Contractor articles from July 2006

Contractor archives from July 2006

The art of system renovation.(HYDRONIC SYSTEMS)
July 1, 2006... THE PHONE CALL: One of my regular customers told me about a conversation he recently had with an arts council administrator who was about to take over paying the energy bill for his building and was starting to worry. The administrator was...

Estimating program uses plain English, pictures.(FELDMANS ON COMPUTERS)
July 1, 2006... AN EASY-TO-USE Windows-based estimating program for commercial, industrial and heavy-gauge HVAC ductwork is Quote-Express HVAC/SheetMetal (www.quotesoft.com, 800/813-7020). Featuring a customizable materials database of about 7,000 items and...

What your yellow pages rep is NOT telling you.(HUDSON ON MARKETING)
July 1, 2006... IT'S GOT TO STOP. This longstanding tradition of plumbing contractors overspending in the Yellow Pages for rotten results has gone on too long. And--silly me--I have every reason to tell you to get lots of very large Yellow Pages ads since we...

Answers to questions on snow-melt insulation.(EATHERTON ON HYDRONICS)
July 1, 2006... I CAN'T TELL YOU how many times someone has asked me, and just about any wholesale supplier worth his salt, "What is the best insulation for below-slab application in snow-melt systems?" And the only correct answer is that one correct...

Tapping into the inner idealist in young people.(EDITORIAL)
July 1, 2006... HOW TO ATTRACT young people into the plumbing business is an issue that confounds contractors, trade associations and those of us who write about this industry--which isn't getting younger, by the way, as the graphic on our front page...

Design service remedies hospital job.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2006... ROGERS, ARK. -- Construction is booming here, with companies such as Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods and Hunt Trucking expanding the area's infrastructure. While positive for the economy, commercial constructors are feeling the pinch when it comes to the...

EPA starts water saving labeling program.(Environmental Protection Agency)(water conservation labeling program)
July 1, 2006... SAN ANTONIO -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen L. Johnson announced in mid-June that the agency will start a water conservation labeling program that will include plumbing fixtures. Johnson announced the WaterSense...

Johnson controls buys Berg Inc.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2006... SHREVEPORT, LA. -- Johnson Controls announced in late June that it has purchased Berg Inc., a mechanical services company headquartered here. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Berg provides HVAC and plumbing services for...

Contractor in focus.
July 1, 2006... CONTRACTOR INFOCUS Plumbing contractors' aging workforce (vs. total construction industry) Construction Plumbing Employees, 16-24 years old Employees, 25-44 years old 15.1% 11.5% 52.9% 54.8% Employees,...

New directions: in Internet recruiting: can't find good help? Here are some ways to pluck prospective employees out of cyber space.(ONLINE RECRUITMENT)
July 1, 2006... While the first company "career centers" on the Web were often little more than a blurb, a few photos and an e-mail address for resumes, uber Internet recruiting these days has evolved into a sophisticated, interactive engine with the ability...

Young plumber is unlicensed and proud of it.(LETTERS AND E-MAILS)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... APALACHIN, N.Y. -- I am 18 years of age and I am starting my career in the heating and plumbing business. My father has been in the business for 30 years and has a solid reputation as the best in our area. We both strive to do only the best...

Firm refers licensed plumbers.(LETTERS AND E-MAILS)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... LAKE MARY, FLA. -- I enjoyed reading Georgian Lussier's educational article regarding unlicensed plumbers ("Battle cry for licensed plumbers," May, pg. 24). It was very well written. Could you please share with me the Websites that were...

AHR Expo visitors seek to improve energy performance.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers )
July 1, 2006... WESTPORT, CONN. -- Energy efficiency, building automation and green building technology are the areas of greatest interest to 800 industry professionals who attended the 2006 AHR Expo in January in Chicago and participated in an online survey...

Viega to move operations to Wichita.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2006... WICHITA, KAN. -- Viega North America, a major U.S. manufacturer of plumbing, hydronic heating and commercial piping products, announced in late May that it will move its corporate headquarters from Massachusetts to Kansas and build new...

