Articles

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.

Press Releases

Wisconsin Says Goodbye to Outdated Snow Melting Law

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) May 27, 2008 – Wisconsin governor, Jim Doyle, recently passed a law abolishing the 1980’s law banning heated sidewalks, stairs, entrances and pedestrian walkways in Wisconsin. Wisconsin was the only state to ban heated sidewalks in response to the 1970’s energy crisis.

In a state that received 100 plus inches of snow during the 2007-2008 winter, it is a wonder that the law was not repealed sooner. Many Wisconsin businesses and service providers, such as the Marathon County Public Library, waited for the law to abolish before beginning walkway and stairway construction projects. Safety was the biggest concern and reason behind installing a radiant heat snow melting system.

Current snow melting systems are more environmentally friendly than the use of salt and chemicals to melt the snow, which causes calcium chloride to run into rivers and water supplies. Radiant heat systems are more cost effective in the long run than continual salt dumping and removal, and also extend the life of the cement.

Snow melting systems carried at Warmzone use a sophisticated activation device that only turns the system on when it senses precipitation and temperatures are below 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional features include an adjustable temperature trigger point and an adjustable delay off cycle, which eliminates unnecessary energy usage. The ClearZone heated driveway cable consumes only 30-50 watts per square foot and its response time is the quickest snow melting system on the market (requires 30% less operation than other systems).

Best of all, the snow melt system runs on electricity, not fossil fuels. To make your snowmelt system the ultimate “environmentally friendly” radiant heating system, look into the possibilities of solar, wind, and hydro renewable energy sources.

It is recommended to install a snow melting and heated driveway system into new concrete, but radiant heat systems can also be installed in existing walkways, sidewalks and driveways. Concrete saw-cut technology and epoxy is typically used for retrofitting existing cement structures with radiant heat. For more information about installation and the latest snow melting technology, browse Warmzone’s website or call Warmzone at 888.488.WARM (9276).

About Warmzone
Warmzone’s mission is to match customer’s needs with the finest radiant heating systems available. As an intermediary between project requirements and a variety of system choices, Warmzone and warmzone.com offer non-biased, individualized solutions that factor the installation, durability, performance and operational investment as the key criteria of their customers.

 

Press Releases

Warmzone Donates Radiant Heat System to the Colorado Parade of Homes

April 17, 2008 – Warmzone recently donated ComfortTile radiant heat cables to the Colorado Parade of Homes. The radiant floor heating system was installed under tile floors in the master spa and coffee bar area of the luxury home, complementing the innovative design and elegance of the Bella Paradiso home. The custom home was built by Bartran Construction.

Ceramic tile was used for much of the home’s flooring, which posed a significant challenge for the builders in terms of finding an efficient solution for heating the home. ComfortTile radiant floor heating cables proved to be the ideal solution for the spatial house, serving as an efficiently heat source while keeping the construction process simple and on schedule. The electric radiant floor heating system was installed quickly and easily, providing the tiled floor areas with comfortable, efficient heat. The Warmzone floor heating system also has a fast response time, resulting in instant, evenly heated floors.

“What really surprised us was how easy the system was to install. The system went in flawlessly and without any setbacks. The installation instructions were clear and easy to read, and Warmzone’s tech support was so helpful in explaining and researching any questions that we had. As a large custom home, heating all of these areas was interesting, but once we hooked up the ComfortTile radiant heating system it was amazing how evenly and effectively the system produced heat. It will be a pleasant living environment for our customers to wake up to. I will be recommending your product on all of my jobs,” said Dan Zeigler, Superintendent of Bartran Construction, Inc.

The goal of the construction team was to build a home with elegance and tranquility, and was reminiscent of the charm of Northern Italy. Warmzone was the perfect compliment to the great features such as a chef’s center, butler’s pantry, a grand hall that accesses the gallery, and 2,000 sq. feet of outdoor living. The master suite includes a relaxation room that opens into a morning loggia, where the radiant floor heating was installed. No house claiming to be inspired by Italy can be complete without a wine cellar, wine tasting room, and wet bar.

