Tag Archives: Snow sensor

The WS-2C – A New Standard for Aerial-Mount Snow Sensors

New Features Added to the Industry Leading Aerial-Mount Snow Sensor

Warmzone snow melting systems continue to set the gold standard for the radiant heat industry. In addition to the recent enhancements to its industry leading heat cable, Warmzone has also added some performance enhancing features to its state-of-the-art WS-2 snow sensor, resulting in the WS-2C aerial mount snow switch.

Aerial mount snow sensor

The WS-2C snow switch is a culmination of Warmzone research and feedback from experienced installation professionals. Some of the features of the improved snow sensor include:

Universal Input Power Supply (Auto Select Input Voltage)—The universal power supply auto selects the input voltage (100v to 277v AC). This simplifies the installation process and eliminates the need to install voltage jumpers (to select the operating voltage).

Sensitivity Control—Climates vary geographically, so it stands to reason that the conditions leading up to a precipitation event (like a snow storm) will vary too. Warmzone units allow for greater calibration of your snow melting system. The WS-2C aerial-mount snow sensor features unmatched sensitivity control, giving you the optimal customized snow removal solution. The advanced sensor can be programmed for specific conditions to help eliminate false trips, ultimately saving on energy costs.

Increased After-run Delay— Warmzone snow melting systems are designed to remain on for a short period after the storm to prevent the melted snow from turning into ice. The WS-2C offers run delay times of 30-90 minutes, and 2-6 hours. The “delay off” time can be adjusted by using the DELAY ADJUST control.

Power Indicator Light – Indicates when the sensor is powered AND when it is activated.

Redesigned Case – Greatly reduces the chances of warping the cover due to over tightening of the screws.

One of the main reasons Warmzone attracts and retains so many repeat customers is a refusal to stop at “good enough” when it comes to radiant heat solutions. Warmzone professionals make it a point to immerse themselves in all things radiant heat related, keeping an ear to the ground when it comes to the latest and greatest in snow melting technology. They take time to speak with installers on the front lines to find out what’s working and what isn’t, so you receive the most advanced snow melting technologies available.

It’s this passion to be the best of the best, to provide customers with the most advanced, efficient snow melting solutions, that has made Warmzone an industry leader for more than a decade. Learn more about the latest snow melting system technology by perusing the Warmzone website, or call today to discuss your custom radiant heat options at 888.488.9276.

Efficient Heat for Your Tile Floor

The Best Solution for Heating Tile Floors

The ComfortTile floor heating system is one of the most popular radiant floor heating options on the market. Compatible with all standard sub-flooring materials, ComfortTile floor heating systems offer the premium performance expected from the industry leader.

Floor heating cable in mats under tile
ComfortTile floor heating cable (in mat) show underneath tile. Thinset can be applied directly over the heating cable, resulting in easy installation and efficient heated tile floors.

The systems are easily installed under all types of floor surfaces to provide comfortable, even floor heat. CT radiant floor heating systems provide efficient room heating and reduce the transmission of dust, allergens and other airborne particulate matter associated with forced air systems.

Heating Element

The heating element consists of heat cable on the spool or pre-spaced and woven into an adhesive-backed fiberglass mesh, depending on your preference. The floor warming mats are pre-terminated for use with 120 and 240V, and are available in various lengths (24-inch width). While both cable systems are easy to install, the cable off the spool is particularly convenient for custom shaped floor heating projects.

Thermostat

The Warmzone ComfortTile electronic thermostats are specifically designed to control electric radiant floor heating systems for maximum comfort while minimizing power consumption. Each thermostat also includes an integrated Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI, Class A).

The Advanced WS-2 Snow Sensor

Heated Driveway on the Fritz? Retrofit with the WS-2 Snowmelt Sensor

This week many parts of the country saw record snowfalls. The days of shoveling have seemingly stretched into years. Snow is piling up everywhere, making snow removal even more difficult. Investment in a radiant heated snow melting system is smart. While electric snowmelt systems are fully automated and maintenance free, you can still do things to keep it operating at peak efficiency. If you do have an old system that is struggling to keep your driveway clear, you may only need a sensor update. You don’t have to wait until spring, or invest big bucks to tear up your entire driveway to fix the problem.

Aerial mount snow sensor

Warmzone has a complete line of proven products, including WS-2 aerial-mount snow melting sensors that make repairing your existing electric or hydronic heated driveway a snap. Each unit has four mounting tabs that can be used to mount the sensor to a post, elevating it above the highest level of expected snow fall. Weighing in at just two pounds, they can be easily secured and supported on a variety of surfaces.

