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Tag Archives: Heated floors
Enjoy Heated Floors
Warm up Your Space
We’re Floored
Enjoy the Snow from the Comfort of Your Radiant Heated Home
No Need to get Cold Feet over a Chilly Winter
For the drought-stricken West, the record-setting winter of 2022-23 is just what the doctor ordered. California reservoirs are finally filling up to respectable levels, and “extreme” drought conditions in most areas have almost been completely eliminated. An abundance of snow and rainfall has saturated much of the dried-out country, but Old Man Winter still isn’t done yet.
While the cold, wet winter weather may not be fun to drive in, a snow-covered landscape sure can be a pretty sight. For those times when you don’t have to be outside, what better way to enjoy the white winter scene than from the warmth of a home with radiant heated floors? With the exception of the beautiful view, the enveloping warmth provided by a heated floor may almost make you forget that it is still winter.
Radiant heated floors offer luxurious heat that starts at the soles of your feet and gently bathes the entire room in comfortable warmth. The comfort provided by heated floors far surpasses that of traditional forced-air systems. In addition to offering uniquely rich warmth, radiant heat is also the most energy-efficient technology for heating homes today.
When it comes to heating your home with radiant heat, homeowners have many options to choose from. While many install radiant heat as their primary heating source, another popular option is to install radiant heat in select rooms as a supplement to the existing heating system. Homeowners often heat kitchens, children’s playrooms, and bathrooms with radiant heat. Floor heating systems are easily customized, giving home (and business) owners precise control over what areas to heat.
Warmzone offers one of the largest varieties of radiant floor heating systems on the market. Each system is specially designed to accommodate specific floor types and user needs. Whether you have hardwood, tile, luxury vinyl, laminate, or any other floor type, Warmzone can match you with the ideal system to meet heating needs as well as your budget.
For heating tile, marble, and other stone floors, the most popular system is ComfortTile. This floor heating system consists of thin heat resistance cable that is available on spools or in mats. The mats feature pre-spaced cable that is affixed to a flexible mesh with an adhesive backing. The mats can be rolled out and secured to the subfloor quickly and easily.
ComfortTile heat cable can also be combined with the Prodeso underlayment membrane. The waterproof membrane is placed over the subfloor, and the heat cable is installed in the channels provided by the series of reliefs in the waterproof membrane. Thinset is applied and the tile (or other flooring) is then installed over the membrane and cable. The Prodeso membrane can be used with most types of flooring, in all types of indoor and outdoor applications. installation of ComfortTile with the Prodeso membrane is fast, easy, and accurate.
The most popular system for heating floating floors is Warmzone’s FilmHeat system. This unique system features an ultra-thin heating element. The heating panel is just 0.016-inch thick, which is thinner than a credit card, and has proven to be one of the best values for heating laminate and floating floors. No alarms, no special tools, and no self-leveling compounds are needed, and installation results in no floor buildup.
Another type of floor heating system featuring this same type of thin heating panel is the RetroHeat system. This system allows homeowners to heat existing floors, without the need of major remodeling. If you have access to the floors from a basement or crawlspace, the RetroHeat system can be installed. The heating panels are stapled up between the floor joists and then batt insulation (also known as blanket insulation) is installed over the element to direct all of the heat upwards to warm the floor.
Warmzone also carries the low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system for heating hardwood floors. The low-voltage system utilizes thin, flexible polymer heating panels. Because these panels are so thin, there is virtually no floor buildup.
In-Slab heat cable is also available. This durable cable is designed for installation in concrete slabs. This is an ideal system for heating basement floors, or other floors over concrete. The system is extremely efficient, affordable, and highly effective.
Warmzone offers other floor heating options, including hydronic systems. These systems use specially treated water that is heated and pumped through a closed loop of PEX tubing in the floor. While the installation cost of hydronic heated floors can be considerably higher than that of an electric system, because the water heater can use natural gas, the operational cost may be lower – depending on your local utility rates.
Warmzone is one of the largest providers of floor heating systems, as well as heated driveway and roof de-icing systems. For more information about radiant heat, and the many custom options that are available, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.
Floor Heating Systems; What’s the Difference?
