How to Install DIY Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating is probably the best way to heat up any space. It’s comfortable, quiet, and energy efficient. Although electric radiant heat is a popular choice for small projects—retiling a bathroom, say—hydronic, or water-based, radiant provides the ultimate in efficiency for bigger projects or an extensive remodel.

Hyrdonic radiant is typically a job for a pro, but there is a way you can DIY part of it. The key is to use a specially engineered foam panel from Schluter Systems called Bekotec. You lay the panels directly on the floor, press-fit PEX tubing into them, and add a thin layer of specially mixed concrete—five parts sand to one part portland cement.

The panels provide a modest thermal break (R3), so you don’t have to install an extra layer of insulation. Using this system adds less than 1¾inches—including concrete—versus about 4 inches for the old-school method of tying tubing to wire mesh. That leaves you more headroom in basement applications. And the thin slab will heat up and cool down more quickly, allowing you to use lower water temperatures and save on your heating bill. Overall, it makes for a more responsive radiant slab.

Installation by Beta American Services

Steps:
1. Prep floor with leveling compound, if necessary.
2. Clean floor and install foam edging.
3. Lay first row of click-together panels.
4. Measure and trim the row’s last panel to fit.
5. Cover the remaining area with panels.
6. Determine PEX spacing: 6-, 9-, or 12-inch rows.
7. Press-fit PEX between “studs” in panels.
8. Cover area with one continuous loop of PEX.
9. Leave extra tubing at boiler-room end for plumber to make connections.
10. Mix up a batch of “dry pack” concrete with a 5:1 ratio of sand to portland cement.
11. Spread and level over PEX, leaving a minimum of 5/16 inch of material above foam “studs.”
12. Allow concrete to cure for a few days, then install your flooring of choice.

Read more here: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20992220,00.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ThisOldHouseLatest+%28This+Old+House%3AToday+at+This+Old+House%29

The blog post How to Install DIY Radiant Floor Heating is republished from dublin.expertsanding.ie

40 Uses for WD-40

1. Removes grime from book covers.
2. Prevents mud and clay from sticking to shovels and boots.
3. Removes grease and oil stains on clothes.
4. Cleans chrome fixtures in bathrooms.
5. Makes puck slide faster on a hockey table.
6. Cleans and softens paint brushes.
7. Cleans and protects cowboy boots.
8. Removes crayon from walls, carpet, wallpaper, plastics, shoes, toys, chalkboard, monitors, screen doors, and rock walls.
9. Cleans piano keys.
10. Softens new baseball gloves.

 

 

1. Removes super strong glue from fingers.
2. Keeps wicker chairs from squeaking.
3. Removes scuff marks from ceramic floors.
4. Cleans and protects copper pots and pans.
5. Polishes and shines sea shells.
6. Removes water spots from mirrors.
7. Removes tea stains from counter tops.
8. Removes ink from carpet.
9. Keeps metal wind chimes rust free.
10. Keeps pigeons off window ledges (they hate the smell).

 

 

1. Prevents mildew growth on outdoor fountains.
2. Removes gunk from plastic dish drainers.
3. Cleans dog doo from tennis shoes.
4. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
5. Gets ink stains out of leather.
6. Removes roller-skate marks from kitchen floor.
7. Unkinks gold chains.
8. Penetrates frozen mailbox doors.
9. Removes tar from shoes.
10. Removes a stuck ring from a finger.

 

 

1. Cleans silver plates and trays.
2. Removes soap scum in the bathroom.
3. Polishes wood.
4. Takes the squeak out of shoes.
5. Wipes off graffiti.
6. Removes Silly Putty from carpet.
7. Loosens burrs, thistles, and stickers from dogs and horses.
8. Removes bumper stickers from cars.
9. Removes duct tape.
10. Really Odd Use! When John Glenn circled the earth in 1962, his spacecraft, Friendship VII, was slathered in WD-40 from top to bottom. NASA engineers hoped it would reduce friction upon reentry.
11. Really Odd Use! In 2001 a burglar in Medford, Oregon, broke into an apartment wielding a can of WD-40. He sprayed the occupant with the lubricant and demanded money, then escaped with the man’s wallet and car keys (but was later apprehended)

Read more here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gordon-javna/40-uses-for-wd40_b_9432836.html

40 Uses for WD-40 is available on Expert Sanding Dublin Blog