Articles

Green Heating for Your Home

Everyone seems to be seeing green nowadays. Words like “energy efficient, green construction” and “biodegradable” are used on a daily basis, and most of us believe that buying products with these labels means we are doing our part to save the environment. Auto makers jumped on the eco-friendly bandwagon, advertising vehicles that are gas-friendly to gas-free, which basically means 30 MPG and can run on mostly renewable E85 ethanol. What mostly renewable means, you’ll have to ask General Motors and Ford. Taking into account that Europe is considering implementing a 60 MPG minimum on cars, these early “gas friendly” cars look not-so-friendly.

One possible way to be more green or to incorporate green construction into an existing home, is investing in products that run on renewable energy such as electricity rather than fossil fuels. It’s true that most of the world’s electricity is produced using coal, nuclear, and natural gas. While this may not seem like a better alternative, consider the totally renewable energy sources of electricity such as solar, hydro and wind. As fossil fuels become scarcer, these renewable energy sources will be the forefront in energy production.

So where can you start? Most homes in America are heated using gas, and most of us can’t ignore the rising costs. Lowering the thermostat to barely tolerable temperatures may be your solution, but if you have children who are blissfully ignorant about the cost of heating, they have probably been tempted once or twice to warm things up when you weren’t looking. An alternative heating to gas that is hugely popular in Europe, and one that your children are guaranteed to love, is radiant heat.

Oddly enough, radiant heat is actually the oldest form of heating homes, originating all the way back to the Romans. Yeah, they were pretty smart. When most of us think of radiant heat, we think of hydronic technology. For those of you who are still in the dark, a hydronic system heats the floor of a home through a heated water loop or underground piping.  Drawbacks to these types of systems are a significant rise in the height of the floor, high cost, and difficulty to install.

An even better form of radiant heating runs on electricity. There is no magic behind it, just a wire or cable that is easily installed beneath hardwood, tile, cement and even carpet. Some systems don’t raise the floor at all, while others result in less than a half an inch of floor buildup, and much of the system can be installed by any ambitious do-it-yourselfer. The best part? It is energy efficient, consuming only 12 watts per square foot (many systems are even less), and you are able to heat your home comfortably at lower temperatures because the electric radiant heat warms all the objects it comes in contact with.

Allergy sufferers will be pleased to know that because electric radiant heating does not use forced air to heat, it won’t stir up dust, pollens, and other allergens in the air. Forced air heating systems also dry out your skin significantly, not to mention they take a fair amount of time to warm up your home. With radiant heated floors, your home heats up almost instantly, evenly and much more comfortably.

Something not easily digested is that America consumes 43 percent of the world’s motor gasoline, 25 percent of its crude petroleum, 25 percent of its natural gas, and 23 percent of its hard coal. Investing in energy efficient products that run on electricity, like electric radiant heat, just might cut down these numbers and make your home a green home. Not to mention make you feel a little better, make your home warmer, and your wallet just might be a little thicker.

Press Releases

Warmzone Cited in Wall Street Journal

Online Wall Street Journal Interviews Warmzone Sales Manager, Bryan Morris

The Wall Street Journal recently cited Warmzone Sales Manager, Bryan Morris, in an online article, “ The New Cold Warrior,” published January 19, 2011. The piece features an in-depth view of the various snow removal tools and methods that are available to homeowners nowadays; ranging from battery operated snow blowers and ergonomic shovels to fully automated radiant heat systems. The general emphasis of the article is that high-tech snow removal solutions are on the rise because they are not only easy on the driveway and surrounding property, but also on the body.

Much of the exposé was devoted to Warmzone, including a spotlight on one of its recent snow melting projects. Richard Silverstein of Chappaqua, N.Y., purchased the snow melting system from Warmzone for his home’s steep 8,000-square-foot stone-paver driveway and walkways around his outdoor hot tub. The 60-year-old neuro-ophthalmologist works out of his house and was concerned that patients and visitors might hurt themselves because of icy conditions. The Journal was particularly interested in the Silverstein job because of the size and scope of the project.