A Guide to Finding the Best Radiant Heat System for Your Home or Business
As growing numbers of consumers search for clean, renewable-energy heating solutions, more home and business owners are turning to radiant heat. Being the most efficient heating technology available, the benefits of installing a radiant heat system are tough to deny. Not only is radiant floor heating growing in popularity, but energy-efficient driveway heating systems are also becoming more popular. The efficiency and reliability of radiant heat have made it a logical choice for new construction, as well as remodeling applications.
Certainly, radiant heat has earned its rise to the top of home heating and snow melting options. Given the public’s emphasis on clean, renewable heating sources, radiant heat is becoming commonplace in new construction projects. Naturally, the increasing demand for interior and exterior radiant heat systems has resulted in a proliferation of radiant heat products and system providers. But what products are best? What should consumers be looking for? How does one differentiate one floor heating system from another?
Whether you’re looking to install a heated driveway, a radiant floor heating system, or a roof de-icing system, be sure to work with an established provider. You’ll want to deal with people who have a lot of experience designing and providing radiant heat systems. You’re making a significant investment, so you’ll want to deal with professionals who have been around the block a few times. And you’ll want to have a provider who also provides complete system design and installation support. But why are there so many different types of heated floors?
Because there is a wide variety of flooring options for homeowners, it only follows that there are several different types of floor heating systems. The key is to match your floor heating system with your flooring. Some floor heating systems are designed to heat tile floors, while others are better suited for warming hardwood or floating floors. The type of subfloor you have as well as the insulation (if any) can also impact the performance of your radiant floor heating system. Speak with a Warmzone floor heating expert to learn more about your options.
As a leading provider of radiant heat solutions, Warmzone offers a wide range of proven floor heating systems. One of the most popular, and versatile, is the ComfortTile floor heating cable and mats. ComfortTile features thin heat cable that is available off the spool as well as pre-spaced in mats, and is one of the most popular floor heating systems on the market. The ComfortTile system is typically the best choice for heating tile, stone and luxury vinyl tile floors. The Prodeso membrane system can also be used in conjunction with the ComfortTile cable. This ensures ideal cable spacing and offers protection from shifting and cracking, and provides waterproofing for the substrate in the case of overlaying on cracked or imperfectly cured floors with a risk of vapor stress.
FilmHeat floor heating systems are designed for easy installation under laminate and floating floors. The FilmHeat heating element features a thin, flexible panel that is only 0.16-inch thick. Installation requires no floor buildup. There is no need for mortar or self-leveling compounds. The heating element is laid out over the underlayment and secured, and then the electrical connections are made and the floating floor is installed directly over the panels. These thin “film” heating elements can also be used to heat existing floors. The RetroHeat floor heating panels are stapled up between the floor joists and then batt insulation is placed over the element, directing all the heat upward to heat the floor. This is a popular choice for homeowners looking to add luxurious radiant heat to their existing floors.
In-Slab heat cable features a durable heating cable that is installed directly in concrete slabs. This floor heating system is ideal for taking the chill out of basements. It is also one of the most effective and efficient floor heating systems available.
Another excellent option for heating laminate, carpet, engineered wood and floating floors is the FoilHeat system. This system features thin heat cable that is sandwiched between two layers of reinforced aluminum, which reflects and optimizes the heat. Warmzone also offers the low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system. This popular radiant heating solution utilizes thin, self-regulating polymer heating panels that make it ideal for heating hardwood floors. The installation requires virtually no floor buildup, and in addition to heating hardwood, the versatile system can be used to heat other floor types, including carpet, laminates, and tile. The semi-conductive polyethylene heating element is available in rolls 9 and 12-inches wide.
Warmzone carries several other trusted floor heating solutions, including hydronic floor heating systems. With each system, Warmzone includes free installation training, technical support, and professional system design. When you work with Warmzone, you’ll be working with experienced professionals who stand with you throughout the installation process. Warmzone also offers several payment methods, including financing options that range from no interest, reduced interest, and deferred interest programs. The payment and financing options are designed to give customers a variety of choices that allow them to purchase the radiant heat system of their dreams now.
Call us to discuss your project and learn more about the many options that are available. We pride ourselves in offering the best customer service in the business, and we’re looking forward to working with you. Call 888.488.9276 today.
