Tag Archives: Driveway heating

HOTNEWS

Radiant Heated Driveway Systems

The weather is warming up and so is the construction season. Perhaps now is the time to install a heated driveway or roof deicing system so you’re prepared for next winter.

Radiant heated driveways provide fully automated, maintenance free snow removal for your driveway and/or sidewalks. The systems are reliable and easy to customize to best suit your exact layout and snow melting needs.

Heated driveway in concrete

How Heated Driveways Work

Heated driveways rely on a network of heat cables embedded in the driveway medium. The cable can be installed to heat concrete, asphalt or paver driveways. (Hydronic systems utilize Pex tubing, whereby specially treated hot water is circulated.) A snow sensor can be installed in the surface of the driveway or mounted near the roof. It must remain exposed to the elements. The sensor detects temperature as well as precipitation, so when weather conditions dictate, the sensor will signal the system controller and then power is sent to the heating cable, warming the driveway.

Installing a Heated Driveway

Heated driveway systems are not difficult to install. Warmzone provides complete system design and layout services to facilitate quick, proper installation. This document also includes all the information necessary for the electrician, such as proper materials, load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, etc.

The heat cable is laid out according to the design provided. For concrete heated driveways, lay out the cable and then use zip ties to secure it to the re-mesh. (The cable should remain within 2 inches of the surface.) Concrete is then poured over the secured cable. The contactor panel (or controller) is typically mounted on a wall in the garage. Warmzone offers contactor panels with or without GFCI protection.

Electric heated driveways feature fast response times. The driveway is quickly heated after the sensor detects the first snowflake, preventing any snow buildup. Another advantage of electric driveway heating systems is that they are maintenance free and very reliable. Unlike hydronic systems that require a special mechanical room for the boiler, manifold and pumps, electric systems only require a small space on the wall of the garage for the controller or contactor panel.

Heated paver sidewalk

Radiant heat systems are also remarkably efficient. There’s virtually no heat loss, as 99 percent of the energy goes directly to melting the snow. The efficiency of radiant heat also makes it a popular choice for heating homes.

And the systems are fully automated. The snow sensor, also referred to as an activation device, detects the weather conditions (both temperature and precipitation). Once snow starts to fall the sensor signals the contactor panel and power is sent to the embedded heat cable. The driveway is warmed and snow is prevented from accumulating.

In addition to the beneficial features of a radiant heated driveway, Warmzone also includes complete customer support with each system. In addition to the professional system design, Warmzone also offers free installation training. This is a valuable service that helps to ensure the proper installation of the system. Free installation support is also provided. If your installer encounters any issues during the installation, he/she can call Warmzone to receive support. We are committed to providing the best products and best support services in the industry.

For more information about our radiant heat systems, call 888.488.9276 today.

Radiant Heat News

Does a Heated Driveway Work Through the Night?

Snow Sensors Automatically Detect Conditions

Driveway heating is designed to make your life easier. Many people wonder how much work a heated driveway requires once it is installed. Having to babysit the system would be considered a huge deterrent to purchasing a heated driveway, thus great effort has gone into streamlining the systems so they are fully automated and maintenance free. The automatic snow sensor that comes with every heated driveway is designed to set-up initially and then only touch it when small adjustments are needed throughout the season. The snow sensor does all the work of detecting snow and when to turn the heated driveway system on and off.

Going on vacation or even going to bed at night are usually the best times for snow to have time to accumulate. Winter storms don’t usually come at the most convenient times so planning around them is tough to do. With an automated snow melting system you really can leave it alone and let the heated driveway do all the heavy lifting. The driveway heating cables work when needed to keep the surface of your drive warm enough that snow and ice can’t stick for very long. You can enjoy a long, peaceful night of sleep as well as the knowledge that your driveway will be clear in the morning, no matter how deep the neighbor’s is.

Radiant Heat News

Radiant Heat is the Heartbeat of a Heated Driveways

The Inner Workings of Driveway Heating

Anything worth anything has a heartbeat or at least something equivalent that breathes life and value into it. A heated driveway operates almost as seamlessly as our breathing. Radiant heat cables are at the center of that heating phenomenon and act like the all-important heartbeat, keeping your driveway clear of unwanted snow every time it snows. In fact your own heartbeat can stay calm all winter long, thanks to the technology of radiant heat cables. They do all the work, so you don’t have too.

Asphalt driveway with heated tire tracks

Electric radiant heated driveways are fully automated snow melting systems. ClearZone radiant heat cables are extremely durable and versatile. The heat cable can be safely installed in new concrete, under pavers, and even in hot asphalt applications. And the radiant systems can be easily customized to match your specific snow removal requirements.

The heat cables lay seamlessly beneath the surface just as your heart beats just beneath your chest, keeping the whole system running properly. Activated by a high-tech snow sensor that detects precipitation and temperatures, the sensor activates the driveway heating system only when needed. In addition to the system’s automated capabilities, it also features manual operation mode, should you choose.