The discovery of the superior comfort of under-floor heat has long since found popularity in European countries. More and more people in the United States seeking the same quality of living are modeling their homes with a European flare. Installing radiant floor heat is the simplest and quickest way to get there, especially for the remodel of existing homes. Warmzone will be there every step of the way, and offers full support, including a network of qualified installers across the country.

About Warmzone
Warmzone’s mission is to match customer’s needs with the finest radiant heating systems available. As an intermediary between project requirements and a variety of system choices, Warmzone and warmzone.com offer non-biased, individualized solutions that factor the installation, durability, performance and operational investment as the key criteria of their customers.

Warmzone and warmzone.com are registered marks and are the property of their respective owners.

Press Releases

Warmzone Offers In-Slab Heating Cable for Indoor Radiant Floor Heating

April 15, 2008 – Making a good thing better, Warmzone is adding to its most popular line of radiant heat products to reach an even wider range of users and radiant heat applications. The In-Slab floor heating system is now available for indoor radiant heating in both residential and commercial settings.

The In-Slab floor heating system can be lower in cost than the popular CT system, making radiant heating accessible to more people for their building projects. The In-Slab heating cable and radiant heat system works best in new concrete construction and can be installed under any flooring in both wet and dry environments. In-Slab radiant heating cable offers great features such as: durability, energy efficiency, a 10-year manufacturer warranty, safety approved, and versatility for rooms or walkways of any size and shape.

The In-Slab system can be installed by any competent do-it-yourselfer, or by a preferred Warmzone installer in your area. (However, be sure to have a licensed electrician wire the system.) The In-Slab radiant heat system is controlled by a thermostat with a built-in GFCI and in-floor sensor. The thermostat also has a built-in clock that allows you to program up to four events per day, with the option to manually change for a single event.

Electric radiant heating systems have been gaining popularity throughout Northern America, and many upscale resorts are installing radiant heat to entice customers seeking luxury amenities. Radiant heat is no longer thought of as only a luxury, but as an efficient means to heat homes or work spaces without the use of fossil fuels. The benefits of electric radiant heat extend far beyond added comfort, providing home owners and businesses a green alternative heating solution.

About Warmzone
Warmzone’s mission is to match customer’s needs with the finest radiant heating systems available. As an intermediary between project requirements and a variety of system choices, Warmzone and warmzone.com offer non-biased, individualized solutions that factor the installation, durability, performance and operational investment as the key criteria of their customers.

Warmzone and warmzone.com are registered marks and are the property of their respective owners.

Press Releases

Warmzone Offers Powerblanket Concrete Curing Blankets

Cold weather is a common roadblock to pouring concrete  and completing construction projects. Despite the arrival of spring, the ground can remain frozen for a considerable time, further delaying projects and adding to construction costs. A heated, insulated concrete curing blanket from Warmzone is a simple, energy-efficient solution for pouring concrete and completing quality cement work in cold conditions.

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) April 2, 2008 – Pouring concrete in cold weather is usually not a good idea. Even with the arrival of warmer temperatures, the ground can still remain frozen in many parts of the country. Typically, this means that construction projects involving concrete must wait until the ground thaws.

With the close of winter, most do-it-yourself types are eager to tackle projects that have been “on hold” during the cold season. However, in early spring, temperatures can still dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and at that temperature freshly-poured concrete can freeze or not cure properly.

The Powerblanket is an ideal solution to pouring concrete in cold weather. Electrically-heated Powerblankets are extremely durable, weatherproof concrete curing blankets for home and construction projects. From large outdoor projects to small indoor needs, versatile Powerblankets are available in a variety of sizes and designed to link together to fit the specific space requirements of your projects.

