Tag Archives: Floor heating systems

NEWS

Heating Floors – The Right Way

Hardwood floors are an upgrade that many homeowners are eager to install in their new or existing homes. Heated flooring is the perfect on-trend upgrade to offer to your customers with their new hardwood flooring. Installing radiant heated floors under hardwood is just as simple as with any other flooring, and can give your business the edge over a competitor. At ProLine, contractors have access to industry leading heated floor systems that can add value to your business and attract new customers.

When choosing a heated floor system to pair with hardwood flooring, there are a few things to consider. While most radiant heat systems are compatible with hardwood flooring, there are a few specifics that can make pairing radiant heat and hardwood flooring easier. When advising clients about heating hardwood floors with radiant heat, be aware that certain woods such as cherry, walnut, and mesquite are better suited for radiant heat. Other good options include floating floors, engineered wood flooring, and laminates. Strip flooring is also preferable to plank when working with radiant heat, as strips will contract less than larger planks. But radiant heat from ProLine is designed for safe use under just about any type of floor.

Heated hardwood floor

ProLine has offerings for contractors looking to help customers pick the perfect system for their new flooring. ProLine’s floor heating cable, also known as TileHeat, is one of the most versatile and reliable systems available. As ProLine’s most popular floor heating solution, TileHeat is commonly installed to heat tile floors, laminates, marble, carpet, hardwood, and more. The thin, twin conductor cable features a single point connection and is insulated with Fluoropolymer, with high temperature PVC on the outside. It is rated at 120 or 240 volts and has ground fault protection (GFCI) and carries a generous 25-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The cable is available off the spool or in mats for easy “roll-out” installation. The mats feature cable that is pre-spaced and secured on a flexible mesh with an adhesive backing, so they can be easily rolled out and secured to the subflooring. Turns can be made with these mats by cutting the mesh backing, but installers must be sure to avoid cutting the heat cable. TileHeat mats are available in various lengths and heat an area 24 inches wide. The system provides a great way to add value to your business by providing an energy efficient way to heat their home.

ProLine also offers an innovative polypropylene uncoupling and waterproofing system for heating floors and other surfaces without movement or expansion joints in the screed. The membrane is simply laid out into the subfloor, and TileHeat heating cable is installed into the channels of the membrane, providing perfect spacing and protecting it from water or other damage. The Prodeso membrane also helps prevent movement or expansion of joints in the screed, making it a great installation choice for any flooring.

Heated hardwood floor with cutaway
Heated hardwood floor with cutaway showing the thin “film” heating element.

ProLine also carries thin heating panels designed especially for heating floating floors. The “film” heating element is only .016-inch thick and efficiently heats your floors without causing any floor buildup. When installing the system, the heating panels are cut to their proper length on site, and then installed on the subfloor. After the FilmHeat heating elements are secured, the electrical connections are then made and the laminate floor is installed directly over the panels. There’s no need for alarms, special tools or self-leveling compounds.

TileHeat systems consist of heating cable (or mats), and a thermostat. TileHeat heating cable has top of the line components- it is a single point connection, twin conductor cable insulated with Fluoropolymer on the inside, and high temperature PVC on the outside. It is rated at 120 or 240 volts and has ground fault protection (GFCI).  This great cable also comes with a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty to assure against any manufacturing defects. This cable is also safety approved for wet locations, making it a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Cable comes on large spools ready for installation. The cable itself is a great way to heat oddly shaped rooms where FoilHeat or other heating options may not be flexible enough. All adjustments can be made on site, including coverage and cable spacing.

For larger areas, TileHeat heating cable also comes in mats. These mats have TileHeat heating cable pre-spaced on an adhesive backed fiberglass mesh. This makes for quick and easy installation, mats are simply rolled out and secured to the subflooring. Turns can be made with these mats by cutting the mesh backing, but installers must be sure to avoid cutting the heat cable.  Heating mats make installation super-efficient and saves contractors time and money. TileHeat mats are available in various lengths and are 24 inches wide. TileHeat is one of industry’s most trusted and effective floor heating systems available, and features rapid response times. All these factors make TileHeat a great way to add value to your business by providing an energy efficient way to heat their home.

