Category Archives: NEWS

NEWS

Snow Melting System Design Services

Be positive and Investing in a snow melting system for residential or commercial property is an important decision that can increase property values. ProLine radiant heat systems are easy to customize, and can be installed in most mediums, including concrete, asphalt and brick or stone pavers. These energy efficient snow melting systems are fully automated, and can add a level of safety and convenience during the cold winter months.

When considering the installation of a snow melting system, the process begins with the design. This is where working with experienced professionals pays off. ProLine’s design and engineering services are unmatched, which is one more reason why construction professionals regularly turn to ProLine when it comes to installing radiant heat.

Heated driveway with four heated tire tracks

When looking for a radiant heat solution, selecting the proper components for the system is only one small part of the process. Radiant heating systems are only as good as their installations, so proper design is crucial. Successful installations are made easier with well thought out and planned designs, which are key to the system’s proper performance.

There are important factors that must be taken into consideration when designing a snow melting system. Some of the initial factors that should be considered are the available power and the square footage of the area to be heated. These factors can help determine the operating cost of the system, which is usually less than hiring a professional snow removal service. (A simple formula to determine operating cost has been included below.)

In regards to the power requirements, homeowners should be familiar with the following basic guidelines. One 30-amp breaker supplies enough power to heat a 170-square foot area. To heat a driveway of 350-square feet, two 30-amp breakers (or one 60-amp breaker) would be needed. Homeowners can check their home’s main breaker panel to see the power coming into the house. (Typical homes feature either two 100 amp panels or two 200 amp breakers. These are located at the top of the main breaker box above the main breaker panel.) But when looking to install radiant heat, the bottom line when it comes to power requirements is that an electrician is ultimately the one to address all the power issues. If you have questions about available power, contact ProLine and we’ll be happy to assist you.

After you have evaluated the power availability and measured the area that needs to be heated, the system’s location and weather conditions must then be considered. This includes altitude, average snowfall, and average winter temperature. Using these factors helps determine what layout and components will be best suited to your project. The basic components needed for an automated snow melting system include an aerial- or pavement-mount snow sensor, a heating element, and master controller. A good design will also include all the breaker and power-related information for the system.

The design process can be daunting, but not for the professionals at ProLine who have years of experience designing custom radiant heat systems for all types of applications. At ProLine Radiant, a snow melting system can be designed and installed on virtually any property. And ProLine offers a variety of the industry’s most proven and trusted products. Each system at ProLine is carefully custom designed, and includes a detailed CAD that includes layout, load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and system performance expectations. Having a system designed by professionals at ProLine also gives you options when it comes to your budget. if you don’t want to heat an entire area, the system can be designed to heat any size or shape of area. A few options include:

  • Heating two 24-inch wide tire tracks
  • Heating only the high traffic areas
  • Heating the trouble spots, such as the incline of a property
  • Heating an 8-foot strip down the center of the driveway

At ProLine, industry leading products like ProLine heat cable can be easily laid out in custom configurations to meet the specific needs of your project.

All in all, working with professionals who include system design and layout services will minimize issues that may occur with installation, and can save you money and time. With ProLine’s unparalleled customer service and installation support, there is help available at anytime. If you have further questions or are interested in a free quote, please visit our website or contact a trusted professional at 888-488-9276.

Determining the Operating Cost of a Heated Driveway

  1. Determine the total square footage of the area that will be heated. (The average American home has an 800-square foot driveway.)
  2. Multiply the square footage by the heat required (37 watts per sq. ft. for residential). This will give you a total for the watts per square footage required.
  3. Divide this number by 1,000 to convert to kilowatts.
  4. Look up the kilowatts-per-hour rate from the local power utility company.
  5. Multiply the total watts-per-square footage by the watts-per-hour. This gives you the cost-per-hour of usage for the snow melting system.

EXAMPLE (for an 800-square foot driveway): 800 (sq.ft.) x 37 (watts) = 29,600 (total watts).
29,600 divided by 1,000 = 29.6 kw per hour (This is what the power company will charge you per one hour of operation.) The average utility rate is .12 cents, therefore: 29.6 x .12 = $3.55. The cost of operation would be $3.55 per hour.