Dr. Silverstein emphasized that he didn’t want to be at the mercy of numerous plows and snow blowers, but instead wanted to be “stress free” during the winter months. That’s when he decided to explore the options for radiant heat. Bryan Morris was the Warmzone representative who answered Dr. Silverstein’s call. Together with a team of designers and electrical engineers, Morris worked to develop the extensive snow melting system.

“At Warmzone,” Morris stated, “we deal with a variety of affordable environmentally green products; ranging from interior floor heating solutions to heated driveways and snow melting systems that melt snow and ice from roofs, gutters, walkways, ramps, etc.  Our approach is to thoroughly understand our customer’s needs, recommend services and solutions to meet those needs, and to support them before, during and after the sale.”

As a leader of radiant heat solutions, Warmzone carries a host of industry-leading snow melting and radiant floor heating products. The company also provides professional radiant heat design services along with detailed CAD drawings of each radiant heat system.

The Wall Street Journal article further elaborated on the components of Warmzone’s automated snow melting systems in addition to the cost and benefits of electric radiant heating. For a FREE quote, or to learn more about Warmzone heated driveways, roof deicing or radiant heated floors, visit the Warmzone website or call a radiant heat expert today, at 888.488.9276.

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HOTNEWS

More Than One Way to Heat a Driveway

When it comes to Radiant Heated Driveway Systems, you may have more Options than you Realize.

So you’ve decided that a radiant heated driveway is in your future, and may be asking, now what? If you’re looking for high-quality, reliable radiant heat solutions, look no further than Warmzone. As a trusted provider of quality radiant heat solutions, Warmzone has made a name for itself by offering the best selection and prices available on radiant snow melting systems and heated floors, and for providing a creative approach to finding solutions to meet the needs of its customers.

Warmzone takes three general approaches to heated driveway installation. To keep paved areas completely clear and free of snow and ice, radiant heating cable can be installed underneath entire driveway and/or walkway surfaces. Other snow melting options include installing either an 8-10 foot wide strip of heating cable, or two 24-inch wide tracks of radiant heat cable up the middle or main traffic area of your driveway.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

Warmzone has built a reputation not only on their approach to a variety of radiant heat systems, but on their state-of-the-art products. ClearZone cable is durable resistance heat cable used to melt snow and ice in harsh weather conditions. It is built specifically for heated driveways, sidewalks and other common areas that require snow removal in the worst conditions. Easy to install and easily customizable, ClearZone heat cable provides an effective, energy efficient and environmentally friendly snow removal solution that is virtually maintenance free.

ClearZone electric radiant snow melting cable is available in pre-configured sections, or mats, for easy installation. These snow melting mats are built specifically for electric heated driveway systems, sidewalks and other common areas. They’re designed for ease of installation and proper cable spacing for optimum snow melting efficiency, whether you choose to heat an entire driveway, or target high-traffic areas. They can be rolled out for safe installation in new concrete pours, under pavers and even in high-temperature new asphalt projects.

Custom Heated Driveways  (Continued)
Of course, you may not be ready to pour a new driveway right now. Perhaps the thought of rolling out ClearZone snow melting cables or mats over your existing pavement does not appeal to your aesthetic sensibilities. But don’t rule out a heated driveway in your future just yet. ClearZone radiant heat cable is easily retrofitted into existing surfaces. Using concrete saw-cut technology, grooves can be cut into existing concrete or asphalt. The ClearZone radiant heat cable is then laid into the grooves and sealed with a special epoxy topcoat for efficient, effective snow removal.

Choose Warmzone, and you not only benefit from cutting-edge radiant heat technologies, but a team of radiant heat specialists with the experience and the expertise to design a snowmelt system to satisfy your objectives and budget. From start to finish, our professional designers can evaluate your radiant heating system requirements, and based on this information, create a detailed CAD schematic of your heated driveway system layout. You’ll know the electrical requirements, technical specifications and system performance expectations before heat cable is installed with no costly installation surprises later on.

