The other factor necessary for this noise to occur is the actual exterior texture of the Pex tubing. The exterior texture that has this slip and stick characteristic is the EVOH barrier.

Why use Pex Aluminum Pex?
When using Pex Aluminum Pex that is very little thermal expansion. Regular Pex tubing has a linear expansion rate of 1.1 inch per 10 degree per 100ft. Pex Aluminum Pex has a expansion rate of .156 inch per 10 degree per 100ft. Regular Pex tubing will expand 7 times more than the Pex Aluminum Pex.

There is no EVOH oxogen diffusion barrier in Pex Aluminum Pex. The Barrier used in Pex Aluminum Pex is aluminum which has the performance of a 100 percent rating.

What is the change to Uponor HePex tubing?

• Wirsbo hePEX tubing now features a new patent-pending, oxygen-barrier technology, and all our tubing is certified by NSF International to meet the latest ASTM F876 dimensional requirements, which are currently published and become mandatory Jan. 1, 2010. To the best of our knowledge, Uponor is the first and only PEX manufacturer to meet these new requirements. These changes are published in the new ASTM F876-08b and subsequent versions of the standard.
• In January 2009, ASTM F876 was updated to include additional dimensional requirements for coated tubing. These changes are published in the new ASTM F876-08b and subsequent versions of the standard. tubing is not in compliance with the F876 standard and, hence, is not in compliance with the code. From a listing standpoint, if a product is not in compliance with F876, it can, instead, get a special engineered (SE) listing.
• PEX that has an SE listing: This means the tubing does not comply with some part of the F876 standard, so it cannot be listed for full compliance with the standard. If PEX tubing is SE listed, the plumbing or mechanical code will require alternate-materials approval from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). This means the AHJ will have to approve that product on a case-by-case basis. So, in other words, each time a contractor tries to install a PEX product with an SE listing, that person will have to submit an alternate-materials request per job, potentially slowing down or derailing a project all together.
• The dimensional-requirement updates to ASTM F876 decrease the allowable thickness of coatings on smaller-diameter tubing. Uponor’s new coating process is capable of holding tighter tolerances to meet the F876 dimensional requirements, and is therefore used on Wirsbo hePEX tubing up to 1″. As before, all Wirsbo hePEX tubing products include an oxygen barrier and now meet the updated ASTM F876 dimensional and performance requirements.
• The new coating technology also offers enhanced UV-resistance, far exceeding all other competitive tubing that has been evaluated during accelerated UV-resistance testing in Uponor’s laboratory setting. All Wirsbo hePEX tubing is anticipated to meet the highest category of ASTM F876-09 voluntary UV-resistance requirements of 6 months.
• The only notable difference in Wirsbo hePEX with the new coating technology is the tubing’s appearance, which is slightly glossier than the previous Wirsbo hePEX tubing.
• To see if a PEX manufacturer meets F876: Go to http://www.nsf.org/business/search_listings/ and enter the manufacturer’s name in the field at the bottom of the page.

What does Uponor Pex Aluminum Pex and HePex tubing cost? (as of 2/1/10)

• Uponor Wirsbo current list price of Pex Aluminum Pex tubing (MLC) is $1073.00(1000’x1/2” ft. roll).
• Uponor Wirsbo current list price of HePex is $1179.00(1000’x1/2”ft.roll).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WARMBOARD TO OFFER HEAT LOSS & MECHANICAL DESIGNS
New Services Provide Complete, Professional Solution for Consumers & Trades

(APTOS, CA) January 26, 2010 – Warmboard Radiant Subfloor, one of the fastest growing radiant heating systems, has announced that it is expanding its product offering to include complete Heat Loss and Mechanical design services. The new services will provide customers with designs and specifications for building a complete radiant heating system that maximizes efficiency and comfort.

Tony Gasparich, President and COO of Warmboard Inc. says, “Once a consumer has decided to go with the superior benefits of a radiant system for home heat, he then has to choose which technology to use. Most people choosing radiant heating systems today see our technology as the smartest choice. And, because Warmboard’s simplicity of design maximizes efficiency and comfort, our new heat loss and mechanical design services further extend our benefit and ease of use.”

The process doesn’t end with choosing the radiant technology. Once the technology is chosen, the entire system design must be determined. Gasparich states that, “When maximum efficiency and comfort are goals, our new Heat Loss and Mechanical designs will provide customers with the information they need to size and purchase every component of their entire system, from sizing the boiler to assembling the overall control system.” Gasparich ends with, “Every radiant flooring system has a number of components and requirements. Warmboard Heat Loss and Mechanical designs will greatly simplify the entire system design process as well as the purchase.”

