All posts by Warmzone Editor

HOTNEWS

Electrical Thermal Storage

What is ETS and Why You Should Care

Here’s another acronym that’s worth remembering – ETS. Learning about Electrical Thermal Storage (ETS) may help you save some coin. Who can turn that down right now? And let’s be honest, who would want too? Saving money is on everyone’s mind, and this may be one more chance to do just that. Electrical thermal storage is the term given to certain types of heating, specifically, electrical storage heating that stores heat during the nighttime hours, allowing radiant heat to slowly transfer throughout your home or commercial site without drawing electricity during peak hours.

Some utility companies have adapted their rates to reflect high usage hours. In a way they have copied the telecommunications industry that charges more for calls during peak hours and drops rates during the less trafficked times of the day. Electrical thermal storage heaters draw upon this concept, allowing you to use your heat during non-peak usage times, storing heat for use during the more expensive times of the day.

In-Slab heating cable installed in concrete

You would need to check with your utility company first to make sure they offer these price incentives. If they do (and many are starting to jump on this pricing band wagon) then you may be a candidate for ETS.

Once you establish the rate system of your electrical provider, you may find you could benefit from a radiant heat system that provides electrical storage heating when the rates are lower. While it is important to distinguish that you will not be saving energy with this system, it can save you money because you’ll be taking advantage of the lower rates.

Warmzone offers radiant heating systems compatible with electrical thermal storage. Specifically the In-Slab cable systems provide underfloor heating ideal for this time of money saving advantage. Warmzone’s radiant heating floor systems are an inexpensive system that will effectively warm your floors and heat your entire home or commercial building. When you install In-Slab radiant floor heat, you are given a maintenance-free operating system as well as the peace of mind that comes with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Warmzone’s In-Slab heat cable is durable, high quality, and hassle free. The In-Slab floor heating systems can be installed to provide luxurious radiant floor heating to almost any type of floor surface. The technology associated with these heat cables make them ideal for electrical thermal storage heating because they are typically installed beneath a concrete or brick floor. While heat is building up, drawing upon your electricity you may use the system during less expensive times of the day. The radiant heat builds up and then once shut down during peak hours, slowly transfers throughout the day from all the heat stored in the slab.

It may not be for everyone, but ETS may be another way you can save money as you heat your home. Contact Warmzone to find out if you can benefit from a radiant heating system that would allow you to take advantage of the cost-saving benefits of electrical thermal storage. ETS – it might just become your favorite acronym.

Electric Radiant Floor Heat – Steps for Installing a Radiant Heated Floor

We all know about forced air heating systems, which use burners to fire up and heat the air and then a fan blows heated air throughout the home. For the most part, this works rather well. It is reasonably quick and for years it has been the standard method of heat for homeowners. So, you ask, what else is there? Well, surely you have heard of radiant heated floors. It’s a form of heating for the home that is becoming more and more popular as of late.

Installing electric radiant floor heating is not extremely difficult. Here are the basic steps to installing a heated floor. (Don’t worry, you can do this.) Let’s assume that you have arrived at the point where you can get started. After thoroughly cleaning the subfloor surface, lay out Reflect ground insulation over the area you plan to heat. A proven ground insulator such as Reflect will optimize the efficiency of your heated floor.

Radiant heated floor being installed in bathroom.

ComfortTile heating cable is available pre-spaced and woven into mats that can be easily rolled out, or individual cable that is laid out with the aid of spacing straps. Individual cable is best suited for custom shapes while the heated mats are ideal for quick layout of standard shapes.

Thinset can be applied directly over heat cable

(It would be a good idea to check the resistance of the wiring before proceeding.  The instructions will give you a range that it should fall within. Temperature can make a difference in the reading as well so keep that in mind.)

If you are installing over a wood subfloor (after applying ground insulation), staple the heating mat or cable spacer tabs to the floor in the desired layout. Be careful to avoid damaging the heat cable anywhere. Lay the cable out in such a way as to allow for the connection to the switch in the wall of course.