Snow melting system installed under pavers

Warmzone stands proudly by the quality of our products and services. Our radiant heat products are tested and proven to be among the best in the industry. Call Warmzone today. Your initial consultation and project estimate is absolutely free.

For more information on radiant heated driveways, radiant floor heating, or roof deicing and gutter trace systems, browse our web site or call 888.488.9276 today.

Articles

Ancient Radiant Heating

The “Ancient” Art of Sustainable Living

As a current or future radiant heat consumer, you might fancy yourself to be part of a growing trend towards sustainable home heating. What you may not know is that although it is considered an emerging, “modern” trend among residential homeowners, radiant heat technology is actually thousands of years old.

Ancient Roman ruins reveal floor heating technology
Ruins of a Roman underfloor heating system. (Photo courtesy of Silvermel.)

The history of underfloor heating began in 10,000 BC with the Chinese, who used the word “kang”(original meaning, “to dry”) to describe what became known as a heated bed. Inhabitants drafted smoke from fires through stone covered trenches in the floors of their subterranean dwellings. The hot smoke heated the floor stones, radiating into their living spaces. Evidence of heated floors based on this principle were found in 5,000 B.C. in China and Korea.

The Greeks and Romans finessed the process in 500 B.C. with the hypocaust. Literally translated, hypocaust means “heat from below,” from the Greek word hypo meaning below or underneath, and kaiein, to burn or light a fire. This system was more efficient and less evasive than that of its Asian predecessor. It used pillars to raise the floors, creating a space underneath to circulate hot air. Spaces were left inside of the walls so that hot air and smoke from the furnace would pass through enclosed areas underneath the floor and out of flues in the roof, radiating heat through the walls along the way. While the hypocaust was a marked advancement in under floor heating, the process of heating itself was labor-intensive and high in fuel costs, making it a luxury for those living in villas, and at the public baths.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that standards were developed for underfloor heating systems. Five years later, radiant heat became a traditional system in residential buildings in some European and Nordic countries, and began to find its way into non-residential applications. These modern underfloor heating systems use either electric resistance elements (electric) or heated fluid flowing in pipes (hydronic) to heat floors. Both can be cast in concrete, placed under the floor covering, or attached directly to the wood sub floor. Either type can be installed as an alternative to forced air to improve home air quality and reduce heating costs associated with fossil fuels, or as a localized system for thermal comfort.

Electric radiant heat marks a growing trend in residential heating. Electric radiant under floor heating systems are less evasive and less costly to install than hydronic systems, which require skilled designers and tradesmen familiar with boilers, circulators, controls, fluid pressures and temperature for proper installation. Electric radiant heat systems are more efficient than hydronic systems. Powered by electricity, radiant heat cables can heat a surface in 30 to 60 seconds, unlike hydronic systems, which may take anywhere from 4-7 hours to heat a surface—a considerable difference in performance. Because there is a boiler involved, hydronic systems may be fueled by natural gas, oil, coal or wood, making them less environmentally friendly and more costly to operate.

Whether you choose electric or hydronic floor heating, Warmzone has the experience and expertise to install a radiant heat system that’s right for your home and your budget. Whichever you choose, you’ll have the comfort of knowing you’ve done your part to reduce your carbon footprint, improve your home’s air quality and maintain a warm, comfortable environment for your family. Be sure to visit www.warmzone.com for more information on how Warmzone can customize a sustainable home heating solution just for you.

HOTNEWS

Aging Population in the U.S. Looking for Convenience, Comfort and Safety

Whether you are a senior, live with or have a senior in your employ, undoubtedly your comfort and safety is a priority, particularly in the prevention of slip and fall accidents. In inclement weather, radiant heat snow melting systems not only help to protect seniors, but all employees and customers from potential ice and snow-related falls.

