radiant Floor Heating Systems take New York by Storm

Many New York City area homeowners have turned to radiant heated floors for use as their primary home heating source or to supplement their existing home heating system. In addition to providing luxurious warmth, the energy efficiency and silent, maintenance-free operation of radiant heat has attracted homeowners throughout the tri-state area. As owners of radiant floor heating systems have attested, 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 and businesses alike. And because Warmzone manufactures and carries the industry’s most trusted floor heating systems, consultants can evaluate the customers’ needs and determine the best system for heating each specific floor type. Warmzone’s selection helps to ensure that customers receive the most effective floor heating system for the unique layout and type of flooring in their 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. So avoid any radiant heat provider that makes such a claim. It’s critical to speak with an unbiased radiant heating expert who can offer you a wide selection of reputable floor heating options to choose from – 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.

Radiant heated floors are commonly installed in bathrooms and rooms where small children spend a majority of their time on the floor. Heating homes from the floor up results in greater efficiency and comfort. As such, homeowners in New York City and throughout the tri-state area are turning to radiant heat to optimize their home heating options.

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. (See the photo below.) ComfortTile heat cable is also one of the most versatile floor heating systems.

Heating mats being installed to heat a bathroom floor
ComfortTile floor heating mats being installed for a heated bathroom floor.

ComfortTile heat cable can also be used in conjunction with the Prodeso floor heating membrane. The Prodeso membrane system is an innovative uncoupling and waterproofing system for heating floors and other surfaces without movement or expansion joints in the screed. ComfortTile heating cable is inserted into the channels of the membrane.

Heating Hardwood and Laminate Floors
Many homes in New York 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. (Learn more about heating hardwood floors. or read our tips for Installing Heated Floors.)

Heated hardwood floor
Heated hardwood floor. The Warmzone radiant floor heating system operates quietly and efficiently beneath the beautiful hardwood floor.

(The unique attributes of FloorHeat STEP make this versatile polymer 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 New York 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, and personal, expert installation support. Call a radiant heat professional today at 888.488.9276 to discuss your floor heating options.

Articles

Baltimore Roofs get Tested During Record Snowstorm

January’s record-breaking snowstorms proved to be a serious test for residential and commercial roofs in the Baltimore area during the winter of 2015-2016. Some homeowners struggled to manually remove snow from their roofs during the infamous blizzard of January 22-23. Snowfall from the multi-day storm ranged from a whopping 22 to 25 inches across Baltimore county.

While most homes and commercial structures were more than capable of handling the heavy stress loads of the recent storms, the subsequent ice dams and potential for snow and ice to break free from roofs and fall on those below proved to be the most significant threats.

Inner Harbor waterfront view of Baltimore
The view of Baltimore from the Inner Harbor waterfront.

Baltimore businesses and building owners are tasked with keeping their roofs in safe condition to prevent snow and ice from falling and injuring pedestrians on the sidewalks below. And though homeowners are less worried about law suits as a result of ice falling from their roofs, they are faced with the potentially costly threat of water damage as a result of ice dams.

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 since the roof eaves are colder, the water refreezes. 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 deicing systems and self-regulating heat trace cable for gutter heating systems offer ideal roof heating solutions 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 deicing and gutter trace 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 deicing systems, Warmzone radiant heat experts work closely with customers to determine the best and most affordable option for the roof.

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 Baltimore 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 its 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.

Many home and business owners in Baltimore are already enjoying the benefits of a Warmzone roof deicing system. To learn more about Warmzone’s roof heating options, or to speak with a radiant heat expert, with no obligation or sales pressure, call 888.488.9276. 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

Watch Out for Falling Ice in New York

Roof Deicing Systems Solve the “Falling Ice” Problem

Residents in New York City enjoy a number of perks and conveniences of life in the big city, but the splendor of living among the towering buildings and concrete canyons also comes with its share of challenges. New Yorkers are survivors, and every day during their brisk walks along the streets they’re constantly on guard as they maneuver through a sea of other hurried pedestrians, bicycles, taxis, delivery trucks and so on. The fast pace is all part of life in the Big Apple.

As if these daily obstacles and dangers weren’t enough, there are other hidden dangers that descend upon the city during the snow-filled winter months. As New Yorkers navigate the icy sidewalks and slush-filled streets, a more significant safety threat looms high above, well out of sight and out of mind of most pedestrians.

Removing the snow and icicles from a commercial roof.
Professional roof snow and ice removal team cutting through ice to remove the heavy and dangerous load from the roof.

After heavy snow storms, when temperatures climb back up above freezing, roofs begin to warm and slabs of snow and ice can break away and tumble onto unsuspecting pedestrians below. While most building owners take precautions to avoid this from happening, every year in the Big Apple there are reports of pedestrians being struck by snow or ice that has fallen from roofs or other structures. Streets had to be closed around New York’s new 1 World Trade Center recently when sheets of ice broke free from the 1,776-foot structure and slammed into the ground at 100-mph.

According to New York state laws, pedestrians who are injured from falling ice may seek compensation from building owners or those responsible for falling objects. The ruling of Davis v. Niagara Falls Tower Co. 171 N.Y. 336 (1901), states:

[A building owner]  . . .  must, at his peril, keep the ice or the snow that collects upon his roof within his own limits, and is responsible for all damages if the shape of his roof is such as to throw them upon his neighbor’s land, in the same manner as he would be if he threw them there himself.’

So, the responsibilities of building owners are clear. State law imposes a specific duty upon New York City building owners to ensure that pedestrians are not injured from snow or ice accumulations that fall from their buildings; whereas they must take reasonable steps to prevent ice from falling to the street. These steps typically range from snow guards to automated roof deicing systems.

In addition to commercial buildings installing snow guards or roof heating systems, it’s also beneficial for New York homeowners to protect their roofs and gutters with a radiant roof heating system. While they don’t face the same level of potential liability as building owners in crowded cities, installing a gutter trace system and/or a roof heating system in valleys and along roof edges can ultimately save money in the long run. These affordable roof deicing systems can be customized to meet homeowners’ specific snow melting needs as well as their budget. Heat trace cable can be installed in “trouble spots” on the roof or just in gutters and along the roof’s edge to eliminate ice dams – the principle culprit responsible for costly roof and water damage.

Warmzone roof deicing and gutter trace systems offer one of the best roof heating solutions available for preventing hazardous ice dams and icicles from forming on roofs. In addition to Warmzone’s large variety of industry leading roof deicing systems, Warmzone radiant heat experts work closely with customers to determine the best and most affordable option for the roof.

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 in New York. 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 its 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 New York are already enjoying the benefits of a Warmzone roof deicing system. Call a Warmzone consultant to learn more – with no obligation or sales pressure. As an industry leader, Warmzone offers one of the most informative radiant heating websites available, so 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.