Make Life Easier with a Spring Installation
Winter is coming to a close and spring will be here soon. Radiant heat may not be the first thing you think about when it comes to spring, but there is no better time to install a new radiant heat system. Springtime weather is typically more accommodating for installers, and allows you to beat the summer rush. Additionally, you may be able to find better discounts during the early spring.
Don’t wait to start enjoying the many benefits of radiant heat. Install heated floors, heated driveways, a roof de-icing system, or even heated countertops with Warmzone’s state-of-the-art products. Spring installations can be more convenient for home and business owners. Struggling to find a contractor during the construction boom that happens every summer and fall can be hard, and finding one who can work on your schedule can be exasperating. Purchasing your product in spring also means greater availability, so you can rest assured that you will have the heating system for your needs. No matter what project you have, or the product you are looking for, spring is a great time to start.
Floor heating systems are a popular option year-round, providing clean, energy-efficient comfort. The comfort of a heated floor is perfect for coming in after an icy snowstorm, or for that cozy feeling while watching a spring shower. Floor heating is also helpful for those months when pollen and allergens are high. Radiant heat does not circulate dust and allergens like a forced-air system. Instead, heat from the floor rises and silently and efficiently heats the entire area.
Warmzone offers some of the most trusted, advanced systems on the market. Versatile ComfortTile® floor heating cable is available on spools or in mats and installs easily under just about all types of floor surfaces. Another great option is RetroHeat™, which can be installed under existing flooring by simply accessing the floor joists. FilmHeat™ is an almost paper-thin heating element that is an ideal choice for floating floors, and low-voltage FloorHeat STEP® features a self-regulating polymer heating element that is another popular choice for heating hardwood. FilmHeat and FloorHeat STEP require no floor build-up and are easily rolled out over the subfloor during installation. Simply put, Warmzone offers perhaps the largest selection of floor heating systems on the market.
Snow-melting systems are also a great choice for spring installation. Being prepared for winter will provide reassurance and avoid the nuisances that come with the busy summer season, not to mention the rigors of shoveling snow. Snow-melting systems are easy to customize, and can be installed in driveways, walkways, patios, or almost any outdoor space. Snow melting systems are also a prudent choice for business owners. They are great for protecting employees and customers when installed in walkways or areas such as ramps and loading docks. Warmzone’s range of electric snow-melting products includes heating elements that can be installed under concrete, pavers, or even asphalt. ClearZone heating cable and mats lead the industry by providing easy-to-install, energy-efficient heat. Snow melting systems are fully automated and require virtually no maintenance. After a quick installation this spring, you will be enjoying clear, safe sidewalks and driveways every winter.
Roof de-icing is another spring project to prepare for the winter ahead. Snow and ice can build up, freeze, and re-freeze during the winter season. Water freezing and thawing behind ice dams can lead to extensive and expensive roof damage. Warmzone offers several proven roof de-icing products to help keep your roof and home safe from water damage. Self-regulating heat cable can be used on roof gutters, downspouts, edges, or rooftops. Warmzone’s cable is durable and self-regulating. This means when temperature decreases or precipitation increases, the system will automatically activate and clear the roof of ice and snow. The low-voltage RoofHeat STEP de-icing system is another industry-leading self-regulating roof de-icing option. The heating element is a thin polymer that can be installed under shingles and nailed or stapled through during installation. Easy-to-work-with products like RoofHeat STEP and self-regulating heat cable not only can protect your roof from ice dams and snow build-up, but help ensure that your spring project is quick and easy.
Warmzone has each of its industry-leading products available so you can begin your spring project when you are ready. Dedicated customer service specialists can help determine which products are the best fit for your project, and connect you with a local installer if needed. Each system purchased with Warmzone includes a professional system design to assure easy, efficient installation. Warmzone also offers free installation training for installers. Support throughout the installation is another unique benefit available from Warmzone. Whatever questions there are during installation, a Warmzone expert can help you. Moving forward with a radiant heat project this spring can also mean discounts on products that may have less availability during the busy summer months. Reap the benefits of being an early bird and get your radiant heat project started this spring! Call and speak to a Warmzone professional today at 888-488-9276.
