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Introducing Warmset: Smarter, Safer, and More Efficient Heating Is Here

Introducing Warmset: Smarter, Safer, and More Efficient Heating Is Here

At Central Precast, we’re always on the lookout for innovative products that make life easier for contractors, homeowners, and builders alike. That’s why we’re excited to announce the arrival of Warmset, an advanced laminated electric heating technology that offers a new standard in comfort, efficiency, and installation simplicity.

Whether you’re renovating a property or building from the ground up, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is how to heat your space. Should you go with gas, hydronic systems, or an electric option? That’s where Warmset comes in—with clear advantages that make the choice easier.

Why Choose Warmset?

Warmset is an ultra-thin electric radiant heating system that can be installed under or in nearly any type of flooring—indoors or out. From tile and hardwood to paving stones and cast-in concrete, it offers unmatched versatility while delivering key benefits:

Immediate Warmth
Warmset begins heating just minutes after being switched on, so there’s no waiting around for water or fluids to warm up—unlike hydronic systems. That means perfect flexibility, especially during transitional seasons like spring and fall.

Versatile Applications
Warmset can be installed under:

  • Asphalt, or paving stones (outdoors)
  • Cast-in concrete
  • Glued tile or wood
  • Screed
  • Floating flooring
  • Carpet

Lower Installation and Running Costs
Compared to conventional hydronic systems, Warmset’s installation costs are reduced by over 50%, and its energy-efficient design means you’ll save on utility bills too. Fewer materials, quicker installs, and no bulky equipment.

Eco-Friendly Snow Removal Solution
This is where Warmset truly shines: In outdoor settings, it offers a clean, efficient, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional de-icing methods. By eliminating the need for salt, Warmset helps preserve your pavers—reducing long-term surface damage—and minimizes harmful runoff that can negatively impact soil and waterways. Paired with a photovoltaic system, it can run on solar power alone—delivering zero-emission, zero-cost snow and ice control.

Safe and Certified
Warmset carries international certifications from Nemko, BEAB, ULC , NF, and TCNA—and emits zero electromagnetic radiation, making it a safe and reliable choice for your space.

Ultra-Thin Design
At only 3mm thick, Warmset is one of the thinnest electric heaters on the market. Its low profile means you can install it under most flooring types—even without removing the existing floor.

Whether you’re protecting your pavers from salt damage, looking for a smarter way to heat your space, or a more eco-friendly snow removal method, Warmset delivers reliable performance you can count on—season after season. Contact us today to find out more about this product.

 



The Hidden Cost of Salt: How Winter Maintenance Is Damaging Your Pavers and Our Environment

The Hidden Cost of Salt: How Winter Maintenance Is Damaging Your Pavers and Our Environment

In Ottawa, where winter brings months of snow and ice, salt has long been the go-to solution for keeping sidewalks, driveways, and roads clear. But while it’s effective at melting ice, excessive use of salt comes at a serious cost—both to our environment and to the long-term durability of concrete and paver surfaces.

The Toll on Concrete and Pavers

Salt is corrosive by nature. When applied in large quantities, it begins to break down the surface of concrete and pavers over time. The freeze-thaw cycle in our climate only intensifies the damage: salt draws in moisture, which then freezes and expands, causing surface flaking, spalling, and cracking. These effects are especially visible after just a few winters of heavy salting, and they significantly reduce the lifespan and appearance of what is often a major investment in your property.

Pavers, which are often selected for their aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, are particularly vulnerable. The salt doesn’t just damage the surface—it can also degrade joint sand, causing shifting and uneven surfaces, while staining pavers with white salt residue that’s hard to remove.

Environmental Consequences of Over-Salting

The environmental impact is just as concerning. A recent five-year study by the Ottawa Riverkeeper found that over 90% of water samples collected across Ottawa and Gatineau had chloride levels that exceeded safe limits for aquatic life. Alarmingly, chloride—the active component in road salt—persists in waterways and soil well into the summer months. This means that the damage continues long after the snow has melted, affecting wildlife, polluting groundwater, and disrupting delicate aquatic ecosystems.

It’s no longer just about aesthetics or property damage—it’s a larger environmental issue that affects the health of our region’s water systems and the species that depend on them.

A Smarter Solution: Introducing Warmset

At  Central Precast, we recognize the growing need for sustainable, efficient alternatives to excessive salt use. That’s why we’re excited to offer Warmset, our innovative heating system designed to keep walkways, driveways, and other surfaces free of ice and snow—without relying on salt.

