Ice Arenas and Freezer Plants
In freezer plants and arenas with year round artificial ice perma frost may form under the ice and interfere with the structural integrity of the building. Heating pipes installed several feet below the ice surface will prevent problems related to perma frost. Providing heat for the spectators around the ice surface has always been a problem in ice arenas. Heating pipes installed in the bleacher seats is one of the most comfortable and energy efficient solutions. Sitting on a warm seat sure takes the chills away on a cold winter evening spent at the ice arena. Bleacher heating systems are available for new and existing arenas.
Snow and Ice Melt
Radiant floor heating can also be used for snow and ice melt. By installing the heating pipes in sidewalks, breezeways and driveways you'll not only eliminate snow removal you'll also reduce accidents caused by people falling on icy steps and walks. This is especially important in senior complexes and public buildings. Other applications for snow and ice melt systems include ramps to parking areas, water loading stations and loading dock areas. Because most snow and ice melt systems are operated on an "as needed basis" a glycol solution must be used in the heating pipes.
Winter Construction
Pouring concrete in winter can be expensive. Not only is there the cost of setting up the hourding, there's also the high cost of heating the poorly insulated structure. Today there's a better, more cost effective way to pour concrete in winter. Set up your forms and as you place your re-bar install radiant floor heating pipe with it. When you are ready to pour your concrete simply circulate hot water through the heating pipes and cover the forms with insulated tarps. One of our heating technicians will be happy to size the heating pipes and boiler for your winter construction project. The same system can be used for ground thaw.
In garages and shops where snow and ice covered vehicles are brought in, a floor drain should be installed if there isn't already one in place. In installations where it would be difficult to access sewage pipes from the garage a drainage pit may suffice. Simply cut the existing concrete floor, dig a drainage pit, install a vertical perforated pipe, back fill with rock and gravel. Pour the new floor so it slopes towards the floor drain.
When installing the heating pipe in garages and shops with overhead doors one loop should be laid immediately under the overhead door. This will help prevent snow and ice from interfering with the operation of the overhead door. The small amount of heat loss through the floor will be more than compensated for by the superior seal under the door. Prior to installing a radiant floor heating system have an experienced and qualified radiant floor heating technologist design and size the system.
Radiant floor heating can be installed in the basement of any new or existing building. In the new construction the heating pipes are simply laid in place prior to pouring the basement floor. In existing basements the heating pipes are laid on top of the existing floor and either a new layer of concrete is poured on top or the floor is strapped, pipes are laid in place and a layer of plywood is placed on top. The increased comfort levels and lower heating costs are well worth the investment in any new or existing basement.