Tag Archives: Radiant heat services

NEWS

The Many Responsibilities of General Contractors

Helping to Ease the Load for General Contractors

The duties and responsibilities of a general contractor (GC) are enormous, to say the least. The necessary expertise includes reviewing and producing project-specific documents and architectural drawings as well as hands-on construction and project management skills. The GC is responsible for all aspects of a construction project and coordinates all the facets of a wide range of commercial and residential construction projects.

Radiant snow melting system installed in a loading ramp

After reviewing upcoming projects, the GC begins the complex process of preparing the proposal and other necessary documents for the client while determining the material needs and hiring the appropriate subcontractors to successfully complete specialized aspects of the project in the time frame provided.

The success of the contractor’s business is dependent on acquiring the building materials that best meet the quality demands and client’s budget criteria as well as hiring competent subcontractors who have proven to deliver quality work in a timely manner. It is the general contractor who is ultimately responsible for every aspect of a construction project, so teaming up with the right material suppliers and subcontractors is vital to the success of the project, the satisfaction of the customer, and reputation of the contractor.

Finding the right suppliers and subcontractors can be a time consuming venture, so most contractors stick to using those whom they’ve worked with before and have proven track records. Still, the most successful contractors always keep an eye open for better prices, workmanship and turnaround.

In the construction industry, word of mouth carries a lot weight, and many contractors benefit by asking other building professionals about their experiences with suppliers or subcontractors. Looking for ways to continually improve one’s business is the hallmark of successful companies. In today’s competitive market, the businesses that survive – and flourish – are those that explore options and consistently seek to optimize efficiency or save money and time without sacrificing quality. And most builders agree that the most effective way to explore options is through word of mouth recommendations.

While most contractors utilize familiar subcontractors for the standard construction needs of a project (framing, roofing, plumbing, etc.), the “less-routine” aspects of some construction jobs require expertise in which some GCs are less familiar. For example, not all contractors are experienced with radiant heat installations, so finding a proven supplier of radiant heat products may pose some unique challenges. As simple as it may sound to find a provider of radiant heat products, the discrepancies between companies can be dramatic, and oftentimes those discrepancies are not discovered until after the contract is signed, or after installation. And who takes the heat for an installation gone wrong?  The general contractor. Fortunately however, there are some telling indicators when it comes to comparing radiant heat companies, and it is this set of indicators that contractors should familiarize themselves with. In addition to word of mouth, use these criteria when evaluating various radiant heat providers.

Installation Support Services by a Dedicated Staff of Technical Experts – Many companies tout their technical services, when in fact, if installers are fortunate enough to talk to someone for technical support during the installation process, they’re likely speaking with a salesperson and not an electrical expert or seasoned installation professional.

ProLine backs up its products with a dedicated support staff. These technical experts understand all the layout and electrical aspects of a radiant heat installation and will take the time necessary to walk you through any issues you may have during the installation.

Detailed System Design and Layout – The top radiant heat companies provide customers with comprehensive system design drawings. These professional layouts are computer assisted drawings (CADs) that should contain a detailed layout of the heat cable, cold lead and contactor panel. The document should also identify the proper layout and materials, load calculations, breaker sizes, and number of breakers. Essentially, all the technical specs and installation information should be contained in the document. When working with an industry leader, customers will understand how the automated system works and how it is expected to perform prior to any installation taking place.

Wide Selection of Products – Check the product lines to make sure that products are available from more than just one manufacturer. You want to be able to select the best solution for your specific radiant heat needs.

Making turns with heating mats

Installation Training – ProLine Radiant is one of the few – if not the only – radiant heat companies that offers several installation training courses – at no cost! To take a free course, customers can call or signup on ProLine’s website. Courses can be attended in person at ProLine Radiant’s headquarters in Utah or attend online via WebEx.

ProLine Radiant is an established radiant heat provider with a proven track record. Contact us today to learn more at 866.676.9276.