So, how does it work?
Warmset is an ultra-thin, laminated electric heating element that can be embedded beneath pavers, asphalt, or cast-in concrete. Once installed, it radiates consistent, even heat from below the surface to prevent snow and ice buildup. The system activates quickly and can be paired with smart sensors or timers for automatic operation during snowfalls—offering effortless, reliable snow management even in Ottawa’s toughest winters.

Because it heats the surface directly, there’s no need for de-icing chemicals, heavy plowing, or repeated shoveling. It’s a clean, quiet, and low-maintenance solution for both residential and commercial settings.

It’s Time for a Shift

With municipalities like Ottawa beginning to review their salt-use practices and environmental organizations calling for tighter controls, it’s clear that change is coming. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or property manager, rethinking your winter maintenance strategy is not just a good idea—it’s a responsible one.

Reducing our reliance on salt helps preserve your pavers and concrete surfaces, protects local ecosystems, and supports a more sustainable future. WarmSet is one way we can all take a step in the right direction.

Protect your surfaces. Protect your environment. Let’s melt smarter this winter.

Interested in learning more about Warmset and how it can work for your project? Contact us or visit our showroom to see it in action.

 

 

 



A Look Back at an Incredible Tradeshow Season!

A Look Back at an Incredible Tradeshow Season!

As the winter tradeshow season comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the amazing events we attended and the fantastic people we met along the way. From the bustling floors of the Green Trade Expo to the dynamic conversations at the OCA Symposium, this season was filled with exciting innovations, industry insights, and plenty of opportunities to connect.

At Green Trade Expo and the OCA Symposium, we had a blast chatting about our site furnishings and introducing our new Warmset heating solutions. With cutting-edge demos, and so many passionate professionals, they were events to remember!

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our booths, asked questions, shared insights, and made this season so memorable. Until next time, keep building, innovating, and creating. See you at the next show!

 

 



Recap: Our First Innovation Pro Training Day

Recap: Our First Innovation Pro Training Day

At Central Precast, we’re always looking for ways to better support our clients and contractors—not just with quality products, but with knowledge, service, and meaningful connections. That’s why we were proud to host our first-ever Innovation Pro Training Day—an exciting new initiative designed to bring valuable product insight and hands-on training directly to the professionals who use them every day.

This event was all about education, innovation, and collaboration. We welcomed several of our trusted suppliers to share their expertise, showcase new products, and guide attendees through the benefits and best practices of installation. A big thank you goes out to:

  • Warmset Heating
  • Alliance Gator (Landscape Accessories)
  • Great North Hardscape
  • Linzell Lighting

Each supplier brought something unique to the table, offering practical knowledge and forward-thinking solutions to help our contractors stay ahead of the curve.

To keep everyone fueled throughout the day, we started off with coffee, donuts, muffins, and Timbits—the essentials for any early start! And when it came time for lunch, we made sure to offer something for everyone with sandwiches, pizza, and salad.

We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout for our very first event. The response from our community of contractors and clients was incredibly positive, and it’s clear there’s a real appetite for this kind of hands-on learning and connection.

We’re already looking forward to planning the next one. This is just the beginning of what we hope will become a recurring series of events focused on professional growth, product innovation, and building strong relationships across our industry.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this day a success!

 

 



Embracing Our New Core Values

Embracing Our New Core Values

At Central Precast, our mission has always been to deliver excellence through innovation, teamwork, and unwavering dedication. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are excited to share a significant milestone in our journey: the definition of our core values.

Our new core values reflect not just who we are today but who we aspire to be as a team, a company, and a community partner. These values will serve as the foundation for our decisions, behaviors, and interactions, ensuring alignment with our mission, vision, and the culture we are proud to uphold.

Our New Core Values:

  1. Dedicated: We are dedicated to our mission, unwavering in our commitment to excellence.
  2. Passionate: We are passionate about our work, we infuse every task with enthusiasm, driving us to achieve remarkable results.
  3. Collaboration: As team players, we recognize the power of collaboration, and the strength found in unity.
  4. Respect: We foster an environment of mutual respect, valuing the unique contributions and perspectives of every individual.
  5. Service: Our dedication to service is at the heart of all we do, as we strive to make a meaningful impact.


These values aren’t just words on a page—they are principles that will guide how we work, how we connect with our clients, and how we support each other as colleagues. Over the coming weeks, we’ll explore these values together and discuss how they can be implemented in meaningful ways throughout our organization.

We invite our team members, clients, and community partners to join us in embracing these values as we continue to lead with purpose and build a culture that reflects our commitment to excellence.