All posts by Warmzone Editor

HOTNEWS

Fall has Arrived

Preparing for, and Coping with Winter

Alas, another fall season is upon us. With summer having bid adieu, we can’t help but wonder what winter has in store for us this year. In anticipation of the changing weather, many of us head to the store to stock up on rock salt, snow shovels, and other items to prepare for the cold season.

It’s true that there are many of us who look forward to the winter months, excited by the reemergence of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and so forth. But I confess that I am no longer one of those winter sports enthusiasts. I’m afraid that those days are behind me. My winter “sporting activities” now include snow shoveling, salting, and occasional downhill skiing (without skis), immediately followed by impromptu luge runs (minus the luge) down my sloping driveway. 

Yes, these “senior games” can be quite exhilarating, but not very sustainable. I think it’s time to retire these activities and adopt a safer alternative. My idea of a safer alternative is to install a radiant heated driveway.

Clearing sidewalks with a snow blower.
Installing a heated driveway would greatly reduce my winter head – and back aches.

My neighbor, who has never been a winter sports enthusiast, installed a heated driveway a couple of years ago. Now, he can hardly wait for the first heavy snowfall of the season. And I get the distinct impression that he revels in watching his neighbors shovel snow from their driveways while he sits in his La-Z-Boy recliner, sipping hot chocolate. I guess I can’t really say that I blame him though.

But, without question, installing an automated radiant heated driveway is the ultimate “game ender” of my typical winter activities. Fortunately, there is still time to install a snow melting system before the winter hits.

The process is not all that complicated, especially if you deal with a seasoned professional like Warmzone. Warmzone offers electric and hydronic snow melting systems. Both will do the job, but I personally prefer the electric systems. I know that the electric snow melting systems are a lot cheaper to install, and from what I’ve seen, the performance of these systems can’t be beat.

Electric systems use durable ClearZone resistance heat cable that is available in individual lengths off the spool, or in mats that can be rolled out for quick, easy installation. The mats feature pre-spaced heat cable, so it makes installation a snap. ClearZone heat cable is a proven industry leader that is often installed to heat driveways, sidewalks, steps, ramps, loading docks, and more.

Heated driveway and sidewalk

Radiant heat systems can be installed in concrete, under brick or stone pavers, and there is even a special ClearZone heating cable for hot asphalt installations. The cable is rated for a temperature of 464°F (240°C) for up to 10 minutes. 

As my neighbor has reminded me (several times), radiant heated driveways are maintenance free and fully automated. Ya gotta love that. Another attractive feature is that the systems are very customizable. They can be designed to fit your precise layout needs, as well as your budget. Having lots of options to choose from makes installing a heated driveway a very real possibility for me.

Heat cable can be installed wherever you need. While many homeowners opt to heat their whole driveway, others choose to heat specific areas, with one of the most popular options being to install heated tire tracks. Others may prefer heating an 8-foot strip in the middle of the driveway. The systems can be designed to accommodate any need – and budget – of the customer.

As mentioned, electric radiant snow melting systems are maintenance free and fully automated. A high-tech sensor detects temperature and precipitation, so when the snow starts to fall, the system immediately kicks on and the driveway begins to warm. This prevents snow from building up. At the end of the storm, the heated driveway remains on for a short time to dry the surface. This eliminates the chances of thin sheets of “black ice” forming. That way the driveway is clear and dry, making it safe for vehicles and pedestrians.

If you’re considering adding a heated driveway or sidewalk or steps, give Warmzone a call. Their professionals will explain all the options and answer any questions you may have. Call today to learn more, 888-488-9276.

Press Releases

Innovair Solutions Continues its Growth in the US as the Quebec-based Company Acquires Warmzone

Innovair and Warmzone radiant heat banner.

L’Islet, August 29, 2024 – Innovair Solutions continues its expansion in the United States with the acquisition of Warmzone, a manufacturer and distributor specializing in electric radiant-heating systems based in Salt Lake City, Utah. This acquisition strengthens Innovair Solutions’ position as a leader in the industry and reinforces its role as a specialist in heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

“The acquisition of Warmzone is a major addition that will support our expansion in the US,” said Louis Beaulieu, CEO. “The specialized knowledge of the Warmzone team, combined with our internal expertise, will allow us to optimize our heating cable offering and enhance the advisory services provided to our clients.”

It is expected that Warmzone employees will remain with the company under the leadership of Kevin Wilson and Blair Buxton. Operations will remain in the Salt Lake City area at its 22,000-square-foot facilities. This marks Innovair Solutions’ third US location, complementing its existing facilities in Miami and Chicago.

