All posts by Proline Editor

NEWS

A Happy Valentine’s with my Heated Driveway

Ah February, the month for lovers. A month fraught with cold weather, but also a month with a special day (Valentine’s Day) set aside for us to bask in the warmth of a loving relationship. It’s a day for us to recognize and express appreciation for our special companion.

It’s also a day that we don’t want to forget. Trust me on this. It’s very important to remember our “significant other” on Valentine’s Day. It just so happens that I know from experience, if we forget to do something special on that day, we’ll likely be reminded of our memory lapse for the next 364 days. So, I suggest that you step up and mark your calendars today! In addition to the normal daily gestures of love and appreciation, make sure you do something especially grand on that day.

As for my Valentine, I must confess: I have more than one love in my life. Now before you pass judgement, let me explain. Every year on Valentine’s Day, I make sure to express my love and gratefulness for my sweet wife. I always write a little letter and put it in a Valentine’s card along with some kind of gift (usually chocolate or jewelry). But I’m also grateful to my contractor for introducing me to my other “love”. My radiant heated driveway.

You see, I have a great deal of gratitude in my heart for that beautiful snow melting system. I don’t give my driveway heating system chocolate or diamonds, but I do appreciate it for making my life a little better. If I wrote a “thank you” note to my driveway, it would go something like this:

My dear radiant heat system, how can I express to you my appreciation for the warmth and comfort that you bring into my life? Don’t think I don’t know or recognize how hard you are working on those stormy nights while I sleep peacefully in my warm bed.

Radiant heated driveway after a snowstorm.

I know that I sleep in a lot nowadays, but before you arrived, I had to set my alarm much earlier on those snowy mornings so I could have time to shovel and salt the driveways and walks. But now, when the snow is falling at night, I sleep better, knowing that I don’t have to wake up extra early in the morning to clear my driveway. How can I thank you for that?

I am also grateful for all the pain you save me from having to experience. You know how my back is, and I’m not getting any younger. Because of you, I can walk a little more upright, and skip the heavy doses of Advil and Tylenol. I also appreciate not having to buy bags of salt, or invest in other snow removal equipment.

I want you to know that my wife loves you too. She and I both love the fact that you are maintenance free. We don’t have to worry about a thing. Since you’ve come into our lives, winters have been easier.    

I am also grateful that you are fully automated. I don’t have to worry about incoming storms because I know that you’ll take care of everything if a snowstorm arrives. If there’s no storm, I know that you are sitting there, silently, waiting to pounce when the first snow flake dares to fall. Heck, even when the snow starts falling, you still operate silently. You have the driveway all warmed up so that when the storm arrives, none of the snow sticks to the surface. The whole neighborhood can be covered in white, but my driveway remains completely clear. Thank you for that. You are my trophy driveway.

Radiant heated driveway and sidewalk.

I am also grateful that you make a special effort to keep the driveway clear of dangerous “black ice”. I know that even after the storm abates, you operate for a short time so that all the melted snow evaporates, leaving the driveway dry. None of the melted snow remains, which makes the driveway so much safer after a storm.

So don’t ever think that I take you for granted, or don’t notice all that you do. You may be out of sight, and you never make a sound, but we know you’re there, and that gives us peace of mind. I thank you for that.

I’m grateful to my contractor for introducing me to you. I suppose he could have brushed me off and told me to look elsewhere, but instead, he played “matchmaker” and hooked us up. And it’s been a perfect match!

I’m also grateful to ProLine for providing outstanding products at wholesale prices. Because of this, my contractor was able to set me up with a heated driveway that I could afford. ProLine also provided all the support and training for the installers. It seems that this was a team effort, and I was the one who benefitted the most. Thank you, ProLine. Well, I don’t want to make my wife jealous, so I better sign off now. But on this Valentine’s Day, I will not only be thankful for my wife, but also for my new heated driveway. Life is good.

For more information about radiant snow melting systems, roof de-icing, floor heating, pipe trace, or radiant heat support services, contact a friendly ProLine representative today, at 866-676-9276. Get matched up with your radiant heat system today!

NEWS

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

Many of us welcome the new year with optimism and a fistful of ambitious resolutions, while others simply brush off the symbolism of the New Year and treat the upcoming days as they would any other. Still, the completion of another trip around the sun is celebrated by most. At the very least, the date allows us to track our growth, both personally and professionally, and inspires us to set new goals. Professional builders who are looking to cut through the clutter and take the next step toward building their business can use the new year as a virtual starting line, from where future successes can be measured.