Known for its superior thermodynamic properties, Warmboard is recognized as the key component of an efficient and highly responsive radiant system. In a world that is progressively shifting to use alternate energy resources, Warmboard’s ability to be used in multiple applications from standard water heaters to solar to geothermal systems, will continue to keep it on the cutting edge of green, energy efficient technology.

About Warmboard Radiant Subfloor:
Warmboard was invented in 1992 by architect and entrepreneur Terry Alsberg and has redefined radiant flooring with its design simplicity. Warmboard is a “simply smarter” radiant heat product, with faster response, even floor temperatures, higher output from lower water temperatures, and compatibility with numerous floor coverings. Warmboard is now one of the fastest growing and most popular radiant heating systems – it has become the top radiant flooring choice among discerning homeowners, architects and contractors. Warmboard is available throughout North America, and has shipped its product to Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan and Antarctica. For more information, visit www.warmboard.com.

###

Contact: Lorilee Torrey
Phone: (805) 681-2500
Email: lbt@atlassmarketing.com

Warmboard to Offer Heat Loss & Mechanical Designs PDF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WARMBOARD TO EXHIBIT AT INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW, IBS

(APTOS, CA) December 22, 2009 – Warmboard Radiant Subfloor, one of the fastest growing radiant heating systems, will be exhibiting at the International Builders’ Show [IBS], held January 19 through 22, in Las Vegas, NV. IBS is the largest annual building industry tradeshow in the country and covers the entire Las Vegas Convention Center. Warmboard can be found in Booth N1955.

IBS provides a unique opportunity for show attendees to see and experience Warmboard directly from its inventor and company founder, Terry Alsberg, who will be on hand to walk booth visitors through Warmboard’s award winning design and technology. Attendees will learn why Warmboard’s simplicity of design has made it the leading choice in whole-home floor heating solutions and how it lowers the cost of heating a home while providing increased comfort.

Tony Gasparich, President and COO of Warmboard Inc. says, “Exhibiting at IBS is really great for us – it allows many of our current and future customers to see and experience exactly what makes Warmboard the superior radiant heating choice.” Gasparich continues with, “Because the construction industry is becoming increasingly green, builders are looking to provide their customers with more efficient heating systems and that makes Warmboard a perfect choice in today’s economy and building environment.”

Known for its superior thermodynamic properties, and the efficiency and comfort that they provide, Warmboard is recognized as the key component of an efficient and highly responsive radiant system, Warmboard continues to gain market share. In a world that
is progressively shifting to use alternate energy resources, Warmboard’s ability to be used in multiple applications from standard water heaters to solar to geothermal systems, will continue to keep it on the cutting edge of green, energy efficient technology.

About Warmboard Radiant Subfloor:
Warmboard was invented in 1992 by architect and entrepreneur Terry Alsberg and has redefined radiant flooring with its design simplicity. Warmboard is a “simply smarter” radiant heat product, with faster response, even floor temperatures, higher output from lower water temperatures, and compatibility with numerous floor coverings. Warmboard is now one of the fastest growing and most popular radiant heating systems – it has become the top radiant flooring choice among discerning homeowners, architects and contractors. Warmboard is available throughout North America, and has shipped its product to Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan and Antarctica. For more information, visit www.warmboard.com.

###

Contact: Lorilee Torrey
Phone: (805) 681-2500
Email: lbt@atlassmarketing.com

Warmboard to Exhibit at International Builders’ Show, IBS PDF

Load Comparison: Warmboard Versus Thin Slab Concrete

Warmboard heats up faster…

…and responds faster throughout the day.

Sample Warmboard Panel Layout

Sample Warmboard Tubing Layout

Sample Warmboard Specification Sheet

Sample Manifold Installation

Warmboard Temperature Chart

]]> http://www.warmboard.com/radiant-heat/charts/feed/ 0 http://www.warmboard.com/public-relations/press-releases/warmboard-used-in-25-of-solar-decathlon-competition-homes/ http://www.warmboard.com/public-relations/press-releases/warmboard-used-in-25-of-solar-decathlon-competition-homes/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:09:30 +0000 Warmboard Radiant Subfloor http://www.warmboard.com/?p=1207 PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WARMBOARD USED IN 25% OF SOLAR DECATHLON COMPETITION HOMES

(APTOS, CA) October 28, 2009 – Warmboard Radiant Subfloor was selected and used by an impressive 25% of the entrants in the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2009 Solar Decathlon competition. Chosen for its superior thermodynamic properties, and the efficiency and comfort that they provide, Warmboard was proud to be the most commonly used heating panel in the competition.