Just how likely is this problem for seniors? It is estimated that the majority of the lifetime cost for persons 65 and over is directly attributed to falls. Among people aged 65 to 69, one out of every 200 falls results in a hip fracture, and among those persons 85 years of age or older, one fall in ten results in a hip fracture. The most profound effect of falling is the loss of independent functioning. Twenty-five percent of those who fracture a hip require life-long nursing care. About 50 percent of the elderly who sustain a fall-related injury will be discharged to a nursing home rather than return home. Considering these disturbing trends, it’s not surprising that many home and business owners are turning to radiant heat to curtail this tragic trend.

Treacherous snowy driveway in need of radiant heat

Electric radiant heated driveways and walkways are a practical method of slip and fall prevention during inclement weather. Fully automated, these systems are activated by a high-performance snow sensor when precipitation is detected and temperatures dip below 39 degrees F. The sensor signals the master control box, initiating startup of the electric radiant heated driveway system. This heated driveway system not only eliminates the task (or in the case of seniors, the cost) of snow removal, it clears surfaces to prepare for foot traffic well before ice and snow buildup occurs, eliminating the possibility of a slip and fall due to changing weather conditions.

When it comes to maintaining a quality of life for seniors, radiant heat is not only valuable in terms of snow melting, but other applications as well. If you’re a senior, you can now say goodbye to unwelcome cold winter drafts in the home associated with traditional heat systems. Unlike forced air, electric radiant heated floors, once initiated, can heat a room quickly, radiating heat from the floor up. They can be safely installed under wood, carpet, and ceramic tile to keep seniors safe, warm, and protected against illnesses brought on by winter’s chill. By reducing the dependence on costly fossil fuels, they are equally cost-effective, and that’s important when you’re on a limited budget. And, with the help of a room-specific thermostat and sensors, you have the freedom to heat one room, or heat them all, depending upon your needs for even greater efficiency.

Large heated paver driveway

Due to medications, changes in vision and other health concerns, incidents of falling and illness increase dramatically with age. Each fall or medical setback brings with it a threat to independence. Taking preventive measures now is one way to lessen the chance of a fall, or illness, and ensure that seniors live healthy, productive lives well into old age.

Call a radiant heat expert (888.488.9276) to learn more about the snow melting and floor heating systems and options available for you.

Snow Melting Systems Work While you Sleep

The weather has been in the news a lot lately. Crazy storms are wreaking havoc on roads and structures across the country, as evidenced by the roof collapse of the Metrodome in Minnesota. The record snowfalls even resulted in the postponing of a couple of NFL football games, which hasn’t happened in decades. The storms have made many of us take stock in how prepared we are for these blizzards.

The fortunate homeowners with radiant snow melting systems installed were able to go about their days without missing a beat during these storms, but the folks without a heated driveway snow melting system were faced with considerable challenges. Repeated shoveling of driveways and sidewalks were necessary as a series of storms left heavy snow in their wake. The hours and efforts of manual snow removal took a toll, and many people simply couldn’t keep up with the winter barrage. For these folks, installing an automated snow melting system may be quickly jumping to the top of their priority lists.

Heated paver walkway

Heated driveways have automatic sensors that allow them to work even while you are asleep. The smart snow sensor signals the driveway heating system when weather conditions warrant, activating the heat cables and warming your driveway to keep it clear of snow and ice. You can rest easy and keep your aspirin in the cupboard, knowing that your snowmelt system will do the heavy labor while you get your sleep. Contact Warmzone to learn more about these affordable snow melting solutions.

HOTNEWS

Exploring the Facts Behind Different Roof Heating Systems

Better Dollars and Cents–Roof and Gutter Trace Kit or Warmzone Radiant Heat Solution?