We are hardly aware of the all-important work our own hearts do, but without them we wouldn’t be walking around. Radiant heat is just as important to your heated driveway and works to make your life better, just below the surface.

Radiant Heat News

Driveway Heating Technology Stands the Test of Time

Heated Driveway Equipped with Automated Snow Sensors Proven to Last

Being the first to test out an unknown product can be scary, especially if we’ve invested a lot of time and money. Driveway heating technology isn’t new but people often wonder if the radiant snow melting systems are built to last and stand the test of winter over and over again. Year after year homeowners enjoy the benefits of snow melting systems. What has their use over time told us? That heated driveways are meant to last and to improve the value of your home.

Heated driveway in Denver
An electric heated driveway in action.

If you are just coming upon the savvy heated driveway scene, you are in luck. The technology has been tested and proven time and again with many happy snow-free customers. Installing a heated driveway system right now is not only a smart move for your property it is also fully automated and hands-free. You can sit inside your warm home, reading a good book with a blanket on your lap and watch with contentment as the snow falls outside, knowing you’ll never have to pick up a shovel. You can reserve your snow clothes for fun outdoor recreation like cross-country skiing or snowmobiling instead of clearing snow from your driveway.

With the help of a snow melting system control unit you can install a heated driveway and never worry about it. A wall-mounted control unit uses smart technology to detect precipitation and outside temperatures, thereby turning your system on and off when, and only when, it is needed. The heated driveway system controller is easy-to-use and consists of a timer and digital operator interface with manual override capability. Even the ancient Romans used principals similar to radiant heat and humans have only perfected since then. Driveway heating has been around for a long time and will be around for a long time to come.

Radiant Heat News

How Does a Snow Sensor Work with a Heated Driveway?

Driveway Heating is 100 Percent Automated

If you think installing a snow melting system sounds complicated, think again. Radiant driveway heating is easier than ever to achieve. Not only are the heated driveway systems more affordable than ever, but snowmelt systems can be installed at any stage of construction. Even if you are already living in your home, you can still enjoy a heated driveway. A snow melting system can be retrofitted into both concrete and asphalt driveways. And these systems utilize a smart snow sensor which activates the system only when needed, making them fully automated and keeping your driveway clear of snow and ice ‘round the clock.

Aerial mount snow sensor

A major perk to using a Warmzone snowmelt system, is that once it is installed you won’t have to worry about turning it on or off – not to mention never having to shovel snow again. The snow sensor detects precipitation and temperature levels (usually set at 39° F.) to signal the master controller and activate the system when conditions warrant. This results in a streamlined, highly efficient heated driveway system. Your heated driveway works only when there is enough snow to warrant use, so you save operation costs while enjoying the value added benefits it provides to your property.

A heated driveway system is a convenient way to face winter head on. Using a fully automated system means never having to worry about whether or not it’s working or whether or not it is watching the weather report like you are. It senses the moisture, turns itself on and works while you sleep. You can wake up in the morning after a big storm and not hassle with your snow gear and snow plows. Just start your car and ease on to your snow-free heated driveway.

Radiant Heat News

Can I have Driveway Heating with an Odd Shaped Driveway?

Custom Heated Driveways

The nice thing (or at least one of the nicest things) about driveway heating is that it is versatile and flexible enough to accommodate different shapes of driveways and sidewalks. Straight or curved, looped or choppy, driveway heat can be applied to almost any size or shape. Once the snow melting system is in place, whatever shape it may be, you are assured that snow melting will occur seamlessly and effortlessly all winter long.

Heated patio and sidewalks
Heated patio and sidewalk.

Having a driveway heating expert help you design your system is probably the best advice we can give. Someone with knowledge about the different types of cables and heating systems will be able to identify your unique needs pertaining to the driveway heating project you are hoping to accomplish. An expert can lay out the proper heating cable scenarios, estimate how much cable you’ll need and how installation should be done.

Radiant heated driveways can span an entire driveway or just tire paths in cases where the driveway is long and winding, making the costs a bigger issue. Regardless of where your heated driveway needs to run, Warmzone can aid you in making informed decisions about which type of radiant snow melting system would suit you best and how to tackle the installation. Heating cables that lie coiled beneath your driveway add convenience, value, and efficiency to your home.

Radiant Heat News

Tired of Shoveling, Plowing and Salting Snow?

Installing a Heated Driveway Makes Winter Easier to Bear

Are you among the millions out there thinking snow blows? Snow is a drag, a burden, a hazard, and a load many of us have to bear. Even though snow totally blows and every time you shovel your driveway you die a little inside, you may not know there is an affordable alternative to back-breaking snow removal – radiant heat.