Home Heating with Radiant Heat
Radiant Heat – the Most Efficient Heating Technology Today
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), prices for heating homes with fuels from natural gas to heating oil have risen to multiyear highs. With the demand for energy outpacing the growth in supply, homeowners can now expect to see a significant increase in their monthly heating bills this winter. In fact, with nearly half of U.S. households relying on natural gas for heat, those homeowners can expect an average cost increase of 30 percent this year when compared to last year’s cold months.
With rising costs, it’s important for heating systems to be as efficient as possible. Traditional forced-air systems are the most common heating solution, but unfortunately, they are notoriously inefficient. Advances have been made in furnace technology, yet still, the best systems boast an efficiency of only 80 to 90 percent.
Given the impending increase in home heating expenses, today’s homeowners are focusing on more efficient ways to heat the home – as well as ways to supplement their current heating system. If an alternate heating method also produces an increase in comfort, so much the better.
Whether you’re looking for comfort or efficiency, or both, radiant heat fits the bill. As the most efficient technology for heating homes and businesses today, radiant heat is fast becoming the heating system of choice for new homeowners, as well as commercial buildings.
Ninety-nine percent of the energy used for heating floors translates directly into heat. No other heating technology comes close to matching this efficiency. And the comfort produced by a radiant floor heating system is rich and luxurious. One must experience radiant heat to fully appreciate its splendor.
Not all floor heating systems are created equal. Some are designed for heating hardwood floors, while others are designed for heating tile, or vinyl tile or laminate flooring. Feel free to call and speak with a floor heating expert at Warmzone. We will gladly go over all the options and suggest the systems that would be best for heating your home – without any pushy sales pressure.
As an industry leader, Warmzone offers one of the largest selections of radiant floor heating solutions on the market. Our heating elements range from thin heat cable and mats to paper-thin panels, flexible low-voltage polymer panels, in-slab heating cable, and even systems that can be installed under existing floors. The thin panels are installed between the floor joists, allowing homeowners to add warmth to rooms without tearing up the current flooring.
Despite the varied electric and hydronic (water based) systems that Warmzone offers, all the electric floor heating systems offer specific benefits. These systems operate silently, are maintenance free, and significantly more energy efficient. Radiant heating systems also offer health benefits that can be important for the elderly and those with allergies. Traditional forced-air heating systems blow warm air through a series of ducts, circulating dust and allergens throughout the house. Because radiant heat operates silently, heating the home from the floor up, there is no need for vents and a blower. Radiant heated homes have significantly less dust and allergens circulating through the house.
With multiple floor heating options for a variety of applications and mediums, finding the right choice can be tough for homeowners. But that’s why we’re here. At Warmzone we are dedicated to providing the absolute best customer service in the industry. Not only does that mean free installation training, technical support, and professional system design services, but our free consulting is available so you can feel comfortable with your decision. Take your time, talk with the pros and discover the best system for meeting your heating needs and budget.
Warmzone offers several payment methods, including financing options ranging from no interest, deferred interest, and reduced interest programs. The payment and financing options are designed to give customers a wide range of choices that best suit their needs while allowing them to purchase the radiant heat system of their dreams now. If you’re thinking about adding a radiant floor heating system to your home or business, visit our floor heating web pages and call a friendly radiant heat expert today at 888-488-9276.
Trusted Floor Heating Options
Warmzone’s Vast Offering of Proven Products is Unmatched
Radiant heat is becoming more popular each day, given its luxurious comfort and remarkable energy efficiency. The versatile heating technology can be used in many applications, whether you are heating your floors, heating a driveway, or melting snow and ice from your roof or gutters. Warmzone offers industry leading products and customer service that make adding radiant heat to any home or business a simple, pain-free process.
Radiant heat differs from traditional forced air heating systems as it heats objects as opposed to air. With radiant heat, the air comes into contact with the heated object, such as the floor, and produces warmth that needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated. The room warms evenly from the floor up, adding to the efficiency while creating a particularly comfortable environment for small children. Using radiant heat to warm your floors helps reduce heat loss and keeps the temperature steady throughout the heated area. Radiant heated floors also offer other benefits. Because there is no blowing air through ducts and dusty vents, the transmission of dust and allergens in the home is greatly reduced.
To achieve this clean, even and efficient heat, all radiant heat systems have three main components. The first component is a heating element. The heating elements can be electric or hydronic (water based), and provide heat to the object they are in contact with. To begin this heating process, the element is triggered by an activation device/thermostat that utilizes either an ambient temperature sensor or an in-floor (embedded) sensor. The thermostat sends power to the heating element to warm the floor.
