Warmzone Blog

Back when I was a kid, I thought that surely by the time it was the 21^st century, we’d have tons of space-aged automated gadgets (like the Jetsons) to make our lives easier. Well, we still don’t have that automated dog-walking machine that George Jetson had, but we do have some amazing automated outdoor heating systems available.

Recent improvements in designs of aerial sensors and surface mounted sensors make these outdoor heating systems cost-effective to operate, compared to just a short time ago when they seemed cost-prohibitive to anyone beyond royalty. Automated sensors detect the combination of precipitation and cold temperatures and activate the outdoor heating systems during inclement weather conditions and then automatically turn off a few hours after the storm. Manual operation of these outdoor heating systems can also be used to spot heat your driveway or patio when additional heat is required.

Outdoor heating systems in concrete, asphalt, and under pavers was thought to be a luxury that most people couldn’t afford. Now, heating driveways, walkways or even parking areas is becoming common for many residences and businesses. And we think many folks, like those living in New England, the Great Lakes area, and snowy ski areas like Aspen, will enjoy having safe and ice-free steep driveways and sidewalks.

Outdoor Heating Systems Tip: If you are in an area that requires snow removal, consider an automated snow melting system before you begin construction to assure yourself the best design and performance.

Wintertime ice storms can do a lot of damage both in the short- and long-term. You know about the problems of slick and icy sidewalks and driveways, downed power lines, and dangerous icy roads. One thing many homeowners forget about is that ice storms or wet winter weather and cold temperatures can do a real number on gutters and roofs, too.

A great solution to this are outdoor heating systems that can help prevent the ice from building up and destroying gutters and roofs on your home. There are numerous systems available to prevent roof and gutter damage; one such system is WarmZone’s RoofHeat system. When mounted to your roof eaves and/or valleys, the RoofHeat system is designed to eliminate ice and snow in those areas keeping your home or business perimeter safer and reducing the risk of winter roof damage.

The outdoor heating system RoofHeat receives its heat from one of two sources. A “cut to length” commercial grade, self regulating heat cable can be inserted into custom channels or ⅜ inch radiant PEX tubing from an existing hydronic system. These panels are attached to the roof eaves and valleys to prevent ice and snow build up in those areas.

This revolutionary patent pending outdoor heating system gives you the option to insert a self-regulating heat cable or PEX tubing from your radiant heating system into a custom aluminum panel which is designed for maximum heat transfer.

Outdoor Heating Systems Tip: The RoofHeat system is available in a wide variety of panel colors and textures to complement your roof.

Can you imagine being able to entertain outdoors year-round? Obviously, if you’re in a warm climate like Florida or southern California, outdoor entertaining no matter what time of year it is doesn’t pose a problem for you, but for those who live in four-season climates, outdoor heating systems make entertaining outdoors a reality, whether it’s winter or fall, or even a chilly spring or summer.

Outdoor heating systems work similar to indoor radiant heat. Radiant heat warms the floor and any object in contact with the floor to distribute an even, no-draft heat. Outdoor settings like patios or pathways leading to a hot tub can now benefit from using a traditional hydronic radiant heating system or even more intriguing is the emerging trend of embedding electric heating cables to provide that desired surface temperature. Raising the surface above 38 degrees will conveniently remove any snow or ice and allow you to use your outdoor living areas more often.

If you entertain at your home often, consider installing an outdoor heating system. Like magic, you’ll suddenly have more comfortable, heated entertaining space than ever before for parties, get-togethers, or dinner parties.

Outdoor Heating System Tip: Ambitious do-it-yourselfers will have no problem laying out the cable for the outdoor heating systems and preparing them for a certified electrician to do the final hook-up

Recent improvements in designs of aerial sensors and surface mounted sensors make these outdoor heating systems cost-effective to operate, compared to just a short time ago when they seemed cost-prohibitive to anyone beyond royalty. Automated sensors detect the combination of precipitation and cold temperatures and activate the outdoor heating systems during inclement weather conditions and then automatically turn off a few hours after the storm. Manual operation of these outdoor heating systems can also be used to spot heat your driveway or patio when additional heat is required.

Outdoor heating systems in concrete, asphalt, and under pavers was thought to be a luxury that most people couldn’t afford. Now, heating driveways, walkways or even parking areas is becoming common for many residences and businesses. If you are in an area that requires snow removal, consider an automated snow melting system before you begin construction to assure yourself the best design and performance.

Clearly, an outdoor heating system is not for everyone; those who live in warm climates year round would likely not be interested in installation of them. However, think of those residents in suburban Boston, the Chicagoland area, and even snowy Utah — their long steep driveways or exposed sidewalks will no longer be a liability.

Outdoor Heating Systems Tip: Even businesses are adopting outdoor heating systems to curb their liability to slips and falls. Sidewalks, entryways, and even loading docks are benefiting from embedded heating systems as an effective way to remove dangerous ice and snow hazards.

With the cooler months almost here, it is important not to ignore the safety elements of outdoor heating systems. Accidents often happen because of inadequate cleaning and checking of outdoor fireplace and heating appliances.

Homeowners who enjoy entertaining outdoors are urged to be prepared for the coming fall as the cooler months encourage the use of outdoor heating appliances.

Outdoor Heating Systems Guide representative Wanda Sowden says “One of the most important aspects of outdoor home entertaining is safety. We want to make sure that everyone enjoys their outdoor experiences without suffering any mishaps that can be avoided with just a few simple strategies”. Those who are intending to entertain outdoors through to winter are advised to ensure that there is adequate lighting around outdoor structures, along pathways and on stairways. All too often nasty accidents happen when people trip over items in dimly lit areas of the patio or garden.

When using outdoor electric heating, householders should ensure that power leads are tagged as being safe for outdoor use and that the leads are out of the way so they cannot be tripped over. Power inlets should be built into the patio area so that electrical items can be plugged in outdoors without having leads running from inside the house.

Could the installation of an outdoor heating system, such as a driveway snow-melting system be in your future plans? If so, then, before you have a new driveway installed, you need to know what types of driveways are compatible with snow-melting systems. Concrete driveways and asphalt driveways are both suitable for the installation of such outdoor heating systems. If you are attracted to a different type of driveway, such as pavers, or cobblestone, you’ll have to weigh its pros and cons (as compared to concrete or asphalt) before deciding.

In environments with harsh winter conditions, ease of snow removal is a factor certainly not to be taken lightly. If you are weighing the pros and cons of the different types of driveways, including how they rate for ease of snow removal, you may find yourself wanting an outdoor heating system. For example, if you’d really like a driveway made from paver blocks, which are beautiful, you may find yourself surprised at how difficult they are to shovel in the winter. Therefore, instead of forgoing the driveway you really want, you could install a snow melting system which would automatically melt the snow for you. This is great, because not only do you get the driveway you really want, but you’ll have more free time, and less back aches from shoveling snow this winter.