For contractors who are looking for practical ways to build their business, ProLine checks all the boxes. In addition to providing wholesale discounts, ProLine offers premium quality snow melting and de-icing system components as well as complete system design and free installation training. ProLine’s quality products and unmatched support services make it easy, and profitable, for professional builders to add radiant heat installation to their list of services.

ProLine roof de-icing, pipe trace, and snow melting system components are among the best in their class. Contractors can be assured that in addition to receiving premium quality support services, ProLine system components are also among the most advanced, best-in-class components on the market. These components make ProLine snow melting systems fully automated, maintenance free, highly efficient, and reliable.

Concrete heated driveway with cutout showing heating cables.

Radiant heat is the most efficient heating (and de-icing) technology available today; and ProLine’s advanced controllers ensure even more efficiency. In addition to radiant heat’s inherent characteristics, experienced system designers at ProLine design the systems so that they operate at peak efficiency. The high-tech activation devices / sensors can detect temperature as well as precipitation, so when certain weather conditions are present, the system automatically activates, warming the system to prevent any snow buildup. When the storm is over, the system remains on for a short time. This is called the “afterrun” function. This ensures that the driveway is dried so that ice doesn’t form over the driveway. This is a valuable safety feature.

Aerial-mount sensors and pavement-mount (in-ground) sensors are available. Customers have the option of installing either sensor, based on their preference. In-ground sensors are more commonly used for large, commercial applications. Aerial-mount sensors are typically used for heating residential driveways. The sensor is installed near the roofline, where it has unobstructed access to the elements, ensuring that it is exposed to the weather.

This WS-2C activation device features an adjustable setpoint, so when the temperature is below the setpoint (usually set at 39°F), and precipitation is detected, a signal is sent to the system’s contactor panel. The contactor panel is typically mounted on a wall in the garage. (Other types of activation devices are available for different types of applications, such as large commercial snow melting projects as well as custom roof de-icing applications.)

When the panel receives the signal, power is sent to the heat cable embedded in the driveway. This warms the surface and prevents snow from accumulating.

Different sensors are available to accommodate other types of snow melting and de-icing systems. The WS-5C is similar to the WS-2C aerial-mount sensor, but is designed for bigger heating loads, typically needed for commercial projects, such as large parking areas, loading docks, ramps and more.

ProLine radiant heat system components
Some of ProLine Radiant’s snow melting, roof de-icing and floor heating system components.

The WS-8C is another premier aerial-mount sensor, but is designed specifically for roof de-icing systems. The activation device can be used for roof gutters, downspouts, and small satellite antenna de-icing applications. The sealed, low voltage, remote-mount precipitation sensor head can be installed up to 10 feet away from the main controller, either in a downspout, gutter, or at the end of an antenna boom. This way, the main controller can be safely mounted in a more convenient location.

Additionally, ProLine’s wide range of contactor panels are available with and without GFEP. The panels are designed for electric and hydronic snow melting systems, with a variety available for all types of commercial and residential applications. The state-of-the-art contactor panels are pre-wired and UL listed, complete with a NEMA 4 weatherproof enclosure, wiring diagram, terminal connection block, and contactors.

Perhaps the most valuable asset provided to contractors from ProLine is its industry-leading customer support services. System professionals design the system and provide installers with the detailed AutoCAD. This layout includes the precise layout of the system components and materials, as well as the proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and electrical information for the electrician. These detailed layouts serve as the roadmap for installers, and help to simplify the installation.

A highly valued service is that of ProLine’s free installation training. The training can be completed online, via web conference, where the instructor personally covers every aspect of the installation. The installer can interact and ask questions at any time during the training, which includes installation photos, illustrations, and instructional video clips.

Technical support is also provided by ProLine radiant heat experts. If installers encounter any issues, or have questions during the installation, they can simply call and talk with ProLine’s installation experts.

What better way could there be to welcome the new year than by offering radiant snow melting system installations? Add to your bottom line this year by offering the increasingly popular technology to your clients. ProLine makes it easy! We not only back you up with the best service in the industry, but our proven systems include the best controllers and activation devices in the business. When you work with ProLine, you can be assured that you’re receiving the highest-quality products, backed by some of the industry’s most experienced support professionals.

