All posts by Proline Editor

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.

NEWS

ProLine Simplifies Life for Construction Professionals

Wholesale Pricing and Unmatched Support Services Simplify Radiant Heat Installations for Contractors

When I first learned about ProLine and their wholesale pricing discounts, I figured I’d be an idiot if I didn’t check out their radiant heating products. Sure, the prices of their products were tempting, but before I jumped on the bandwagon, I did my homework. I decided to ask around and learn more about the quality of their products.

After some investigating, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the quality of ProLine’s self-regulating roof de-icing cable, driveway snow melting cable, and system components was pretty much equal to those of the industry’s top, established manufacturers. In some cases, the components were exactly the same, and in other cases, the argument could be made that ProLine’s quality was even better than that of the industry heavyweights. Could it be that the old guard had become a little complacent? Who knows what the reason is, but it’s apparent that just over a decade ago, ProLine burst onto the scene with a vengeance. Fortunately, their arrival has benefitted contractors and construction professionals throughout Northern America.

ProLine works with contractors and building professionals, but distributes through wholesalers, so the prices are significantly discounted. The wholesale pricing was a key strategy that allowed ProLine to make its introductory splash in the industry, but the company rounded out its business plan with its commitment to offering top-quality products, backed by unprecedented customer support services.

Radiant heat installation support
ProLine services include free installation training, technical support, and system design.

Who Does That?

Personal end-user customer services from wholesale suppliers were virtually unheard of back in the day, but ProLine has changed the game. The typical business model for wholesalers is one that omits the need to accommodate any customer service needs of the end user. But ProLine flipped that rule upside down. ProLine includes services such as professional system design, free installation training, and technical support. By offering those services, ProLine changed the wholesale scene, and the company continues to take the lead when it comes to customer service. By consistently providing the best quality products, backed by comprehensive customer support services, ProLine has established itself as an industry leader, and a provider upon which construction professionals can rely.

Maintain proper cable spacing
Heating cable being properly spaced and secured to remesh prior to pouring the concrete for a heated driveway.

ProLine snow melting systems feature durable heat cable off the spool or in mats. The cable off the spool is available for installations with 3- and 4-inch spacing (and custom spacing upon request) to create the ideal custom wattage per square foot for the customer. The snow melting heating mats feature cable that is pre-spaced for accurate spacing and fast, easy installation.

Heated driveways are easy to customize and install. ProLine systems have been installed to keep public transportation hubs clear of snow and ice, as well as to heat driveways, ramps, outdoor steps, parking areas, and more.

ProLine is also one of the largest suppliers of self-regulating heat cable. Self-regulating heat cable is typically used for roof de-icing applications as well as pipe trace free prevention systems. Several types of cable are available for a wide variety of de-icing needs. A thin, low-voltage heating panel that can be installed under roof shingles is also available. The popular system is often used to keep entire roof eaves and valleys free from snow and ice.

Low-voltage roof heating element
Low-voltage heating element for roof de-icing applications.

In addition to its many custom outdoor applications, ProLine is also a popular supplier of radiant floor heating systems. A variety of heating elements and system components are available. ProLine floor heating systems range from thin heat cable to paper-thin “film” heating mats that can be installed directly under floating floors, without the need for adhesives or mortar. To learn more about ProLine Radiant’s floor heating options, contact a radiant heat expert today, at 866-676-9276.

NEWS

Designing the Optimum Radiant Heat Solution

For contractors and construction professionals new to radiant heat system installations, the thought of installing a heated driveway, heated floors, or a roof de-icing system can be daunting. While the financial benefits may be enticing, taking on something new can pose challenges. Where does one begin? What are the preinstallation steps? What’s the layout?

ProLine leads the wholesale supplier business by providing the services that are vital for building professionals. In fact, ProLine takes care of the details and legwork when it comes to radiant heat installations, so contractors are free to deal with their overall management of their projects.

One of the key services provided is ProLine’s system design services. These detailed system layouts not only show the placement of all the system components, but also include all of the electrical information, including: proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, etc. Your electrician will have all the information needed at his/her fingertips.

Every ProLine snow melting system is designed to meet the specific demands of the customer, and to ensure optimum system performance. Factors taken into consideration include the project’s location, elevation and average winter conditions, as well as the power requirements and availability, and of course, the customer’s budget.

Sample layout of a radiant floor heating system
Example of a radiant floor heating system layout.

The system layout serves as the road map for installers. The AutoCAD® shows the entire detailed layout of the heating cable. It shows where to begin laying the heating element out so that the cold leads can be conveniently connected to the control unit, and also the exact position of the activation device. To further simplify the installation process, installers also receive free installation training from ProLine. A radiant heat professional covers every aspect of the installation, which ultimately saves time and money in the long run.

Proper installation is the key to the successful performance of radiant snow melting, heat trace, and floor heating systems. Knowing this – and despite being a wholesale radiant heat provider – ProLine takes extra care in producing detailed system design/layout for each customer. Having a smart design and accurate layout of the system help to ensure a quick, efficient, installation, and frees up contractors so they can focus on what they do best. Having ProLine in your corner for radiant heat installations is a smart business move. The industry-leading design and support services offered by ProLine are virtually unheard of among wholesale providers.

Professional design and layout of radiant heated driveway
Example of radiant snow melting system AutoCAD.

Put the experience of ProLine to work for you by adding radiant heat installation to your service offerings. ProLine system designers are seasoned professionals who have designed systems for all types of residential and commercial snow melting projects, ranging from airports and commercial shopping centers to residential driveway, steps, ramps, and more. Trust ProLine with all your radiant heating needs.

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.