NEWS

Roof Heating Systems

What are the Best Roof De-icing Options?

When it comes to protecting roofs (and pedestrians), there are several roof de-icing options available from ProLine. Customers can heat entire roofs, roof eaves, or simply keep roof valleys and gutters free from snow and ice.

ProLine roof heating systems can be fully automated, and they’re not difficult to install. The systems range from individual lengths of self-regulating heat cable to heated aluminum panels and thin, low-voltage heating panels that can be installed discreetly under the roof shingles.

Typical automated roof heating systems utilize a main snow/ice sensor that activates the de-icing system when moisture is detected and the temperature is below the adjustable setpoint. This results in a very cost-effective solution for heating large areas of the roof. ProLine’s master control unit is the industry’s premier control unit, and is ideally suited for virtually all types of residential and commercial applications.

Outdoor temperature sensors can be used on roofs and in roof gutters. Moisture sensors and wire sensors are normally fitted inside gutters where the melted runoff collects. The number and placement of these sensors depends on the size and nature of each individual roof de-icing system.

The Most Popular Options

The two most common roof de-icing options are ProLine’s low-voltage heating panels, and self-regulating heat cables. Both systems have proven extremely reliable and effective. The ideal system for your customers’ installation depends on their specific needs.

Low-voltage roof heating panels.
ProLine’s low-voltage roof heating panels being installed.

ProLine’s low-voltage roof de-icing system is extremely popular among professional roofers. This system features thin (only 3/64-inch thick), flexible polymer heating panels that are polypropylene fused during fabrication for added protection from alkaline, UV rays and salt. The panels are designed to be installed under the shingles or roofing material. (This system is also safe to heat metal roofs.)

Another advantage of the low-voltage panels is that they are self-regulating, so the heating element efficiently increases the heat output as the outside temperature falls and decreases the heat output as the temperature rises. The heating element can also be nailed or stapled through, and cut on site. (However, take care to avoid nailing through the bus braids at the edges of the heating element.) Low-voltage panels are available in widths of 3, 9, and 12-inches.

The low-voltage system includes an activation device (snow sensor) and a step-down transformer. Each transformer is responsible for a specific section of the de-icing system, and can step down from high voltage to low voltage (60V or less). It is the source for monitoring the power and output to the system heating element to ensure safe, accurate performance. ProLine’s low-voltage system is one of the most advanced and efficient roof heating systems on the market today.

ProLine self-regulating heat cable is the most affordable option for home and business owners who are looking to eliminate ice dams and trouble spots on their roof. Self-regulating roof and gutter heating cable features advanced technology that results in highly effective, energy efficient operation. The irradiated conductive core increases its heat output as the temperature falls, and decreases its output when the temperature rises. The heat cable’s self-regulating core ensures that the cable will also not overheat or burnout if the cable is overlapped or touching. The durable heat cable can be easily installed along roof edges and in gutters and downspouts to facilitate runoff.

Self-regulating heat cable installed along roof eave.
Self-regulating heat cable installed along the roof eave.

By zigzagging the heat cable along the roof eaves, channels are provided for runoff so that no ice dams form. The cable is also commonly installed in roof valleys as well as specific areas that are typically problem spots during the winter. Self-regulating heat cable can be easily installed to heat specific areas, and the systems are very affordable.

A great advantage of working with ProLine is that customers not only receive radiant heat solutions at wholesale prices, but that the systems are backed by preeminent customer support services. ProLine includes free installation training, professional system design, and technical support for installers.

These services have established ProLine as an industry leader, and are responsible for a great deal of repeat business from contractors and professional builders. Contractors know that when they install ProLine radiant heat solutions, they’ll receive dedicated, personal support throughout the installation process.

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 today.

NEWS

Radiant Snow Melting Systems

What are the Options for Installing a Driveway Heating System?

When it comes to radiant heat installations, there are many custom options that are available to your customers. While many homeowners may express a desire to have a radiant heated driveway, many assume that the systems are financially out of reach, and leave it at that. Intimidated by the imagined cost, they abandon any thoughts of learning more about the systems; and instead, they upgrade their old plastic snow shovel with a new, poly blade shovel with double ergonomic grip.

What many potential customers don’t realize is that radiant snow melting systems can be easily customized to accommodate everything from performance and layout to the customers’ budget. Instead of being discouraged by the perceived cost of an automated snow melting system, homeowners can work with you (and ProLine), and be matched with the system that is ideal for their needs.

Radiant snow melting systems can be installed in all the common mediums, including concrete, asphalt, and pavers. (A heat cable with a special outer jacket is available for hot asphalt installations.) Existing driveways can even be retrofitted with a radiant heat system.

Heated paver walkway with cutaway showing heat cable and paver sand.

So, while homeowners dream about having an automated heated driveway, they don’t have to give up on that dream because of preconceived notions regarding cost. Driveway heating systems can be easily customized according to the customer’s budget needs.

Some of the general layout options for driveway heating systems are listed below:

Heat entire areas – Many homeowners prefer heating the entire driveway. Heat cable can be installed to keep driveways, sidewalks, steps, ramps and other outdoor areas completely free of snow and ice. Radiant snow melting systems can be tailored to meet the customer’s specific demands, and are designed to be installed in a wide variety of applications, including concrete, asphalt, and pavers.