Weil-McLain dedicates training facility.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2006... EDEN, N.C. - Before its national sales meeting here, Weil-McLain dedicated the auditorium of its training facility to John D. Cooper, the boiler manufacturer's former Mid-East area sales manager who died two years ago. Cooper, who spent...

More contractors use IT to improve productivity: survey.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2006... PRINCETON, N.J. - More owners of contracting firms view information technology as a productivity tool than they did two years ago, according to the Construction Financial Management Association, which in May released its biennial IT Survey of...

Combo heating/cooling system brings modern comfort to 19th century house.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2006... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR LANCASTER, PA. - Mitch and Annie Huber purchased their home about 20 years ago and have deeds for their property dating back to 1816. The secluded historic farm is nestled upon 11 acres of agriculturally zoned land that...

Nonresidential building up as hosing hits brakes: AGC.(residential construction)(Associated General Contractors)
July 1, 2006... WASHINGTON -- "A surge in nonresidential construction spending in April nearly offset a slowdown in single-family home building and improvements," said Ken Simonson, chief economist of the Associated General Contractors, in early June. ...

Mechanical Service Contractors of America's Project Home Again has distributed 5,000 missing children posters to 184 service contractors nationwide.
July 1, 2006... Mechanical Service Contractors of America's Project Home Again has distributed 5,000 missing children posters to 184 service contractors nationwide. The program has assisted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in its search...

Grainger.
July 1, 2006... * Grainger has awarded the first Tools for Tomorrow scholarship to Henry Ford Community College student Michael Guido during an open house at the company's new Auburn Hills, Mich., location. Grainger presented the school's...

The mechanical contractors association of America is a supporter of Women in HVACR (www.womeninhvacr.org), which has set a goal of 100 attendees for its conference this year.
July 1, 2006... The Mechanical Contractors Association of America is a supporter of Women in HVACR (www.womeninhvacr.org), which has set a goal of 100 attendees for its conference this year. The event will be held Sept. 12-13 in Baltimore. A flier and...

Victaulic.(company products and tools)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... * Victaulic has opened a branch to support product demand in the mid-Atlantic region. The new 50,700-sq.-ft. facility located in Baltimore will serve as a central distribution point for the company's products and tools, and provide increased...

Taco.(water circulation products )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... * Taco has announced price increases across all product lines effective July 1. Price increases on water circulation products range from 5% to 8.5%; on hydronic accessories, including zone and flow-control valves, up to 12%; on air-elimination...

Lennox Industries.
July 1, 2006... * Lennox Industries has announced 6% to 10% price increases on residential products effective Aug. 1. A subsidiary of Lennox International, Lennox Industries manufactures and distributes its residential and light commercial indoor comfort...

Comfortech marks 10th year.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2006... BALTIMORE -- Top HVAC contractors, distributors, consultants and manufacturers will gather Sept. 13-16 at the Baltimore Convention Center to celebrate the 10th anniversary of HVAC Comfortech. The leading national educational event for...

Think fast, what's your business worth?(BLACKMAN ON TAXES)
July 1, 2006... GIVE THE RIGHT answers and you can win big bucks on many TV game shows. Typically, the host only allows about 15 seconds for the contestant to give the right answer. OK, try this quick quiz: What is the most valuable asset you own? Hands...

Good employees make good project managers.(CRAIG ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT)
July 1, 2006... YEAH, AS IF A bad employee could make a good manager or a bad employee would help make a bad manager better or a terrible employee would somehow train an awful manager to become the star project manager of your company. Every employee you...

The Mona mobile navigator is a mobile phone-based navigation system that provides reliable directions for plumbing and other mechanical contractors.(editor's choice)
July 1, 2006... THE MONA MOBILE NAVIGATOR is a mobile phone-based navigation system that provides reliable directions for plumbing and other mechanical contractors. With a downloadable application, the system turns an ordinary mobile phone into a portable GPS...

Auto CAD version 3.0 enables the user to create a complete set of two-dimensional and three-dimensional CAD drawings for all the company's pipe products.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * AUTO CAD VERSION 3.0 enables the user to create a complete set of two-dimensional and three-dimensional CAD drawings for all the company's pipe products. The latest release includes data on the new ChemDrain CPVC chemical waste drain system....

