My thanks go to this issue’s advertisers. They help keep this rag free, so click on their ads and check out their offers.  Astravan:   http://microurl.com/ken/AstravanHotMod   Nuheat:   http://microurl.com/ken/NUHEATbuilder    ECR:   http://microurl.com/ken/ECRboilers

Oh, oh. I got what I asked for. Now I have to deliver the goods. And I’m sure many of you have been in the same situation. You know, just after you land that big contract, take on a larger project, or get that new job. Then comes the “post honeymoon” stage where we start to wonder what have we really got ourselves into. 

For me, the latest WHIGMI (What Have I Got Myself Into) opportunity has to do with the next stage for this little ‘ol BCBuilding.info service. As a number of you know, I have had a vision that in the future Web sites will play a much larger role in getting technical answers/information out to people in the field. My feeling is that a lot of information is most valuable right at the specific time when there is a problem to solve or an opportunity to pursue. You might call it “Just-In-Time” information. As a matter of fact, I think that is what we should call it. From my experience many on-site problems in our industry are solved by asking others you know, or going to your favourite, trustable information sources. So why not have a BC-based Web site as one of those information sources, and sharing places?

The first WHIGMI in my Web site vision was the creation of this BCBuilding.info newsletter. The goal was to prove to myself, and others, that our industry was not only interested in good sources of technical information, but that they would use e-mail and Web sites to access it. Little did I know about the amount of time it would take to create a new issue every three weeks, market subscriptions, sell ads, and manage the process. But it has been a very enjoyable process. After 29 issues I still get pumped when searching for good information on the Internet, and then sorting out what items I think will be most valuable to you. One very strange feeling that keeps coming up for me is that I think perhaps all my life I have been a closet librarian. 

So, now that we have almost 600 subscribers, regular advertisers, and lots of feedback from many of you, its time for another WHIGMI. I am proud to announce that last week the Residential Construction Institute of BC accepted my proposal to develop the business plan for a self-funding Web site where the BC building industry can go to find technical information and to share problems and resources. Man, am I pumped! The next steps are to interview key industry players, research Web site resources, develop the business model and budget, and to get industry (not government) funding to pilot a Web site by this fall/winter. How’s that for a WHIGMI? 

Over the next few months I will be looking for advice and input on what a good Web site should be and do. My strategy will be to find out what people like you want, and then figure out what functions and content the Web site needs. This way the site gets designed in a way that best serves the needs of you, the users. Also we will be looking for a maximum of about 30 people to participate in the pilot of the Web site. Ideally these “pioneers” will be from different industry sectors, regions of the province, and sizes of companies. If you have any suggestions, or if you are interested in participating in the pilot, feel free to drop me a line at ken@bcbuilding.info. 

I personally want thank those of you who subscribe to BCBuilding.info, those who advertise, and those who provide your input and feedback. It is with nervous excitement that I look forward to finding the best way to better serve your needs via my latest WHIGMI. And special thanks to the trustees of the Residential Construction Institute, Bill Strain, Leigh Grelish and Bob Jelinek, for supporting this Web site vision.

Have a "Top Drawer" day.
Ken Farrish
:o)

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1. The Basics – Heat Transfer, Floor Heating Types, FAQs

What Is Radiant Heat?
To understand radiant heating, it helps to understand the different methods of heat transfer. The Radiant Heating Web site explains this well with some drawings and charts. 
http://microurl.com/ken/RADWEBwhatis  

Types Of Floor Heating Systems 
The Radiant Panel Association shows you floor system options including concrete slab, thin slab, subfloor plates, subfloor boards, engineered, staple-up and hanging in joists.
http://microurl.com/ken/RPAtypes  

Basics Of Radiant Heating - FAQs
Radiant basics like definition, location, temperature, heating methods, controls, construction, thermal mass, response time, energy savings, and cooling are offered here by the RPA.
http://microurl.com/ken/RPAbasics                       

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2. Hydronic – Overview, Dry Systems, Design Guidelines

Hydronic Radiant-Floor Heating Overview
Fine Homebuilding overviews the three common hydronic systems, special considerations, tubing circuits, installation methods, tubing options, and oxygen-diffusion barriers.
http://microurl.com/ken/FINEHOMEradover  

“Dry” Radiant – Subfloor Systems Without Thermal Mass
Systems that don’t require concrete or thermal mass, called “dry” systems, are becoming more popular for some jobs. This PM Magazine article has info on a number of such products.
http://microurl.com/ken/PMMAGdryrad  

Quick Design Reference Guidelines 
Proper design is not easy, but these simple guidelines from RPA suggest insulation levels, tests, floor & fluid temperature, along with tube placement, lengths, and oxygen permeation.
http://microurl.com/ken/RPAquickdesign                   

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3. Challenges – Staple-Up, Reflective Insulation, Oxygen

Problems With Staple-Up Systems 
Problems are surfacing with poorly designed plateless staple-up systems, especially in colder climates. John Siegenthaler, a well-respected expert explains his concerns about these.
http://microurl.com/ken/PMMAGplateless  