Heat only the trafficked areas – Another popular option for homeowners is to install radiant heat only in the commonly trafficked areas. For example, rather than heating the entire driveway, two 24-inch-wide tire tracks can be installed, or an 8-foot strip in the middle of the driveway can be heated. Heated tire tracks are especially popular for homeowners looking to heat a long driveway, have power restrictions, or are looking to keep within a tight budget. These options can save customers installation costs as well as operational costs because less surface area is being heated.

Heat only small, select areas – Radiant heat systems are easy to customize, and can be installed to heat just about any layout. Small footpaths can be heated as well as odd shaped areas. Heating cable can be installed to heat disability ramps, outdoor steps, patios, sidewalks, and even dog kennels, dog runs, and more. The applications are virtually limitless. In addition to electric radiant heat systems, ProLine also offers customers hydronic radiant heat solutions. 

Heated tire tracks in driveway
Heated tire tracks, installed in a residential driveway in Canada.

A great advantage of working with ProLine is that customers not only receive radiant heat solutions at wholesale prices, but that the systems are backed by preeminent customer support services. ProLine includes free installation training, professional system design, and technical support for installers.

These services have helped to establish ProLine as an industry leader, and resulted in so much repeat business from contractors and professional builders throughout the country. When contractors install ProLine radiant heat solutions, they know that they’ll receive dedicated, personal support throughout the installation process.

In addition to heated driveways and snow melting systems, ProLine also offers a variety of industry-leading roof de-icing, floor heating, and pipe trace products and solutions. For more information about ProLine’s radiant heat solutions and services, contact a radiant heat professional at 866-676-9276 today.

NEWS

Roof De-icing

ProLine Self-regulating Heat Trace Cable

In recent years, ProLine Radiant has nearly doubled its production of heat trace cable. In addition to the track record and performance capabilities of the heat cable, building professionals have come to appreciate the ease of working with ProLine’s professional team of radiant heat system designers, trainers, and technical support staff. With each system, customers are able to rely on a team of experts who stand beside their customers throughout the installation process

ProLine’s versatile heat trace cable has proven to be ideal for a variety of roof de-icing applications (as well as pipe freeze prevention systems). Because of its ease of installation, effectiveness, and affordability, self-regulating heat trace cable systems have been a favorite among home and business owners. The heat trace systems can prevent a host of roof de-icing problems. While these de-icing systems don’t usually keep entire eaves free of snow and ice, they successfully provide channels for the runoff, thereby effectively eliminating ice dams, and allowing a path for the water to reach the roof gutters.

For more details about ice dams, visit ProLine’s roof de-icing web page that explains how ice dams are formed. Understanding how ice dams form helps homeowners know what steps to take to minimize or eliminate the factors that contribute to their development. Preventing problems from occurring is a whole lot easier and more affordable than dealing with the aftermath of a problem (such as structural or water damage).

Heated roof edges with self-regulating heat cable.
Self-regulating heat cable installed along roof edges.

A few years after I moved into my first home, I noticed one area on my roof where ice dams tended to develop. I know how destructive roof ice dams can be. They don’t look too threatening along the roof eaves, but underneath that pretty white snow lurks a quiet, surprisingly destructive force.

As warm air escapes from the home into a poorly insulated attic, it rises and gradually begins to warm the roof itself. Slowly, the underlying snow begins to melt. The water trickles down the roof toward the gutters. But, because the warm air doesn’t reach the roof eave, the roof is much colder, especially at night. When the runoff reaches the eaves, it eventually refreezes. When this process repeats, a wall of ice forms, and water begins to pool behind the “dam”. That water can seep into the tiniest cracks and imperfections on the roof. At night, when the water behind the ice dam refreezes, it expands. This can affect the existing anomalies and increase the size of the imperfections. The repeated freeze/thaw process can eventually threaten the integrity of the roof and shingles.

Needless to say, I didn’t want to deal with roof or water damage, so I looked into a way where I could eliminate the problem without spending a lot of money. Self-regulating heat cable was the answer.

ProLine system designers created the ideal solution for me. It was simple, easy to install, and very effective. The heat cable eliminated the possibility of ice dams, so now I don’t have to worry about any issues in those FORMER trouble spots.

Self-regulating heat cable installed along roof eave.
Self-regulating heat cable installed along roof eaves to prevent ice dams.

The self-regulating cable’s outer jacket features UV-stabilized thermoplastic elastomer to protect the irradiated conductive core. The self-regulating property allows the conductive core to increase heat output as the temperature falls and decrease output when the temperature rises. This feature ensures energy-efficient operation, and prevents the cable from overheating, even if the cables touch.

ProLine offers free installation training, system design, and technical support for installers. This is rare for a wholesale provider to offer these services. But that’s why contractors and professional builders repeated use ProLine. Not only are they assured of received top quality products at wholesale prices, but they receive the support they need to ensure their success, and that their customers are satisfied.

For more information

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

Radiant Heat Solutions