Category Archives: HOTNEWS

HOTNEWS

More Than One Way to Heat a Driveway

When it comes to Radiant Heated Driveway Systems, you may have more Options than you Realize.

So you’ve decided that a radiant heated driveway is in your future, and may be asking, now what? If you’re looking for high-quality, reliable radiant heat solutions, look no further than Warmzone. As a trusted provider of quality radiant heat solutions, Warmzone has made a name for itself by offering the best selection and prices available on radiant snow melting systems and heated floors, and for providing a creative approach to finding solutions to meet the needs of its customers.

Warmzone takes three general approaches to heated driveway installation. To keep paved areas completely clear and free of snow and ice, radiant heating cable can be installed underneath entire driveway and/or walkway surfaces. Other snow melting options include installing either an 8-10 foot wide strip of heating cable, or two 24-inch wide tracks of radiant heat cable up the middle or main traffic area of your driveway.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

Warmzone has built a reputation not only on their approach to a variety of radiant heat systems, but on their state-of-the-art products. ClearZone cable is durable resistance heat cable used to melt snow and ice in harsh weather conditions. It is built specifically for heated driveways, sidewalks and other common areas that require snow removal in the worst conditions. Easy to install and easily customizable, ClearZone heat cable provides an effective, energy efficient and environmentally friendly snow removal solution that is virtually maintenance free.

ClearZone electric radiant snow melting cable is available in pre-configured sections, or mats, for easy installation. These snow melting mats are built specifically for electric heated driveway systems, sidewalks and other common areas. They’re designed for ease of installation and proper cable spacing for optimum snow melting efficiency, whether you choose to heat an entire driveway, or target high-traffic areas. They can be rolled out for safe installation in new concrete pours, under pavers and even in high-temperature new asphalt projects.

Custom Heated Driveways  (Continued)
Of course, you may not be ready to pour a new driveway right now. Perhaps the thought of rolling out ClearZone snow melting cables or mats over your existing pavement does not appeal to your aesthetic sensibilities. But don’t rule out a heated driveway in your future just yet. ClearZone radiant heat cable is easily retrofitted into existing surfaces. Using concrete saw-cut technology, grooves can be cut into existing concrete or asphalt. The ClearZone radiant heat cable is then laid into the grooves and sealed with a special epoxy topcoat for efficient, effective snow removal.

Choose Warmzone, and you not only benefit from cutting-edge radiant heat technologies, but a team of radiant heat specialists with the experience and the expertise to design a snowmelt system to satisfy your objectives and budget. From start to finish, our professional designers can evaluate your radiant heating system requirements, and based on this information, create a detailed CAD schematic of your heated driveway system layout. You’ll know the electrical requirements, technical specifications and system performance expectations before heat cable is installed with no costly installation surprises later on.

Snow melting system installed under pavers

Warmzone stands proudly by the quality of our products and services. Our radiant heat products are tested and proven to be among the best in the industry. Call Warmzone today. Your initial consultation and project estimate is absolutely free.

For more information on radiant heated driveways, radiant floor heating, or roof deicing and gutter trace systems, browse our web site or call 888.488.9276 today.

HOTNEWS

Aging Population in the U.S. Looking for Convenience, Comfort and Safety

Whether you are a senior, live with or have a senior in your employ, undoubtedly your comfort and safety is a priority, particularly in the prevention of slip and fall accidents. In inclement weather, radiant heat snow melting systems not only help to protect seniors, but all employees and customers from potential ice and snow-related falls.

Just how likely is this problem for seniors? It is estimated that the majority of the lifetime cost for persons 65 and over is directly attributed to falls. Among people aged 65 to 69, one out of every 200 falls results in a hip fracture, and among those persons 85 years of age or older, one fall in ten results in a hip fracture. The most profound effect of falling is the loss of independent functioning. Twenty-five percent of those who fracture a hip require life-long nursing care. About 50 percent of the elderly who sustain a fall-related injury will be discharged to a nursing home rather than return home. Considering these disturbing trends, it’s not surprising that many home and business owners are turning to radiant heat to curtail this tragic trend.

Treacherous snowy driveway in need of radiant heat

Electric radiant heated driveways and walkways are a practical method of slip and fall prevention during inclement weather. Fully automated, these systems are activated by a high-performance snow sensor when precipitation is detected and temperatures dip below 39 degrees F. The sensor signals the master control box, initiating startup of the electric radiant heated driveway system. This heated driveway system not only eliminates the task (or in the case of seniors, the cost) of snow removal, it clears surfaces to prepare for foot traffic well before ice and snow buildup occurs, eliminating the possibility of a slip and fall due to changing weather conditions.

