Roof Ice Melt & Drain De-icing System at the new MBS International Airport Terminal

FREELAND, MICHIGAN October 2012- Heatizon Systems has a unique presence at the new MBS International Airport Terminal, in the Great Lakes Bay Region, in providing an extensive roof deicing system for the unique and flowing roof ridge and drain design. 

This new terminal touts sustainablity through energy-saving design elements with local materials and supplies being used whenever possible to practice LEED standards.  The designers and developers did not pursue overall LEED certification in order to minimize the 25% increase in overall cost to do so.   Approval for design of the new Terminal from Reynolds, Smith and Hills Inc (RS&H), an aviation and architectural firm came in 2008 with preliminary funding already secured under the FAA Airport Improvement Program and the Airport itself.

The main design agenda was to meet needs of passengers, carriers and tenants for the long term with an easy to maintain, efficient to operate and easily adaptable use for future and the present needs. At $50 Million, and six years in the making from preliminary plans to completion, the new Terminal will now open ahead of schedule by the end of October 2012, and will replace the existing terminal built in 1965.

Heatizons low voltage ZMesh roof ice melt was incorporated on the sloping roofs to allow for efficient drain paths, to manage snow loads and snow accumulation on the flowing slopes of this unique roof design.  26 CBX23 Control Units were used with S203 transformers powering our low voltage ZMesh bronze screen heating element.  ZMesh was concealed under the membrane roofing material incorporating an efficient design to melt snow while allowing the water to efficiently drain into the drainage system of at the bottom of the slopes, preventing any ice build up around these crucial points.

This system was supported by Warmquest (Heatizon Authorized Distributor). Features of the system include an activation scheme that is controlled by a sophisticated system of temperature moisture sensors which activate when the temperature falls below the set point while moisture is present. Monitoring of each zones is achieved with Heatizons M329 Selector Boxes controlling up to 12 zones each.  Manual override capabilities also ensure that ice and snow never build up around the roof drains that route through the heated part of the building. 

Over 5000′ of 9″ wide ZMesh heating element was installed, per the system design, and control units were strategically placed throughout the buidling with a central convenient location for controls and monitoring.

Heatizon products were chosen for this project because they promote longevity, performance, and added control features.  ZMesh has a 25 year warranty, with a performance record expected years beyond that, having systems operating flawlessly since 1979. These features made ZMesh an attractive solution to solve the weather implications a large commercial design such as this Airport would face in Michigan.

The MBS International Airport structure is now insured for safety, longevity and efficient operation by incorporating our unique roof ice melt products.

Heatizon provides unmatched experience and design support for small and large projects with all of our products including, interior floor heating & space heating, snow melting, roof deicing and heat tracing for all residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Pine Glades Development – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The Pine Glades Development in Jackson Hole, Wyoming offers breathtaking scenery and a unique Jackson Hole experience.  This development, 7 blocks from the town square, features a western and contemporary influence that follows LEED certification guidlines in each Condo/Cabin structure, resulting in high energy efficiency and high standard of sustainablilty.  You can find Heatizon products throughout this development, from interior space and floor heating for the Cabin residences to an extensive snow melting system for the tunnel entrance and road and sidewalks leading up the hill to the Cabin developement.  With heated sidewalks and roadways, snow fall always means fun for Pine Glades residents.

Road, Tunnel, & Sidewalk Snow Melting System

Over 100 Heatizon CBX7 Control Units and Transformers are powering the extensive low voltage Tuff Cable Snow Melting system.  Controls are stored in easily accessible vaults placed in two convenient and hidden locations within the complex underground or against the side of the mountain. Using this snow melting system eliminates plowing and the use of chemicals providing longevity to the asphalt and concrete surfaces, safety and convenience to its residents.

The road and sidewalk ice and snow melting system was designed as a preferential  zoned system designed and installed by Heatizon Distributor Homestead Furniture of Cottage Grove, Oregon.  When the system activates with its quad sensing pavement mounted temperature moisture sensors, the system initiates a preferential zone heating system with first preference being the road. When the road from the bottom tunnel entrance to the residences is clear of snow and ice, the sidewalks and parking lot will begin to clear.  If during the second cycle (sidewalk & parking area) any additional or new snow buildup is experienced on the road, it will again take preference back to the road maintaining accessibility at all times. This system also utilizes multiple M329 Selector Boxes that phases the power on or off one at a time to each individual zone(circuit), this prevents primary circuit overload.

It is important to note that this system was designed to ASHRAE standards (snow melting requirements by region) as Heatizon designs all of its snow melting systems. Designing to this standard allows for the most economical operation and performance for the customer and the environment.  Jackson Hole, Wyoming required 26 watts/sqft to meet the snow melt requirements for this application.  Tuff Cable was installed on 5″ centers to achieve the correct wattage output.  The final road covering was to be asphalt which requires machinery and a “hot” paving process.  Tuff Cable was installed in a sand based bed below the asphalt being anchored to the compacted surface.  A remote control operated conveyor belt dump truck spread and applied the sand over the Tuff Cable heating element evenly after it was anchored to the base.  The sand based layer was carefully compacted with a roller to prepare it for the final asphalt application.  Additionally, Tuff Cable was embedded in new concrete for the sidewalks, tunnel entrance, and the road drain gutters. Heatizon joint jumpers were used to span control joints as required by the National Electric Code for snow melting cables (surprisingly a unique aspect of Heatizon snow melting systems that separates these systems from the competition) see photo gallery Condo/Cabling Electric Radiant Floor and Space Heating

Each Cabin/Condo features Heatizon low voltage heating elements for entire space heating and heated floor comfort. ZMesh and Tuff Cable are used for in floor heat and zoned to create a LEED qualifying efficiency level and standard throughout the development.  ZMesh was used under the wood floors, which are the majority of the floor coverings. Using ZMesh under the wood floors was an attractive solution since it can be nailed and stapled through and provides an even and gentle heat for these solid wood floors.

Tuff Cable Floorizwarm and SLC500 Systems were used for smaller in floor heat areas such as Master Bathrooms and Utility areas.  Each condo also has a heated slab area in the garage to eliminate moisture buildup and speed drying of hanging winter recreational equipment that may drip water from melted snow on the floor.  All of the floors utilize Heatizon products and are zoned accordingly with their own programmable thermostats that can be tied into a smart home system or left as is.

All of the Heatizon Radiant systems in this development boast a 25 year warranty, are low voltage, and are 100% efficient.