Tag Archives: Snow melting systems

I Would Definitely Recommend Warmzone to my Friends

Location: Connecticut

Solution: ClearZone Snowmelt System

Heated walkway of crushed gravel and steps

Last winter, after freezing rain solidified a bed of 3 inches of snow in December, we were stuck with 3 inches of solid ice on our entire property, making it extremely slippery and dangerous, the last of the ice melting in April! Walking from the car to our back door entrance was brutal, and being a weekend house, unloading our car and making a million trips back and forth with suitcases, food, etc.. was very difficult. We needed a clear path so nobody would slip and get hurt.

Warmzone was very responsive to our needs, giving us a cost effective and simple solution.

We are thrilled about the solution, as you can see in the photos, and Warmzone was extremely helpful in answering all of my questions, over and over again.

I would definitely recommend Warmzone to my friends. I’ve already begun showing off the new path to our neighbors, who look on with envy!!

The installation process was recommended by Bryan at Warmzone and was simple; Path: bed of crushed gravel, weed barrier, 1 inch of sand, heat cable mat, 1 inch of sand, 2 inches of pea gravel.

Steps and landing by back door: heat cable mat continued from path up behind the steps risers embedded within the mortar behind the stone facade, and then under the steps and landing flagstones within the mortar holding the stones in place.

Richard P.

We had a Blizzard and the System Worked Great!

Solution:  ClearZone Heated Driveway

I just wanted to send a note to tell you thank you so much for your help last Monday evening. We had a blizzard Christmas day and the Warmzone system worked great! I have one blanket that is not working and will have the electrician check it out as it is probably where he joined them together in the junction box outside. Thanks again for your help after hours.

Dave S.

Working With Warmzone, I Feel Like I Have the Best Radiant Heat Partner

Solution: ClearZone Heated Driveway

By working with Warmzone, I feel like I have the best radiant heat partner working with me, so I never feel alone during the installation process. The designer, engineer and electrician are always there for me if I have any questions or needs. Their expertise ensures that the installation goes smoothly and the customer is satisfied.

David V. (Veron Landscaping)

Attract More Customers to Your Car Wash

Increasing Profitability While Reducing Liability

The car wash industry boasts annual revenue of approximately $5.8 billion. That’s a large pie to be sure, but with over 113,000 automated and self-serve car wash facilities vying for a slice, the pickings can often be slim and the competition fierce for owners of these businesses. Unlike most significant markets that are typically dominated by large conglomerates, 90 percent of car washes are owned by small businesses or individuals. Given the limited budget of most of these business owners, it is vital to keep maintenance costs at a minimum while keeping the facility operational at all times.

Outdoor car wash

Abundant Demand and Abundant Competition
According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 8 million cars are washed every day. Of the 113,000 car wash facilities competing for business, 58,000 are in-bay automatics and 36,000 are self-service car wash bays. With so many car wash facilities dotting the landscape, how do you distinguish your car wash and attract the most customers? What are the “selling points” that entice consumers to choose one self-service car wash over another?

First, it’s important to know that the busiest and most profitable time for the car wash industry is during the winter. Thirty-two percent of the annual earnings are realized during the cold weather months while spring and summer seasons each account for 25% of yearly revenue and fall income dips to 18%. With winter being the peak earning season for the car wash business, downtime during the cold season must be avoided at all costs.

The Challenge
The very challenges that threaten your operation in the winter (ice and snow) are also the factors that generate increased business. Consumers are eager to wash the salt and sludge from their vehicles after each winter storm, but if your car wash has ice packed around the entrance and exit, you can be certain that you are losing business as a result. Most owners apply salt or snowmelt chemicals or use other labor intensive means in an effort to keep their bays free of ice and snow. Not only can the icy property hinder business, but the dangerous conditions can lead to personal injury and costly litigation.

The demand for safe car washes has become a serious topic due to preventable accidents and expensive settlements in recent years. In addition to the winter precipitation, the overspray from a car wash often creates dangerous, slick areas in and around each bay. Insurance is a necessity but not a catchall solution, and it can come at a high cost. However, installing a radiant snow melting system can decrease your liability as well as reduce your insurance premiums. When comparing the cost savings for insurance and the decreased chances of an expensive lawsuit, installing a snow melting system makes good business sense.

Selling Points
Certainly insurance is essential for your business, but if you are serious about increasing your profits then you must also be aware of the key “selling points” that influence consumers when searching for a self-service car wash. Perhaps the most important factor responsible for attracting business to your car wash is appearance. Customers look for clean and safe (ice-free) property as well as functional looking equipment. But how do you maintain safe, clean conditions around the clock during the icy winter barrage? And how do you avoid downtime to take advantage of the increase in demand during extreme weather conditions?