Forefront construction management software now features a search capability in its Document Imaging module.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * FOREFRONT CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE now features a search capability in its Document Imaging module. Users can perform a search to locate individual documents by entering any word or group of words, allowing managers the fast access...

The round ice maker box comes with a pre-attached stainless steel braided hose which keeps the contractor from having to go back to the job site to hook up the supply line to the refrigerator.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * THE ROUND ICE MAKER BOX comes with a pre-attached stainless steel braided hose which keeps the contractor from having to go back to the job site to hook up the supply line to the refrigerator. The round box and frame configuration makes...

The kindred stainless steel sink features elegant lines and a sparkling finish.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * THE KINDRED STAINLESS STEEL SINK features elegant lines and a sparkling finish. Many styles are available to suit nearly any space consideration or personal preference. Heavy-gauge steel construction, rounded corners and deep compartments...

Comfort optimizer load calculation software V 2.02 is able to perform room-by-room or whole-house load calculations quickly and easily.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * COMFORT OPTIMIZER LOAD CALCULATION SOFTWARE V 2.02 is able to perform room-by-room or whole-house load calculations quickly and easily. All operations are accomplished using point-and-tap selections on the touch screen. The software runs on a...

The Julius bath is a 6' long island bath reminiscent of the classic cast-iron claw foot bath, but with a modern touch.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * THE JULIUS BATH is a 6' long island bath reminiscent of the classic cast-iron claw foot bath, but with a modern touch. It is constructed of a durable, easy-to-clean acrylic that provides a smooth, stylish appearance. is available as a soaking...

Insulpex energy transfer pipe is now available in 16 new ASTM-compliant inch sizes that meet North American standards.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * INSULPEX ENERGY TRANSFER PIPE is now available in 16 new ASTM-compliant inch sizes that meet North American standards. More than 50 new EVERLOC fittings complete the updated program. The pre-insulated pipe is a flexible, lighter alternative...

All-purpose 769 lubricant stops squeaks, helps loosen stuck and rusted parts, lubricates and prevents corrosion.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * ALL-PURPOSE 769 LUBRICANT stops squeaks, helps loosen stuck and rusted parts, lubricates and prevents corrosion. The water-displacing formula is nonflammable, non-waxing and non-evaporative. It is fluorocarbon- and silicone-free. It is...

The kinetic water ram drain clearing device generates a shock wave of water to open clogged pipes.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * THE KINETIC WATER RAM DRAIN CLEARING DEVICE generates a shock wave of water to open clogged pipes. The wave is generated with an environmentally safe compressed air charge fired into the sink, tub or floor drain. The shock wave bypasses vents...

Type 567 and 568 butterfly valves are now available.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * TYPE 567 AND 568 BUTTERFLY VALVES are now available. Typical applications include industrial water treatment, potable water and wastewater system. They feature high corrosion resistance, double eccentric disk design, and shaft seals with a...

The series TCA "track" lavatory carriers have arm brackets that slide across a cross-plate, which in turn attaches to the uprights with a compression bracket.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * THE SERIES TCA "TRACK" LAVATORY CARRIERS have arm brackets that slide across a cross-plate, which in turn attaches to the uprights with a compression bracket. Horizontal and vertical adjustments are completely independent and the arms can be...

The KHE 75 SDS-MAX rotary hammer is ideal for drilling large holes, leveling walls and medium-heavy chiseling.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * THE KHE 75 SDS-MAX ROTARY HAMMER is ideal for drilling large holes, leveling walls and medium-heavy chiseling. The combination hammer allows the user to quickly move between masonry drilling and chiseling operations without switching tools....

The cliplight 24 service and repair light is a cordless, rechargeable, battery-powered LED task light that is ideal for work in areas with limited access to electric power.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * THE CLIPLIGHT 24 SERVICE AND REPAIR LIGHT is a cordless, rechargeable, battery-powered LED task light that is ideal for work in areas with limited access to electric power. The 9 X 2 1/4", 9 oz. light features an ergonomic grip, wrist strap,...

