E Shop : Process Heating : Frost Heave Prevention

Thermalinc – Frost Heave Prevention Systems

More than 50 Years of experience with Electric Heat and Temperature Control!

Freezer Floor Freeze Protection

Application:

Freezers and other refrigerated storage areas are maintained at temperatures below freezing. Therefore, moisture in the soil under the floor can often freeze. Expansion of the soil caused by this freezing moisture can result in damage to the above concrete floor. Some floors, depending on size and temperature of the freezer, have been observed to raise 6" to 12" or more. In most cases this causes the floor to crack, doors no longer close, and buildings can become functionally unusable — costing thousands of dollars in removal and replacement cost. Heat cable installed under the floor and in the substrate will prevent the soil from freezing. A little cost now saves thousands in the future.

Conduit Side View
Click to open in PDF

Design

Heat Cable Frost Heave systems provide better monitoring and control, with less maintenance than Air or Glycol systems. Self-regulating heat cable automatically adjusts wattage as temperatures change, always providing the correct output to maintain 50°F. The cable is designed to heat the ground — not the freezer floor. Freezers pull heat from the floor, and the cable replaces it.
  • New floors typically start with base or hard pack.
  • 3/4" rigid conduit is laid onto the base (minimum 1" below insulation) and filled with aggregate.
  • Aggregate may be rock, gravel, sand, or any non‑insulating fill material.
  • Insulation (4"–6") is laid over the aggregate with a vapor barrier on top.

Floor Detail

Technical Assistance

We provide complete layout assistance. Given the dimensions, slab configuration, temperatures, and electrical service available, we recommend a specific layout for conduit and electrical hookup. Each job is unique, and we provide detailed installation guidance:
  • Floor layout with dimension drawings and spacing
  • Electrical wiring details showing load requirements, control wiring, and monitoring wire
  • Control panel schematic with terminal details

Layout Drawing
Click to open in PDF

Controls and Monitoring

We provide a control system that is second to none. Losing a floor is not an option, so we use a state‑of‑the‑art PLC control monitor and alarm system that not only notifies but tracks variables and resets. When a temperature problem occurs, we sound an alarm. After reset, the alarm re‑initializes every 24 hours until the issue is resolved. We monitor:
  • Floor temperature
  • End‑of‑circuit monitors
  • GFI alarms
  • Faults and conditional resets
Our standard system includes troubleshooting guides built into the monitor to speed up maintenance.

Control System
Click to open Sample Specification in PDF

How To Size Frost Heave Prevention Systems

Video of our Dual Control System

Freezer Floor Project Information Sheet

Please fill out the form below so we can prepare a complete Frost Heave Prevention layout for your project.












Length: Width:




Phase (1 or 3):







We've seen your application. Call Us for application Assistance

(901) 452-4516