When it comes to maintaining a quality of life for seniors, radiant heat is not only valuable in terms of snow melting, but other applications as well. If you’re a senior, you can now say goodbye to unwelcome cold winter drafts in the home associated with traditional heat systems. Unlike forced air, electric radiant heated floors, once initiated, can heat a room quickly, radiating heat from the floor up. They can be safely installed under wood, carpet, and ceramic tile to keep seniors safe, warm, and protected against illnesses brought on by winter’s chill. By reducing the dependence on costly fossil fuels, they are equally cost-effective, and that’s important when you’re on a limited budget. And, with the help of a room-specific thermostat and sensors, you have the freedom to heat one room, or heat them all, depending upon your needs for even greater efficiency.

Large heated paver driveway

Due to medications, changes in vision and other health concerns, incidents of falling and illness increase dramatically with age. Each fall or medical setback brings with it a threat to independence. Taking preventive measures now is one way to lessen the chance of a fall, or illness, and ensure that seniors live healthy, productive lives well into old age.

Call a radiant heat expert (888.488.9276) to learn more about the snow melting and floor heating systems and options available for you.

Snow Melting Systems Work While you Sleep

The weather has been in the news a lot lately. Crazy storms are wreaking havoc on roads and structures across the country, as evidenced by the roof collapse of the Metrodome in Minnesota. The record snowfalls even resulted in the postponing of a couple of NFL football games, which hasn’t happened in decades. The storms have made many of us take stock in how prepared we are for these blizzards.

The fortunate homeowners with radiant snow melting systems installed were able to go about their days without missing a beat during these storms, but the folks without a heated driveway snow melting system were faced with considerable challenges. Repeated shoveling of driveways and sidewalks were necessary as a series of storms left heavy snow in their wake. The hours and efforts of manual snow removal took a toll, and many people simply couldn’t keep up with the winter barrage. For these folks, installing an automated snow melting system may be quickly jumping to the top of their priority lists.

Heated paver walkway

Heated driveways have automatic sensors that allow them to work even while you are asleep. The smart snow sensor signals the driveway heating system when weather conditions warrant, activating the heat cables and warming your driveway to keep it clear of snow and ice. You can rest easy and keep your aspirin in the cupboard, knowing that your snowmelt system will do the heavy labor while you get your sleep. Contact Warmzone to learn more about these affordable snow melting solutions.

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.

HOTNEWS

Premium Home Amenities – Hot on Any Occasion

Add a little comfort and convenience to your life with radiant floor heating. ComfortTile radiant floor heating systems also offer several benefits.

ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and thermostat
ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and programmable thermostat.

Allergy sufferers will appreciate the ComfortTile radiant floor heating system because it does not require forced air, which spreads dust, pollen and other particles into the air. A radiant heated room warms almost instantly, beginning at the floor and rising upwards.

Radiant heated bathroom floors are particularly popular among home owners. Placing CT heating cable beneath the flooring results in comfort that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. Typically, consumers who have installed a floor heating system claim that they will never go without radiant heated floors again. Most home owners discover the comfort and economic benefits of radiant heat after installing a system in the bathroom, and soon afterwards want the same comfort throughout their homes.

These are just two of the many products offered by Warmzone that are centered around making your home as luxurious as an expensive resort. Pamper yourself with the comfort and convenience of a heated bidet and warm radiant floor!

Project Spotlight
You probably know how outdoor radiant heating cable is installed before pouring the concrete, but what happens when you want to install it in existing cement? That was the problem Warmzone needed to solve for Lockheed Martin, an advanced technology company with a facility located in Denver, Colorado.

Lockheed Martin has a 5500 square-foot ramp accessing a rooftop parking garage. The concrete ramp proved difficult to plow in the winter, and costs to maintain the structure had grown increasingly expensive. During the day, some snow would melt, but the water would re-freeze at night, creating stress on the concrete and making it difficult for employees to access the parking lot in the morning.

Warmzone’s ClearZone snow melting system proved to be the perfect solution, and installers from Silver Leaf Home Improvements in Montrose, Colorado were up for the job!

The solution was simple. Using concrete saw-cut technology, grooves were cut into the ramp from edge to edge at 4-inch spacing. The ClearZone 480 volt, three-phase radiant heat cable was then laid into the grooves and sealed into the ramp using an epoxy topcoat. Before the epoxy cured, Silver Leaf applied a sand broadcast on the surface to create added traction and safety to the ramp.

The end result was a radiant heated ramp with an automatic sensor to activate the system during bad weather – good news for employees of Lockheed Martin! Not only does the ramp require less maintenance with the new radiant heat system, the lifespan of the ramp has also been extended! Plow systems, snow melting chemicals and expanding ice weaken and crack cement, significantly shortening its lifespan.

Lockheed Martin was thrilled with the results and the outstanding installation work performed by Silver Leaf Home Improvements.

HOTNEWS

Snow Removal Responsibilities

The Changing Legal Climate Surrounding Snow Removal.