NEWS

Contractors are Choosing the Services of ProLine

Installers Come to Depend on the Products and Services Offered by ProLine

As a contractor, finding new ways to increase your business and working with partners you can trust is crucial. For contractors searching for a top tier radiant heat solutions provider, ProLine Radiant is the name they can trust.

As a leading provider of radiant heat products and services, ProLine has gained a reputation not only for offering quality products, but of providing the most comprehensive customer services in the industry. Radiant heat installers benefit by partnering with ProLine because of products that can be trusted (making the customer happy), and services that facilitate trouble-free installations.

And because ProLine maintains an extensive record of installers and their performance, the top contractors can be referred future business whenever another ProLine radiant heat system is being installed in the area. This is also an advantage for the customers, who will have their systems installed by experienced professionals. Everyone wins.

Installing radiant heat cable in mats
Laying out the heating cable (mats) for a heated driveway installation.

ProLine supports a vast network of preferred installers throughout the country with an extensive array of proven products, profound industry knowledge and a vast resource of informative documents, illustrations and “how to” videos. Personal installation support is included with ProLine radiant heat systems and free installation training is also offered. Installers can put ProLine’s experience and wealth of online information and training to work for them, allowing them to install radiant heat systems with confidence.

In addition to offering radiant heat products at wholesale pricing, ProLine is a partner that is committed to offering the best customer service in the business. This is a combination that can’t be beat. Whether you’re looking to install a snow melting, roof heating or floor heating system, ProLine Radiant has it covered.

Of all the services, installers are particularly fond of ProLine’s free installation training courses. These courses are available online or in person at ProLine’s Utah-based headquarters. Here a radiant heat expert covers all the aspects of installing a radiant heat system. Attendees can interact with the instructor and go through the course at his or her own pace. (Generally, the each installation course is completed in about 40 minutes.)

Again, this training benefits the installer and the customer. If the installer still encounters any questions during the installation process, he/she can speak to one of ProLine’s dedicated support staff to assure that the installation is performed correctly. Installers can rest easy when dealing with ProLine, knowing that they are never left out in the cold after the purchase. ProLine strives to give construction professionals all of the resources necessary to confidently add radiant heat installation to their menu of services.

If you’re looking for proven products, and a professional you can trust, look no further than ProLine Radiant. As a contractor, you’ll know that you’re working with pros who have your back. To learn more, call ProLine at 866.676.9276, or sign up online for your free installation training.

Testimonials

Comments from ProLine Customers

ProLine Radiant Customers Share Their Thoughts

To all potential ProLine customers,

I am a landscape designer, located on the seacoast of New Hampshire. We get plenty of snow in the winter, and I truly believe that heated driveways and walkways are the next big thing for our area, as in some of the more dense residential areas there is often no place to put the snow. However, before recommending radiant heat to my clients, I needed to try it and live with it myself.

This fall, we installed ProLine heating cables in our driveway. So far we have had two storms, one mainly snow, and the other rain and ice. The driveway performed beautifully. During the snow storm, it melted the snow effortlessly. We had forgotten to put it on automatic so it was off during the first part of the storm. After realizing this, we turned the system on, but not before a couple of inches had already fallen, but it still managed to make up for lost time.

During the ice storm, the driveway was DRY, while everything else was covered in a skin of ice. Great success! I’m not much of a snow lover, but I’m actually looking forward to the next storm!

Radiant snow melting system heating paver driveway.
ProLine snow melting system installed to heat a paver driveway in New Hampshire.

Although I am thus far completely sold on the product, the purpose of this letter is really to rave about ProLine’s customer service and support. These days, good customer service is rare, and great customer service is almost nonexistent. ProLine’s service is in the “great” category. For a new customer, with limited experience in outdoor heating, their technical support was crucial. Having a video web chat with Jim and looking at the schematic of the job before we began was one of the reasons for the success of the project. But the step-by-step instruction was only a part of the support that ProLine provided. Throughout the process they were always in touch. Larry, the account manager, was always there to answer questions, even when he was on vacation!