NOTE: Heating cables and mats are rated in total watts. If the snowmelt system is intended for a commercial application, then you would multiply the total square footage by 50 watts to determine the total wattage required.

NEWS

ProLine Radiant Adds Prodeso to its Line of Premium Quality Floor Heating Solutions

The quality and choices of flooring options available to consumers – especially tile – has improved considerably in the past few decades. Stunning new colors and materials, larger format, thinner tiles and digital printing have all contributed to a steady growth of ceramic tile being used as a flooring surface. When compared to other flooring options such as hardwood and carpet, ceramic tile is particularly attractive because tile is easy to clean, resilient, and hygienic. Unfortunately ceramic tile and natural stone, if not installed properly, are also subject to cracking and delaminating, and are cold to the touch. Use of electrical floor heating can minimize the cold, but in some cases may submit the tile assembly to additional stress that can lead to cracking and delaminating.

Prodeso floor heating membrane
A roll of the Prodeso floor heating membrane.

Traditionally most electric floor heating, and anti-fracturing membrane manufacturers have recommended covering the electrical heating cables with a self-leveling cement layer or a thin-set layer followed by an uncoupling crack isolating membrane prior to installing the tiles. This process is fairly time consuming and best done by a professional. Needless to say, this can also significantly increase the complexity and time of installation, as well as affect height differentials, weight, and cost of the overall installation.

Prodeso floor heating membrane and heat cable
Prodeso® floor heating membrane with heat cable placed in the channels.

In keeping with ProLine’s commitment to offering the finest and latest radiant heat technologies, ProLine is now offering Prodeso® membrane floor heating systems. The Prodeso membrane is a polypropylene uncoupling, crack isolation, waterproofing membrane, with rounded square shaped reliefs. These reliefs form channels that are specially designed to embed and hold ProLine heat cable. When combined with ProLine floor heating cable, this solution is an excellent choice for heating tile floors, but can also be used to heat a variety of other floor surfaces.

The Prodeso membrane can be quickly laid out to speed up the installation process. After the membrane is placed over the subfloor, the cable is installed in the channels of the membrane and the floor surface can be immediately installed over the membrane and cable. There is no need to use self-leveling cement to cover and protect the heat cable before starting a tile installation. This leads to a significant savings of material, time, cost and overall weight. The floor surface can be immediately installed over the membrane and cable.

ProLine floor heating cable
ProLine floor heating cable can be easily and accurately placed in the channels of the Prodeso membrane.

The versatile membrane features a polypropylene thermo welded woven underneath to increase the bond between the subfloor and the membrane and is safe under all conditions and weather. It even waterproofs the substrate in the case of overlaying on cracked or imperfectly cured floors with a risk of vapour stress. The design of the membrane provides an innovative uncoupling and waterproofing system for heating floors and other surfaces without movement or expansion joints in the screed.

The advantages of this unique floor heating system are many. To learn more, call and speak with a ProLine radiant heat expert today at 866.676.9276.

Prodeso floor heating membrane and heat cable under tile.
Illustration of Prodeso floor heating membrane and heat cable under ceramic tile.
NEWS

Take the Road Less Traveled . . . Install Radiant Heat in the Spring

Even though spring is just waking up, now is a great time to purchase and install a radiant heat system. Early bird discounts may apply to roof deicing systems as well as ProLine heated driveways and snow melting systems.

Installing a heated driveway or snow melting system in early spring puts you at a distinct advantage versus installing it later in the year. As you know, during the summer “construction season”, most contractors are frantically trying to complete as many of their projects as possible before the winter weather hits. Consequently, when fall comes, builders compete to purchase the necessary products to complete their projects. Oftentimes, materials are short, and the pressure to finish the open jobs can be stressful, to say the least. And sometimes it’s difficult for general contractors to find qualified radiant heat installers at the last minute. As successful contractors know, doing the job right, the first time is crucial to those serious about staying in business.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

When it comes to finding experienced installers for your radiant heat project, ProLine Radiant keeps track of those installers who have installed radiant heat systems and received favorable reviews from customers. And keep in mind, radiant heat applications are extremely flexible and adaptable, offering homeowners many options to achieve their goals, so don’t be discouraged by small budgets. Radiant heat systems can be easily customized to meet customers’ snow melting needs as well as their budgets.