If installing heating cable in areas that are more likely to be wet is a concern for your business, ProLine also offers the innovative Prodeso waterproofing system. The Prodeso membrane is a waterproofing membrane that offers polypropylene uncoupling and crack isolation. This membrane is simply laid out into the subfloor, and TileHeat heating cable is installed into the channels of the membrane, protecting it from water or other damage. The Prodeso membrane also helps prevent movement or expansion of joints in the screed, making it a great installation choice for any flooring.

When offering hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring installation, offering radiant heat is a great way to add value to your business. ProLine backs up every system with industry leading customer services, so we make it easy for you. ProLine includes free installation training, professional system design and layout, and installation support. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to offer your customers radiant heat installation. If you have any questions about ProLine and its vast selection of floor heating systems, please contact a ProLine representative at 866.676.9276, or check us out online.

NEWS

Radiant Floor Heating Options

Proven Floor Heating Solutions

Did you know that ProLine Radiant offers several of the industry’s most proven and trusted radiant floor heating systems? It’s true. In addition to ProLine’s popular snow melting systems, ranging from heated driveways, ramps and sidewalks to roof and gutter heat trace solutions, ProLine carries premier quality floor heating systems.

And with the emphasis on cost savings and energy efficiency in our homes nowadays, it makes sense to explore ProLine’s floor heating offerings. Unlike many providers, ProLine Radiant offers floor heating systems from different manufacturers, so customers can be assured of finding the ideal floor heating system for their needs.

Heated tile floor

Radiant floor heat provides luxurious warmth and is extremely efficient both because of the nature of radiant heat and the ability for the system(s) to be precisely controlled. Installing a radiant heat system in your home not only can enhances cost savings and comfort, but can also significantly boost the value of your home. Radiant heated floors boast a near 100% efficiency, as there is virtually no heat loss with the systems. So it makes sense then that radiant heat is fast becoming the heating choice for new home construction.

Radiant floor heating systems consist of a heating element, a control center and an activation device (thermostat, timer, etc.). ProLine offers a variety of the industry’s most advanced thermostats with its floor heating systems. Some feature simple on/off controllers and 7-day programmable thermostats that can be controlled by an external sensor (embedded in the floor), a built-in sensor, or a combination of the two. By installing heated floors, homeowners can turn a small investment into considerable cost-savings that also increases the value of your home.

Floor Heating Options

ProLine offers several different floor heating systems, each offering its own set of unique features and benefits. The various systems utilize different types of heating elements, ranging from thin heat resistance cable to unique “foil heating mats” and low-voltage heating panels.

ProLine’s TileHeat system is the most popular and versatile floor heating system and features thin heat cable that is available on spools or mats. The mats feature cable that is pre-spaced with a flexible mesh backing for easy “roll out” installation. The heat cable itself has a diameter of only about 1/8-inch. ProLine’s TileHeat cable is twin-conductor cable with a single point connection to further simplify the installation. As one of the most trusted and commonly used floor heating solutions, ProLine’s TileHeat comes with a 25-year limited warranty, and is UL listed in the U.S. and Canada.

The heat cable can also be used with the Prodeso® floor heating membrane, an uncoupling, waterproofing membrane that is laid out over the subfloor. The membrane has channels in it where the heat cable is accurately spaced. This also simplifies and shortens the installation time. The flooring is then installed directly over the membrane and heat cable. The Prodeso membrane system with TileHeat can be used to warm a variety of floor types.

Prodeso floor heating membrane and heat cable under ceramic tile.