Before you decide to purchase a radiant heated roof and gutter heat cable kit from your local hardware store, you may want to consult with Warmzone, your radiant heat specialists. Consider the average kit you can buy at a hardware chain. (Think Home Depot or Lowes). These roof deicing and gutter heat trace kits are generally inexpensive, pre-assembled and easy to install. Then there’s the warranty–at one year. What seems like a small price to pay initially really adds up when you consider replacing a roof deicing and gutter trace kit year after year, not only in dollars and cents but in time expended to install these systems.

Roof with snow and ice build up, in need of a roof deicing system.

Warmzone heat cables come with a comprehensive 10-year manufacturer warranty, whereas most others have, on average, 2-5 years. That’s because hardware store versions and most Warmzone competitors use a cable that has a low grade carbon base that burns out over a short period of time. Warmzone radiant heat cables, in comparison, use higher quality materials. Going back to the hardware store example, Warmzone roof heating cable’s warranty can be up to 10 times better, and as much as 2 to 5 times better than the competition!

Roof deicing and gutter heat trace cables can be easily compromised by constant sun exposure. Unlike the hardware store roof deicing and gutter heat trace kit, Warmzone radiant heat cables feature special coatings that offer better UV protection for a longer life span.

Low-voltage roof heating element

Do-it-yourself roof deicing and gutter heat cable kits take a one-size-fits-all approach to radiant heat, which may or may not serve your needs. For any installation, Warmzone takes into account where clients live, what they are trying to accomplish and their budget. Heat output varies depending on location and application, whether you are using it on a commercial building or a residential property. Warmzone has three different wattage cables (5, 8, and 10), so the ideal radiant heat solution can be designed for each individual location. Much like the hardware roof deicing and gutter melt kit, most competitors only offer one wattage cable, in hope that it works in all applications. Furthermore, every Warmzone roof deicing and gutter trace system uses automatic sensors for activation, making them extremely efficient, while most hardware kits feature a plug-in, continuous operating system.

Tackling home improvement projects if they are cost effective is a good idea; however, not if it means sacrificing quality, efficiency or safety. Before you decide on purchasing a radiant heat roof deicing and gutter melt kit from your local hardware store, contact the experts at Warmzone for a high-quality, dependable radiant heat solution that makes better dollars and cents for your budget.

Concrete Curing and Thawing Mats

When Regular Heat Just Won’t Cut it

When extreme temperatures hit during a long winter, projects can stand still. Like the ice the world becomes encased in, moving forward towards a deadline can become a frozen endeavor. Trying to do anything outside when a cold snap hits can be a unique challenge.

A product designed to combat the extreme cold can beat even regular heating. Take concrete for example: it can be your worst nightmare when it’s freezing. The air temperature can make or break a good concrete curing process. The Powerblanket® concrete curing and thawing blanket can quickly thaw anything in extremely low temperatures. If you need to ensure the ultimate protection for a concrete pour, you might do yourself a favor and invest in a Powerblanket concrete curing blanket. They come in many sizes and may even be plugged into other Powerblankets to create a custom size matching your project needs.

If you are looking to penetrate frozen ground quickly, you may also find the Powerblanket a handy solution. The super duty extra hot concrete blanket is able to thaw up to 18 inches of ground overnight. Facing the daunting challenge of breaking through that much ground unaided would make anyone nervous. Luckily digging in cold weather is just what a Powerblanket was designed for. The Powerblanket is a versatile and flexible outdoor heating blanket. These portable heating mats are used for a variety of home and construction applications when regular heat just won’t cut it.

Warmzone is the premier provider of radiant heat solutions. Call a radiant heat expert (888.488.9276) to learn about the snow melting and floor heating systems and options available for you.

Articles

Radiant Heat for Snow Melting

Snow Melting Systems – Technology for the Ages

While radiant heated driveways are viewed as a relatively modern convenience, you might be surprised to know that radiant heat has been around since antiquity. The Romans actually utilized raised-slab floors and an exterior wood fired furnace to heat their villas. As hot gases from the furnace would enter the house below floor level, they were naturally drawn through the floors up and out of the walls, radiating heat along the way.

