Tag Archives: Roof deicing

HOTNEWS

Prepare for Winter

Ramping up for Winter: Prepare for the White Stuff with a Radiant Snow Melting System

If the recent heat wave is any indication of what winter will be like, an electric radiant heated driveway installation now is great preparation for big snow in the future. These systems are designed to sense temperature, humidity and other changes that indicate impending white stuff. They’re also fully automated, so your driveway is clear and dry before you leave the house.

Electric snow melting systems are comprised of three main items: the heating element, the controller, and the snow sensor or activation device. They rely on a pavement- or aerial-mounted automated sensor to activate the system when precipitation is detected and temperatures dip below the set point. (The system’s adjustable set point is typically set at 39°F.)  The sensor sends a signal to the controller, which in turn sends power through the durable, highly efficient heat cable.  When distributed evenly across the surface of a driveway or sidewalk, radiant heat cable can deliver heat quickly and efficiently before the snow has a chance to stick.

Heated driveway in concrete

Reasons for investing in an electric radiant heat snow melting system:

Affordability – Warmzone electric radiant heat systems are easily installed in a fraction of the time and cost of more elaborate systems, and still outperform the competition.

Safety – Sometimes icy conditions aren’t obvious until you slip and fall. These problems can be prevented with pavement that’s dry and clear, free of ice or snow during the winter months.

Maintenance Free – Unlike many systems on the market, Warmzone snow melting systems have no moving parts, making them extremely reliable and virtually maintenance-free.

Self-contained – Warmzone electric snow melting systems are fully automated and monitored and controlled by an advanced, UL listed master control unit mounted on a garage wall without sacrificing space.

Efficient –Warmzone snow melting systems are extremely efficient, with 99% of all energy used going directly to snow melting.

Low Operation Costs and Minimal Operation Time –Melt snow on a 300-square-foot area for under $0.50 per continuous hour of operation. Operating time of Warmzone’s automated systems typically run about 30% less than other radiant snow melting systems.

Professional Design and Engineering – In addition to Warmzone’s wide selection of proven radiant snow melting systems and products, Warmzone provides unparalleled system design services and installation support. When it comes to the complete radiant heating solution package, no one can match Warmzone.

Added value and protection –A simple radiant heat installation could save your driveway (and surrounding landscape) from the harmful effects of snow removal equipment and harsh snow melting chemicals.

Ok, so you’re probably wondering how much an automated snowmelt system will cost you. (Get a free quote!) You may be pleasantly surprised with the options available. Regardless of your requirements or budget, Warmzone has the expertise necessary to design and install the perfect snow melting solution for you. Snow melting systems are easily customized to meet your needs – and your budget. You can install radiant heating cable under an entire paved driveway, an 8-10 foot wide strip, or two 24-inch wide tracks. (View some radiant snow melting system options.)

Because Warmzone is not limited to offering just one brand of products, the experts there can recommend – without bias – the system that will best meet your needs. By choosing from Warmzone’s wide selection of proven products, you can be assured that you will be receiving the best service, price and solution available.

For more information about automated snow melting systems, heated floors, or roof deicing systems, contact Warmzone at 888.488.9276.

Radiant Roof Deicing Systems

Invest in Your Home with Roof Heating and Gutter Trace Systems
Right now you probably have a good idea of the condition of your home, from top to bottom. If you’re coming up short above the roofline, the fix could be as simple as a Warmzone electric radiant heated roof or gutter trace system. During the winter months, ice and snow build up can have a devastating effect on your roof, causing gutters to sag and shingles to break free. The good news—an electric radiant snow melting system can eliminate this damage without emptying your wallet.

Low-voltage roof heating system being installed.

Just what can a good roof deicing system do for you? A well-fitted, properly installed radiant heat snow melting system along your roof line will eliminate prolonged ice-damming during the winter months. Eliminating ice damming, in turn, can prevent unwanted seepage through roofing materials into roof decking. This can cause some serious damage to the roof before finding its way inside to damage ceilings, walls and floors, resulting in mold growth. A Warmzone roof deicing system is the optimal solution for melting snow and ice from roof eaves, valleys, even entire roofs.

What’s in an electric radiant roof deicing system? These radiant heat systems feature three main components:

  • Heating Element – The low-voltage roof heating systems feature a polymer heating element, which is polypropylene fused during fabrication for water proofing and to provide protection from alkaline or salt damage. The thin, flexible heating element is installed discreetly underneath the shingles. The roof gutter trace systems feature self-regulating heat cable that is placed in the gutters and downspouts to keep gutters free of snow and ice.
  • Power/Control Unit – The controller monitors power and output to ensure safe, accurate, optimal system performance. The power unit monitors the heating element under the roof to melt snow and ice, protecting your roof from ice damage.
  • An activation device (snow sensor) – Warmzone offers different types of sensors. The aerial sensor (which is typically used for roof heating systems) is a gutter-mounted snow switch. Like the aerial sensor, the pavement mounted sensor also detects precipitation and temperatures to signal the controller when conditions warrant. However, this sensor is installed in the pavement (and is used more for heated driveways and snow melting systems than roof deicing. Both sensors provide fully automated snow melting for your roof deicing system.