Most people try to use blankets or straw to keep concrete from freezing in cold weather. However just keeping the concrete from freezing isn’t enough. “No amount of blankets or straw will thaw frozen ground,  and the last thing you want to do is pour concrete on frozen ground,” notes Warmzone Executive VP of Sales, Brandon Weaver.

While it may be possible able to trap in some heat, this insulation won’t keep the temperature at an ideal level for maximum curing efficiency. “To pour concrete you need to have the temperature between 65 – 85° Fahrenheit – both to lay a strong foundation and to save hours and hours of time. Powerblanket is a solution,” notes Weaver, adding that the blankets are energy efficient.

The colder the temperature that concrete gets exposed to, the longer it will take to set and reach its maximum strength. For example, concrete that is steady at 70°F will set in approximately six hours, but at 40°F it will take 14 hours. At 70°F your concrete will be almost three times as strong as it would be if temperatures maintained at 40°F.

Powerblankets can be used for other insulation and warming needs in cold water, including: engine warming, bucket heating, wall curing, ground thawing, equipment warming, frozen pipe thawing, curb and gutter thawing, etc. The curing blankets can also be used on cement walls and columns.

The rugged Powerblanket is safe to handle in inclement weather and is extremely durable. The insulated, vinyl covered blankets can be driven on, pulled over rebar, dragged through mud and water, buried, and then rolled up or folded until it is needed again. Powerblankets can be a tremendous asset to contractors and do-it-yourselfers by preventing construction delays as well as enhancing the quality of cement work. The applications of the Powerblanket are virtually limitless.

Articles

Warmzone Offers Powerblanket Concrete Curing Blankets

Cold weather is a common roadblock to pouring concrete  and completing construction projects. Despite the arrival of spring, the ground can remain frozen for a considerable time, further delaying projects and adding to construction costs. A heated, insulated concrete curing blanket from Warmzone is a simple, energy-efficient solution for pouring concrete and completing quality cement work in cold conditions.

Pouring concrete in cold weather is usually not a good idea. Even with the arrival of warmer temperatures, the ground can still remain frozen in many parts of the country. Typically, this means that construction projects involving concrete must wait until the ground thaws.

With the close of winter, most do-it-yourself types are eager to tackle projects that have been “on hold” during the cold season. However, in early spring, temperatures can still dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and at that temperature freshly-poured concrete can freeze or not cure properly.

The Powerblanket® is an ideal solution to pouring concrete in cold weather. Electrically-heated Powerblankets are extremely durable, weatherproof concrete curing blankets for home and construction projects. From large outdoor projects to small indoor needs, versatile Powerblankets are available in a variety of sizes and designed to link together to fit the specific space requirements of your projects.

Powerblanket concrete curing mats and barrel warmers

Most people try to use blankets or straw to keep concrete from freezing in cold weather. However just keeping the concrete from freezing isn’t enough. “No amount of blankets or straw will thaw frozen ground — and the last thing you want to do is pour concrete on frozen ground,” noted Warmzone National Sales Manager, Bryan Morris.

While it may be possible able to trap in some heat, this insulation won’t keep the temperature at an ideal level for maximum curing efficiency. “To pour concrete you need to have the temperature between 65 – 85° Fahrenheit – both to lay a strong foundation and to save hours and hours of time. Powerblanket is a solution,” Morris added. The durable blankets are also energy efficient.

The colder the temperature that concrete gets exposed to, the longer it will take to set and reach its maximum strength. For example, concrete that is steady at 70°F will set in approximately six hours, but at 40°F it will take 14 hours. At 70°F your concrete will be almost three times as strong as it would be if temperatures maintained at 40°F.

Powerblankets can be used for other insulation and warming needs in cold water, including: engine warming, bucket heating, wall curing, ground thawing, equipment warming, frozen pipe thawing, curb and gutter thawing, etc. The curing blankets can also be used on cement walls and columns.