The Proven Solution
Car wash owners are discovering the reliability, affordability and effectiveness of electric radiant heat systems. Easy to install and surprisingly affordable, electric radiant heat has proven to be the ideal technology to complement the self-service car wash industry.

Warmzone is one of the country’s leading radiant heat solutions providers, and offers both hydronic and electric radiant snow melting solutions. Hydronic snowmelt systems can be very efficient for heating large areas, but for small, custom areas such as car wash bay aprons, electric radiant heat has proven to be the best answer. Electric snow melting systems can be easily customized, so heating small strips of pavement at the entrance and exit is simple and affordable. There’s no need for a control room and electric systems feature rapid response times so the pavement is heated quickly and efficiently. Warmzone snow melting systems are also maintenance free and fully automated, but can also be controlled manually when needed.

In addition to providing one of the most comprehensive radiant heat information resources on the web (www.warmzone.com ), Warmzone also makes it easy to explore the options for installing radiant heat by offering free quotes and professional consulting. Simply call a representative to discuss the options and costs with no obligation (888.488.9276).

Statistical Sources: MSSP, IRS, Professional Car Washing and Detailing, and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Preserve Decorative Concrete With Radiant Heat

Keep Your Decorative Concrete Looking Like the day You Installed it!

When installing decorative concrete, the installer can’t help but wonder, “How long is my work going to last?” One concern may be that in the winter the owners will use snow removal methods that will eventually fade or destroy the beautiful decorative concrete. But what if there was a way for the customer to never lay a snow plow blade, shovel, or snowmelt chemical on the concrete? Would this be worth the slight extra cost for the customer now versus replacing the whole driveway later? There is a solution, and contractors can partner with Warmzone in getting their clients to “go green” and avoid harsh chemicals and salt to remove snow and ice.

Heated paver walkway

What Warmzone offers is a new way to utilize an old technology which has re-emerged in the last 50 years in Europe as a great alternative to other heating methods –  radiant heat . Radiant heat can be used outdoors for melting snow and ice, and indoors to heat the house. There are two technologies that are associated with radiant heat: hydronic, which uses hot water to heat an area; and electric radiant heating, a newer technology that is quickly emerging as a great way to heat homes and keep driveways clear of snow and ice. Set yourself apart from your competition by offering these specialty products for your clients’ decorative concrete projects. It won’t change the normal installation process and can significantly add to your bottom line.

Set up of either radiant heat system is fairly simple while installing the concrete. You just install the cables or PEX pipes directly where you will pour the concrete, hook them up to a controller that is connected to a sensor, set the controller or thermostat and let it go to work. This efficient, even heat source will melt the snow and heat the floors and can reduce heating costs and stress for your customers when the weather outside turns dreary.

To learn more about Warmzone and what they can do for you and your clients, please search the site further or call a sales representative at 888.488.9276.

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 – A Simple Way to Melt Snow

Heated Driveways are Fully Automated and Easy to Operate

A heated driveway is becoming more of a necessity every passing winter. More of us are moving to the outer areas of our cities to find more affordable housing. Often those homes come with long winding driveways or steep access drives to our property. A heated driveway provides a simple snow melting solution which is now quite affordable.

Installing a heated driveway gives you a reliable and fully automated to remove your snow each winter. A gully programmable sensor detects the amount of snow in collaboration with the outside temperature and activates the snow melting system only when needed. You honestly have very little thinking to do with a fully automated, maintenance-free heated driveway snow melting system.

Heated driveways make life so simple by eliminating the constant need to shovel snow or pull out your heavy snow blower and put gasoline in it. You also would no longer need ice melt to keep your sidewalks clear and the stubborn shady part of your driveway clear of ice. Heated driveways are now an affordable and simple luxury you can’t live without. You won’t dread the oncoming winter as long as you have a fully automated, maintenance-free snow melting system. Radiant heat will simplify your life and your winter.

Protect Yourself and Your Assets with Radiant Heat

Most municipalities in cold weather climates across the U.S. have snow removal ordinances. If homeowners fail to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks in a timely manner, citations / fines are often the result, adding insult to injury. Here are some examples of just a few snow removal ordinances from cities across the U.S.

According to Philadelphia Code 10-720, “The owner, agent and tenants of any building or premises shall clear a path of not less than 30 inches in width on all sidewalks abutting the building or premises within 6 hours after the snow has ceased to fall.” Failure to comply in Philadelphia sidewalk snow removal could result in penalties ranging from $100 to $300, and residents can also be penalized for dumping the snow from their sidewalks into the street.
The New Jersey “Snow Removal Bill” penalizes the owner or controller of a parking area for failing to remove snow, ice or other obstacles from accessible parking spaces, curb cuts and other improvements designed to provide accessibility. Ice or snow must be removed from the parking space, curb cut or other improvement within 48 hours after snow has stopped falling. A violator of this provision would be subject to a penalty of not less than $200 or more than $500.
According to the Municipal Code of Chicago (4-4-310 & 10-8-180), property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice.