ProLine also offers a rugged heat cable that is designed for installation in concrete slabs. This slab heating cable provides an efficient and highly effective means for heating basement floors or any that are installed over concrete slabs. The heat cable is spaced and secured to remesh (with zip ties) and then the concrete is poured. The twin conductor, single point connection heat cable features a 10-year manufacturer warranty.

Another popular floor heating system consists of a near paper thin “film” heating element (only 0.016-inch thick) that can be cut to length on site and then floating it on top of an underlayment and floating the floor covering on top of the element. One advantage of this system is that the thin, lightweight heating element can also be stapled up between floor joists to heat existing floors. No alarms, special tools, or self-leveling compounds are needed to install this system, and because it is so thin there is no floor buildup.

FoilHeat floor heating systems feature fluoropolymer insulated heating cables sandwiched between layers of specially reinforced aluminum foil. Featuring superior design, quality construction, and energy efficient performance, FoilHeat is an excellet option for heating laminate floors. And because the heating element is quite thin, there is minimal floor buildup.

The element’s power lead is a flat, thin two-core flexible cord, consisting of two insulated conductors with a metal sheath and an outer sheath. The uniform spacing of the heating cable, backed by the conductive aluminum foil, ensures that there are no problems of “hot-spots” or localized heating. FoilHeat mats can be cut and shaped onsite; however, take care to avoid cutting the actual heating cables within the mat.

For more information about our indoor and outdoor radiant heat systems, call 866.676.9276 today.

NEWS

ProLine Floor Heating Systems

While ProLine Radiant may be best known for its heated driveways and roof deicing solutions, the radiant heat provider also offers a variety of the industry’s most proven floor heating systems. Some contractors are taking advantage of ProLine’s wide selection of products and discount prices, but many are still unaware of ProLine Radiant’s offering of floor heating systems.

Emphasizing radiant heated floor installations during the winter months is a great way for professional builders to supplement their income at a time that is traditionally slow. But consistently offering radiant floor heating installation can also help to grow your business.

Heated bathroom floor

ProLine offers a wide selection of trusted, industry leading solutions. From its own trusted heat cable to the innovative low-voltage polymer heating element, ProLine carries the top floor heating solutions for any custom commercial or residential radiant heat project, designed to heat virtually any type of flooring.

The floor heating systems offered by ProLine are compatible with all standard sub-flooring materials, and provide the superior performance you’d expect from an industry leader. ProLine’s large selection of premium quality floor heating systems ensures that customers receive the ideal system for heating their specific type of floor.

Some Floor Heating System Options:

ProLine TileHeat: TileHeat floor heating cable is the most trusted and popular floor heating system and can be used to heat just about any type of floor. Though it is particularly effective for heating tile and marble floors, TileHeat is also commonly used to heat laminate flooring as well.

The heating cable is available off the spool or in flexible mats with an adhesive backing for easy installation. ProLine floor heating mats feature ProLine heat cable that is pre-spaced and placed on a mesh backing. They can be installed directly under tile, natural stone and a variety of hard surfaces. The mats’ low 3/16-inch (3 mm) profile results in very little floor buildup, making them a popular choice for renovations. They’re also pre-terminated for use with 120V and 240V, and available in various lengths (heating a width of 24-inches).

ComfortTile floor heating mat, cable and thermostat

The floor heating cable’s twin conductor design is matched with premium materials to provide the most effective and efficient heating. The system also includes built in ground fault (GFCI) protection and emits no measurable electromagnetic fields (EMF).

ProLine floor heating systems also come with a GFCI protected thermostat. (Strapping to secure and properly space heating cable is provided when purchasing heat cable off the spool.) To simplify installation and final hookup, the cable is harnessed with a single lead. And all ProLine cable is UL/CSA approved and is covered by a 10-year manufacturer warranty.

Slab/Storage Heat  – ProLine’s rugged Storage heat cable heats concrete slabs under a variety of floor types. Because the cable is installed in concrete pours, the rugged cable is designed to withstand the stress of heavy concrete pours. The cable has a larger diameter than other floor heating cables, allowing it to be lower in cost and higher in heat output. Once installed, this affordable heating solution efficiently distributes and stores heat within the slab.