Once you have the heat cable laid out and fastened, you should consider pouring a leveling surface over the cable. Technically, you could simply apply thinset and then install your tile, but since the heat cable has a thickness of around 3/8th of an inch or so, it is advisable to pour a leveling surface. Quick Level does a good job of this. Use the adhesion liquid that is recommended. Follow the instructions for applying the liquid and then simply mix the Quick Level with water and then pour it over the entire floor.

Heated bathroom floor

Ensure that it spreads evenly and doesn’t form any lumps anywhere. Only pour to the top of the heat cable. The less you use the better. This will provide you with a clean flat surface to which you will adhere your floor surface.

Tile is a common surface since it conducts the heat very well. Reflect floor insulation is effective in preventing the heat from being lost, and the radiant properties of the tile further enhance the efficiency of the system. Once installed, the sensor embedded in the floor will automatically maintain the temperature you desire.

One of the big advantages to radiant floor heating systems is that you can heat only the rooms you are using. There is no need to heat the whole house. In that sense these floor heating systems are very efficient. The greatest advantage though is the enhanced comfort level you will enjoy. It is really true that when your feet are warm you feel warm and comfortable all over.

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Radiant Heaters

Radiant heating, as opposed to warm air systems (such as a forced air unit heaters), deliver the source of heat to the floor level, not the ceiling. And since warm air rises, heating the floors proves to be the most efficient means of heating living areas.

Radiant floor heating or radiant energy is the oldest form of heating used to provide comfort and is the basis for all heating systems. Radiant energy is totally pure radiation and is absorbed by an object without physical contact with the heat source or by heating the surrounding air, as is the case with convective, forced air systems.

Under floor heaters were first used by the Romans. Initially the preserve of the rich, under floor heating became increasingly commonplace in public buildings and villas, particularly in the colder regions of the Roman Empire. The Roman system was based on hypocausts, comprising ducts that underlay the floor (itself built on raised brick piles) and flues that were built into walls. Hot air or steam from fires circulated up through this system, warming the floor and walls, with heat passing into the rooms.

More specifically, the floor was laid out as series of concrete slabs acting as radiant heaters supported by columns of layered tiles, with a furnace at the bottom of one exterior wall. By placing the fire here, the draught would take the radiant heat under the floor, and up through the walls to radiant heater chimneys located in the corners of the room.

Today we recognize the brilliance of the Romans and Koreans as early adopters of radiant heating, as the technology is still a desired method for delivering comfortable and efficient heat in our homes. Now we have radiant heaters using electric resistance cables that are constructed of highly rated materials and feature manufacturer warranties of up to 25 years.

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Outdoor Radiant Heating Systems

Following the trends of the indoor heating market, where radiant heating systems have been used for decades, the great outdoors is warming up, too. Radiant heat warms the floor and any object in contact with the floor to distribute an even, no-draft heat. Outdoor settings like patios or pathways leading to a hot tub can now benefit from using a traditional hydronic radiant heating system or even more intriguing is the emerging trend of embedding electric heating cables to provide that desired surface temperature. Raising the surface above 38 degrees will conveniently remove any snow or ice and allow you to use your outdoor living areas more often.

Outdoor heating systems (snow melting systems) are more suited towards new construction since these electric heating cables are actually embedded in the concrete or placed in a sand bed directly under brick pavers. Ambitious do-it-yourselfers will have no problem laying out the cable and preparing them for a certified electrician to do the final hook-up. Outdoor heating systems have always been efficient in delivering heat; the problem has been shutting them off when the job of removing snow from a driveway or outdoor patio is complete.

Recent designs in aerial sensors and surface mounted sensors make these outdoor heating systems cost effective to operate. Automated sensors detect the combination of precipitation and cold temperatures and activate the outdoor heating systems during inclement weather conditions and then automatically turn off a few hours after the storm. Manual operation of these outdoor heating systems can also be used to spot heat your driveway or patio if additional heat is required.

Obviously, an outdoor heating system is not for everyone. Those who live in warm climates year round will not be well served. However, think of those residents in New York, Illinois and even Colorado and Utah with long steep driveways or exposed sidewalks. Even businesses are adopting outdoor heating systems to curb their liability to slips and falls. Sidewalks, entryways and even loading docks are benefiting from embedded heating systems as an effective way to remove pesky ice and snow hazards.