Of course, radiant heat technology has come a long way. Durable, easily installed and inconspicuous, it clears the driveways and sidewalks we travel on, and warms our floors (along with our soles). Great news if you’ve ever considered a heated driveway in your future!

Today’s heated driveways are made up of three main elements: the heating element, the controller and the snow sensor or activation device. Controlled by either a wall-mounted control box, snow melting systems can be activated manually; or, with the help of sensors, automatically as conditions change.

ClearZone radiant heat cable comes with several benefits. Safely installed in new concrete pours, under pavers and in harsh, high-temperature new asphalt projects, it delivers unmatched durability. ClearZone cable can be customized to meet performance and space requirements for virtually any snowmelt project. Featuring a unique, maintenance-free design, a 10-year manufacturers warranty and the quickest response time, ClearZone cable is built to consistently outperform the competition.

Warmzone’s compact 6 x 3.5-inch wall-mounted snowmelt control unit monitors the activity of the entire heated driveway system. The snowmelt control unit can be switched on/off (standby) and the heating system can be forced on in case of blowing snow or ice formation due to wind or shade. It features manual override capability, and can also be controlled using an external signal, from a day/week timer, GSM-module or other signal source.

When moisture is present and the preset temperature is reached, it is the snow sensor—whether aerial-mounted or mounted within the pavement—that relays the information to the controller to activate the snow melting system. Once the trigger temperature is set, the sensor switch will only activate a radiant heated driveway when needed, saving energy and operating costs.

As radiant heat technology has evolved, the ease of installation and the chief benefits of snow melting systems–efficiency and convenience–make heated driveways more compelling than ever. You can install heated driveways during pre- or post-construction phases, in almost any medium. The good news—with so much expertise and experience, Warmzone can easily customize a snowmelt system solution that’s right for your specific needs and budget.

Articles

Carwash Owners ― Protect Yourself and Your Business by Installing a Radiant Heat Snow and Ice Melting System

Protecting your car wash against the liability of slips and falls is becoming an increasing concern for business owners with car washes in cold climates. If you are in an area that receives heavy precipitation, keeping up with snow and ice removal means constant maintenance. Even the overspray from a car wash can create dangerous walking areas in and around each bay.

The easiest and most effective means of removing snow and ice is not the use of chemicals and salt, (which oftentimes customers are visiting your carwash to remove), but by installing a radiant heat snow melting system beneath the surface of the concrete drives and walkways. It is wise to heat 3-4 feet on the entrance and discharge aprons, as well as customer walkways and areas. If you are looking to invest in a car wash in a cold climate, or have already done so, you are probably already aware that your wash should not go without an embedded radiant heating system.

The demand for safe car washes has become a serious topic due to preventable accidents and expensive settlements in recent years. Automatic snow melting systems are great investments for self-serve car washes, not only for safety, but by increasing your customers’ satisfaction. You will be able to sleep easy knowing that at any hour of the day dangerous snow and ice will be removed, making your employees and customers as safe as possible.

Most automated snowmelt systems operate with the use of a sensor, which automatically activates when snow fall and precipitation are detected and approximate temperatures are below 39 degrees Fahrenheit, melting the snow before it ever has a chance to build up. Because the system is automatic, maintenance to remove snow and ice is completely eliminated anywhere the system has been installed.

The quickest installation of this type of system should be done before the concrete has been laid, but there is also a means of installing the snow melt heating cables into existing concrete by using concrete saw-cut technology. Eliminating the use of chemicals, salts, snow removal devices and ice on the concrete, will increase the concrete’s longevity and keep your carwash looking new for much longer.

Good insurance is a necessity for any business owner and an important step in getting legally protected. Good insurance comes at a high cost, and decreasing your chances of liability will decrease your cost. When comparing the cost savings for insurance and the decreased chances of an expensive lawsuit, there is no question that installing a radiant snow melting system is a must. If you are faced with the unfortunate circumstance of a lawsuit, any preventive action on your part will be a huge help in building your case.

