All posts by Proline Editor

NEWS

ProLine Snow Melting Systems

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.

Snow melting system installed in ramp to parking structure.
A radiant snow melting system installed in ramps to a large commercial parking structure.

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.

Asphalt driveway being retrofitted with radiant heat.
A residential asphalt driveway being retrofitted with a radiant snow melting system.

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.

NEWS

ProLine Offers New Controller

ProLine Adds Advanced IoT Controller to its Growing List of Product Offerings

Professional builders throughout North America have come to rely on ProLine Radiant for all their radiant snow melting and heat trace needs. Unlike other wholesale providers, ProLine not only offers a wide selection of industry-leading products, but backs those products with unmatched customer support services. ProLine’s customer services include free installation training, technical support, and comprehensive system design and layout.

As an established leader, ProLine constantly develops and researches the latest technologies and products. Consistently offering customers a large selection of the most proven and advanced products, coupled with industry-leading services is why ProLine is the trusted wholesale provider of radiant snow melting, home heating, and roof de-icing systems.

In keeping with ProLine’s commitment to offer its customers a large selection of the industry’s latest premium quality products, ProLine recently added the EcoTrace IC controller to its line of snow melting and de-icing system controls. The advanced device is a single-circuit IoT heat trace controller for use in snow melting, freeze protection and temperature maintenance applications.

What is IoT?

The term “IoT” refers to the Internet of Things. This new technology happens to be one of the most important advancements of this century. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology allows us to connect everyday objects such as cars, kitchen appliances, roofs, and other inanimate objects to the Internet via embedded devices. The devices (or sensors) can be used to measure performance or environmental parameters. The data is then transmitted through a communications network, making it possible to have seamless communication between people, processes, and things. The technology has proven to be highly beneficial and can be used to optimize the efficiency and performance of a variety of objects.

EcoTrace IC Controller for snow melting and heat trace applications.
The advanced “smart” controller for snow melting and heat trace applications.

How does the EcoTrace IC Controller Use “Iot” Technology

The EcoTrace IC controller allows the user to choose from a selection of weather-based control algorithms, which include, roof de-icing, gutter or pipe heat tracing, and driveway snow melting systems. The smart controller uses its proprietary algorithms to process weather data and then adjusts the system’s power output according to the conditions brought on by the weather event. In addition to activating the heating system, the controller’s “smart” snow melting capability includes optional preheating, the ability to ignore light storms, and dynamic heating after the storm, all to improve overall system performance and reduce energy use and operating cost.

Pipe Heat Trace

For pipe trace applications, the EcoTrace IC controller can be used for efficient freeze protection and temperature maintenance. A temperature sensor can be connected, whereby ambient or pipe sensing modes can be used to prevent pipes from freezing. Hybrid freeze protection combines weather forecast data with the local sensor data to control freeze protection systems up to 40 percent more efficiently. The temperature sensor can also be used for process temperature maintenance, grease waste lines, and hot water maintenance lines (HWM).  

Heat trace failures can result in small leaks, pipes that freeze and rupture, and damage to critical equipment. With the comprehensive 24/7 system monitoring and automated fault notification, you can rest easy knowing your systems are working. The device’s cloud platform allows you to manage all of your heat tracing systems in one place, even if you are somewhere else.

Connect from Anywhere

The advanced IoT controller connects to the Frio Cloud via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Cellular. When connected to the Cloud, the controller uploads system status and receives operational commands. Multiple devices can be joined together in the Cloud platform, which allows the user to have centralized control of multiple heat tracing systems. When accessed via the Cloud, the user can check status, activate the system, or run a diagnostic test. There’s no longer any need to physically check the heat trace control system.

Technical Details

A controller with Modbus and BACnet connectivity is available, as well as one without, which accepts a thermistor only. Both controller models support Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. The devices are designed to use 802.11n Wi-Fi operating in the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band. Both units are compatible with older 2.4GHz 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a networks. The ethernet connection supports 10Mbps and 100Mbps operation. See the user manual for firewall information.

The controller can drive up to a 30A resistive load to control electric heat trace systems operating between 110 VAC and 277 VAC. The IC (Internet Controller) comes in an outdoor-rated enclosure, tested to IP67 standard.

The controller also allows for the user to manually activate the device for a set period of time. Manual override can be set from the device’s Cloud platform, or through Modbus for BMS connected systems.

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.

NEWS

Self-Regulating De-icing Solutions

For years, ProLine has been the ‘go-to’ provider for radiant roof de-icing and pipe trace solutions. Professional builders have come to rely on ProLine because they know that in addition to receiving premium quality products, ProLine also includes industry-leading support services.

To address residential and commercial roof de-icing needs, ProLine offers the most reliable roof de-icing solutions available. The top two systems utilize self-regulating heating elements. One affordable system is ProLine’s popular self-regulating heat cable, and the other is the low-voltage RoofHeat STEP® de-icing system.

The self-regulating RoofHeat STEP element features a thin, flexible polymer heating panel that can be installed to heat asphalt, shake, tile shingles, single-ply membrane, as well as metal roofs. The heating element is polypropylene fused during fabrication to achieve water proofing and protection from alkaline or salt damage. The heating elements can also be stapled or nailed through during installation.

Low-voltage roof heating system being installed
A low-voltage roof heating system being installed on resort hotel roof.

This versatile low-voltage system is ideal for keeping entire roof eaves and valleys free of snow and ice. These systems utilize a step-down transformer, and the heating panels are installed discreetly under the roofing material, thereby maintaining the original look of your roof. Each RoofHeat transformer steps down high voltage to low voltage (60 V or less) while controlling a specific section of the roof de-icing system. The individual control boxes monitor the power and output to the heating element to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient performance.

Heated roof valley and edge.
A low-voltage de-icing system installed along eave and in roof valley.

Self-regulating heat cable is also a favorite among roofing professionals. Individual strands of heat cable can facilitate runoff, and help to prevent ice-dams from forming. The cable is typically fun along the roof eaves in a zigzag pattern, and secured to the shingles. The versatile cable can also be installed in roof gutters and downspouts to help ensure unimpeded runoff.

Heat cable installed in commercial gutter trace application
Heat trace cable installed in the gutter of a large, commercial building.

Heat trace cable systems are easy to customize and install. The heat cable can be installed in trouble spots, and in areas only where the customer needs. Another reason why customers like the heat trace cable so much is because of its affordability. This is the most inexpensive option for customers who are looking to eliminate ice dams and enhance safety.

ProLine offers a variety of industry-leading roof de-icing solutions. For more information, contact a roof heating professional at 866-676-9276, or contact us to get started today.