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The Myths of Low Voltage versus Line Voltage Radiant Systems

Low-voltage vs. Line-voltage

There has been much debate over low voltage radiant systems versus line voltage radiant systems as radiant heat gains popularity in North America. The aim of this article is to dispel some of the myths surrounding the different kinds of systems. Warmzone offers both low-voltage and line-voltage systems. Both can provide excellent results for floor heating and snow melting applications.

Myth 1: Low voltage radiant systems are safer than line voltage.

Low voltage is low, so it makes sense that it’s safer, right? While this makes perfect sense initially, we have to take a closer look to find out the real answer. If your definition of safe is the chances of being hurt by voltage during installation, low voltage will give you a bit of a shock, but won’t cause lasting damage. The real question we should be asking is how durable is the cable against damage and how well is the cable insulated. Both line- and low-voltage snow melting systems are embedded in 4 inches of concrete, asphalt, or under pavers. When installed properly the embedded systems are not exposed and harmful. Some low-voltage heating wires are NOT designed to be embedded. These have only a thin layer of plastic and a heating element that is THHN/THWN wire. This wire is intended for interior use NOT in concrete, asphalt, or under pavers. Low voltage wires do not have ground fault protection, so electrical leakage can go undetected.

In contrast, line voltage obviously has higher voltage, which is why line voltage cables are built to withstand wear and tear, and are much more difficult to damage. If you do manage to damage a line voltage cable, don’t worry! Line voltage systems are equipped with ground fault protection (GFEP) breakers with a 30 milliamp trip. Which means the system will automatically shut off when it has reached beyond allowable leakage levels. What does this mean? Well for one you don’t need to worry about bodily harm, but you also don’t need to worry about potential fire hazard from a damaged cable. The bottom line: both line voltage and low voltage systems are safe to use.

Myth 2: Low voltage radiant systems cost less to run than a line voltage system.

It is true that low voltage radiant systems consume a lower amount of power, but this doesn’t mean it is less costly to run. Low voltage systems can actually be more expensive to operate because these systems generally produce 20 watts/sq ft (which is below ASHRAE standards). By producing less heat per square foot, it takes longer to heat the same area, thus increasing the cost and the time it takes to melt. Because of the decreased heat output, during heavier snow falls low voltage systems struggle to keep up with the snowfall, and have to remain on much longer. For this reason, ASHRAE has set forth watt standards for snow melting.

Line voltage systems are designed specifically for the environment in which they will be operating. These systems are made to produce the necessary watts (that meet ASHRAE standards) to melt snow in the most efficient time possible.

Floor heating cable being installed

Some low voltage systems on the market have some distinct advantages over line voltage. RoofHeat STEP and FloorHeat STEP are low voltage, but does not rely on heat cables to generate heat. Instead it is constructed of a unique polymer heating element that requires no embedding in thinset and can be installed directly under carpet pad, hardwood and even for use on your roof for snow and ice melting. The biggest advantage of RoofHeat STEP is that you can hammer nails into it without worry of damage!

Myth 3: Low voltage systems are easier to repair.

Both line voltage and low voltage cables are easy to repair. Simply remove the bad section of cable, add in a splice kit, cover it back over with whatever surface it’s in, and the system should operate as normal. You do not have to replace the entire cable or rip out the entire surface, only the area that is damaged. The location of the break can be identified by using devices such as the DEVItrace from Danfoss or a TDR, which uses radio frequencies and a “wand” to locate the damaged section of cable.

Myth 4: Low Voltage systems are more efficient.

While Warmzone carries both low-voltage and line-voltage systems, low voltage systems are NOT necessarily more efficient. Since these systems have a much lower output of heat per square foot; they can take longer to melt snow, especially during heavy snow storms and probably will not be able to keep up with the demand. Further increasing their inefficiencies, most low voltage systems must have the electricity pass through a transformer and very thick power leads (2 gauge), which causes voltage to drop as it travels distance before reaching the heating element. Line voltage cables have the energy to go directly into heating, without the loss of power. Overall, both line and low voltage systems are more efficient than hydronic snow melting.