There are two main types of radiant heat systems – electric and hydronic (water-based systems). Electric systems typically use a thin resistance electric heating cable (the heating element). This cable is typically installed in thinset directly under the flooring, such as tile, vinyl tile, or stone, etc. Hydronic systems use a boiler to heat a mixture of propylene glycol and water, which is then pumped through special PEX tubing. Because of the need for a boiler, manifold and pumps, hydronic systems require a dedicated “mechanical” room for the system, and installation is quite complex.
Warmzone offers a number of radiant heating systems that can be installed in almost any area and medium of flooring in the home. Both electric and hydronic systems are available for floor heating, but electric heating is preferred by most homeowners. Any surface in the home can be heated, but choosing a system that best fits the flooring in the area to be heated is crucial to an efficient and safe heating system. Here is a general outline of different systems that are best suited for specific types of flooring.
Warmzone’s ComfortTile floor heating system is perhaps the most popular and versatile option for heating floors in your home. The heating element is UL listed single-point connection, twin-conductor cable that is durable, and safety approved for wet locations. ComfortTile cable is flexible and is available on spools or pre-spaced mats. The ComfortTile floor heating system can be used with many mediums. From luxury vinyl tiles, to ceramic tile, marble, or stone, ComfortTile is an option that can be customized for any room, and will heat any flooring efficiently and evenly. If using ComfortTile in areas that may be susceptible to water, a membrane system such as Prodeso can be used to house the cable can be installed underneath the flooring to house the cable and protect the flooring and cable from water, as well as shifting and cracking that can come with tile, marble, or stone.
Beautiful wood floors, whether engineered or hardwood, are also great candidates for radiant heat. When choosing a system for wood floors, make sure to know whether the floor is floating or nailed, to ensure matching it with the right radiant heating system. For floating floors, FilmHeat is the most recommended option. (Low-voltage FloorHeat STEP and FoilHeat are also popular options, with the low-voltage system being particularly effective for heating hardwood floors.) These systems utilize three unique heating elements. The FilmHeat system features a near paper-thin “film” heating element that is laid out directly under flooring. FoilHeat features fluoropolymer insulated heating cables that are sandwiched between reinforced layers of aluminum foil.
Low-voltage FloorHeat STEP utilizes thin, flexible polymer heating panels. All of these systems are proven, and easy to install, and a great value for heating floors. For nailed floors, the FloorHeat STEP low-voltage system is an excellent choice because it requires no floor build-up, and the thin self-regulating polymer heating element can be nailed or stapled through.
For laminate flooring there are many proven options. FilmHeat, FloorHeat, and FoilHeat are great choices for laminate, but RetroHeat is also available. RetroHeat’s thin heating element panels feature thin “film” elements like FilmHeat, but this system can be used to add heat to existing flooring. If you can access the floor joists from below, the heating element can be stapled up between the joists so you don’t have to tear out your existing floors. RetroHeat panels can be cut onsite to ensure proper length, and simply nailed or stapled to the underside of the subfloor. Batt insulation is then stapled up over the RetroHeat to direct all the heat upward to warm the floor.
Radiant heat can also be installed in concrete flooring. In-Slab heat cable from Warmzone is a heating cable especially designed for installation into concrete slabs. The cable is secured 1 to 2 inches below the surface. Hydronic heating systems can also be used in concrete, and are ideal for heating larger areas.
With all the options available to heat home flooring from Warmzone, finding the right system for your system is easy. Check out the guidelines below to find out which systems are recommended for your type of flooring.
The Right Solutions for Heating Your Floors
Premier Floor Heating Options
Radiant heat is one of the cleanest and most efficient ways to heat your home or business. Warmzone’s vast selection of industry leading products ensures an ideal solution for any application – from bathrooms and basements to garages and outdoor steps. Warmzone has one of the largest product selections in the industry, helping to ensure that the best system is matched with your specific heating needs.
When considering floor heating, one of Warmzone’s most versatile products is ComfortTile heating cable. Whether used alone or in conjunction with the Prodeso membrane system, you can be sure that your home will be heated efficiently and safely.