Prodeso® Floor Heating Membrane – A recent addition to ProLine’s floor heating product offering, the Prodeso floor heating membrane is a polypropylene uncoupling, crack isolation, waterproofing membrane. The flexible membrane features channels for the TileHeat cable to be routed. The system can be used to heat a variety of floor surfaces.

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

Using the Prodeso membrane can speed up the installation process. The membrane is placed over the floor and then heat cable is installed in the channels and then the flooring can be applied directly on top. There is no need to use self-leveling cement to cover and protect the heat cable before installing a tile floor. This can result in a significant savings of material, time, cost and overall weight.

FoilHeat – FoilHeat is a thin electric radiant floor heating system designed primarily for heating laminate, engineered wood, and other floating floors. The system can also be used to heat carpeted floors.

The floor heating mat consists of fluoropolymer insulated heating cables sandwiched between two layers of specially reinforced aluminum foil. The uniform spacing of the heating elements, and the conductive aluminum foil, ensures even heat distribution. FoilHeat mats can be cut and shaped on site to meet the specific demands of the project.

The heating element is connected to a power-supply cable, which exits the laminate mat from one corner. The power lead is a flat thin two core flexible cord, consisting of two insulated conductors with a metal sheath and an outer sheath. Depending on your heating requirement, FoilHeat is available in nominal heat outputs of 80 W/m² and 140 W/m² at 230 V. The mats are available in predetermined lengths with cold tail and are prefabricated and tested in a carefully controlled factory environment.

FoilHeat radiant floor heating system

In addition to providing industry leading floor heating elements, ProLine also offers the most advanced system controllers and thermostats, including the state-of-the-art WIFI Touch Thermostat.

The electronic thermostats are designed to control electric radiant floor heating systems for maximum comfort while minimizing power consumption. Each thermostat includes an integrated Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI, Class A).

Free Installation Training, System Design and Technical Support

The proper installation of radiant floor heating systems is vital, which is why ProLine provides free installation training and installation support services. We stand by our customers throughout the installation process to help ensure that the system is properly installed and performing as it should.

Prior to the installation training, it’s helpful for installers to take advantage of the online product documentation and illustrations. A vast resource of instructional videos is also available on our website. This valuable resource can help installers gain a better understanding of the systems, how they are installed, and how they function.

Be sure to sign up for free training. Call 866.676.9276 today to set up a time that is convenient for you. Training can be completed in less than an hour and can be done at our offices or online, via WebEx.

For more information about ProLine snow melting, roof deicing or floor heating systems, contact a ProLine radiant heat expert today at 866.676.9276.

NEWS

Comparing Radiant Heat Technologies

Hydronic and Electric Radiant Heat

There are two general radiant heat technologies: electric and hydronic. Both hydronic and electric snowmelt systems are effective and highly efficient radiant heat solutions that can be used for indoor and outdoor applications. ProLine offers both types of radiant heat technologies.

Hydronic systems work by using a water heater (boiler) to heat a mixture of water and propylene glycol (anti-freeze) which is then circulated through a network of polymer pex tubing by a series of pumps. (Hydronic radiant heat systems require a “mechanical room” to house the water heater (boiler) as well as a series of pumps and valves.) The closed loop of flexible PEX tubing can be embedded in most mediums, including concrete, asphalt, and brick pavers, etc.

Heated driveway

ProLine Radiant’s hydronic systems feature efficient condensing boilers with an Energy Star Rating as well as industry leading pumps, valves and tubing. Because the condensing boiler (water heater) can be powered by any energy source, including natural gas, electricity, oil, wood, or even solar collectors, the operating costs of a large hydronic system can be lower than its electric counterpart.