Myth 5: Low voltage systems offer a better warranty.

Some low voltage warranties are very deceiving. They boast of a 25 year warranty period, but when examined closer it is found that the 25 year warranty only covers the heating wire. As discussed earlier these heating wires are actually THHN or THWN, which can be purchased relatively cheaply at any hardware store. The ideal low-voltage system features a flexible polymer heating element, such as RoofHeat STEP.

Low-voltage roof heating element
RoofHeat STEP low-voltage polymer heating element.

Warmzone also backs up its line voltage cable with one of the best manufacturer warranty in the business.

Myth 6: Both systems provide sufficient heat.

Low voltage systems in most snow melting applications do not meet the ASHRAE standards. The minimum watts per square foot ASHRAE requires in North America is 32 watts per square foot. Popular low voltage systems on average are designed to produce approximately 20 watts per square foot and with extremely tight spacing will max out at 30, still below the standards ASHRAE has set forth.

Line voltage systems are designed specifically for the environment in which they will be operating. These systems are made to produce the necessary watts (that meet ASHRAE standards) to melt snow in the most efficient time possible.

Myth 7: Both systems are UL Approved.

Most low voltage snow melting systems are not UL listed. Warmzone’s line voltage systems are UL tested and approved.

SYSTEM WEAKNESSES

  • THHN/THWN wire was not designed for concrete embedding. The outer jacket is soft and easily cut which will shorten its life.
  • Low heat output – Does not satisfy ASHRAE requirements.
  • Bulky and costly controls (transformer and control box are 100 lbs per 200 square foot zone).
  • Warranty – only covers THHN/THWN wire. Control box is 1 year, transformer is 5 years.
  • Slow to install – the transformer and control box are complicated and time consuming to install.
  • Noise – transformers emit noise and location of them must be considered.
  • Price – low-voltage systems are typically double the price of a comparable line–voltage system.

As radiant heating systems have gained popularity, a lot of fly-by-night manufacturers are trying to cash in on the recent boom. This sparked ASHRAE to come out with standards for radiant snow melting systems to prevent abuse from manufacturers. Most low voltage radiant snow melting systems don’t meet the ASHRAE standards for quality and efficiency. Unfortunately, not all consumers are aware of standards in the radiant industry and purchase faulty products unwittingly and end up with negativity towards radiant heating in general. Rest assured there are plenty of efficient radiant systems that will run smoothly for decades without needing any maintenance. Make sure to do thorough research before purchasing any products, which means checking for proper safety certifications and standards, and you won’t regret it.

NOTE: IN 2012, WARMZONE UPGRADED TO THE ADVANCED LOW-VOLTAGE SYSTEM, FEATURING A FLEXIBLE POLYMER HEATING ELEMENT, WHICH IS SAFER, EASIER TO INSTALL, AND MORE EFFICIENT THAN PREVIOUS LOW-VOLTAGE SYSTEMS.

HOTNEWS

Snow and Ice Removal Made Easy

It’s that time of year to dig out the coats, snow boots and Halloween costumes again. But there is still time to decide how you want to spend your time this winter season. Are you going to be laboring with your snow shovel to keep your walks and driveways clear, or are you going to relax and let a heated driveway do all the work?

A driveway heating system may seem like a luxury you can’t afford, but Warmzone is making it easier than ever. Whether you want to heat an existing driveway or create a stylish new brick paver driveway, Warmzone offers the industry leading ClearZone snow melting cable to keep your driveway free of snow all winter long.

Radiant snow melting mats and cable

The ClearZone cables are ideal for melting snow in just about any outdoor area, including the growing trend for building outdoor living spaces for recreational and entertainment purposes. Past newsletters have highlighted outdoor living space projects, such as outdoor parlors, each of them using the ClearZone cables to ensure the ultimate in comfort, longevity and ease of use. An outdoor space is a great way to add value and comfort to your home, while still staying within your means.