HOTNEWS

Premium Home Amenities – Hot on Any Occasion

Add a little comfort and convenience to your life with radiant floor heating. ComfortTile radiant floor heating systems also offer several benefits.

ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and thermostat
ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and programmable thermostat.

Allergy sufferers will appreciate the ComfortTile radiant floor heating system because it does not require forced air, which spreads dust, pollen and other particles into the air. A radiant heated room warms almost instantly, beginning at the floor and rising upwards.

Radiant heated bathroom floors are particularly popular among home owners. Placing CT heating cable beneath the flooring results in comfort that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. Typically, consumers who have installed a floor heating system claim that they will never go without radiant heated floors again. Most home owners discover the comfort and economic benefits of radiant heat after installing a system in the bathroom, and soon afterwards want the same comfort throughout their homes.

These are just two of the many products offered by Warmzone that are centered around making your home as luxurious as an expensive resort. Pamper yourself with the comfort and convenience of a heated bidet and warm radiant floor!

Project Spotlight
You probably know how outdoor radiant heating cable is installed before pouring the concrete, but what happens when you want to install it in existing cement? That was the problem Warmzone needed to solve for Lockheed Martin, an advanced technology company with a facility located in Denver, Colorado.

Lockheed Martin has a 5500 square-foot ramp accessing a rooftop parking garage. The concrete ramp proved difficult to plow in the winter, and costs to maintain the structure had grown increasingly expensive. During the day, some snow would melt, but the water would re-freeze at night, creating stress on the concrete and making it difficult for employees to access the parking lot in the morning.

Warmzone’s ClearZone snow melting system proved to be the perfect solution, and installers from Silver Leaf Home Improvements in Montrose, Colorado were up for the job!

The solution was simple. Using concrete saw-cut technology, grooves were cut into the ramp from edge to edge at 4-inch spacing. The ClearZone 480 volt, three-phase radiant heat cable was then laid into the grooves and sealed into the ramp using an epoxy topcoat. Before the epoxy cured, Silver Leaf applied a sand broadcast on the surface to create added traction and safety to the ramp.

The end result was a radiant heated ramp with an automatic sensor to activate the system during bad weather – good news for employees of Lockheed Martin! Not only does the ramp require less maintenance with the new radiant heat system, the lifespan of the ramp has also been extended! Plow systems, snow melting chemicals and expanding ice weaken and crack cement, significantly shortening its lifespan.

Lockheed Martin was thrilled with the results and the outstanding installation work performed by Silver Leaf Home Improvements.

HOTNEWS

Snow Removal Responsibilities

The Changing Legal Climate Surrounding Snow Removal.

While we can hope that this year’s snowfall won’t top last year’s record levels, snow removal will take on an increased sense of urgency this year in Massachusetts. In addition to the grueling physical demands, a recent shift in the laws regarding snow removal will have homeowners much more attentive to the condition of their sidewalks following each storm.

Manually shoveling snow
Keeping your driveway and sidewalks clear of snow and ice during the winter months can be a daunting task.

For business owners, the laws mandating snow removal are clear and unforgiving. Neglecting snow removal can result in fines levied by local government as well as leave businesses vulnerable to costly personal injury lawsuits. The consequences can be devastating, but for the most part, these are avoidable expenses, and as such, businesses in cold climates take their snow removal duties seriously. But the legal responsibilities of snow removal are not confined to businesses. Homeowners in the north east are also feeling the chill of a legal climate change.

A Massachusetts court recently overturned a 125-year-old “slip and fall” accident law. Prior to this latest decision, the state’s courts made a distinction between snow and ice conditions caused by nature and those caused artificially. Not anymore.