The rugged Powerblanket is safe to handle in inclement weather and is extremely durable. The insulated, vinyl covered blankets can be driven on, pulled over re-bar, dragged through mud and water, buried, and then rolled up or folded until it is needed again. Powerblankets can be a tremendous asset to contractors and do-it-yourselfers by preventing construction delays as well as enhancing the quality of cement work. The applications of the Powerblanket are virtually limitless.

About Warmzone
Warmzone’s mission is to match customer’s needs with the finest radiant heating systems available. As an intermediary between project requirements and a variety of system choices, Warmzone and warmzone.com offer non-biased, individualized solutions that factor the installation, durability, performance and operational investment as the key criteria of their customers.

Articles

Electric Radiant Heat

Electric radiant heating systems are very cost-effective solutions for smaller spaces (1-5 rooms) because they are easy to install and have a very low start-up cost. An electric thermostat is all that is required and costs only about $100-$200. Another advantage of electric radiant floor heating over a warm-water system is the floor build up or height. Floor build up can be from as little as 2mm. The electric cables are usually installed onto an insulation board or directly onto the subfloor or padding (under carpet or laminate), then the floor covering is placed directly over the heating system or thinset.

Electric radiant floor heating also benefits from faster installation times, with a typical installation only taking half day to a day depending on size to install. Also warm up times are generally a lot quicker than “wet” systems because the cables are installed directly below the finished flooring making it a direct acting heat source rather than a storage heater.

Electric radiant heat used to be supplied as one long continuous length of cable with the consumer having to weave the cable up and down the floor at a pre-determined spacing and making a return loop to complete the circuit. The main problem with this was the installation time taking quite a while, and also the risk of hot and cold spots due to uneven cable spacing, cables spaced close together give off more heat, and visa versa.

Recent designs in electric radiant heat cables have a built in return meaning that you only have one end to connect instead of having to close the circuit by bringing each end of the cable back to the thermostat. These are excellent electric radiant heat cables and make the installation much quicker. With the introduction of the built in return came the “cable mat” these have revolutionized the electric radiant heat cables due to the simplicity of the installation.

Electric radiant heat cable mats have taken the hard work out of the install by having the radiant heating cable already pre-spaced on to a nylon mesh and all you have to do is simply start at your thermostat location and roll it out over the floor until it’s all used up. These save time and offer less risk of having hot and cold spots.

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 electric 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.

Press Releases

Press Release: Warmzone Hires Jordan Ricks as a Content Manager for Ongoing Information Development

December 10, 2007 – Warmzone has hired Jordan Ricks to be the Content Manager and newest addition to the web development team. This is just one of the latest moves by Warmzone to invest in web expertise and technology to improve customers’ online experience and give shoppers better, up-to-date content on radiant heating systems.

“Jordan is an experienced content manger and brings valuable skills to our web team. Our focus is to deliver rich, accurate, and comprehensive product information to our customers. This is a hire that demonstrates our commitment to our online shoppers and to remain as a leader in the radiant heating industry,” said Blair Buxton, CIO of Warmzone.

Ricks has an extensive background that includes over 15 years experience in communications management. Past positions include creative director, SEO specialist, published writer/photographer, and magazine editor. Ricks comes from organizations such as the Gannett Outdoor Group and the School of Visual Arts, NY, NY. His wide array of expertise is within both the technical and creative realms and will be a great addition to Warmzone’s knowledgeable staff.

Warmzone.com has been an authority and important source of information on radiant systems since it was founded, providing customers multiple heating solutions from top manufacturers that deliver only the highest quality products. As the Content Manager, Jordan Ricks will be an integral part of the Warmzone team. His position encompasses the warmzone.com site, and hundreds of other domains under the Warmzone umbrella, as well as producing technical documentation and marketing collateral.

About Warmzone
Warmzone’s mission is to match customer’s needs with the finest radiant heating systems available. As an intermediary between project requirements and a variety of system choices, Warmzone and warmzone.com offer non-biased, individualized solutions that factor the installation, durability, performance and operational investment as the key criteria of their customers. More information about Warmzone can be found at Warmzone’s About Us web page.

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