ClearZone cables are made specifically to withstand the harshest construction applications and extreme weather conditions. Durable ClearZone snow melting cables can be embedded in concrete and asphalt, as well as under brick pavers.

Using concrete saw cutting technology, existing driveways, walkways, ramps and commercial areas can be easily retrofitted with a CZ snow melting system. Advancements in electric radiant snow melting systems have made these systems more energy efficient than ever (99 percent of power consumed goes to snow melting).

A ClearZone snow melting system is available in two different forms: cable on spools and pre-spaced in mats. The cable gives you added freedom when dealing with projects that involve odd shapes, or when installing a system into an existing concrete slab. The ClearZone snow melting mats are ideal for new projects because installation is quick and easy. Simply unroll the mat and continue standard install for concrete, asphalt and brick pavers.

Many snow melting systems on the market cannot withstand the harsh temperatures of new asphalt, and low-voltage systems do not pass the ASHRAE standard for snow melting systems. Warmzone offers the most comprehensive warranty on the market – 10 years and up to five times the cost of the original installation to repair any problems that may occur. Warmzone is a trusted manufacturer and provider of radiant heat solutions and has a worldwide reputation for making top quality radiant products.

Installing a snow melting system eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and snow removal devices, and will increase the life span of your driveway and the value of your home. Whether you’re looking to install a heated driveway or create a new, warm outdoor space, Warmzone can help you plan a system that keeps within your budget and provides a lifetime of benefits.

For more information about ClearZone heat cable and snow melting systems, visit www.warmzone.com, or call 888-488-9276 today.

Project Spotlight – Heated Driveway in Pennsylvania

is newsletter is all about getting ready for winter snow storms with outdoor snow melting systems, so it seems fitting for our Project Highlight to feature a residential heated driveway installed by one of our longtime customers and veteran contractor, Nathan Moyer, from Accent Radiant Heating. This heated driveway turned out so beautifully, we’ve even featured photos from the project on our website.

The Riley family home is located in Milford, Pennsylvania, in a rural neighborhood that receives icy precipitation all winter long. The 1300-square foot driveway required constant maintenance, which became a problem for the Riley’s, of whom suffer from back problems. The house sits on the top of a small hill, making their driveway incline at an approximate slope of 15 degrees. The incline and size of the driveway, combined with the physical challenges of shoveling the snow, made installation of a snowmelt system a necessity.

Snow melting heat cable laid out for asphalt heated driveway.

Prior to winter, the Riley’s gave Accent Radiant Heating a call to explore their options for snow removal systems. Because their existing driveway was built of asphalt, Nathan recommended laying the heating cables on top of the old asphalt. The ClearZone snow melting system was recommended because of its’ unique ability to withstand the high temperatures of the new asphalt.

Using the ClearZone mats snow melting system (with the cable rows pre-spaced and woven into a flexible mat), laying the cables for the driveway was simply a matter of unrolling and connecting four rows of CZ mats. Nathan installed the entire 1300 square feet of radiant cables in about three hours.

After the cables were installed, the new layer of asphalt was shoveled over the cables, using the standard steps for laying asphalt. The installation and wiring of the heating cables to the automatic sensor and control units took Nathan approximately five hours to complete.

Retrofitting asphalt driveway with radiant heat

The end result was a beautiful new asphalt driveway and automated snow melting system that added only one day of work to a standard asphalt driveway repave.

If you are in the Pennsylvania area and are looking for indoor and/or outdoor radiant heat systems, Accent Radiant Heating offers expertise and outstanding service. Contact Nathan Moyer at 267-312-5099 for more information.

If you are out of this area and are interested in learning more about a snowmelt system, contact a Warmzone representative today or call toll free at (888) 488-WARM (9276).

Our knowledgeable staff of radiant heat experts will help you with all your questions and put you in contact with a qualified installer in your area.

Press Releases

Warmzone Offers New Wall-mount Electric Heating Solution

Salt Lake City, Utah, September 19, 2008 — To accommodate the growing need for alternative heating solutions, Warmzone introduces the ECO-heater, an innovative electric wall-mounted room heater. The ECO-heater signifies an advancement in residential and commercial heating, and runs completely independent of harmful fossil fuels.