While we can hope that this year’s snowfall won’t top last year’s record levels, snow removal will take on an increased sense of urgency this year in Massachusetts. In addition to the grueling physical demands, a recent shift in the laws regarding snow removal will have homeowners much more attentive to the condition of their sidewalks following each storm.

Manually shoveling snow
Keeping your driveway and sidewalks clear of snow and ice during the winter months can be a daunting task.

For business owners, the laws mandating snow removal are clear and unforgiving. Neglecting snow removal can result in fines levied by local government as well as leave businesses vulnerable to costly personal injury lawsuits. The consequences can be devastating, but for the most part, these are avoidable expenses, and as such, businesses in cold climates take their snow removal duties seriously. But the legal responsibilities of snow removal are not confined to businesses. Homeowners in the north east are also feeling the chill of a legal climate change.

A Massachusetts court recently overturned a 125-year-old “slip and fall” accident law. Prior to this latest decision, the state’s courts made a distinction between snow and ice conditions caused by nature and those caused artificially. Not anymore.

In the past, Massachusetts law had stated that property owners did nothing wrong when they didn’t remove ice or snow that accumulated naturally. But now, whether the snow on your sidewalk is a natural accumulation from Mother Nature or the result of a passing snow plow, the responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of the homeowner to clear that snow from the sidewalk. Essentially, the new ruling states that walkways in Massachusetts must be safe to walk on at all times, making homeowners liable for “slip and fall” accidents that occur on their property.

While diligent snow shoveling and timely distribution of ice melting chemicals can enhance safety and reduce the chances of personal injury, it’s hard for any homeowner to feel completely at ease during the winter cold spell. There are no “anti-lawsuit” guarantees, but radiant snow melting systems are proving to be the most popular long term remedy for “litigation angst”. The automated systems ensure safe, snow-free sidewalks, whether you are asleep in bed, at work, or just relaxing in the front room with a hot cup of coffee.

Electric snowmelt systems are activated by a high-tech snow sensor that signals the unit’s controller when it detects precipitation and temperatures are below 39° Fahrenheit. The control unit then sends power to the embedded heat cable, warming the driveway or sidewalks. Installing a heated driveway not only eliminates the time consuming, arduous task of manual snow removal, but provides peace of mind by enhancing safety as well as increasing the value of your property.

Contact Warmzone and find out more about how radiant heat can become a part of your winter weather strategy.

Is Your Roof an Accident Waiting to Happen?

Each Winter Storm May Slowly be Compromising the Integrity of your Roof

Every winter, homeowners in cold climates experience the damaging effects of heavy snow and ice as it accumulates on their roofs. Contrary to the seemingly harmless splendor of winter’s white wonderland, snow can cause as much damage as fires, severe storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards.

Beneath the serene blanket of fresh snow on your roof, destructive forces are silently at work, stressing your home’s structure and gradually infiltrating the vulnerable areas of your roofing like an unrelenting cavity gnawing away at your tooth.

In freezing climates, two common types of roof damage are responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars of roof repair. Ice dams and condensation of water vapor on cold surfaces in the attic slowly take their toll on roofs, and the consequences can lead to safety hazards as well as expensive repairs.

Ice dams are typically the most problematic areas of roofs in climates with freezing temperatures. When the temperature in the attic is above freezing, it can cause the snow on the roof to melt and trickle down the roof valleys. When it hits the colder eaves, it refreezes.

As this cycle repeats over several days, the freezing snowmelt results in ice buildup that acts as a dam, causing water to slowly back up behind it. The melting snow continues to run down the sloping roof, accumulating at the dam and causing several potential risks. It eventually backs up under the roof covering and can leak into the attic, and perhaps, even along exterior walls. Because the warm air of the living space below the roof penetrates the attic, it is difficult to avoid the conditions that cause ice dams naturally. However, the good news is that you can protect yourself from the danger and excessive costs associated with roof damage.

Warmzone roof heating systems are discreetly installed under the roofing and eliminate prolonged ice damming that can cause severe roof damage. Investing in a quality roof heating system and protecting your home from structural damage and dangerous icicles can save you a considerable amount of money in the future.

Roof deicing system heating roof edges and valley

Automated roof heating systems can be customized to accommodate just about any roof type and configuration. Warmzone examines each project individually to determine which system will provide the optimal solution. A valued roof deicing system is based on its cost, performance and aesthetics. Based on your budget and needs, Warmzone will maximize your investment to the best working system possible. (A variety of proven roof heating options are available to choose from.)

Warmzone roof heating systems are controlled by automatic sensors that activate the heating elements when conditions warrant. Warmzone roof heating systems have been installed in most cold regions around the country and are still the most effective for roof deicing. RoofHeat deicing systems are a wise investment that could save you thousands of dollars in repairs if you live in an area with harsh winters. The energy-efficient roof heating systems are ideal for new construction and/or remodeling of existing roofs.