Warmboard was utilized in five of the twenty competing entries: Team California (Santa Clara University / California College of the Arts), Ohio State University, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky and Team Missouri (Missouri University of Science and Technology / University of Missouri).

Over the past two weeks, the 2009 Solar Decathlon challenged twenty university-led teams from the U.S. and as far away as Puerto Rico, Spain, Germany, and Canada to design, build and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home. Students competed in ten areas, ranging from architecture, engineering and comfort to how well the homes provided energy for space heating and cooling, hot water, lighting, and appliances.

The competing schools designed and built exciting applications beyond the Warmboard radiant heating system. All used photovoltaic panels, but some used air to water heat exchangers, liquid desiccant dehumidifiers, cutting edge home operation and monitoring systems, and even radiant cooling with Warmboard installed in the ceiling of the team California home.

Team California finished third overall and took first place in both the architecture and communications contests and second place in the engineering, appliances, and entertainment contests. The results were announced on Friday, October 16th, on the final day of the competition being held on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

When talking to the Team California team about why they selected Warmboard, Tim Sennott, Thermal Lead, states, “Warmboard’s solution to radiant floor installation provided the Refract House and several other Solar Decathlon teams with an easy to install, low-mass radiant floor panel. It was a great fit with the home’s overall design goals, construction needs, and radiant floor and ceiling system design.”

Tony Gasparich, President and COO of Warmboard Inc. said, “It is exciting to be involved with another Solar Decathlon and immersed in the latest technologies and sustainable building design. Warmboard is honored to be included in five of the competing teams’ homes, including Team California’s Refract House, and we are particularly proud of all the students’ achievements.”

Warmboard has a successful history at previous Solar Decathlon competitions. In 2005, Warmboard was selected by the University of Colorado in Boulder to contribute to the heating system for their home. It was a thrill when University of Colorado won the competition and took first place. In 2007, Warmboard was selected by five schools including University of Maryland, MIT, and University of Cincinnati. University of Maryland took second place overall and was the top placing U.S. team among seventeen U.S. entries.

Recognized as the key component of an efficient and highly responsive radiant system, Warmboard continues to gain market share. In a world that is progressively shifting to use alternate energy resources, Warmboard’s ability to be used in multiple applications from standard water heaters to solar to geothermal systems, will continue to keep it on the cutting edge of green, energy efficient technology.

###

About Warmboard Radiant Subfloor:
Warmboard is a patented technology invented by Terry Alsberg in the early 90s, and has redefined radiant flooring with its design simplicity. Warmboard is a “simply smarter” radiant heat product, with faster response, even floor temperatures, higher output from lower water temperatures, and compatibility with numerous floor coverings. The product is currently marketed to architects, contractors and homeowners. Warmboard is available throughout North America, and has shipped its product into Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan and Antarctica. For more information about Warmboard please visit www.warmboard.com.

About the 2009 Solar Decathlon:
Twenty teams were selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to compete in the 2009 Solar Decathlon. The teams, from colleges and universities around the globe, participate in an unparalleled solar competition to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home. In fall 2009, the teams transported their solar houses to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where they formed a solar village. The teams competed in ten contests to determine an overall winner. Using only energy from the sun, the teams generated enough electricity to run a modern household. With an eye on energy efficiency, the students carefully choose the systems, products, and appliances used in their houses. To learn more, go to www.solardecathlon.org/.

Warmboard Used in 25% of Solar Decathlon Competition Homes PDF

What information does Warmboard, Inc. collect? How do we use it?

At times we may request that you voluntarily supply us with personal information. Generally this information is requested when you provide information in connection with a transaction.

When you submit a form, we ask you for your name, e-mail address, addresses, and telephone number to correspond with you.  Any personal information that is collected is not shared with or sold to any outside parties.  If you tell us that you do not wish to have this information used as a basis for further contact with you, we will respect your wishes.

Will Warmboard, Inc. disclose the information it collects to outside parties?