The superbrute wet rotor circulator now has two new models.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * THE SUPERBRUTE WET ROTOR CIRCULATOR now has two new models. The three taken together can now replace 37 competitive circulators, making it ideal for multiple applications while reducing inventory. The three-speed motor is easily set in the...

The crystal cove series bathroom faucet features gracefully etched high spout and crystal lever handles with clear index buttons and lift knob.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * THE CRYSTAL COVE SERIES BATHROOM FAUCET features gracefully etched high spout and crystal lever handles with clear index buttons and lift knob. The faucet is made from solid brass with ceramic disc valves for dependable, drip-free operation....

These lightweight air breathers help keep tanks, reservoirs and systems clean.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... * THESE LIGHTWEIGHT AIR BREATHERS help keep tanks, reservoirs and systems clean. Made from durable nylon, they have a standard 48 micron screen with optional porous materials in 35, 70 and 250 microns. They can be mounted in any direction and...

Establishing ROI for a construction firm.(Federal Reserve)
July 1, 2006... WHAT IS THE appropriate compensation for an owner of a contracting firm? How much is the right number? Isn't just a salary with expenses enough? These are good questions for all construction contractors. People have different answers....

Anvil released a revolutionary product for installing insulation--the 260 insulation saddle system (260 ISS).(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... ANVIL RELEASED A REVOLUTIONARY PRODUCT for installing insulation-the 260 Insulation Saddle System (260 ISS). Used for copper and steel pipe systems, the 260 ISS dramatically saves time and money by eliminating the wood block and shield as well...

Borit Manufacturing the original manufacturer of the "hand held earth boring system.".(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... BORIT MANUFACTURING THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER of the "Hand Held Earth Boring System." The Borit earth boring tool comes with all 3 available hard surface steel bits (2", 3" and 4 3/4"). It is designed for use by professional contractors in the...

WWW.BORZIT.COM shows how to save time money and effort with the BorZit System.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... WWW.BORZIT.COM SHOWS HOW TO SAVE TIME, MONEY AND EFFORT with the BorZit System. Photos, testimonials and a factory eStore give you information that proves underground boring is easy. Powered by a 1/2" drill, you can bore a 11/2", 2", 3" or 5"...

Bryan flexible water tube boilers brochure describes gas, oil and dual-fuel fired hot water and steam boilers, electric hot water and steam boilers, indirect water heaters and related equipment.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... BRYAN FLEXIBLE WATER TUBE BOILERS brochure describes gas, oil and dual-fuel fired hot water and steam boilers, electric hot water and steam boilers, indirect water heaters and related equipment. The boilers are available in sizes from 250,000...

Mechanical contractors who want to reduce overhead expenses and capture more revenue will find a wealth of information at www.dexterchaney.com.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS WHO WANT TO REDUCE overhead expenses and capture more revenue will find a wealth of information at www.dexterchaney.com. Learn how Dexter+Chaney's Forefront(r) Construction Management Software provides tools to integrate...

The website for elite international allows user to learn more about the company's products, including their line of tankless water heaters which includes the Workman, the Spaceman and the Eco Term Gasfired Two-Function Condensing Boiler.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... THE WEB SITE FOR ELITE INTERNATIONAL allows user to learn more about the company's products, including their line of tankless water heaters which includes the Workman, the Spaceman and the Eco Term Gasfired Two-Function Condensing Boiler. Also...

Manufactures, assembles, packages, and distributes plumbing products, including brass goods, fittings, chemicals, and tools to plumbing service shops through independent sales distributors nationwide.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... MANUFACTURES, ASSEMBLES, PACKAGES, AND DISTRIBUTES plumbing products, including brass goods, fittings, chemicals, and tools to plumbing service shops through independent sales distributors nationwide. Finished Goods include faucets, drain...

Kolbi's focus has always been on the customer.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... KOLBI'S FOCUS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON THE CUSTOMER. As a result, we have no part numbers and a very small catalogue. We constantly strive to make ordering fast and simple, but it is our quick shipments that really impress our customers. Let us quote...