In addition to roof heating, Warmzone is a premier provider of radiant heated driveways and floor heating systems. Call a Warmzone radiant heat expert (888-488-9276) to learn about the systems and options available for you.

HOTNEWS

Hydronic and Electric Radiant Heating Systems – Comparing Operational Costs

If you’ve decided to add a heated driveway or underfloor heating system to your list of home improvement projects, hydronic heat might be the popular choice, but it’s not necessarily the best, or least expensive way to go. Electric radiant heat is a new, equally viable option that may give you some pause when it comes time to fork over that cash you’ve been stashing for your home improvement projects.

Installing a hydronic heated floor. Pex tubing being installed in Rau Panel.

Let’s say you are considering adding radiant heat to your bathroom-remodeling project. In a small space, typical heating times can make all the difference, right down to the floorboards. A hydronic heated floor system installation requires PEX tubing placed 1½-2 inches into a cement slab for optimal results. At this depth, you could be waiting a few hours for things to heat up. To avoid the inconvenience of those long wait times, most homeowners tend to leave their hydronic heat systems on throughout the winter months, consuming more energy. An electric radiant heated floor can reduce that wait time by as much as 6½ hours. Radiant heating mats can be easily rolled out above the sub-floor, just under the flooring material, and can heat a tile floor in 30 to 60 minutes flat. With more reasonable wait times, programming the system to turn on and off potentially saves you more dollars, and frankly, makes more sense.

Installation costs tend to be higher for hydronic heating systems. Returning to our bathroom project, the $300 to $400 you would expect to spend installing a radiant heated floor will cost you upwards of $4,000 to $5,000. The upfront investment for equipment, labor and floor height issues make hydronic systems cost prohibitive in small- to medium-sized areas. Hydronic systems require a boiler, which accounts for a big chunk of the budget. Unlike radiant heated floor mats, hydronic floor heating systems also elevate the floor by a couple of inches, a significant difference that can cause big problems for you during your bathroom remodeling job. Radiant heated flooring installed will elevate the floor by only ⅛ of an inch. In this scenario, at least, it probably would not make much sense to run a series of tubing for a hydronic system in your bathroom.

Placing heat cable in the grooves of a floor heating insulation panel

Installing heat cable in a floor heating insulation panel.

Of course there is the issue of maintenance and repairs. Hydronic systems circulate continuously, and rely on a system of valves and manifolds prone to sedimentation, mechanical problems and maintenance issues. If a hydronic heating system installation is faulty, it is difficult to find a leak, and because of the nature of the installation, even if the leak is found, it is difficult to repair. With electric radiant heat systems, fault detectors can pinpoint the exact location of a break. After breaking just one or two tiles, the electric cable can be spliced and the tiles replaced, a far better (and less costly) scenario than I’m imagining with our hydronic heated bathroom floor. Fortunately, Warmzone’s electric floor heating systems are built to last and feature the best warranty in the business. Generally, most homeowners opt for electric radiant heating. It’s well suited for small- to mid-sized home improvement projects. And the initial investment is modest enough that you won’t find yourself over your head, or under water when it’s time to tap into your home improvement budget.

ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and thermostat

      ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and thermostat.

The floor heating mat features pre-spaced heat cable woven into a durable mat that simplifies the installation process.

Radiant Snow Melting for the Masses

We are nearing the end of another snow season, one that has been especially brutal in terms of snowfall, and it’s likely that most of us have grown tired of shoveling snow from our driveways. As you sit to rest your aching back, imagine a winter without having to shovel snow or throw down any deicing salt. Enter radiant heated driveways and snowmelt systems. Electric radiant snow melting systems are not just a fantasy anymore; they are the ticket to easy snow removal, and a much more pleasant winter.

Radiant heated driveway

What used to be regarded as a luxury for exclusive upscale neighborhoods is now a reality for all of us. Given the custom options and affordability of radiant snow melting systems, heated driveways, steps and walkways have become increasingly popular among homeowners and businesses alike. Warmzone electric snow melting systems are fully automated, extremely durable and are built to last a lifetime.

The advancements in technology have translated into many benefits for consumers, including a wide range affordable installation options. Radiant snow melting systems can be installed in new and existing driveways, and in just about any type of custom configuration. Whether you want your whole driveway surface heated or just the tire tracks or other specific areas, Warmzone can design the ideal snow melting system for you.

Snow melting systems consist of a heat cable or wiring system installed within the surface of the driveway or sidewalk. When conditions for snow are present, a sensor will automatically signal the control unit which actives the system. The surface is heated and your driveway is now a “snow-free zone”. How much more convenient can it get than arriving at home on a snowy day to a nice clear driveway? No shoveling required!

HOTNEWS

Of Water and Wires: Hydronic Heated Driveways vs. Electric Heated Driveways

‘Ride the Current’ or ‘Go With the Flow’?