Warmboard, Inc. may store and disclose personal information as allowed or required by applicable law, including making disclosures that are necessary or advisable to: (a) protect the rights, safety or property of users of our web site, the public, or Warmboard, Inc.or our web site suppliers; and (b) conform to legal or regulatory requirements.

Your Consent

By using our web site, you consent to the collection and use of this information by Warmboard, Inc. If we decide to change our privacy practices, we will post those changes on this page so that you are always kept informed of what data we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it.

The 2009 Solar Decathlon Competition wrapped up on October 16th and the overall results were announced.  A big congratulations to all of the participating teams on a job well done!

2009 Solar Decathlon Overall Results
3rd – Team California
9th – University of Kentucky
10th – Ohio State University
11th – Team Missouri
12th – Iowa State University

Team California took first place in both the Architecture and Communications competitions, second place in the Engineering, Appliances, and Home Entertainment competitions, and third place in the Market Viability and Hot Water competitions.

Ohio State finished fourth in the Comfort Zone competition, fifth in the Communications competition, and sixth in the Market Viability competition.

You can read more about the Solar Decathlon here: http://www.solardecathlon.org

The long answer begins with an analogy.  Imagine a frying pan with a solid aluminum handle (highly conductive) compared to a similar pan that has a wood handle (a poor conductor).  When the pan is hot you would certainly not grab the aluminum handle near the pan itself.  You would move your hand nearer the end in the hope that the handle would be less hot further away from the pan.  But even then, unless the handle was very long you would probably still need a potholder to keep from burning your hand.   But if you were to grab the wooden handle version, the wooden handle may not be very hot at all a few inches from the pan.  This is a good intuitive way to understand the power of conductivity to deliver heat far from its source.

Now let’s remember what is happening in a radiant floor.  The heat supplied by a radiant floor is directly proportional to its average surface temperature.  The floor surface is always the warmest right above one of the tubes carrying hot water.  The question is how warm is it halfway between two tubes?  With 12″ o.c. Warmboard the drop off between tubes is between 1˚ – 3˚ depending on floor coverings.  In a 12″ o.c. thin slab system it is between 5˚- 10˚.  If we shorten the distance between tubes to 6″ o.c. in the thin slab, we may reduce the drop off to between 2.5˚ – 5˚, still not equal to Warmboard’s performance.  The thermodynamic formula below defines the relationship of conductivity and tubing spacing to heat flow.

When we use this formula to compare Warmboard to gypsum based thin slab systems, the laws of thermodynamics tell us that a Warmboard system at 12″ o.c. roughly equals the heat flow of a thin slab at about 2″ o.c.  The graph below will help you visualize the benefits of Warmboard’s superior thermodynamics.

Because of the low conductivity of slab systems, the floor temperature directly above a tube averaged with that half way between two tubes is significantly lower and therefore the output of the floor also drops significantly. The only way to increase the output of these systems is to tighten the tubing spacing.

Complex thermodynamics aside, Warmboard’s high conductivity provides many benefits, not the least of which is greater comfort through more even floor temperature.  This even heat is also one of the reasons that Warmboard works better with hardwood floors.  Wider tubing spacing lowers labor and materials costs throughout your completed system by requiring less tubing, fewer manifolds and controls, and less labor to install all of these components, which also ensures greater reliability.  Warmboard’s superior conductivity also lowers the required supply water temperature which will save a significant amount on your heating bill year after year, decade after decade.  This is why we say that in radiant floors, conductivity is king, whether we are talking about tubing spacing, comfort or energy savings.

Download this white paper in PDF format below.
Warmboard Tubing Spacing White Paper

A radiant panel has a very simple function to perform; conduct heat from warm water in a tube to the surface of your floor. Warmboard performs this simple function so well because:

* Its unique aluminum lined channels make excellent contact with the tubing
* That same aluminum is highly conductive and covers the entire floor surface
* Finish floor goods are in direct contact with the aluminum
* The total mass of the floor assembly is very low

Warmboard is a simple concept, which maximizes the speed with which heat is delivered under all circumstances. The key to this is Warmboard’s low mass. When a heating system needs to react quickly to the demand for more heat, or conversely less heat, a low mass system will always outperform.