There are a number of minimally invasive techniques for adding the WZ-2 aerial sensor to your existing snow melting system, regardless of the conditions outside. For convenience, the unit has pre-set all operational switches and set points; however, for further customization, users can access all electronics by simply removing the four screws of the front cover plate.

Aerial-mount snow sensors are an integral part of any snow melting system, so the quality of your system components is critical. When sensors read changes in moisture and temperature indicating that snow is on the way, they trigger the system controller to activate your heated driveway as the first snowflake falls. They are the brain of your heated driveway and maximize efficiency.

WS-2 snow sensors feature an adjustable “Delay Off” cycle. “Delay off” refers to drying cycle. This cycle restarts and operates whenever snow is detected, then continues for a short “delay off” period once the precipitation has stopped to dry the heated surface. This intuitive drying cycle enhances safety by reducing the chance of moisture refreezing into ice.

For further efficiency and convenience, these sensors are also “smart system” ready, offering a number of remote features so you can control your heated driveway system from remote locations. For instance, the optional CS-1 cable and the snow sensor are easily connected into compatible Warmzone smart systems, giving you the ability to turn your radiant heated driveway on and off via your telephone.

You can also control and monitor your driveway snow melting system from inside your home by adding Warmzone’s system-specific remote control panel. The panel provides basic DE-ICE ON status for deicing, as well as MANUAL ON, AUTOMATIC and STANDBY control capabilities. Even though the system is fully automated, it’s nice to have access to manual control as well.

If you’re looking to update your snow melting system in time for the next storm, take heart. Warmzone WS-2 aerial-mounted sensors can be installed quickly so your driveway snow melting system is up and running for the next big storm. Call 888.488.9276 or visit Warmzone.com for more details.

A Premier Roof Heating Solution

Eliminate Ice Dams with the Warmzone RoofHeat Panel Roof Deicing System

One of the many effective roof heating options available from Warmzone is the RoofHeat Panel roof deicing system. RoofHeat Panels feature self-regulating heat cable that is placed in the grooves of aluminum panels for maximum heat transfer. Because of the conductive properties of the aluminum panel, this roof deicing system is one of the most effective and efficient roof heating systems available.

In the past, many homeowners “zig zagged” heat cable along the eaves of their roofs prevent ice dams from forming, but this method required much cable and not all the snow and ice would be melted at the roof’s edge. With the RoofHeat Panel system (Product Specsheet PDF), the heat cable is installed in special grooves within the aluminum panels to transfer heat quickly and evenly. Panels warm a larger surface area while using less cable, so not only is all the snow and ice melted at the roof’s edge, but there is less energy consumption as well. The system has proven to be more environmentally friendly, while keeping operation costs at a minimum.

Heat roof edges with Warmzone panels

The attractive panels are powder-coated with a durable finish, and are available in a variety of colors (PDF) to choose from. RoofHeat panels are also available in several widths so you can choose how much of your roof edges to heat. Panels are available in 8, 12, and 18-inch widths and are interlocking, so you can truly customize your roof heating system as you see fit.

Warmzone also offers RoofHeat valley heating panels that feature a 3-inch extruded aluminum panel. The roof valley panels may be the best roof valley heating solution on the market today. The heated panels provide a remarkably effective, and efficient means of melting snow and ice to protect your roof. The roof heating system typically melts snow on each side of the panel to create a significant clearing for runoff to eliminate buildup resulting in destructive ice dams. This industry leading roof heating system also features a lifetime manufacturer warranty!

And don’t forget that Warmzone is known as the industry leader when it comes to customer service. Warmzone custom designs each system, and includes personal installation support services. We work with you throughout the installation process to ensure that your system is installed correctly and performing as expected. Call Warmzone today at 888.488.9276 to learn more about the custom roof deicing options available to you.

Summary of Warmzone’s Top Notch Services

Premier Product Quality, Affordable Pricing, and Large Selection

Complete System Design and Engineering Services

Customer Service and Installation Support

FREE Installation Training Courses (Call 801.948.7545)

Radiant Heat Information Resource (Vast collection of online information.)

Radiant Heat Product Manuals, Videos, Guides, Illustrations and more.

Warmzone was recently named “VENDOR OF THE YEAR” by the National Association of Custom Home Builders.

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.

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.