Following the severe winter storms of 2009-10 (a.k.a. Snowmageddon), many business owners, property managers and homeowners started exploring the options of radiant heat. Radiant snow melting systems are fully automated and can dramatically enhance safety as well as increase property values. Radiant heated driveways and sidewalks not only eliminate the time consuming task of physical snow removal, but also eliminate the need for harsh snow melting chemicals that can damage surrounding grass and vegetation.

Heated cement steps

Electric snow melting systems are maintenance free. The automated system is activated by a high-tech snow sensor that detects temperatures and precipitation. When the sensor detects moisture and temperatures are below a set point (usually 39° Fahrenheit), it signals the snow melting system’s master control unit. The controller then sends power to the embedded heat cable to warm the driveway as the first snowflake hits.

Installing a radiant snow melting system is one sure way to protect yourself from personal injury liabilities and fines from failing to comply with local snow removal ordinances. For more information about automated snow melting systems, contact Warmzone at 888.488.9276.

Got Questions About Radiant Heat?

Q. What are the operational costs of snow melting systems?
The average operational cost for a snow melting system is approximately $0.28 per 100 square feet per hour. This figure is based on a system producing 35 watts/sq. ft. with a kwh rate of $0.08 per hour (the national average kwh is $.08/hour). If you know the square feet of the area you want to heat and your kwh rate, you can calculate the operational costs with this formula: heatable sq. ft. times watts/sq. ft., divided by 1000, times your kwh rate.

Q. What are the power requirements for your snow melting systems?
The power requirements vary from system to system. Generally, cable heating systems require a 240 V. 30 amp breaker for every 300 square feet you are heating. (On average, a 240 V. 30 amp breaker is required for every 175 square feet you are snow melting.)
Click here for more driveway heating information.

Q. Are your snow melting systems manually or automatically activated?
Warmzone systems come standard with an aerial-mounted, automatic snow switch and a 4-hour manual timer. The system automatically turns on when the temperature is below a set point (usually set at 38° or 39°F) and there is moisture on the sensor. Pavement-mounted snow sensors are also available.

Installation Questions

Q. In what types of surfaces can your systems be installed?
Warmzone snowmelt systems can be installed in almost any surface, including concrete, stamped concrete, asphalt, and under pavers. View our snow melting project gallery.

Q. Can the cables be cut or spliced together?
Warmzone systems come with the cold leads pre-spliced and should never be cut or spliced together. If you have questions during installation please consult the installation manual or contact us for assistance.

Q. Can the cold leads be cut or spliced together?
Cold leads can be trimmed if there is excess cable, but they should never be spliced to other cold leads or cable.

Q. Does Warmzone provide detailed layouts for purchased systems?
Yes. Warmzone provides detailed layouts for most systems at the price of $0.35 per square foot. (This price is subject to change. Please call 888.488.9276 for more information.)

Warmzone Growth Continues

Warmzone Moves Headquarters to Larger Facility

Salt Lake City, Utah (PR WEB) – March 2, 2012Warmzone, a leading provider of radiant heat solutions has announced that it is moving its corporate headquarters from downtown Salt Lake City to a much larger facility in Draper, Utah on March 5, 2012. Located just 18 miles south of the old Warmzone headquarters, the new facility boasts greater office space and increased warehouse capabilities.

In spite of the sluggish economy and recent economic challenges, Warmzone has continued to experience growth, necessitating the move into a larger building. The new facility will allow Warmzone to significantly increase the amount of inventory it has in its Utah facility, which will ultimately translate into even quicker service for Warmzone customers.

“We feel fortunate that we’ve been able to grow our business in these difficult times,” stated Executive Vice President, Brandon Weaver, “and we attribute the growth to our superior customer service and support. In today’s economy, people are demanding more in an effort to stretch their dollars, and it’s not enough to just offer competitive pricing. Businesses have to earn customers’ trust and provide expert service from beginning to end.”

In addition to Warmzone’s preeminent customer services, the company offers a wide variety of proven radiant heating solutions, ranging from heated driveways and floor heating solutions to roof deicing and portable snow melting systems. This allows Warmzone to offer the ideal solution for the unique needs of each customer. Every project is carefully evaluated and designed prior to any installation. Given the wide product offering and renowned customer services, Warmzone’s growth seems a natural progression.

“We’re looking forward to settling into the new building,” Weaver added. “The move will certainly benefit our customers. One thing’s for certain,” he concluded, “we will continue to focus on what got us here, and that’s our superior products and our industry leading service.”