Whether you’re pouring new concrete or repairing existing pavement, radiant heat installation is an excellent investment for homeowners that not only preserves and protects their residences, but also helps to prevent litigation from slip and fall accidents at business locations. For safety reasons alone, installing radiant heat makes sense. Snow melting systems can save time and eliminate the added expense of hiring a snow removal professional to plow driveways and parking areas. With radiant heated driveways and walkways, you get fully automated snow removal to ensure safe driveways and walks all year round. And the maintenance-free systems operate silently on renewable energy.

In addition to providing industry leading snow melting, roof deicing and floor heating solutions, ProLine’s customer services are unmatched. Each radiant heat solution purchased from ProLine comes with a professional consultation, including an AutoCAD system design, so you’ll know the proper layout and materials, proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and performance expectations for your project prior to installation. Technical support is also extended to your installers.

Additionally, free installation training courses are also provided by ProLine Radiant. These services are second to none in the industry, and are included for each ProLine Radiant customer. For more information about radiant heat systems, contact a friendly expert today at 866.676.9276.

NEWS

The Advantages of Selling ProLine Radiant Heat and Snow Melting Systems

If the steady snowfall we’ve experienced this season is any indication of future winter events, it’s a great time to offer radiant heat solutions to your customers. Radiant heat is a growing trend among home and business owners for top-down heating and snow removal solutions. Efficient, environmentally friendly and very versatile, ProLine residential and commercial radiant heat systems offer you the chance to expand your offerings and win repeat business.

What makes this trend in heating so attractive to home and business owners alike? As you might expect, radiant heat works exactly as it sounds—it radiates through surfaces (think sidewalks, driveways and wood floors) to warm a specific area of a residence or commercial property quickly and efficiently. ProLine offers several choices for radiant heat systems; the two most common being:

  • Electric radiant heat—uses electric heat cable configured beneath a floor or driveway to warm it up
  • Hydronic radiant heat—relies on hot water delivered through a network of pipes underneath an indoor or outdoor surface to heat it

ProLine radiant heat solutions are designed to deliver consistent, even heat and can be easily configured according to client-specific preferences. Indoors, radiant heat generates a feeling comparable to the warm, enveloping heat of a stove or fireplace. These systems depend largely on heat transfer from one object to another, eliminating the draftiness and duct loss associated with traditional forced air, making them much more efficient.

A switch from forced air to radiant heat also improves air quality within a home, eliminating the constant blowing and belching of air ridden with dirt, dust and allergens that can compromise indoor environments. These clean systems are also very green options in more ways than one. Thermostats can be programmed heat to heat an entire home, or timed to heat specific areas, from kitchen, to living room and bedroom, conserving energy for pennies on the dollar. They’re also flexible enough to install under a variety of surfaces, including wood, laminate, tile and carpet.

Heated pavers outdoor mall

Of course this same science works wonders outside to keep snow and ice away from residences and commercial properties. ProLine offers several easily-configurable options, from electric cable right off the spool, to preconfigured mats or RauPanels (hydronic systems), depending on client preferences and overall needs. Electric cable, for example, is great for smaller, hard to reach or unusually shaped areas, while the demands of a larger commercial footprint may be better served with hydronics because of the possibility of lower operating costs. Either way, these applications mitigate risk by keeping pavement clear and dry, before snow and ice can accumulate. And they’re equally effective under brick pavers and stone as well as concrete and asphalt pours or overlays.

Fortunately, whatever client demands come your way, ProLine offers radiant heat professionals on-demand installation services, and an extensive inventory of products to match every job. We can walk you through a project from conception to completion. When you do business with ProLine, you’ll appreciate not only access to the pros, but free installation training and our vast library of materials, including articles and schematics to help you along the way. To learn more about ProLine products and services, including how to become a preferred ProLine professional, please contact us at 1-866-676-9276.