Warmzone roof heating solutions are customizable for just about any roof type and configuration. And Warmzone is the recognized industry leader for providing one of the largest selections of state-of-the-art radiant snow melting systems, including electric and hydronic options. Unlike other “one-solution-fits-all” providers, Warmzone bases a solution on your budget and specific needs to deliver the best performing roof deicing, driveway heating, or floor heating system possible.

Determining the ideal heat cable, thermostat and sensor for your roof heating job depends in part on the size, type and construction of the roof, and also on the overall requirements of a particular installation. Warmzone is always available, with the experts and expertise necessary to assess your system and determine what you’ll need to optimize overall performance for your home. So, if you’re ready to pull the trigger on a roof deicing system, give Warmzone a call at 888-488-9276 to discuss your options.

Radiant Heat News

Save Yourself a Fall Off Your Roof; Install Heated Gutters

Heated Gutters Keep Ice and Debris Clear So You Don’t Have Too

This is a true story. When I was a girl I looked out my bedroom window one winter afternoon and found my dad lying next to an oak tree in our front yard in direct line of our roof. I opened my window to inquire about his health (mental and physical). After a moment, he groaned that he had fallen off our roof. Needless to say, the roof was not a heated roof.

Upon further investigation I saw that the gutters just outside my window had perfect hand grips pulled down where my dad had tried to catch himself as he slipped off the two story roof. Having a roof de-icing system would have prevented his fall since he would never have had to be up there in the first place. The poor guy was trying to clear the gutters and roof from ice and snow when, like so many people do, he slipped and went right off to the ground below. Luckily his injuries were fairly minor, but the soreness of his body reminded him he didn’t need to do that trip to the roof again mid-winter. Installing gutter trace heat cables keeps your roof and gutters clear of slippery ice and snow and allows your feet to remain firmly planted on the ground, where they belong.

This afternoon I heard of another friend’s father falling off a ladder while attempting to gain access to his roof for the same purpose. Also a non-heated roof and also a slippery trap waiting to lure one into its clutches. His injuries were more serious than my dad’s. He sustained a head fracture as well as a broken back. Having a heated roof is not only convenient it’s also much, much safer. I’m sure we all have horror stories of being on the roof, either personally or someone close to us. Be safe, make the smart homeowner’s choice and put a roof deicing system in place and enjoy the safety of a heated roof and gutter trace system.

Articles

Radiant Heat Has Arrived in Earnest

Electric Radiant Heating Comes in Many Flavors

Although radiant heat has been around for many years now, new technology has paved the way for it to arrive in earnest. There’s no cleaner form of heating than radiant heat. A wire grid (heat cable) installed in the floor provides a totally clean and quiet heat that radiates upward to all those lucky enough to be in the room. There is no blower cycling on and off or the noise that goes with it. And no dust or allergens are blown around either. What there is is clean, silent, comfortable heat. Time marches on. Just as cars today are equipped with more than just an AM radio with big dials, heating systems have advanced to a point where this form of clean, quiet and efficient heat is making a move to become the standard.

Another large advantage of radiant heating is that it is easily zone able. Each room or “zone” can be controlled separately, so if you have rooms that are not used regularly you can turn the heat off or down in those rooms, adding greatly to the efficiency of these systems. This is not something at which a forced air system excels. Radiant floor heating systems typically have thermostats in every room.

ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and thermostat
ComfortTile floor heating cable in mat and on spools, shown with thermostat.

One of the great things about radiant heating is that technology has provided for its use in many different facets. Did you know that there are radiant roof heating systems that will melt the snow and ice off the roof and gutters? In addition there are driveway snow melting systems that will quietly and efficiently melt the snow and ice off your driveway. Modern technology isn’t just for iPods and iPads. These systems utilize the same type of technology, using low-voltage or line-voltage electric current that runs through heating cable and provides the desired result. These systems are also automated and programmable, and can do their duties when you aren’t even home. There are so many conveniences available to us today at which our parents and grandparents would marvel. Radiant heating is making inroads and it is easy to see why. People are discovering the comfort and efficiency of radiant heating and are adopting it with open arms.

Radiant heating systems can also be installed over existing floors as well. Just because the almost dream home you bought doesn’t have the heating system that would make it the dream home, don’t despair. Heating cable can be installed over the existing floor and a new surface poured over that, thus transforming your almost dream home in to your real dream home. RetroHeat radiant heat systems can also be installed in the floor joists under an existing floor.