A heated driveway is a snow removal treat well within reach. Driveway heating makes winter so much easier to bear, because instead of spending time and energy clearing your driveway, the fully-automated snow removal system does it for you.

Driveway heating is not a new invention but it is a new possibility for the average homeowner. Once deemed something only the uppity-ups could afford, driveway heating is showing up in new and not-so-new neighborhoods all over where the snow can be found in abundance. Radiant snow melting is accomplished by installing heat cable just beneath the surface of your driveway, connecting it to a power source, and installing a smart snow sensor that automatically detects when the system needs to power on. As long as there is snow and ice accumulating around it, the heated driveway stays clear and safe from the burden and hazards of piles of snow.

Radiant Heat News

What Types of Radiant Snow Melting Systems are Available?

Driveway Heating and Roof Deicing Systems are Customized to Meet Your Specific Needs

You can always count on unexpected expenses, especially if you own a home and are raising a family. Heck, just plain existing means that there will always be various financial surprises. Your daughter needs braces, the car breaks down, your wife needs an unexpected surgery, or the roof leaks. One way to avoid leaking roofs and other forms of snow damage is with radiant snow melting systems from Warmzone. While there are limitless combinations and ways to customize a snow melting system, there are two general types of a radiant snow melting systems available: driveway heating and roof deicing.

Heated patio and sidewalks

Automated snow melting systems can be designed for any size or shape of your driveway, walkway, ramp, steps or whatever. Driveway heating eliminates the need for harsh snowmelt chemicals and manual snow removal to keep snow and ice clear from your driveway or sidewalks. Heating cables are embedded beneath the surface of your driveway and when the system is engaged the cables warm the surface to eliminate snow and ice accumulation. Heated driveways use either electric or hydronic radiant heat technology for snow melting.

Roof deicing systems prevent ice dams and icicles from forming on your roof. Snow and ice melting systems are available for just about any roof configuration. With roof deicing you can also choose whether or not to use electric or hydronic heating systems. Roof deicing systems take cost, performance, and aesthetics into account, personalizing each to meet the customer’s needs.

Warmzone experts can help you navigate decisions on either type of snow melting system; driveway heating or roof deicing. And detailed system layouts are provided with each snow melting system, so you’ll know the exact power requirements and what to expect prior to any installation taking place. No one can match the expertise, customer service, installation support and friendliness of Warmzone.

Radiant Heat News

Will Radiant Heat Protect My Driveway from the Elements?

Driveway Heating Can Preserve the Life of Your Driveway

Snow and ice are hard on almost everything they come into contact with. Snow on roads means more plows on the roads, less visibility, and more accidents. Ice means broken bones, slippery roads and pointy icicles. They are hard on personal property as well. Snow gets heavy and has been known to cave in buildings, create ice damns on roofs, and generally create mayhem on driveways. Driveway heating can protect your driveway from some of these icy pitfalls and even extend the life of your driveway.

Heated driveways are fully automated, energy efficient, and easily customizable. But the benefits don’t stop there. Having a heated driveway means you don’t have to personally attend to any snow levels on your own driving and walking surfaces. The snow sensors that are included with each radiant snowmelt systems are sophisticated enough to detect the temperature and precipitation levels making them sure fire when it comes to snow removal. Without snow on your driveways you cut down on the use of shovels, snow blowers, and other manual methods of snow removal cutting down on the potential for road damage and sidewalk dings. You will increase the life of your driveway by decreasing salt corrosion and frost heaves. Overall having a heated driveway is an affordable method of snow removal, plus you have the added benefit of getting more years of use from your driveway without the harsh side effects of snow and ice build-up.

Radiant Heat News

The Path of Least Resistance is a Heated Driveway

Driveway Heating Eliminates the Heavy Lifting

Can we all agree that the path of least resistance is the most desirable path? It’s not that we’re lazy, it’s just that, well…we’re smart. Right? Smart people find ways to do tasks faster and simpler. Here’s a tip on following the path of least resistance: Try installing a heated driveway. You can thank us later, but seriously, having a heated driveway eliminates all the heavy lifting you usually dread when the winter comes swinging in with its white fury.

Following this path of least resistance allows you to kick back and enjoy the winter from the warmth of your family room. Driveway heating means that radiant heat cables will work on the snow removal quietly and effectively so you can enjoy more time with your family, working, and playing. Once you have driveway heating installed you simply hook up your automatic snow sensor and kick back while the snow melts seamlessly into your lawns and gutters. The heavy snow shovel full of mushy, wet snow is a thing of the past and suddenly you’ll find yourself actually enjoying winter. You might look forward to a big snow storm, taking in the sweeping views of white just outside your front window rather than cursing at the sky for adding one more thing to you to-do list. Driveway heating eliminates the heavy lifting for sure but it also eliminates the stress and strain on your mental and physical well being, because you don’t have to deal with any snow accumulation on your driveways or sidewalks.