Reflective Insulation Below Concrete Slabs
Some overly aggressive promises about the insulating value of reflective foil insulation prompted this technical brief from the Radiant Insulation Manufacturers Association (PDF)
http://microurl.com/ken/RIMAreflectins  

Oxygen In Systems 
Too much oxygen in any hydronic system can corrode iron and steel parts. Industry pro Dan Holohan explains the problem and gives you solutions in this Heating Help article. 
http://microurl.com/ken/HEATHELPoxygen                    

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Am I Worth Sharing?
If you think any of your friends, co-workers or contacts might benefit from BCBuilding.info please feel free to send it to them directly, or you can use our handy Recommend It form.
http://www.bcbuilding.info/subscription_recommend_it.php 

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4. Electric Systems – Floor, Surface, Ceiling Panel Recalls

Overview Of Electric Radiant Floor Systems
For a good overview, with drawings, of the types of electric radiant floor heating systems and a list of suppliers check out this article from Plumbing & Mechanical magazine. 
http://microurl.com/ken/PMMAGelectrad  

Surface Mounted Electric Radiant Ceiling Panels 
If you need to add supplemental heat in some hard-to-heat areas, surfaced mounted panels might solve the problem, as described by NAHB in their PATH Technology Report.
http://microurl.com/ken/NAHBsurfelectrad  

Recalled Electric Ceiling Panels 
A few years ago there was a major problem with Flexel, Thermaflex and some Flexwatt electric radiant ceiling heating panels. This court document summarizes claim settlements. 
http://microurl.com/ken/QUEceilrecall                      

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5. Tips – When To Use It, Floor Coverings, Wood Floors

When Radiant Floor Does & Doesn't Make Sense 
When does, and doesn’t, radiant floor heating make sense? Here is an article from Environmental Building News that discusses both the benefits and possible limitations.
http://microurl.com/ken/EBNwhendoit  

Guide To Selecting Floor Coverings 
PM Magazine provides a good overview of things to consider when selecting wood, carpet & padding, vinyl & laminates, or tile & marble floor coverings for placement over radiant floors. 
http://microurl.com/ken/PMMAGfloorcover  

Hardwood Floors & Radiant Heating
With an increased use of wood flooring, RPS shows it is very important to understand their characteristics, and ensure that any radiant heating system is designed and installed properly. 
http://microurl.com/ken/RPAhardwood                       

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6. Other Systems – Snow Melt, Infra Red, Towel Warmers

Snow Melting
For those of you in the Interior or North, snow melting may be of value. The Concrete Network offers some great info on all aspects of system types, installation, control, and repair. 
http://microurl.com/ken/CONCNETsnowmelt  

Infra Red
If you are heating a shop, a large area, or outdoors, then an infrared system may be worth considering. These FAQs from Infrared Heaters explains the concept and applications.
http://microurl.com/ken/INRAREDheaters  

Towel Warmers 
Nice additions to those bathrooms that have it all are towel warmers. They come in both hydronic and electric, and a range of different products is shown here at Home Portfolio.
http://microurl.com/ken/HOMEPORTtowelwarm                      

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7. More Resources – Association, Book, Questions?

BC Trade Association - RHWHA 
The Residential Hot Water Heating Association of BC represents our hydronic heating industry. They developed training courses and installation standards for their members. 
http://microurl.com/ken/RHWHAbcassoc  

Radiant Flooring Guide – For Less Than $10
To help you and/or your customers understand radiant heat, product options, design issues, and more you only have to pay the shipping charges for this RPA 66-page booklet.
http://microurl.com/ken/RPAradguide  

Great Bulletin Board For Your Questions
Do you have a question that you would like answered by some experts in the industry? This very busy public bulletin board of RPA has some excellent info and participants. 
http://microurl.com/ken/RPAbullboard                     

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8. Ken’s Top Pick – If you only have time to surf one site

The Radiant Panel Association
As you can guess from the number of times I linked to it in this issue, I highly recommend the Radiant Panel Association Web site as a great place to get good quality radiant information.
http://microurl.com/ken/RPAtoppick     

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9. For Your Computer, The Internet, Some Fun

Your Computer - Getting Rid Of Spam 
Spam is big time waster. This article from Randy Cassingham explains the basics of spam, how they got your name in the first place, and what you can do about it. 
http://microurl.com/ken/SPAMprimer  

The Internet – Web Searching Tips
The Search Engine Watch Web site has a number of very good articles with tips and resources for using search engines, how they work, and even some fun stuff. 
http://microurl.com/ken/SEWsearchtips  

For Some Fun – Funny Photos 
No high-pressure game this time. Take a short break and check out some of these humorous photos on The Pocket Web site. Despite the pop-up ads, it’s worth a visit.
http://microurl.com/ken/POCKETpictures         

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Dittie For Today: On Wisdom
A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew. 
      - Herb Caen

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What’s Next? – So What’s Next?
   
Do you have any questions on glass and glazing? The next issue will cover glass products, procedures, problems, solutions, and resources. Other upcoming issues include healthy housing, sound transmission, education & training, paint & coatings, stairs and more. 

If you have any questions you need answered or information that you would like to see, just drop 
me a line:
http://www.bcbuilding.info/contact_feedback_ezine.shtml