NEWS

Snow Melting System Pre-installation Checklist

What NOT to do When Installing Radiant Heat – Tips and Advice from the Pros

Radiant heat is a proven technology that produces impressive results. But like most products, if the system components aren’t installed correctly, the radiant heat system can’t perform as intended, and the customer is left frustrated and disappointed. Despite the advanced technology involved, installing a radiant heat system is not difficult, but there are some key guidelines to follow to ensure that the system performs as intended. While consumers can buy the best snow melting system components from ProLine Radiant, unless they’re installed correctly the system won’t produce the results you’re expecting.

ProLine is a proven and trusted wholesale radiant heat provider offering snow melting, roof deicing, pipe trace and floor heating solutions. But ProLine isn’t content to simply carry the industry’s premier radiant heat products. ProLine has broken away from the pack by offering and following through with the best customer service in the industry.

ProLine Radiant has built its success upon the industry’s most preeminent customer services. Because proper installation of radiant heat systems is vital, ProLine not only includes installation support services, but offers free installation training courses. Installers can attend via WebX or in person at ProLine’s headquarters. Complete system layout and design AutoCADs with specs are also available, so customers will know proper layout and materials, load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and other technical aspects of the installation prior to any heat cable being installed. It’s this attention to quality customer service that distinguishes ProLine from the competition, and helps to ensure that each system installed performs as intended.

Heated paver driveway and parking area.

In addition to the personal service and support, ProLine continually posts information and tips for installing radiant heat systems. Top quality products are only part of the complete radiant heat solution. “Our product line has proven itself,” stated Brandon Weaver, Director of National Sales for ProLine. “But it’s vital that installers follow a few simple guidelines to install these systems correctly, so that customers can enjoy the full benefit of our premier products. It’s helpful to read the information we post online, and never hesitate to call our tech support team if you have questions during the installation.”

Some of the most common installation mistakes include:

  1. IMPROPER CABLE SPACING. Take the time necessary to layout and then inspect the heat cable to ensure that it’s spaced properly. Follow the basic cable spacing rules: Keep the cable at a minimum spacing of 2 inches and a maximum of 4 inches (center-to-center).
  2. IMPROPER CABLE DEPTH. Don’t let the heat cable rest on the ground before a concrete pour. Use Mesh-Ups to elevate the cable so that it remains in the center of the slab with the remesh. (Mesh-Ups are plastic support ‘chairs’ that are valuable, yet extremely affordable and they can make all the difference in the world between a successful and an unsuccessful installation.) Mesh-Ups keep the heat cable that is secured to the remesh elevated from resting on the ground as the concrete is poured. It’s a simple, affordable solution to keep the heat cable at the ideal distance from the concrete’s surface, thereby resulting in optimum snow melting performance.
  3. NEGLECTED WARRANTY CARD. Too many installers neglect to fill out the warranty card and mail it to the manufacturer. Don’t let this happen.
  4. FORGETTING TO TEST THE CABLE. Do not forget to test the cable during all phases of the installation. Start by testing the cable out of the box and then throughout each aspect of the installation.
  5. COMPROMISED HEAT CABLE. Never cut or damage the heat cable. If you must use steel rakes and shovels, take extreme caution when using these tools during the concrete pour to avoid damaging the heat cable.

One way to limit mistakes during an installation is not only to avoid the above errors, but to follow the handy checklist below:

Pre-installation Checklist

Before buying and installing a radiant heat system, review the checklist below.

  • Verify the correct voltage of the home or business where the system is being installed (220/240 or 110/120).
  • Verify the available amperage. Do not guess or assume. Because of the importance of this information, we recommend having an electrician come to your location to measure the amperage.
  • Hire a trusted electrician, preferably one you’ve worked with before. Let’s face it, not everyone is competent or ethical, so find one who has been in business for several years. Ask around and talk with those who have personal experience with electricians.
  • Keep in mind that the National Electric Code (NEC) requires that the system has 30mA GFEP (30mA trip protection).