ECO-heater panel heater mounted on wall

Many homes have outdated, inefficient heating systems that are costly to run. Oftentimes, retrofitting a home with alternative green heating methods is time consuming and costly. However, the ECO-heater makes it possible to be “green” and switch from gas heating to electric heat in less than a single afternoon, without breaking the bank.

A single wall-mount ECO-heater effectively heats an entire 10×12 foot room and is up to 75 percent more efficient than other whole room heaters. A unique feature of the ECO-heater is the ability to paint it any color that you want, allowing you to match the decor of your room. Another attractive feature of the ECO-heater is its silent, heat generating performance. Traditional forced air room heaters cause drying of the skin; however, the ECO-heater operates without the use of noisy fans and air blowers, giving you added health and comfort benefits.

The technology is behind the wall-mount heater is simple. Using convection air technology, air is drawn into the 1-inch gap between the wall and the heater. The heated air rises from the top of the heater and produces a natural circulation of warm air around the room. Because the ECO-heater only reaches a surface temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it won’t burn the skin and can be mounted anywhere in the room. Wall-mount heaters take up little space, and aren’t at risk of tipping over and causing fires.

In addition to home heating, ECO-heaters are great heating solutions for garages, drafty room additions, and keeping livestock warm in barns and enclosed areas because of its safety features. Whether you want to switch your entire home to electric heat, or want an alternative heat method to reduce the usage of your gas heaters, the ECO-heater is clearly an ideal choice.

Using products that support renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydro-power methods in your home is an easy way for everyone to do their part to help the environment. The best part – you get to save money while you do it!

The ECO-heater wall-mount heater doesn’t require hardwiring or an electrician to install. It plugs easily into standard AC outlets and can be used with plug-in or hard wired thermostats. The installation kit that comes with each ECO-heater makes it easy for everyone to begin enjoying the comforts of convection air, wall-mounted heaters today.

For more home heating solutions, contact Warmzone. Our professional staff is always available to assist and help you choose the best heating systems that fit within your budget.

Articles

Project Spotlight – Runaway Truck Ramp in Connecticut

Two of the biggest reasons for installing a snowmelt system are safety and maintenance free snow removal. Safety was also the biggest concern for a dangerous stretch of road in Connecticut that has already claimed four lives. In an effort to prevent more accidents, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) set out to build a runaway truck ramp. CDOT chose Warmzone’s ClearZone snowmelt system to optimize the ramp’s safety.

Using saw-cut technology for installing radiant heat

The truck ramp is located in a mountainous metropolitan area of Connecticut, which created a unique problem. Because of limited space, the ramp could only be 480 feet long and required three metal nets to slow vehicle speed in the event of brake failure. The ramp walls are two feet thick and five feet high and reinforced from within with steel to stop a car from breaking through the ramp.

The nets coupled with the thick high walls made traditional methods of snow removal virtually impossible. There was no place to put plowed snow, and the metal safety nets had to be removed each time snow removal was required. The safety of the ramp was severely compromised when snow or ice gathered, making removal critical. A snow melting system was the best option to keep the ramp safe and functioning properly all year-round.

Grooves cut for heat cable  Retrofitting a runaway truck ramp with radiant heat

    Views of grooves cut for radiant heat cable to be installed.

Projects of this scale usually require more installation expertise than that of a small snowmelt system, which is why Warmzone’s technical specialist, Dan Mignogna, traveled to Connecticut to assist with the installation. With over 32 years of experience as an electrician and an expert in radiant heating, Mignogna worked closely with the CDOT team to determine the proper system installation and wiring of the automatic snow sensors.

The easiest method for installing a snowmelt system is beneath new asphalt, pavers or concrete. For this project, the ClearZone cables needed to be installed into existing asphalt using concrete saw-cutting technology. The cables were embedded 3 inches into the asphalt and covered using sealant. Each row of CZ cable was spaced 6 inches apart. The entire project required 12,960 feet of ClearZone snow melting cable.

The CDOT runaway truck ramp is scheduled for completion in early September of 2008. Click on the link for more information about ClearZone snowmelt systems.