Here’s how: The aluminum in Warmboard has a similar specific heat to traditionally applied thin-pour material, meaning that an equivalent heat input will raise equal amounts of material (mass) at the same rate. However the mass is not the same. Warmboard weighs 3.1 lbs per square foot. Because it’s the structural subfloor, there’s no additional mass added in framing or construction. A thin-pour of 1 ½” weighs 14.5 lbs, and because this is installed above a subfloor, we add 2.5 lbs per square foot for a ¾” plywood subfloor. Assuming the same finished flooring materials are used, Warmboard’s 3.1 lbs per square foot has 5.5 times less mass than thin-pour’s 17 lbs assembly. Heating less mass takes less time and this means that all things being equal, Warmboard will react 5.5 times faster.

But, things are not equal. Warmboard’s conductivity also contributes to our fast delivery of heat. To understand this, let’s look at the basic equation for heat flow: Heat flow (F) equals the difference in temperature, or delta T (∆T) times the Coefficient of Conductivity (K) times cross sectional area (A) divided by the length (L) over which heat must flow.

Comparing thin-pour to Warmboard in this equation, ∆T remains constant and L (tube spacing) is 12”. K is 360 times greater for Warmboard (aluminum compared to a gypsum-based thin pour) and A is 60 times lower for Warmboard (.025” of aluminum to 1 ½” of gypsum based thin pour.) Based on these facts, Warmboard will have heat flow 6 times faster than traditional thin pour systems. If you were to change the thin pour tubing spacing to a very tight 6”, Warmboard’s heat flow is still 3 times greater. Greater heat flow equates to faster radiant heat.

A structure’s heat loss, starting point temperature, system water temperature, occupancy rate, and much more, significantly affect any heating system’s ability to respond. But when these two floor assemblies are compared side-by-side, Warmboard’s superiority for heat transfer is clearly evident. Based on the science behind Warmboard, it can deliver at a rate 5 to 10 times faster than traditional thin-pour systems.

For the homeowner, this means that floors become noticeably warm within minutes. Ambient air temperature in most cases can increase from 2 to 5 degrees per hour when the need for heat arises. The important features of low mass and high conductivity combine to make Warmboard one of the fastest radiant systems available.

Download this white paper in PDF format below.

Fast Radiant Demystified White Paper

Component One

A typical radiant heated home in the United States can expect about a 25% energy savings over a conventional forced air home. This 25% savings can be attributed to radiant heat’s reduced stratification and the use of lower air temperatures for the same comfort. A study done at Kansas State University in conjunction with the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) established the 25% figure for a radiant system running baseboard heaters at high water temperatures.

Example

If a 3000 square foot home costs $4000 to heat, a homeowner would save $1000 by used a radiant system over forced air.

Component Two

Even more energy can be saved with a radiant system in conjunction with high efficiency boilers. Most modern high efficiency boilers are termed “condensing boilers” because the water vapor in the flue gases condense into water droplets on the heat exchanger thereby extracting the maximum amount of energy from every gallon of fuel oil or cubic foot of natural gas. The lower the water temperature the more efficient the boiler operates.

*Data taken from Viessmann manual, Vitoden 200 gas fired condensing boiler

Example

If a 3000 square foot home with a radiant system costs $3000 to heat (25% radiant savings included), the homeowner would save an additional amount between $210 and $330 or 7% and 11% respectively. By using a Warmboard radiant system over other radiant systems, a homeowner can save between $1210 and $1330.

Component Three

Many state energy codes require that programmable (set back) thermostats be installed to allow energy savings at night when occupants are sleeping. Warmboard’s low mass allows the efficiency of temporary temperature set back while high mass systems (namely, Gypcrete) never make use of this feature because it takes so many hours for them to change their output. Fast responding Warmboard works quite well with both night and vacation set back, saving additional energy in the process. California Title 24 cites 5% energy savings from using programmable thermostats.

Example

If a 3000 s.f. home costs $2790 to heat (25% radiant savings and 7% more savings for using Warmboard over Gypcrete), a homeowner would save an additional $139.50 or 5% by using a programmable thermostat for a total savings of $1349.50. The same would go for a Warmboard system over Staple Up except that a homeowner would save 25% + 11% + an additional 5% with a programmable thermostat for a total savings of $1463.50.

Radiant Payback

If a Warmboard radiant system is folded into a total mortgage amount and energy savings applied, the monthly cost for Warmboard radiant heat instead of forced air is very small. For example, in a 3000 s.f. home in Truckee, CA, heated with propane:

The number one reason Warmboard radiant heat is chosen is for its superior comfort over forced air.  Now it’s possible to have that comfort for the price of a couple of cups of coffee a month.

Download this white paper in PDF format below.
Energy Savings Calculator White Paper