While plumbing practices and products have change in LSP'S first 35 years, the company's focus on developing products for plumbers has not wavered.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... WHILE PLUMBING PRACTICES AND PRODUCTS HAVE changed in LSP'S first 35 years, the company's focus on developing products for plumbers has not wavered. LSP continues to concentrate its efforts on making a plumber's job simpler, easier, and faster....

Nexstar members know what works and what doesn't.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... NEXSTAR MEMBERS KNOW WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN'T. We've been there. The training and information we provide is proven because it comes from shops like yours that are doing what you're doing--but doing it better, faster and smarter. Best...

Nexus valve's mission is to provide single-point sourcing of quality hydronic products and to provide additional value-added services for resellers and users of those products.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... NEXUS VALVE'S MISSION IS TO PROVIDE SINGLE-POINT sourcing of quality hydronic products and to provide additional value-added services for resellers and users of those products. Nexus Valve's pledge is to maintain the high levels of innovation,...

Instant access to Nibco's newest products and technical information.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... INSTANT ACCESS TO NIBCO'S NEWEST PRODUCTS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION is available at www.nibco.com. The site is designed with intuitive and easy-touse navigational bars located at the top and bottom of each page, and the search engine makes it...

Noritz offers a full line of tankless water heaters for residential and commercial applications, and is the only tankless manufacturer in the world with ASME and NSF accreditations.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... NORITZ OFFERS A FULL LINE OF TANKLESS WATER HEATERS for residential and commercial applications, and is the only tankless manufacturer in the world with ASME and NSF accreditations. Noritz also has the most complete and easy-touse website for...

Powers fasteners is a global company specializing in manufacturing and marketing quality anchoring and fastening products for concrete, masonry and steel.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... POWERS FASTENERS IS A GLOBAL COMPANY specializing in manufacturing and marketing quality anchoring and fastening products for concrete, masonry and steel. Powers, formerly known as Rawl, has been providing innovative fastening solutions for...

The Airdata multimeter air balance system is a portable multifunction instrument for air balance and energy audit.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... THE AIRDATA MULTIMETER AIR BALANCE SYSTEM IS A portable, multifunction instrument for air balance and energy audit. This unit offers precision accuracy in the measurement of air flow, velocity, differential and absolute pressure, and...

Swanstone (www.swanstone.com) is a leader in the manufacturing of compression-molded solid surface and Veritek products for the kitchen and bath.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... Swanstone (www.swanstone.com) is a leader in the manufacturing of compression-molded solid surface and Veritek products for the kitchen and bath. Products include sinks, vanity tops and bowls, shower walls and floors, tub walls and bathtubs,...

For over 25 years Vanguard has been the chosen producer of flexible pipe, tubing, fittings and accessories for the plumbing industry.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... FOR OVER 25 YEARS VANGUARD HAS BEEN THE CHOSEN producer of flexible pipe, tubing, fittings and accessories for the plumbing industry. Our product line is innovative and new, providing products such as Vanguard's Vanex(r) Ultra multilayer PEX...

For the latest product and technical literature visit www.weil-mclain.com.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT AND TECHNICAL LITERATURE VISIT www.weil-mclain.com. Filled with an abundance of information the Weil-McLain Web site offers: Installation, Service & Maintenance Manuals, Warranty Information, answers to your questions, a...

Wennsoft provides innovative business management solutions for project-oriented, field service and equipment management industries.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... WENNSOFT PROVIDES INNOVATIVE BUSINESS management solutions for project-oriented, field service and equipment management industries. The WennSoft turnkey solutions complement and enhance existing processes and the people who facilitate...

Visit the website of contractor magazine www.contractormag.com for all our regular monthly news, articles, features, product listings and columns by our staff of industry experts.(WEB SITE SHOWCASE)
July 1, 2006... VISIT THE WEBSITE OF CONTRACTOR MAGAZINE www.contractormag.com for all our regular monthly news, articles, features, product listings and columns by our staff of industry experts. Our electronic edition also has links to all the sites listed...

Event for commercial contractors.(YATES ON PLUMBING)
July 1, 2006... ATLANTA--The annual Commercial Contracting Roundtable and Design/ Build Seminar, Oct. 25-26 here, will present commercial HVACR contractors an opportunity to hear new ideas, network with peers and learn from experts who have hands-on...