The ComfortTile floor heating system is UL listed, and features a single-point connection, twin-conductor cable that is rated at 120 or 240 volts. This cable is durable and safety approved for wet locations. ComfortTile heat cable is flexible and can be used in almost any application, as it is available on large spools or pre-spaced in mats. ComfortTile mats are 18-inches wide, but heat a 24-inch wide area. These mats come with an adhesive on the mesh backing, so they are easily installed onto the subfloor, making them a quick and efficient way to install radiant heat for most types of flooring. To ensure your cable or mats keep your floor warm for years to come, ComfortTile heat cable also comes with an industry leading 25-year warranty.
ComfortTile heat cable can also be used in conjunction with Warmzone’s innovative Prodeso membrane system. The Prodeso membrane is a polypropylene uncoupling crack isolation waterproofing membrane that is used for heating floors or other surfaces that do not have movement or expansion joints in the screed. These unique qualities make it possible to install floor heating over what can be difficult substrates, such as plywood. The membrane has rounded square shaped reliefs that create channels that are specifically spaced and designed to embed ComfortTile heat cable. Prodeso membranes are a great choice for ceramic tile or other flooring surfaces that are prone to cracking, or areas such as a bathroom that have high levels of moisture. The Prodeso membrane is also extremely low profile, with a thickness of only ¼-inch, making it ideal for any application. The flexible, lightweight Prodeso membrane makes it a good choice where the load bearing capacity of a sub-floor may be a limitation.
Installing the Prodeso membrane is easy. The membrane comes on rolls, and is laid directly on top of the subfloor. Once the membrane is laid out, the ComfortTile heat cable is installed through the channels of the membrane. The flooring can then be installed directly on top of the membrane. The unique design of the Prodeso membrane makes it extremely versatile. It can be used simply as a membrane to protect flooring, or cable can be installed into the membrane to heat specific areas. The ability to customize heating zones makes Prodeso a great way to ensure your radiant heated floors are energy efficient. Prodeso membrane can also be used on areas such as walls, and in outdoor applications, as it is safe under all weather conditions.
ComfortTile heat cable is one of the most popular floor heating options on the market. Customers love the convenience of the pre-spaced mats, as well as cable off the spool. The system is efficient, reliable and versatile, which is why it remains a top floor heating choice for home and business owners today.
If the ComfortTile or Prodeso membrane system isn’t the right fit for your project, another popular option is Warmzone’s FilmHeat system. This system utilizes an ultra thin heating element that is UL approved and includes a 10 year warranty. FilmHeat is a great value for any home, especially when installing under floating or laminate flooring. FilmHeat is simply cut to size on site, laid out directly under the laminate, and then the electrical connections are secured before finally installing the flooring directly over FilmHeat. FilmHeat has no floor build up and efficiently heats any area. The RetroHeat version of the FilmHeat floor heating system is also a great choice for those looking to install radiant heat under existing flooring. If you can access the joists from below, heating panels are stapled between the floor joists. After the FilmHeat is stapled, Batt insulation is installed over the element to ensure that all the heat goes upward. FilmHeat is a great, affordable choice for any home – and a favorite of those installing floating floors.
Warmzone has many other radiant floor heating options available as well. Warmzone’s low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system features a unique, self-regulating polymer heating element to provide even, energy-efficient, comfortable warmth for hardwood or laminate floors. If your project involves concrete, In-Slab heat cable is an exceptional choice that can be installed directly in the new concrete slab. This durable cable is embedded in the concrete about 1 to 2-inches below the surface to distribute heat evenly across the entire area. FoilHeat is another trusted floor heating option. This system has thin cables that are sandwiched between two layers of reinforced aluminum foil. If you’re looking to heat a large area, a hydronic system that pushes heated liquid through special tubing may be a good choice because of its potential for lower operating costs.
Whatever your floor heating project may be, Warmzone has a proven product to fit your needs and your budget. Customer service specialists are available to help you pick out the perfect product and answer any questions over the phone. Warmzone also has profession system designers who will layout your system and provide all the information needed for your electrician to assure that your system operates efficiently and safely. Free installation training is also available online with an experienced instructor.
If you’re ready for a radiant floor heating system or have more questions, please call Warmzone today at 888-488-9276.