After installing your radiant heat system, fill out and mail your warranty card.

Perhaps the most overlooked tip – and one that can eliminate installation mistakes and unhappy customers – is to take advantage of the free training! Call 801.948.7577 or 866.676.9276 to sign up or learn more.

NEWS

Installation Tips – Installing a Heated Paver Driveway

Installing a Snowmelt System under Pavers

Always check the element resistance and the insulation resistance of the heating cable upon receipt and during the installation:

  1. Upon receipt: Test the cables out of the box and write the values on the warranty card.
  2. Test the cables after laying them out over the area to be heated. Write the values on the warranty card.
  3. Test the cables after the embedment. Write the values on the warranty card.
  4. Record your readings in the installation manual.

Heating cable installed for heated paver driveway

Prior to laying out the heat cable, lay down thin wire mesh over the area to be heated. The wire mesh should be secured to the ground (with landscaping staples or pins) so it will not move during the embedment process. The mesh is used to secure the cable and help ensure proper cable spacing.

Begin the cable installation as close as possible to the contactor panel / electrical source.

Roll out the heating cable or mat and secure it to the wire mesh or grid using plastic zip ties. Heating cables should be securely fastened so they do not move or shift while applying the paver sand and pavers.

DO NOT cut or alter the heating cable. The white binding tape of the heating mats may be cut in order to make turns with the mats, but the heat cable must never be cut or altered.

Maintain proper cable spacing
Heating cable being properly spaced and secured to remesh prior to a concrete pour.

When laying out the cable, DO NOT allow the heating cables to touch, cross, overlap or get bunched up. The cable must maintain a minimum spacing of 2 inches and a maximum of 4 inches.

The minimum spacing for the heating cable is no less than 2-inches center-to-center and no more than 4-inches center-to-center. Make sure cable from adjacent mats also follows the proper spacing guidelines. After securing the heat cable, double check the spacing one last time before adding the top surface of paver sand or dust.

Check with the paver or block manufacturer to determine the proper depth of sand or dust needed for ideal paver installation.

Embed all of the heating cable and the splice in a minimum of 1-inch (½-inch above and ½-inch below) of compacted material such as paver dust or sand. (This may vary depending on the pavers used. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper embedment depth.) The cable and splice to the cold lead must be completely embedded. Make sure there are no air gaps around the cable or splice. IMPORTANT NOTE: The gauge of the paver sand, stone dust or base material must be fine enough to completely encapsulate the cable.

Be careful handling the pavers after the cable is laid out. Do NOT drop a brick or stone paver directly on the cable. This can damage the insulation and cause the cable to fail. If a paver is dropped onto a cable, immediately stop the installation and check the integrity of the cable with an ohm reading.

Handle the heating cables carefully. Exercise caution when using tools such as shovels, rakes and wheel barrels so that you do not damage the cables.

Consistently verify the cable integrity by checking the resistance during various stages of the installation.

Heated paver driveway

It is important that this equipment be installed by a licensed and qualified electrician and in accordance with local laws, codes, regulation and in accordance with NEC guidelines.

If installing in permeable pavers or with pavers or blocks greater than 3-inches thick, contact ProLine BEFORE installing.

* This list is intended as a general quick reference guide. It is NOT a substitution for proper training and following the installation manual. Always read and follow the installation manual. Web-based training is available on request.

For more information about installing heated driveways and paver snowmelt systems, visit ProLine’s installation videos web page, or call a ProLine representative today at 866.676.9276.

NEWS

ProLine’s 12-step Program for Contractors Addicted to the Status Quo

Don’t get Mired in the Tar Pit of Stagnant Business

Because We Care

STEP 1: Mark Twain once said, “Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.”  Avoid the waters of “denial” and recognize that there may be a problem in maintaining the status quo. Acknowledge the positive that can be achieved by changing simple behaviors to increase your earning potential. Accept that there may be additional options available for you to achieve your financial goals. Stop denying yourself opportunities for growth.