In the past, Massachusetts law had stated that property owners did nothing wrong when they didn’t remove ice or snow that accumulated naturally. But now, whether the snow on your sidewalk is a natural accumulation from Mother Nature or the result of a passing snow plow, the responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of the homeowner to clear that snow from the sidewalk. Essentially, the new ruling states that walkways in Massachusetts must be safe to walk on at all times, making homeowners liable for “slip and fall” accidents that occur on their property.

While diligent snow shoveling and timely distribution of ice melting chemicals can enhance safety and reduce the chances of personal injury, it’s hard for any homeowner to feel completely at ease during the winter cold spell. There are no “anti-lawsuit” guarantees, but radiant snow melting systems are proving to be the most popular long term remedy for “litigation angst”. The automated systems ensure safe, snow-free sidewalks, whether you are asleep in bed, at work, or just relaxing in the front room with a hot cup of coffee.

Electric snowmelt systems are activated by a high-tech snow sensor that signals the unit’s controller when it detects precipitation and temperatures are below 39° Fahrenheit. The control unit then sends power to the embedded heat cable, warming the driveway or sidewalks. Installing a heated driveway not only eliminates the time consuming, arduous task of manual snow removal, but provides peace of mind by enhancing safety as well as increasing the value of your property.

Contact Warmzone and find out more about how radiant heat can become a part of your winter weather strategy.

Is Your Roof an Accident Waiting to Happen?

Each Winter Storm May Slowly be Compromising the Integrity of your Roof

Every winter, homeowners in cold climates experience the damaging effects of heavy snow and ice as it accumulates on their roofs. Contrary to the seemingly harmless splendor of winter’s white wonderland, snow can cause as much damage as fires, severe storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards.

Beneath the serene blanket of fresh snow on your roof, destructive forces are silently at work, stressing your home’s structure and gradually infiltrating the vulnerable areas of your roofing like an unrelenting cavity gnawing away at your tooth.

In freezing climates, two common types of roof damage are responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars of roof repair. Ice dams and condensation of water vapor on cold surfaces in the attic slowly take their toll on roofs, and the consequences can lead to safety hazards as well as expensive repairs.

Ice dams are typically the most problematic areas of roofs in climates with freezing temperatures. When the temperature in the attic is above freezing, it can cause the snow on the roof to melt and trickle down the roof valleys. When it hits the colder eaves, it refreezes.

As this cycle repeats over several days, the freezing snowmelt results in ice buildup that acts as a dam, causing water to slowly back up behind it. The melting snow continues to run down the sloping roof, accumulating at the dam and causing several potential risks. It eventually backs up under the roof covering and can leak into the attic, and perhaps, even along exterior walls. Because the warm air of the living space below the roof penetrates the attic, it is difficult to avoid the conditions that cause ice dams naturally. However, the good news is that you can protect yourself from the danger and excessive costs associated with roof damage.

Warmzone roof heating systems are discreetly installed under the roofing and eliminate prolonged ice damming that can cause severe roof damage. Investing in a quality roof heating system and protecting your home from structural damage and dangerous icicles can save you a considerable amount of money in the future.

Roof deicing system heating roof edges and valley

Automated roof heating systems can be customized to accommodate just about any roof type and configuration. Warmzone examines each project individually to determine which system will provide the optimal solution. A valued roof deicing system is based on its cost, performance and aesthetics. Based on your budget and needs, Warmzone will maximize your investment to the best working system possible. (A variety of proven roof heating options are available to choose from.)

Warmzone roof heating systems are controlled by automatic sensors that activate the heating elements when conditions warrant. Warmzone roof heating systems have been installed in most cold regions around the country and are still the most effective for roof deicing. RoofHeat deicing systems are a wise investment that could save you thousands of dollars in repairs if you live in an area with harsh winters. The energy-efficient roof heating systems are ideal for new construction and/or remodeling of existing roofs.

In addition to roof heating, Warmzone is a premier provider of radiant heated driveways and floor heating systems. Call a Warmzone radiant heat expert (888-488-9276) to learn about the systems and options available for you.

Premier Radiant Heat Solutions