However, the installation costs of an electric radiant heat system are considerably lower because the process is much less complicated – and there is no need for a dedicated “mechanical room”. ProLine electric snowmelt systems can also be installed in hot asphalt, as well as in concrete, mortar beds, and paver applications.

Electric radiant snow melting systems feature rapid response times and are extremely efficient. Another advantage of electric systems is that they have no moving parts and are maintenance free. The only evidence of having an electric snowmelt system installed is the snow sensor, marker plate, and a small control unit, which is usually installed on a wall in the garage.

In addition to easier, more affordable installations, ProLine electric snow melting systems are also very easy to customize. These systems can easily be configured to meet the budget and snowmelt needs of a business or homeowner. Entire areas can be heated as well as narrow strips or tire tracks. ProLine’s experienced designers can design a radiant heat system to meet your specific needs.

Both systems are fully automated and use an activation device (in-pavement or aerial-mount snow sensor) to activate the system when needed. When temperatures dip below a set point (usually 39°F) and precipitation is detected, the sensor signals the master control unit. The controller then sends power to the embedded heating element to warm the area.

ProLine Radiant also includes professional design/layout services and installation support with each system. And installers can also take advantage of ProLine’s free installation training. Contact a ProLine representative today to learn more about your radiant heating options.

FoilHeat Floor Heating Systems

Heating Carpet and Other Flooring

ProLine’s FoilHeat floor heating systems have proven to be an ideal solution for heating carpeted and laminate flooring. Featuring a durable heat-conducting aluminum material construction, FoilHeat radiant heating mats distribute heat quickly and evenly. Virtually no energy is wasted, making FoilHeat a great alternative to baseboard and forced air, or other conventional heating systems

Featuring a durable heat-conducting aluminum material construction, FoilHeat radiant heating mats distribute heat quickly and evenly. Virtually no energy is wasted, making FoilHeat a great alternative to baseboard and forced air, or other conventional heating systems.

FoilHeat radiant floor heating system
FoilHeat heating element installed under basement floor.

Floors that rest on concrete slabs can be especially cold during the winter months. And regardless of much you turn up the thermostat, it seems that little can be done to remedy the condition of cold floors and feet. Warm air being blown through vents quickly rises to the ceiling, and is not an efficient heating method. Unlike forced air systems, radiant floor heating is an extremely efficient means of warming homes and offices.

One of the most efficient radiant heating systems is the ProLine FoilHeat radiant floor heating mat. The FoilHeat cut-and-turn floor heating mat is a unique electric radiant floor heating system that is designed for use under carpet, laminate, engineered wood and other floating floors. The thin floor heating mats can be cut and shaped on site to meet the specific requirements of the project. The efficient floor heating system is ideal for heating any size or shape room, from basements to bedrooms, offices, etc.

The efficient FoilHeat system is made with fluoropolymer insulated heating cables that are sandwiched between two layers of specially reinforced aluminum foil. The uniform spacing of the heating elements, further backed by the aluminum foil, ensures even heat distribution. The heating element is connected to a power-supply cable, which exits the laminate mat from one corner. The power lead is a flat thin two core flexible cord, consisting of two insulated conductors with a metal sheath and an outer sheath. Depending on your heating requirement, FoilHeat is available in nominal heat outputs of 80 W/m² and 140 W/m² at 230 V. It is available in predetermined lengths with cold tail – prefabricated and tested in a carefully controlled factory environment.

Features and Benefits

  • Easy “roll out” installation
  • Installs between the insulation pad and the floor
  • Virtually no floor buildup with grounded flat aluminum. No thin-set is required.
  • Completely grounded and safe.
  • Aluminum construction distributes heat quickly and evenly.
  • Watertight, even to steam-clean carpets.
  • 12W/sq. ft. or 41 BTUs/sq. ft.
  • UL-approved
  • 5-year manufacturer warranty

For more information about ProLine Radiant and its products and services, call 866.676.9276 today.