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Long Term Solutions for Dangerous Roof Snow and Ice

Many of us are diligent about keeping our walkways and driveways free from snow and ice, but we often overlook the hazards of snow and ice build-up on our roofs. If you live an area plagued with heavy snowfall, the accumulation of snow and ice on your roof can cause major structural damage, especially if you own an older home; not to mention the increased risk of serious injury resulting from falling ice. Finding an inexpensive long term solution, such as a radiant heating roof de-icing system, is essential to the structural integrity of your home as well as the safety of you and your guests.

According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, most roofs are able to withstand around 20-pounds per square foot. This means your roof should not exceed 4 feet of new snow, 2 feet of old snow, or one inch of ice. To find out exactly how much weight your roof was designed to withstand, refer to your building design plan.

An even bigger danger is the formation of ice dams on roofs, usually caused by a warm attic melting snow, causing water to run down and refreeze near the roof gutter. Ice builds up and blocks regular drainage, allowing water to seep down and damage the attic and walls. The heavy ice formations on the eaves caused by ice dams are the most significant safety risks for businesses and home owners.

Manual roof snow and ice removal is dangerous business and can increase the chances of damage to the roof. Most safety and disaster prevention organizations recommend hiring a professional contractor to do the removal, but this only provides a one time, short term solution to the problem.

A roof de-icing system, such as Warmzone’s low-voltage roof heating systems, mount discreetly under the shingles (or metal) of the eaves and/or valleys of your roof, preventing the formation of ice dams. The option to heat the entire roof is also available. Warmzone also offers self-regulating radiant heat cable installed in channels of aluminum panels for maximum heat transfer to heat roof eaves. The system eliminates dangerous ice forming and greatly reduces the risk of damage to your roof. You will be able to skip the cost of hiring a professional contractor to remove snow after each heavy storm.

Self-regulating heat cable systems are surprisingly simple to install, offer maintenance free snow and ice removal, and best of all, they are efficient and have low operating costs. Investing in a roof de-icing system also raises the value of your home and extend the life of your roof.

Other preventive measures should be taken before snow begins to fall, such as clearing debris from all drainage systems. During winter months, it is important to keep your window wells and walls free of snow. Simple maintenance and the installation of a roof de-icing system will go a long way towards protecting your home or business from natural disasters, and eliminate the possibility of injury caused by falling ice.

About Warmzone
Warmzone provides consumers with energy-efficient, radiant heating solutions for homes and businesses. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Warmzone’s electricians and radiant heat experts will help you determine the best radiant heating solution, ranging from heated floors to large commercial snow and ice melt projects. Send us a plan or drawings and we’ll be happy to provide you with a FREE estimate and options for your roof heating and ice melting project.

HOTNEWS

Home Improvements for Your Feet and Your Pocket

A Smart Choice for Increasing Your Home’s Value

As the housing market crash continues, it seems that even the falling prices, incentives and rebates still aren’t enough to entice new buyers. A year ago a finished home would sell in 4.3 months, it now takes an average of 6.3 months. If you are already a home owner, switching your home from fossil fuel heating to electric radiant heat will not only help protect your investment, but provide an earth friendly efficient alternative that will make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

The best choice for radiant heating is the ComfortTile cable and mats. The CT systems continue to be Warmzone’s best selling electric heat product, and it’s no wonder considering Warmzone attaches a 10-year warranty to every system sold.

This system is the most robust radiant heating product on the market and is manufactured by an industry leader that has been providing quality products for decades.

ComfortTile floor heating mat
ComfortTile radiant floor heating cable pre-spaced in mat.

The most popular spaces for radiant heat in the home are the kitchen and bathroom areas. These areas tend to be the largest area of tile in the home, which also makes it the most difficult to heat. Forced air heating systems only warm the air, which leaves the floors cold and drafty during cold weather months. Radiant heat provides a uniform temperature from ceiling to the floor and warms all the objects and furniture it contacts.

The ComfortTile radiant heating mats are the easiest systems to install. They arrive with the ComfortTile cable already affixed to the flexible mesh, which has a convenient, easy-to-use adhesive backing.