If you’ve finally put down the shovel and decided to purchase a heated driveway system, will you be going hydronic or electric? If you’re a newcomer to the concept of driveway heating, hydronic and electric are both popular, and extremely viable forms of driveway heat, and Warmzone has the expertise, and experience, to help determine which is best for you. What these systems share in common—four key components you should be familiar with before purchasing a heated driveway system:

  • The Heating Element (Embedded in the driveway)
  • Snow Sensor
  • Power Controller Unit (Powers the heating elements on and off)
  • Power Supply (Circuit breaker panel)

Of the components mentioned above, the heating element and the control source distinguish hydronic heated driveway systems from electric heated driveway systems.

Hydronic Heated Driveway Systems: Going with the Flow
The heating element for a hydronic snowmelt system, as you may have guessed, involves water. Specifically, hydronic heated driveways use what is known as closed-loop tubing to heat the surface of the driveway. The tubing is generally made of a flexible (and quite durable) polymer or synthetic rubber to circulate a mixture of hot water and propylene glycol (antifreeze). The fluid is warmed to temperatures between 140 to 180 degrees F to deliver enough heat for snow melting.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

A water heater or a boiler is the chief source of heat for a hydronic driveway heating system, which can be powered by any energy source that satisfies the btu requirements, including natural gas, electricity, oil, wood, or even solar collectors. A circulating pump and supply and return manifolds, installed in an easily accessible location, transfer the water between the heat source and tubing.

Electric Heated Driveway Systems: Riding the Current
Unlike hydronic systems, electric heated driveway systems use hot wires to heat paved surfaces. These wires are surrounded by layers of insulation, copper grounding braid and a protective outer layer of PVC or polyolefin to form a flexible cable about ⅛ to ¼ inch in diameter. What’s great about the heat cables is the flexibility of the application. Cable is available on spools as well as pre-spaced and woven into mats, and can be customized (cut) to suit virtually any type of layout, including odd-shaped driveways, common walkways and sidewalks, etc.

After being triggered by the snow sensor, the control unit then powers the heat cable to warm the driveway. To reduce the power demands (and operating costs), you can install cables in just the tire tracks of a driveway rather than the entire area. Warmzone provides complete system design services to ensure that you receive the best system layout and products for your project.

Radiant Heat for Custom Applications

Finding a Radiant Heating Solution as Unique as You Are
As temperatures plummet and heat bills skyrocket, consumers everywhere are turning to radiant heating systems. As the most affordable and customizable option out there, radiant heating is quickly making a name for itself as a titan in the heating market.

So radiant heating is the latest and greatest, but what exactly is so great about it and what can it do for you? One word: customization.

When it comes to radiant heating, the possibilities are endless. Warmzone can design a radiant heating system completely customized for your home and lifestyle, and it’s as easy as one, two, three!

Choose
The first step of your radiant heating revolution is studying the available options and talking with a radiant heat expert to help determine the best radiant heat system for your needs.

Indoor Radiant Heating
Radiant heating can be installed under just about any surface, including tile, carpet, wood, etc. Put it in your bathroom, your kitchen, your living room—anywhere you need heat. Each room, or zone, can be controlled with its own thermostat. giving you great flexibility along with outstanding efficiency. Radiant floor heating is an affordable way to keep your house perfectly warm without racking up the electricity bill.

Outdoor Radiant Heating
You can also enjoy the benefits of radiant heating outdoors. Exterior snow melting systems keep your property safe by preventing pesky snow and ice buildup. There are several outdoor radiant heating products and options, including heated driveways, sidewalks, roof heating, pipe tracing, and portable heating mats; all of which will make your life a little easier in the harsh winter months.

Design
We realize that your radiant heating system isn’t the same as the next customer’s, so we’ll work with you to come up with a radiant heating system tailor-made to your needs.

Example of a Warmzone floor heating AutoCAD

Once we assess your project’s requirements, our team will design a custom radiant heat solution with an AutoCAD of your system, complete with all the technical specs you need so you know all the details prior to any installation taking place.

Enjoy
With radiant heating, your only job is to sit back, relax, and enjoy your custom radiant heating solution. Let your heated floors warm your home evenly and efficiently. Sit back and watch from the warmth of your living room as your radiant heated driveway does the shoveling for you. And sleep in peace knowing that your gutters and pipes are safe from nasty and potentially devastating snow and ice buildup.

Why settle for an out of the box heating solution? Let us help you customize a radiant heating system that meets your needs, fits your budget, and keeps you and your family warm and safe.

