[TheForge] Re: WAAAAAAAAY OT (while we're talking about buildings and heat)

[GHS]

Justin , insulated floors on slab in a shop?

Do it.

Especially make sure that the perimeter of the building is insulated as 
that is where most of the heat loss will be. After a nice thick 
insulation (vertically) below the frost line at the edge and maybe four 
feet in (horizontally), a well drained gravel bed is almost as good as 
continuing the insulation. The largish gravel isolated from the cold by 
the perimeter insulation will stay relatively warm and not transfer heat 
real well.

With the possibility of floor mounting new equipment and vibration from 
same, I would not be as enthusiastic about in floor heating, even though 
it is comfortable..

If you are heating with wood and feel comfortable designing a system 
like the Romans used (hypocaust??) it might be fun but expensive.

Depending on layout, you might want to think about radiant heat at the 
ceiling, over key areas.

Mike Graf