Brandon visited the site twice to answer questions and offer support, and Jim was always on the other end of the phone to talk to my electrician when it was necessary. They seemed to anticipate our needs and fulfill them before we even knew what they were ourselves.

In my years as a homeowner and landscape designer I have dealt with all sorts of people on all sorts of projects, and the service and support that we experienced from ProLine was among the best. It was a breath of fresh air, and I look forward to hopefully doing a lot of business with them in the future.

          – Wickie R., Owner of Drawing Room Ink

Learn more about ProLine Radiant’s professional design/layout services and installation support, as well as ProLine’s free installation training by calling a ProLine radiant heat expert today at 866.676.9276.

NEWS

Feedback from the Field

What Separates ProLine Radiant from the Competition? Ask Our Customers:

To all potential ProLine customers,

I am a landscape designer, located on the seacoast of New Hampshire. We get plenty of snow in the winter, and I truly believe that heated driveways and walkways are the next big thing for our area, as in some of the more dense residential areas there is often no place to put the snow. However, before recommending radiant heat to my clients, I needed to try it and live with it myself.

This fall, we installed ProLine heating cables in our driveway. So far we have had two storms, one mainly snow, and the other rain and ice. The driveway performed beautifully. During the snow storm, it melted the snow effortlessly. We had forgotten to put it on automatic so it was off during the first part of the storm. After realizing this, we turned the system on, but not before a couple of inches had already fallen, but it still managed to make up for lost time.

During the ice storm, the driveway was DRY, while everything else was covered in a skin of ice. Great success! I’m not much of a snow lover, but I’m actually looking forward to the next storm!

Heated driveway with brick pavers

Although I am thus far completely sold on the product, the purpose of this letter is really to rave about ProLine’s customer service and support. These days, good customer service is rare, and great customer service is almost nonexistent. ProLine’s service is in the “great” category. For a new customer, with limited experience in outdoor heating, their technical support was crucial. Having a video web chat with Jim and looking at the schematic of the job before we began was one of the reasons for the success of the project. But the step-by-step instruction was only a part of the support that ProLine provided. Throughout the process they were always in touch. Larry, the account manager, was always there to answer questions, even when he was on vacation!

Brandon visited the site twice to answer questions and offer support, and Jim was always on the other end of the phone to talk to my electrician when it was necessary. They seemed to anticipate our needs and fulfill them before we even knew what they were ourselves.

In my years as a homeowner and landscape designer I have dealt with all sorts of people on all sorts of projects, and the service and support that we experienced from ProLine was among the best. It was a breath of fresh air, and I look forward to hopefully doing a lot of business with them in the future.

          – Wickie R., Owner of Drawing Room Ink

Radiant snow melting system heating paver driveway.
ProLine snow melting system installed to heat a paver driveway in New Hampshire.

Other Customer Comments

The first snow fall this winter was the test and the driveway has been ice/snow free all winter! The option to manually turn on the heat system has not been needed since the sensor works so well. My wife and I are very pleased with the results and feel much safer walking outside during the winter now!

          – Dan, heated driveway owner

Thanks for supplying my customer with exactly what they needed. Living in multiple locations, the automated concrete heating system you provided was the perfect match for my customers in Idaho. Being new to this type of installation, I expected things to be a little more complicated. A few phone calls after receiving the product within days made the job simple to install. I would have to say that customer service with your company was by far second to none. I look forward to doing business with you in the future and referring you on to other homeowners with snow melting needs.

          – Cody, Independent Contractor

Learn more about ProLine Radiant’s professional design/layout services and installation support, as well as ProLine’s free installation training by calling a ProLine radiant heat expert today at 866.676.9276.

Snow Melting Systems – Installation Tips

Premier Snowmelt Systems Backed by Unmatched Customer Service
Electric heated driveways continue to gain popularity among professional builders and homeowners alike as they discover the benefits of these maintenance-free snow melting systems. Featuring easy installation, reliable and energy efficient performance, electric snow melting systems offer environmentally friendly operation for clearing driveways, ramps, steps, parking lots and more of snow and ice.