HOTNEWS

Back on Track with a Heated Driveway

Heated Driveway System in Illinois Paves the Way to Big Savings for one Warmzone Customer

When a Warmzone customer in rural Illinois found he did not have the resources to heat his entire driveway as originally planned, Sales Manager, Bryan Morris, offered a reasonable alternative. “Tire tracks were a great option in this scenario,” he explained, “because you can still get a heated portion that allows you to drive in and out, without breaking the bank. After consulting with the customer and our design team, we laid out the options (verbally and with drawings) before deciding on a more cost-effective, two-track heated driveway solution. Ultimately, heating two tire tracks (500 sq.ft.), as opposed to heating the entire 1,250 sq.ft. driveway, resulted in a $3,900 cost savings.”

Retrofitting asphalt driveway with heated tire tracks-1      Retrofitting asphalt driveway with heated tire tracks-2

Another consideration was the lack of available power. “To heat an entire driveway would have required a large number of amps from the home’s electrical power panel,” Morris stated. “Most homes only have a 200 amp panel, yet it takes approximately 180 breaker amps per 1,000 square feet to heat an entire driveway.”

The two-track radiant heated driveway system required installation of four Warmzone ClearZone snow melting mats, a 200-amp Warmzone electrical timer panel, an aerial mounted moisture/temperature snow sensor, a remote manual control unit and an NEC marker plate. Tire tracks were easily installed by rolling out the mats like sleeping bags. A protective asphalt layer was then raked over the tire track mats (photo 2) before the final surface coat was applied. “We use an asphalt machine that straddles the heating element to prevent damaging the heat cable,” offered Morris.

Asphalt driveway being retrofitted with heated tire tracks - 3      Heated asphalt driveway retrofitted with heated tire tracks.

The great news is that you don’t have to pour a new driveway to benefit from a heated driveway. Warmzone can customize your system to fit your needs and budget. “On this project,” said Morris, “the customer was paving the whole driveway anyway. Some customers pick other install methods, such as saw cutting, to achieve their goals.”

Saw cutting is cutting grooves or paths and inserting the heat cable in areas where heat is desired. With certain driveway heating systems, it is also possible to pave over the mats and create the appearance of a seamless transaction. “You can cut out the area you want to heat and then pave only that area,” Morris added. ClearZone is used under cement, asphalt and pavers on a regular basis.

Flexible options make heated driveway solutions a very popular equity booster for homeowners, and are becoming a popular home improvement option. “On average,” Morris stated, “the overall materials (cable, electrical and auto sensors) cost $6.00 per sq.ft. for 1,000 sq. ft., and the operating cost per 5-hour storm is $18.00, or $3-4 per hour depending on the state the heated driveway system is installed in and the power company’s cost per kilowatt hour.”

While the initial cost of installing a radiant heated driveway system may seem a bit daunting, the benefits of driveway heating are well worth the initial investment, the most obvious being convenience. Heated driveways don’t require shoveling, harmful salt and chemical applications or expensive snow removal services. Instead, driveway heating systems provide a safe, thorough snow removal solution with curb appeal, solving snow  removal challenges posed by problematic driveways, steps, and other heavy traffic areas.

Heated driveway systems are fully automated, so they will automatically turn on or off when needed. “If it snows at 3 a.m.,” Morris smiled, “our customer will wake up to a clear driveway. He now has a reliable, efficient snow removal solution.”

Project Spotlight – Colorado Homeowners Install Solar Powered Radiant Floor Heating System

When two Colorado homeowners decided to build a new home from the ground up, they had two main objectives in mind. They wanted a home just for them and they wanted to be as eco-friendly as possible. One of the components they chose in their new construction was to install radiant floor heating through the 1600 square feet downstairs and 900 square feet upstairs.

After doing some research and finding Warmzone online they were pleased with the many options available for various applications and the customer support offered during the entire process.

These Rocky Mountain homeowners had several great reasons for wanting to go the radiant heat route. A major consideration was allergies and how forced air systems exacerbate this condition. Cost was another concern, as was the noise of a running furnace and the desire for a comfortable, even-air temperature throughout the home. Many customers are finding their way to radiant floor heating for some of the same well thought-out reasons.

Installing radiant floor heating cable

In order to accommodate the necessary electricity needs for a radiant floor, they installed 28 solar panels to meet the demand of the electric heat. This means they are using electricity solely produced by them, helping to keep costs down and mother earth smiling.

This project called for ComfortTile heat cables and a low-voltage floor heating system laid under a variety of flooring throughout the home. The Colorado couple chose tile, wood laminate, and carpet in various parts of the home. The radiant flooring systems were chosen because of their particular capabilities and installed throughout different zones. Warmzone provided the design layouts and helped walk them through the entire process.

When asked about the benefits of using radiant floor heating, the homeowner produced a long list, including evenly spread heat through the whole house, toasty floors, noiseless heating system with easy-to-program thermostats, lack of dust, and no need to wear shoes indoors anymore.