In May, Innovair Solutions announced a strategic alliance with Groupe Stelpro to create synergies aimed at strengthening their position in the North American market and driving future growth. The addition of Warmzone to Innovair Solutions’ portfolio in the US is part of this alliance’s growth plan.

About Innovair Solutions

Innovair Solutions is a Quebec-based family-owned business founded as Ouellet Canada in 1967. It is recognized as a preferred supplier in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry. As a North American leader in its sector, the company manufactures and distributes high-quality products that combine performance, efficiency and safety. Innovair Solutions has over 500 employees, 12 operational sites across 3 countries, 522,000 square feet of production and warehouse space, and more than 1 million devices sold annually under 12 distinct brands. The company is a winner of Canada’s Best Managed Companies award.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT INNOVAIR SOLUTIONS.

HOTNEWS

Heated Driveway

What are my Options for Installing an Automated Driveway Heating System?

For years, I tossed around the idea of installing a radiant heated driveway. I’d been needing to repave my old asphalt driveway, so I figured I’d look into my heated driveway options when I upgraded my driveway – some time down the road.

I had heard a lot about radiant heated driveways, especially from one of my neighbors, who’d installed his three years earlier. I knew that radiant heat systems were supposed to be super-efficient, as well as environmentally friendly and fully automated. (My neighbor also pointed out that the systems are maintenance free and easy to customize.)

While I gained a basic understanding of driveway heating systems, I was still a little fuzzy when it came to the whole “customizable” thing. What did that mean? Why would I need to have customized system? As I became more attracted to the idea of having a heated driveway, I still didn’t really understand what all the custom options were, and which ones would be best for my driveway.

Heated driveway with heated tire track configuration.

Apparently, no two driveway heating systems are exactly alike. In addition to the custom layout, the watts per square foot can also vary, depending on the customer and the location of the install. Warmzone designs systems according to ASHRAE standards, so each system is tailored to handle the typical winter demands associated with its location.

What are the Options?

After years of procrastinating, I finally decided to repave my old asphalt driveway. I reached out to Warmzone and told them all about my project. My driveway isn’t particularly large, but it’s on an incline, so I wanted to make sure the snow melting system covered the length of the driveway. However, I also have a parking apron, and I wanted some of that area cleared as well.

Warmzone gave me several options that would meet my snow melting needs, but I also had to consider keeping within a somewhat limited budget. This is where all the custom options came to light. Warmzone ended up designing a system that accomplished all my snow melting objectives, and stayed within my budget. (I simply laid out the heating mats over the area I wanted to heat, and then secured the mats to the existing asphalt. Next, I had a new layer of asphalt installed over the existing driveway.)

Rather than heating my entire driveway, or a strip in the middle of the driveway, I opted to install heated tire tracks. Two 24-inch wide heated tracks ran the length of my driveway, and I also had heated tire tracks installed where the other car would be parked.

Heated driveway options

Having a variety of custom options was a great benefit, and allowed me to get precisely what I wanted. Some of the more popular custom layout options

Heat entire areas – For some homeowners, heating the entire driveway is the ideal solution. Heating cable or mats can be installed to keep driveways, sidewalks, steps, ramps and other outdoor areas completely free of snow and ice. The systems can be easily customized for a wide variety of applications.

Heat only the trafficked areas – Some homeowners opt to only heat the trafficked areas. For example, instead of heating an entire driveway, simply heat an 8-foot strip in the middle of the driveway, or a 2-foot wide strip in the middle of the sidewalk. This can be a money saver for customers by installing radiant heat only to areas that are accessed the most.

Heat only small, select areas – Radiant heat can be easily applied to heat small, specific areas. One of the most popular options consists of heating two 24-inch wide tire tracks. (This is the option that worked best for me.)

The top radiant heat providers will work closely with you to show you how to best meet your specific snow melting needs while keeping within your budget.

Small, custom sized radiant heated snowmelt systems can be installed in disability ramps, stairways, small patios, walkways, dog kennels, and more. The applications are limited only by your imagination. Customers also have the option of installing an electric or hydronic radiant heat system. 

There are virtually unlimited layout options, and a good company, like Warmzone, can design the ideal system for your needs. This is especially important for those who need to keep within a budget.

Automated snow melting systems are energy efficient, maintenance free, and operate silently. To learn more about these clean, renewable energy systems, call a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

Warmzone is one of the largest providers of floor heating, snow melting, and roof de-icing systems, as well as 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.