ProLine Radiant’s fully automated snowmelt systems feature an advanced aerial-mount or in-ground snow sensor. When the sensor detects precipitation and the temperature is below the adjustable set point (typically set at 39°F), it sends a signal to the master controller that is usually installed on a wall in the garage. The controller then sends power to the embedded heat cable to warm the surface.

ProLine controllers for in-ground sensors are small (6×3½-inch), NEMA 1, wall-mount control panels that provide UL listed snow melting for large commercial and custom residential and applications. The controller also offers a feature allowing it to be controlled from an external signal (day/week timer, GSM-module or other signal source). The unit features a manual off/on switch (standby) so the heating system can be manually activated to melt snow or ice that occurs because of wind or shade, further enhancing safety.

For snow melting systems to perform as intended, they must be properly installed. Here are a few basic tips for the proper installation of radiant snow melting system heat cable.

Installing snow melting mats
Installing snow melting system heat cable and securing it to the remesh.

Heating Cable – General Installation Tips:

 ► Maintain proper cable spacing. (Minimum spacing is 2 inches (center-to-center) and maximum cable spacing is 4 inches, center-to-center.)
 ► Do not allow the heat cables to touch each other.
 ► Never cut the heating cable.
 ► Make sure the heating cable is not resting on the ground prior to a concrete or asphalt pour. Secure the cable to remesh that is supported by Mesh-Ups or something similar. The installed heating cable should be 2 inches from the finished surface.
 ► In concrete applications, avoid running the heat cable through expansion joints. (The joint should be tooled or cut NO deeper than 1¼-inches, and the cable must be ¾ to 1-inch below the bottom of the joint.)
 ► Do not strain the cable splice by pulling on the cable.
 ► All of the cable must be embedded, including the entire splice and 6 inches of cold lead
 ► Do not bend the cable sharply. This may cause the insulation to pull away from the cable and eventually cause the cable to fail.
 ► When installing heat cable in paver applications, make certain that there is ½-inch of compacted paver sand or stone dust on top of the heating cables or mats. (Cables must be completely encased with no air gaps.)

Contact ProLine (866.676.9276) to learn more about our products and installation support, free training, and professional design and layout services.

NEWS

Setting the New Gold Standard

ProLine Radiant Offers Professional Builders Industry Leading Services

What does it take to become a trusted radiant heat solutions provider for construction professionals? ProLine has become a favorite among builders not only because of the vast selection of top quality products, but because of superior customer services and top manufacturer warranties. Construction professionals have come to know that ProLine is a trusted partner that provides expert installation support well after the purchase.

As the wholesale radiant heat frontrunner, ProLine offers the latest most proven and advanced radiant snow melting solutions, at truly competitive prices. In fact, ProLine is setting the new gold standard when it comes to both top products and unmatched customer services. With a dedicated in-house staff of radiant heat experts on hand to design your custom system and provide personal installation support, ProLine makes the process of purchasing and installing a radiant heat system as seamless as possible.

Heated tire tracks in driveway

ProLine design experts carefully evaluate each project and then provide recommendations and options. In addition to your snowmelt needs, ProLine also designs systems around specific budgets.

ProLine Radiant also holds its products to ASHREA industry standards, creating a solid foundation for great radiant heat solutions. Adhering to these standards is all about designing a system that is tailored to the specific conditions of the region. This means designing the system and using the ideal components in relation to the regional climate, average snowfall, temperatures, and other factors. ProLine Radiant designs custom systems in accordance with these standards for businesses and homeowners throughout Northern America.