STEP 2: Forgive yourself and let go of missed business opportunities. Understand that you are not a bad construction professional. Look to the future with optimism.

STEP 3: Accept radiant heat into your life and bask in its warmth. Envision the benefits―such as increased profits―of snow melting system installations.

Heated paver walkway at outdoor mall.

STEP 4: Recognize that you can enhance your services and build your business without investing additional capital.

STEP 5: Commit yourself to include a snow melting option on all of your future bids.

STEP 6: Understand that you are not alone and that professionals are on hand to support you. Take the unnecessary weight off your shoulders by accepting that you don’t have to be a snow melting system expert. Be positive and embrace the peace of mind that comes from knowing there are radiant heat professionals who are eager to assist you and provide you with all the tools you need to succeed.

STEP 7: Accept new friends and envision the potential benefits of offering radiant heat. Picture a future of sustained growth alongside a dedicated team of professionals who work with you to assist with all the aspects of a snowmelt system installation and ensure your success. You will be empowered by a wealth of resources to install heated driveways, heated floors, roof deicing systems and more. Rest assured that ProLine will work tirelessly with you and take care of the legwork associated with radiant heat installations.

STEP 8: Believe in yourself. Build confidence by consulting freely with snow melting system professionals and completing the free installation training with ProLine Radiant. Use the tools available to boost your confidence and gain faith in your abilities.

STEP 9: Thoughtfully watch the informative “how-to” videos online, and ponder the greater good that can result from gaining wisdom over your competitors.

STEP 10: Understand that your competitors are not evil – just ignorant. Focus on your own brilliance rather than the demise of the competition.

STEP 11: Always seek enlightenment through ProLine’s free services, including consulting, quotes, system design, installation training, and technical support. Use the resources that are available to you.

STEP 12: Share the enlightening message of the 12 Steps with your employees/coworkers and encourage them take the free training courses to ensure a brighter future for you and your company.

Remember, the road to success is always under construction, but finding ways to keep moving forward is the key. This not only keeps you from being run over, but elevates you over your competition. And remember, the professionals at ProLine stand ready and eager to help you succeed – because we care.

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

Understanding the Power Requirements for a Heated Driveway

Prior to Installing a Snow Melting System

If you’re looking to install a radiant heated driveway for a residential or commercial property, one of the first things you need to confirm is whether you have the necessary power requirements. In most cases, having the power needed to run an efficient radiant snow melting system is not a problem; however, prior to any installation, contractors should work with electricians to determine that the site will have the necessary power for heating the snowmelt area.

Contractors can use the following general information to quickly asses the power needs of a snow melting system. One 30-amp breaker supplies enough power to heat a 170-square foot area. To heat a driveway of 350-square feet, two 30-amp breakers (or one 60-amp breaker) would be needed. Homeowners can check their home’s main breaker panel to see the power coming into the house. (Typical homes feature either two 100 amp panels or two 200 amp breakers. These are located at the top of the main breaker box, above the main breaker panel.)

Snow melting system installed in runaway truck ramp.

If you’re unsure of the square footage of your driveway, no worries; ProLine Radiant can calculate that for you too. In most areas, using a special state-of-the-art technology, ProLine can measure the area of your driveway while talking on the phone with you. Our helpful staff will work closely with you to ensure that the square footage of the area is measured correctly and the power requirements are therefore calculated properly.

On rare occasions when there is insufficient power available to operate a large driveway heating system, the radiant heat system can be laid out in zones. Each zone is powered separately. As a storm first hits, zone 1 would power up and melt the snow in that area of the driveway. After zone 1, zone 2 would then activate to melt the snow in that area of the driveway. Talk to a ProLine representative at 866.676.9276 for more detailed information about zoning your heated driveway.

Contactor panel and box
A contactor panel and box for snow melting system.

When it comes to determining the power requirements for heating a specific area and what power is available, remember that you don’t have to figure this out by yourself. ProLine’s experienced reps are happy to work with you to not only help you determine the necessary power requirements, but to design a system that best meets the customers’ specific snow melting and budget needs. ProLine provides complete system design services, so prior to any installation, customers will know the exact layout and power requirements of the system.