For more information about radiant heat systems, support services, or system components, contact a friendly ProLine representative today, at 866-676-9276.

NEWS

Protect Roofs and Pedestrians

With winter fast approaching, home and business owners alike are checking the conditions of their roofs and taking steps to prepare for the impending snow and ice storms. Clearing gutters and checking the condition of shingles and flashing every fall is crucial for proper roof maintenance.

While some property owners install ice guards to prevent large slabs of ice from falling and injuring pedestrians or damaging vehicles, many opt for a more comprehensive approach when it comes to safety – and roof maintenance. 

Roofs are typically designed to withstand significant weight loads, so the volume of snow on a roof is usually not an issue. (Roofs are typically designed to withstand a snow load of 30 pounds per square foot, depending on your location and elevation). Radiant roof heating systems aren’t typically used to keep entire roofs free of snow; rather, the de-icing systems are designed to enhance safety and prolong the lifespan of a roof by keeping specific areas free of snow and ice. In general, de-icing systems are installed to prevent problems by facilitating steady runoff and eliminating any troublesome areas where ice often accumulates.

Icicles over a home's entryway

Keeping roof edges clear of snow and ice helps to ensure safety for pedestrian traffic, but perhaps the single most important function of a roof heating system is to prevent ice dams from forming. In this regard, a roof de-icing system can be a real money saver.

Ice dams are the most prominent culprits when it comes to roof damage and expensive water damage inside the home. If an attic isn’t properly insulated, warm air can escape from the home into the attic. There, the warm air rises and slowly warms the roof. The underlying layer of snow on the roof then begins to melt. It trickles down to the roof eave, but because the overhanging eaves aren’t heated by the attic air, the water tends to re-freeze. As this process repeats, eventually a ridge of ice forms on the eave. That ridge grows and gets to a point where water begins to pool behind the ridge. This is where the real trouble starts.

As water pools behind the ice dam, the water can seep into every tiny nook and crevice in the roof. When the water refreezes at night, it expands, and over time, those tiny cracks in the shingles and roofing grow. It’s a slow process, but eventually those cracks can turn into large cracks that allow water to seep into the home.

Perhaps the most affordable way to prevent ice dams from forming is to install self-regulating heat trace cable. ProLine’s cable is an industry leader, and can be easily installed along roof eaves, valleys, and in roof gutters. Using cable clips, the heat cable is installed in a repeating V pattern along the eave, which provides channels for the runoff to reach the gutter. This system is easy to customize, and is the most popular de-icing solution.

Entire roof eaves can also be heated. ProLine’s low-voltage STEP® roof heating system is often used to keep roof valleys, eaves, and other areas completely free of snow and ice. The system features thin, self-regulating heating panels that are installed neatly under shingles or metal roofs. Transformers are used to step down the high voltage to low voltage (60 V or less) while controlling specific sections of the roof de-icing system.

Low-voltage roof heating systems
The low-voltage STEP roof de-icing system is ideal for keeping roof valleys and eaves completely free of snow and ice.

The flexible heating element is polypropylene fused during fabrication to achieve water proofing and protection from alkaline or salt damage. This versatile system can be used to heat just about any type of roofing material. The heating element is available in widths of 3, 6, 9 or 12 inches. The low-voltage element is easy to install and can be cut to size on the job site. It can be nailed or stapled through, making installation quicker and easier than other traditional roof heating systems. Because the heating element is self-regulating, when the ambient temperature rises, the electrical resistance increases and the consumption of electricity decreases. This prevents the element from overheating and ensures energy-efficient operation.

ProLine is a leading provider of trusted roof de-icing systems. Self-regulating heat trace cable is also used for pipe trace solutions, so whatever your needs, contact ProLine today to find the ideal system for your needs.

In addition to industry-leading radiant heat solutions, ProLine also includes comprehensive customer support services, ranging from free installation training and system design/layout, to real-time technical support for installers. ProLine’s professional team of radiant heat system designers, trainers, and technical support staff are on hand now to assist you. Call 866-676-9276 today.

ProLine offers a wide variety of industry-leading roof heating products and de-icing solutions. For more information about ProLine’s self-regulating heat cable and other roof heating systems, contact a radiant heat professional today. Call 866-676-9276 for more information.