ProLine further differentiates itself with its dynamic product offering, outstanding pricing, and additional customer services. From free training to personal, expert installation support, ProLine radiant heat experts are available every step of the way to assist customers through the installation process. And ProLine snow melting systems are easy to customize, and a wide range of options are available to meet performance and budget needs. Some of the most common snow melting system layouts include:

  • Heat two 24-inch wide tire tracks
  • Heat the most trafficked area (i.e., a strip down the middle of the driveway)
  • Heat the entire driveway or walkways

Regardless of your snow melting needs, you’ll find that ProLine is easy to work with and will find the best solution for your specific project. ProLine’s rapid growth is no doubt due to its commitment to provide the best prices and service in the industry. Professional builders are bound to find ProLine Radiant to be a breath of fresh air when it comes to purchasing, designing and installing proven, industry leading radiant heat solutions.

For more information, contact ProLine Radiant today at 866.676.9276.

Installing Electric Radiant Snowmelt Systems

Proper Installation is Essential for Top Performance

With the winter of 2014-15 projected to bring record snowfall to most of the country, it’s no surprise that businesses and homeowners throughout Northern America are searching for long term snow melting solutions. Consequently, professional builders are finding ProLine Radiant to be the ideal provider for complete radiant heat solutions, ranging from heated driveways and roof deicing systems to a wide variety of floor heating systems.

Although ProLine offers the industry’s most trusted and proven products, ProLine Radiant’s National Sales Manager, Larry Steveson, cautions that installing industry leading products is not enough to ensure optimum results.

“We take pride in offering the industry’s latest and most proven products,” Steveson said, “but the success of any radiant heat system is dependent on having it designed and installed properly.” With this in mind, ProLine Radiant emphasizes its free installation training courses and dedicated staff of radiant heat experts who are on hand to provide personal installation support.

Installing snow melting mats

“We don’t just provide the materials,” Steveson continued, “we partner with our customers to give them the support needed to ensure proper installation and that their customers are happy.” Services like these are what distinguishes ProLine from other wholesale providers.

Basic Installation Tips

Check Supply Voltage – Upon receipt of your materials, check that the supply voltage matches the voltage required for your specific snowmelt product.

Cable Care – Always take care after laying out the heat cable that the heating elements are not damaged by using sharp tools, wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes or heavy machinery.

Measure Cable Resistance – Measure, verify and record the resistance of the heating element during the installation process. Check the cable:

  1.  Out of the box.
  2.  After laying it out.
  3.  After the surface material has been applied.

Never cut the Heat Cable – Do not cut or damage the heating element. Heat cable is resistance cable, so when it is shortened it increases the wattage per foot of the cable. Altering the cable in any way not only can cause the heat cable to fail due to over-heating, but void the warranty.

Laying out and Securing the Heating Mats – Unroll the heating mat over the area you want to heat. Fasten the heating mat to the mesh reinforcement using tie-wraps, zip ties or cable strapping. Do not cause the heating cable of the mat to be compressed or strained.

Maintain Cable Spacing – Never allow the heating elements to be less than 2 inches apart. They should never cross, overlap or touch each other.

Embed the Cable – Whether you’re installing in concrete, asphalt or pavers, embed the cable completely under the surface. If it is too close to the surface or uncovered, it can malfunction.

Embed the Power Lead – The power lead/heating cable splice and at least 6 inches of the power lead must also be embedded in the paved surface. Run the remaining power lead through a conduit.

Making Turns with Mats – Heating mats can be altered to accommodate drains, obstructions or bends in the layout. Cut the tape backing to make turns or alter the spacing of the heating cables in mats. NEVER cut the heating cable.

Ground Sensor Placement – The sensor must be placed between the heating cables within the heated area at least 3.3 feet (1 m) from the edge of the area. A minimum distance of 0.41 inches (1 cm) should be maintained between the sensor tube and the heating cable.

Aerial Snow Sensor Placement – Aerial sensors should not be placed under eaves but where there is direct exposure to the open sky.  Avoid areas that will have delayed or false readings.

ProLine Radiant works tirelessly to research, test and develop the absolute best products possible to ensure that your business succeeds. Call today at 866.676.9276 to learn more about our products and services, or email us to receive a free quote.