With winter knocking on our doors, it’s the season for a snow melting system. Anyone with a snow melting system installed has experienced the joy of driving in to a driveway that has no snow on it when there is snow all around. One might have to try to suppress a smile when your neighbor’s are all snow bound. If you live in an area where snow is a regular concern you can appreciate the convenience of a snow melting system. Perhaps the ultimate dream is that you arrive home from work during a major snow storm and pull into your driveway where all the snow has melted away when it is piling up everywhere else. You park and walk on a sidewalk heated with a snowmelt system, you don’t worry about the ice cycles on the roof above because there aren’t any thanks to a roof snow melting system. You then walk in to the house and take your shoes off and instantly feel the comfort of a warm radiant heated floor. Life is good.

HOTNEWS

Automated Snow Sensors

High-Tech Snow Switches for Heated Driveways and Roof Deicing Systems

Are you contemplating radiant heat for your next home improvement project? Equipped with high-tech snow switches, radiant heated driveways and gutter systems are fully automated, making them efficient and effortless when it comes to snow removal.

The automated snow switch detects temperature and moisture conditions to initiate ice- and snow melting systems at the first signs of inclement weather. Depending upon what you’re heating, there are two general types of sensors.

A pavement mount snow sensor

An in-pavement (ground) sensor mounts in the concrete, asphalt, or pavers of your driveway or walkways, making it very indicative and accurate of the driveway conditions and includes many programmable features including:

  • Electronic on/off control up to 11 KW
  • 2 zone control with zones that can be individually controlled
  • Economical control
  • Temperature and moisture detection
  • Control of electrical or hydronic (water-based) ice and snow melting systems

The aerial mounted snow sensor activates your snow melting system only when needed. These sensors are typically mounted on the roof, and automatically triggers your heated driveway or gutter snowmelt system when it detects precipitation and temperatures are below 39°F. Smart system compatible, the sensor has several other notable features, including adjustable temperature trigger point, adjustable delay off cycle, and upgradeable remote activation.

Aerial mount snow sensor

That’s great, you say, but I have a snow removal service already, so why pay for a fancy system? Snow fall is unpredictable. Sometimes you wake up to the stuff, and sometimes it accumulates throughout the day. Snow removal services are certainly very handy, but they can’t compete with the reliability and efficiency of an automated radiant heated driveway system. With an automated radiant heated driveway or gutter system, it’s like having your very own snow melting service on call, 24/7. There’s no waiting involved, and no slippery patches of ice that got overlooked. Automated snowmelt systems only run when it’s snowing, eliminating residual or standby operation costs involved with snow removal services. And most importantly, they offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing your driveway and walkways are completely clear of ice and snow.

If you’re not sure how an automated snow melting switch fits into your radiant heat snow melting project, take heart. Warmzone has the experience and expertise you’ll need to meet your project requirements, and can configure an automated snow melting system with your needs and budget in mind. To discover more about radiant heat snow melting systems, contact 888.488.9276 today.

Roof Heating Solutions

Melt Snow and Ice With a Radiant Roof Heating System
Radiant heated roof and gutter heating systems can dramatically enhance the life span of your roof and protect it from damage caused by heavy snow and ice accumulation. Older buildings are a visible testament to the damaging effects of roof ice and snow that can destroy fronts, roofs, drainpipes, and gutters. Roofs that have substandard support structures, and such shortcomings can enable water to enter the building. As technology improves insulation value, there is less heat gain from inside of the building, causing an increased hazard of ice damage and damming on the roof. Once winter frost sets in, damage is often inevitable. Flat roofs on industrial buildings often give in to excessive weight loads generated by accumulations of ice and snow. This can be prevented by installing a quality heated roof and gutter deicing system, eliminating potential damage from snow and ice buildup.

Working with Warmzone on your roof heating system installation allows you to shop a number systems, and find the solution that is right for your home and your budget. Warmzone’s low-voltage roof heating system is another excellent solution for melting snow and ice from roof eaves, valleys, and entire roofs. The RoofHeat STEP deicing system features an extremely thin, self-regulating, semi-conductive polyethylene heating element. Embedded between two layers of vinyl, the panel is protected against UV rays, alkaline or other potential physical damages for durability.

Roof deicing system heating roof edges and valley

What’s great about Roofheat STEP is its versatility. It can be installed under new or existing asphalt, shake, or tile shingles, and is ideal for new construction as well as remodeling projects. Available in rolls 9 or 12-inches wide, the lightweight heating panel can be cut to size, and nailed or stapled through the existing roof, making installation quicker and easier than other traditional roof heating systems.

You can never predict the weather, but with a Warmzone roof heating system, you can often predict the outcome. Prepare now and say goodbye to pesky snow buildup and ice damming for good. To find out more about the Warmzone roof heating system, request a FREE quote or contact us at 888.488.9276.

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

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.