Warmzone’s website is filled with information about how to best install the product beneath tile, stone, and concrete applications. We also have a full staff of professionals available to help you through every step if you choose to install the system yourself. If installing it yourself isn’t your thing, Warmzone has a network of installation professionals in your area that are experienced installers of our systems.

Warmzone has now made the ComfortTile mats more affordable than ever, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the warmth of radiant heating in their homes. Now is the best time to start remodel projects and ready your home for the upcoming winter months, especially if you are pouring new concrete.

Project Highlight – University of Minnesota

Warmzone was recently approached by the Forestry Resources Department of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, with a horticulture study that needed Warmzone’s help. The solution: ClearZone radiant heating cables.

The University purchased 46 reels of ClearZone heat cable to measure growth variations in different temperature plots. University officials chose the ClearZone system because of the easy-to-program thermostat, versatility and high durability in outdoor conditions.

The radiant heat system enabled Forestry Department students and faculty to create controlled environments in which to conduct accurate growth rate studies.

Warmzone radiant heat used for university horticulture study

The predominant outdoor use for the ClearZone system is to heat driveways, parking lots, sidewalks and bridges. It is especially useful on disability ramps, where safety and ease of use is most important.

In the past, radiant heat systems have been viewed as a luxury that only a few could obtain. But that’s changing. More and more consumers living in cold regions are discovering that the benefits of radiant heating far outweigh the initial cost.

The study by the University has opened up new avenues for radiant heating that have never been used before. Although still a new concept, the study proves that radiant heat has the potential to be used by home and garden enthusiasts to create a tropical oasis in just about any location to maintain ideal growing conditions.

Articles

Automated Radiant Heat Snow Removal; What More Could Grandma Want?

Several of the people in my area are over the age of 75 and live alone. Being in an area that receives heavy snow fall, I can’t help but wonder how they can manage snow removal. More often than not, the elderly are at the mercy of their family or neighbors’ hospitality. Many elderly feel as though they are burdens to others, and some even hire professionals to remove snow. Senior citizens especially would benefit immensely from an automatic heated driveway or walkway snow melting system.

Considering that 50 percent of people over the age of 75 will either die or be forced to enter institutional care because of injuries sustained from falls, any kinds of safety precautions are extremely important. Walkways that are frequently used, such as entryways and paths to trash cans, are the highest priority for snow melting. An electric snowmelt system would automatically remove snow and ice and ensure safety, as well as help the elderly to avoid the feeling of burdening friends and family.

The cost of healthcare continues to rise at unprecedented rates, bringing “prevention” to the forefront of personal care. Most businesses are installing heated walkways in areas where safety is the highest priority, such as disability ramps and steep walkways that receive heavy traffic. The cost of installing and running a snow melting system is much lower than the cost of medical bills or lawsuits resulting from someone slipping on a business premises.

Heated driveways and electric snow melting systems are environmentally friendly, unlike using salt and chemicals, which causes calcium chloride to damage nearby foliage and run into rivers and water supplies. The cost to operate a snow melting system is much less than the cost to use salt and chemicals after each snowfall or hire maintenance crews to remove snow.

Several snowmelt options are available. Radiant snowmelt systems can be installed to heat entire driveways and sidewalks, or radiant heating cable can be installed in specific areas such as a pair of 2-foot wide tire tracks on a driveway or heating the middle 3 feet of a sidewalk for more economical reasons. The heated driveway systems available on www.heatdrive.com offer automated operation which includes a sophisticated activation device that turns on the snow melting system when it senses precipitation and temperatures are below 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow sensors like these are necessary for the most energy-efficient snowmelt systems and prevent needless energy consumption.

Electric snow melting systems have come a long way since they were first introduced. A heated driveway was originally considered a luxury that only the rich could afford, but current radiant heat systems cost less per square foot, are easily installed and consume less energy. Snowmelt systems are available in electric or hydronic, but typically the electric systems are easier to install and require less maintenance. For more information on electric radiant heat and FREE estimate and options for your roof heating and ice melting project.