Solar panels installed to power radiant floor heating system

Asked if they would recommend radiant floor heating to others Jane responded, “Definitely! Check out the different flooring options and applications and determine where you want the zoned heating.” Warmzone provides customers with a variety of options and helps you select the best solution for your home and budget.  Warmzone prices, product offerings and professional design services are among the best in the industry.

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Powerblankets – Rugged Durability and Unlimited Versatility

Powerblankets Perform Under Extreme Conditions

Warmzone is known for its innovative heating solutions. If it kicks out heat better than the competition, chances are Warmzone has investigated it, tested it, or sold it. One of the leading multipurpose product lines available through Warmzone are the patented Powerblanket® outdoor heating solutions. While the Powerblanket has specific heat-spreading properties that deliver a lightweight targeted heating solution, it can in no way be said that it does only that. The Powerblanket is a versatile, weatherproof warming blanket that has many universal uses, including heated tote boxes, barrel warmers, concrete curing mats and other solutions that aid in the heating or thawing of various materials and equipment.

Powerblankets were initially designed as concrete curing blankets in construction jobs. A Powerblanket utilizes electricity to provide the spread of heat which warms concrete evenly during the curing process. What results from the heating power of these concrete curing blankets is the ideal curing with crack-free finish that every project manager dreams of. The Powerblanket helps retain moisture during wet concrete curing, bringing it to the desired PSI more quickly and definitely more efficiently. When Powerblanket is used as a concrete curing blanket, they may be used in both cold and warm weather, in turn protecting the concrete from rapid drying, freezing, or cracking. Powerblankets achieve a compressive strength in concrete of 4300 psi in only nine hours. The result is defect free and a better product all around for the customer.

Powerblanket tote warmers, hotboxes and portable heating

Powerblanket doesn’t stop there however. Although most often associated with construction jobs, many customers are finding out about the many uses of this versatile warming blanket. Even though they are designed to be durable enough for the largest construction projects the Powerblanket can be used for many home projects.

If you do any projects outside you may find that your list of uses for a warming blanket is extensive. You may not have known that one product could achieve so many results. If you have need to thaw ground during cold months, simply plug in a Powerblanket and let it go to work for you. Cemetery workers often use Powerblankets for this purpose.

Another helpful application is for equipment warming. This includes tractors, machines, construction tools, snowmobiles, and engine warmers. If dependable start-ups on cold winter mornings are a must for you, the Powerblanket engine warmer may be your best cold-weather friend. All that is required is a 120V outlet.

Powerblanket engine warmer

What about outdoor pets or livestock? They need to be kept warm year-round. Powerblankets are proven to be durable and safe enough for animals to walk or sleep on. Drop it, roll it up, or even fold it, you can’t hurt this durable heating blanket, and neither can your animals. This is an ideal way to keep your animals warm during winter as well as keep water troughs from freezing.

Should you require the use of any liquids or gases in the freezing days ahead, wrap a Powerblanket around any container and keep the liquid flowing. Powerblankets are available for heating small paint containers, propane tanks, barrel heaters and water containers, and other temperature sensitive materials.

And don’t forget about protecting exposed pipes during cold winter nights. The Powerblanket warming blankets provide safe, efficient pipe freeze protection quickly and safely. This eliminates the need for expensive propane burners.

Versatile, handy, user-friendly, affordable to operate and oh-so-many uses! The Powerblanket is a product worth investigating for any outdoor warming needs.

Snowmelt Systems Feature Top Rated Safety Design

Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy will not be Void with Driveway Heating
If you have any hesitation about installing an electric snowmelt system for fear of jeopardizing your homeowner’s insurance, let’s clear this up now. Some fear that enjoying the benefits of a heated driveway means you have to forfeit certain benefits on your insurance policy. Not so with any Warmzone snow melting system. Using any of our radiant heated driveway cables is safe and approved for use in residential properties.

Each Warmzone driveway snow melting system is UL safety approved for both residential and commercial use. Warmzone electric snowmelt systems meet the highest industry standards of safety to ensure there is no added risk for fire damage. These industry-leading snowmelt systems are designed to be fail proof and maintenance free. If a heating cable does become cut or damaged in any way, the system’s GFEP (Ground Fault Equipment Protection) will automatically shut-down the power to the system. This enables repairs to take place before any hazardous effects come into play.

Large heated paver driveway

Having a heated driveway has many benefits, including energy-efficient automated operation. Warmzone snowmelt systems have been designed with smart technology to keep the electric radiant heat working properly and safely. Warmzone offers snowmelt systems that feature an impressive 10-year manufacturer warranty which includes up to five times the initial cost to offset costs of reinstalling any defective cables.

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Electrical Thermal Storage

What is ETS and Why You Should Care

Here’s another acronym that’s worth remembering – ETS. Learning about Electrical Thermal Storage (ETS) may help you save some coin. Who can turn that down right now? And let’s be honest, who would want too? Saving money is on everyone’s mind, and this may be one more chance to do just that. Electrical thermal storage is the term given to certain types of heating, specifically, electrical storage heating that stores heat during the nighttime hours, allowing radiant heat to slowly transfer throughout your home or commercial site without drawing electricity during peak hours.

