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Radiant Heat – The Key to Success

Ensuring Successful Installation of a Radiant Heat Snow Melting System

Installing a radiant heat snow melting system is not particularly difficult. While choosing top quality components is one way to ensure optimum performance, the most important aspect is making sure the system is installed correctly. Even the best heating cable, controllers and snow sensors cannot perform as intended if the system is not installed properly. This includes everything from proper cable spacing to the proper placement of the sensor(s).

Because the proper installation of a heated driveway or roof deicing system is crucial, ProLine Radiant includes free installation training and technical support with each system. This way, customers are not only assured of receiving proven, industry leading products, but they also receive the support and knowhow of experts for installing the system correctly.

pl-sm-Heating_Cable_Tips-Expanding_Cable thumbnail

The training is conveniently available online or in person at our corporate headquarters. Free training at rep locations throughout the country is also available. Installers may also set up special training sessions at their convenience. ProLine instructors will cover all the necessary topics and answer any questions you may have to give you the knowledge and confidence necessary to install interior and exterior radiant heat systems. These courses will help to ensure that the system performs as expected and your customers are satisfied. Contact ProLine to learn more about our free training services at 866.676.9276.

To further ensure proper installation, ProLine also provides complete system layout and design services. The professional design includes the proper layout and materials, load calculations, breaker sizes, and number of breakers, etc. ProLine’s detailed system designs ultimately save time and money. And its industry leading customer services provide contractors with the support they need to confidently install radiant heat.

ProLine also has an extensive collection of installation videos online. Visit the website to view ProLine’s instructional radiant heat videos.

Snow Melting System Installation Options

Heat tire tracks: Save money by heating two 24-inch wide heated tire tracks rather than heating an entire driveway.

Heating the Center Strip of High Traffic Areas: Heat only an 8-foot wide strip up the middle of the driveway. Instead of heating an entire sidewalk, just warm a 3-foot wide strip in the middle of your sidewalk.

Heat specific/custom areas: Heat the sloped or shaded areas of a sidewalk, or just the steps. Heat dog runs or kennels to keep outdoor pets comfortable, or only heat the.

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

Basic Heat Cable Installation Tips

  • Be sure to measure the ohm reading of the cable at different times during the installation and record the results in the space provided on the warranty card.
  • In concrete and asphalt applications, the heating cable should be 2 inches from the finished surface. (The heating cable should never be resting on the ground prior to the pour.)
  • Always maintain proper cable spacing. (Cables must be spaced no closer than 2 inches apart (center-to-center) and no more than 4 inches, center to center. (Minimum spacing: 2 inches. Maximum cable spacing: 4 inches.)
  • Never allow the cables to cross or touch each other.
  • Do not cut the heat cable. (Adjust cable spacing accordingly if you have extra cable.)
  • Avoid excessive bending, kinking, or stressing of the cable. Doing so can cause the insulation to “bubble” and pull away from the cable.

Contact ProLine Radiant today at 866.676.9276 to sign up for your installation training course. You’ll find that working with ProLine offers peace of mind, knowing that you’ll have a partner – from beginning to end – for each of your radiant heat projects.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Radiant Heat Solutions