Determining the Operating Cost of an Electric Heated Driveway

Homeowners are also keen to know the general operating costs of a heated driveway. Because radiant snow melting systems are specially designed for the specific demands of the average temperature and snowfall of their location, no two radiant heat systems are exactly alike. However, there is a formula that can be used to help you determine the approximate operating cost of a snow melting system.

General Guidelines to Determine a Heated Driveway’s Operating Cost

  1. Determine the total square footage of the area that will be heated.
  2. Multiply the square footage by the heat required (37 watts per sq. ft. for residential). This will give you a total for the watts per square footage required.
  3. Divide this number by 1,000 to convert to kilowatts.
  4. Look up the kilowatts-per-hour rate from the local power utility company.
  5. Multiply the total watts-per-square footage by the watts-per-hour. This gives you the cost-per-hour of usage for the snow melting system.
  6. NOTE: Heating cables and mats are rated in total watts. If the snowmelt system is intended for a commercial application, then you would multiply the total square footage by 50 watts to get a total wattage required. (E.g., 5,000 sq. ft. x 50 watts = 250,000 watts required.)

Radiant heat provides a range of benefits for home and business owners. The operating costs of automated snow melting systems are typically less than that of hiring professional snow removal services, and can help to extend the life of concrete driveways and keeps them from being subjected to abrasive snow removal methods or harsh snowmelt chemicals or salt. And since the systems are fully automated, business owners can be assured that walks and parking areas remain free from snow and ice during winter storms, enhancing safety for patrons.

NEWS

Beat the Fall Rush

Install a Radiant Snow Melting System early in the Summer

As contractors well know, the late season rush to complete projects can be hectic – to say the least. That’s why it’s important to encourage homeowners to begin their radiant heat installation projects as early as possible. Spring and early summer is the ideal time for construction projects, and it makes lives for professional builders a little less stressful as cooler weather looms on the horizon. Completing projects early in the summer also allows contractors to take on more business later in the season, increasing the earning potential for the year.

Completing a project in the spring and early summer is beneficial to home and business owners as well. Having a radiant heat system installed well before the arrival of Old Man Winter allows consumers to get familiar with their systems and troubleshoot any issues if necessary.

Heated paver driveway

Whether your customers are looking to pour new concrete or repair existing pavement, radiant heat installation is an excellent way to increase value and lengthen the lifespan of driveways from harsh snow melting chemicals and snow removal equipment. It’s a smart investment that can also benefit business owners by eliminating slick walkways and parking areas to greatly reduce the chances of injury liabilities from pedestrian “slip-and-fall” accidents. Radiant snow melting systems also eliminate the need for time consuming manual snow removal and the possible injuries and lost work time from shoveling.

With radiant heated driveways and walkways, you get energy-efficient, round-the-clock snow removal to keep areas clear of snow and safe for pedestrians. These automated systems operate silently on renewable energy and are maintenance free.

Radiant heat applications are extremely flexible and adaptable, offering homeowners many options to achieve their goals. ProLine will custom design each system to best meet the specific needs of the customer. Consumers have the option to heat entire areas, a strip in the middle of the driveway, or just two 24-inch wide tire tracks. The layout options are virtually limitless.

Snow melting systems can also be installed in existing concrete or asphalt driveways. Saw cut technology can be used to cut grooves in concrete driveways where the cable is placed. A special epoxy is then placed in the grooves, over the cable. To heat existing asphalt driveways, the heat cable is laid out over the old asphalt and then a new layer of asphalt is applied over the cable. ProLine offers special heat cable that is designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of hot asphalt applications.

To better understand the options available, contact ProLine for free consulting or a free estimate. ProLine has the experience and resources to provide contractors with top tier solutions at preferred pricing, all backed by industry leading customer services. And once you’ve installed one ProLine system, we can refer you for future projects in your area. Call 866.676.9276 today to learn more.