Some utility companies have adapted their rates to reflect high usage hours. In a way they have copied the telecommunications industry that charges more for calls during peak hours and drops rates during the less trafficked times of the day. Electrical thermal storage heaters draw upon this concept, allowing you to use your heat during non-peak usage times, storing heat for use during the more expensive times of the day.

In-Slab heating cable installed in concrete

You would need to check with your utility company first to make sure they offer these price incentives. If they do (and many are starting to jump on this pricing band wagon) then you may be a candidate for ETS.

Once you establish the rate system of your electrical provider, you may find you could benefit from a radiant heat system that provides electrical storage heating when the rates are lower. While it is important to distinguish that you will not be saving energy with this system, it can save you money because you’ll be taking advantage of the lower rates.

Warmzone offers radiant heating systems compatible with electrical thermal storage. Specifically the In-Slab cable systems provide underfloor heating ideal for this time of money saving advantage. Warmzone’s radiant heating floor systems are an inexpensive system that will effectively warm your floors and heat your entire home or commercial building. When you install In-Slab radiant floor heat, you are given a maintenance-free operating system as well as the peace of mind that comes with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Warmzone’s In-Slab heat cable is durable, high quality, and hassle free. The In-Slab floor heating systems can be installed to provide luxurious radiant floor heating to almost any type of floor surface. The technology associated with these heat cables make them ideal for electrical thermal storage heating because they are typically installed beneath a concrete or brick floor. While heat is building up, drawing upon your electricity you may use the system during less expensive times of the day. The radiant heat builds up and then once shut down during peak hours, slowly transfers throughout the day from all the heat stored in the slab.

It may not be for everyone, but ETS may be another way you can save money as you heat your home. Contact Warmzone to find out if you can benefit from a radiant heating system that would allow you to take advantage of the cost-saving benefits of electrical thermal storage. ETS – it might just become your favorite acronym.

Electric Radiant Floor Heat – Steps for Installing a Radiant Heated Floor

We all know about forced air heating systems, which use burners to fire up and heat the air and then a fan blows heated air throughout the home. For the most part, this works rather well. It is reasonably quick and for years it has been the standard method of heat for homeowners. So, you ask, what else is there? Well, surely you have heard of radiant heated floors. It’s a form of heating for the home that is becoming more and more popular as of late.

Installing electric radiant floor heating is not extremely difficult. Here are the basic steps to installing a heated floor. (Don’t worry, you can do this.) Let’s assume that you have arrived at the point where you can get started. After thoroughly cleaning the subfloor surface, lay out Reflect ground insulation over the area you plan to heat. A proven ground insulator such as Reflect will optimize the efficiency of your heated floor.

Radiant heated floor being installed in bathroom.

ComfortTile heating cable is available pre-spaced and woven into mats that can be easily rolled out, or individual cable that is laid out with the aid of spacing straps. Individual cable is best suited for custom shapes while the heated mats are ideal for quick layout of standard shapes.

Thinset can be applied directly over heat cable

(It would be a good idea to check the resistance of the wiring before proceeding.  The instructions will give you a range that it should fall within. Temperature can make a difference in the reading as well so keep that in mind.)

If you are installing over a wood subfloor (after applying ground insulation), staple the heating mat or cable spacer tabs to the floor in the desired layout. Be careful to avoid damaging the heat cable anywhere. Lay the cable out in such a way as to allow for the connection to the switch in the wall of course.

Once you have the heat cable laid out and fastened, you should consider pouring a leveling surface over the cable. Technically, you could simply apply thinset and then install your tile, but since the heat cable has a thickness of around 3/8th of an inch or so, it is advisable to pour a leveling surface. Quick Level does a good job of this. Use the adhesion liquid that is recommended. Follow the instructions for applying the liquid and then simply mix the Quick Level with water and then pour it over the entire floor.

Heated bathroom floor

Ensure that it spreads evenly and doesn’t form any lumps anywhere. Only pour to the top of the heat cable. The less you use the better. This will provide you with a clean flat surface to which you will adhere your floor surface.

Tile is a common surface since it conducts the heat very well. Reflect floor insulation is effective in preventing the heat from being lost, and the radiant properties of the tile further enhance the efficiency of the system. Once installed, the sensor embedded in the floor will automatically maintain the temperature you desire.

One of the big advantages to radiant floor heating systems is that you can heat only the rooms you are using. There is no need to heat the whole house. In that sense these floor heating systems are very efficient. The greatest advantage though is the enhanced comfort level you will enjoy. It is really true that when your feet are warm you feel warm and comfortable all over.