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.

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. 

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.}

When it comes to offering snow melting system installations, professional builders won’t find a better partner to work with than ProLine Radiant. ProLine carries the highest quality radiant snow melting systems for commercial and residential applications. In addition to receiving proven products with wholesale pricing discounts, contractors also benefit from ProLine’s industry-leading customer support services.

ProLine’s team of radiant heat experts provides a range of support services, including free installation training, complete system design and layout, and technical support during the installation. Having a team of experts on hand during the installation gives contractors peace of mind, and helps to ensure timely, hassle-free installations. The end result is another satisfied customer. Knowing that ProLine has your back, from start to finish, is crucial for contractors who are busy multitasking, and coordinating an assortment of current and future projects.

ProLine’s comprehensive support services allow professional builders to offer – and complete – more projects. Many ProLine customers are bolstering their bottom line by offering radiant heat installations to business owners and municipalities.

During the winter months, business owners face the challenge of keeping sidewalks, parking areas, and entryways safe for their customers. While it’s been common practice to hire snow removal services and task employees to salt and shovel the walks, keeping areas ice-free throughout the work day is never a given. Steps and walkways have to be continuously monitored, and employees must consistently step away from their typical daily responsibilities to maintain walkways and areas to ensure the safety of the customers.

For business owners, automated snow melting systems provide the ideal solution. The installation of an automated snowmelt system helps to ensure that steps, walkways, ramps, and other areas remain clear of snow and ice throughout the day and night. The systems are triggered by weather events; however, these fully automated systems can also be activated manually.

ProLine snow melting systems consist of premier heat cable that is available pre-spaced in mats or in individual lengths off the spool. The systems also feature activation devices that detect temperature as well as precipitation. These sensors can be mounted in the pavement, or near the roofline of any home or business structure. When the snow sensor detects moisture, and the temperature is below the adjustable set point (typically set at 38 F or 39 F), a signal is then sent to the controller, and then power is sent to the embedded heat cable (or other heating element). The area quickly begins to warm in order to prevent snow from building up.

Automated snow melting systems can be installed in a wide variety of applications and custom layouts. Systems are typically installed in concrete, asphalt, and under pavers. Areas can also be retrofitted with radiant heat.

To heat asphalt, heating cable is laid out over the area to be warmed, and then a new layer of asphalt is then applied. To heat existing concrete, saw-cut technology is used. Small channels are cut into the concrete, and the heat cable is then placed in the channels. Once the cable is installed and wired, a topcoat of epoxy is applied to seal the embedded cable. Oftentimes, a sand broadcast is then sprinkled over the epoxy (prior to curing) to provide additional traction to increase the safety of the newly heating area.

ProLine snow melting systems are easy to customize, both in terms of layout and budget. If you have customers with unique layout issues, and/or a seemingly limited budget, ProLine system designers can work with you to provide the ideal snow melting solution. A variety of options are available. Call a radiant heat expert at ProLine today to learn more about how we can provide the ideal system for you and your customer(s).

_{ProLine Radiant is a leading wholesale provider of radiant heat solutions. For more information about radiant snow melting systems, roof de-icing and heat trace solutions, or floor heating systems, call a friendly ProLine representative today, at 866-676-9276.}

As radiant heated driveways gain traction across the country, home and business owners are also installing radiant heat in a wide variety of other snow melting applications. The systems are easy to customize, and can be designed and installed for just about any need your customer may have.

Although installing radiant heat in driveways is the most popular residential application, the features of these snow melting systems have made them popular for a dynamic range of other snow melting solutions. Electric radiant heat systems utilize heat cable, which is available in individual lengths off the spool or pre-spaced in mats. The mats are conveniently rolled out across the area to be heated and secured, making installation quick and easy. But given the design flexibility of heat cable installations, systems can be installed to meet virtually any customer needs.

In addition to heated driveway installations, other radiant heat applications include heating outdoor areas for pets or livestock, accessibility ramps, loading docks, outdoor steps, sidewalks, patios, and more. Some ProLine snow melting system installations include heated airport aprons, public transportation areas, large commercial parking ramps and structures, and more. The options for customers are limited only by one’s imagination.

While the range of applications is unlimited, there are also many options when it comes heating a driveway. ProLine system designers work with their customers to determine the best system for their needs. Heated driveways can be customized to accommodate situations with limited power, customers on a limited budget, or those with special layout needs. Fortunately, driveway heating systems can be tailored to best meet the specific needs of each customer. Some layout options include heating only an 8-foot-wide strip in the middle of the driveway, heating two 24-inch-wide tire tracks, or only heating special areas, such as an incline. Customers have many options when it comes to installing a radiant heat.

Given the benefits of radiant snow melting systems, it’s no wonder that they are increasing in popularity. In addition to being fully automated, the systems are also maintenance free and extremely efficient. In fact, there is virtually no wasted energy associated with a properly installed heated driveway. The systems also eliminate the need for harmful snow melting chemicals or salt.

Automated snow melting systems consist of three main components: the heat cable, a snow sensor (activation device), and controller/contactor panel. Depending on the system, and the customer’s preference, the snow sensor can be either a pavement-mounted device, or an aerial-mounted unit. (Most driveway heating systems utilize the aerial-mount sensor.) This advanced activation device detects temperature and precipitation. When precipitation is detected, and the temperature is below the adjustable setpoint (typically set at 38- or 39-degrees Fahrenheit), the sensor will send a signal to the system controller. Power is then sent to the embedded heat cable, warming the driveway to prevent the buildup of snow.

A safety feature, called the “afterrun” function allows the snow melting system to remain on for a short time after the storm. This allows the heated concrete, asphalt, or pavers to dry. Eliminating any surface water prevents thin sheets of “invisible” ice from forming. The systems also include a manual override function, so the systems can be activated to deal with snowdrifts, or to heat areas where runoff from other areas has created patches of ice.

Radiant heat is also used for roof and gutter de-icing. Keeping roof eaves and gutters clear of snow and ice enhances pedestrian traffic below. When roof ice begins to melt, sometimes large slabs of ice can tumble to the sidewalk below and strike those walking along the sidewalk. Water that trickles down from icicles to the sidewalk can refreeze, creating patches of “black” ice, which can result in slip-and-fall accidents. Needless to say, this scenario is a nightmare for business owners.

ProLine also offers interior radiant heat. A variety of floor heating systems is available, with each providing advantages for heating specific types of flooring. A wide range of technologies is available.

For more information about wholesale snow melting, roof de-icing, and floor heating products check out ProLine’s website, or call a friendly professional today at 866-676-9276.