Contractor articles from October 2005

Contractor archives from October 2005

The advantages of multi-speed hydronic circulation.
October 1, 2005... Hydronic systems aren't built. They're born. And like children in their form tive years, we want them to perform well, to be sensitive to their environment, and respond quickly to need. First, there's the gestation period when the system...

New mantra: "be the lizard".(Grundfos pumps)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... "I like to think of it as lizard-like changeability," says Dave Yates, president of F. W. Behler, Inc., a York, PA-based plumbing and mechanical contracting firm. "Just as a chameleon can change its colors and virtually disappear into the...

Contractors feel impact of Katrina.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2005... METAIRIE, LA. -- Keith Bienvenu, owner of Bienvenu Brothers Plumbing-Heating-Cooling here summed up the Katrina situation on Sept. 22 when he told CONTRACTOR: "It's completely crazy right now. Everybody needs everything, and they all need it...

Industry's Katrina generosity astounding.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2005... IN SEPTEMBER 2004, this magazine ran a front-page story headlined, "Hurricane brings out the best in plumbing industry," about how contractors pitched in to help after Hurricanes Charley and Francis hit Florida. This year, the industry response...

Union apprentices more likely to finish training: GAO.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2005... WASHINGTON -- Completion rates for apprenticeship programs have been dropping across the board, and the U.S. Department of Labor doesn't really know why, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office. The report also...

Katrina disaster coalition seeks product donations.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2005... THE PLUMBING industry's disaster relief coalition, made up of nearly a dozen associations, in late September decided to ask manufacturers and suppliers to register products that can be donated or offered for sale with the National Emergency...

Viega to acquire Vanguard, Midtec.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... BEDFORD, MASS. -- Viega signed an agreement in late September for the acquisition of the piping systems businesses of Vanguard Piping Systems and Midtec Inc. Purchase terms were not disclosed. "This acquisition will allow Viega to...

Trust and honesty smooth supply chain.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2005... ORLANDO, FLA. -- Life would be simpler if people just did their jobs. Contractors, wholesalers, manufacturers and a manufacturers rep shared ideas Sept. 8 on how to smooth out supply chain issues in a roundtable discussion at the Network '05...

Network '05 is 'time well spent'.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2005... ORLANDO, FLA. -- In their first foray hosting a joint convention, the leaders of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association and the American Supply Association were met with compliments and kudos from those in attendance. ...

Subcontractors give states failing grades for 2005.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2005... ALEXANDRIA, VA. -- "The ASA Report: The Policy Environment in the States," published by the American Subcontractors Association, ranks New Mexico as No. 1 for its overall public policies affecting construction subcontractors. Even with the top...

Green building growth is inevitable.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2005... ORLANDO, FLA. -- Contractors have to pursue the green building market because their customers--both owners and general contractors--"are all over this," consultant and Purdue University Professor Kirk Alter told contractors attending the...

Copper may sell for a record high of $4,000 per ton sometime this year, driven by high demand, low stocks and persistent buying by commodities funds, Reuters news service reported from the London Metal Exchange.
October 1, 2005... Copper may sell for a record high of $4,000 per ton sometime this year, driven by high demand, low stocks and persistent buying by commodities funds, Reuters news service reported from the London Metal Exchange. Copper has soared from $1,336 in...

The Associated General Contractors of America.
October 1, 2005... The Associated General Contractors of America has applauded legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that includes measured protections to contractors who respond to declared federal, state, and local emergencies or...

COSA.(Carbon Monoxide Safety Association website)(www.cosafety.org)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... COSA, the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association, has unveiled a new Website www.cosafety.org. The site includes: a list of training dates for Combustion Analysis and Equipment Performance; equipment calibration dates; and carbon monoxide in the...

ISH North America has announced that the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials intends to join the ISH NA show partnership.
October 1, 2005... ISH North America has announced that the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials intends to join the ISH NA show partnership. In becoming the newest partner, IAPMO joins Messe Frankfurt, the American Supply Association,...

RHP Mechanical Systems.
October 1, 2005... RHP Mechanical Systems, an HVAC and plumbing contractor based in Reno, Nev., was the first-place winner in the 2005 SMACNA Safety Statistics Evaluation and Awards Program for having the best safety and health record within the more than 500,000...

The importance of a monthly P&L statement.(INDUSTRY EDUCATION)(profit-and-loss statement)
October 1, 2005... IN THE FIRST PART of this series we dealt with the balance sheet ("Understand your financial statements," September, pg. 30), and now we are going to move onto the profit-and-loss statement, hereafter referred to as the P&L. I always ask...

Calculate flywheel mass effect's influence.(sizing HVAC equipment)
October 1, 2005... AS ENERGY CONTRACTORS, we are required to perform a basic heat loss or heat gain calculation in order to properly size the heating or cooling plant necessary to provide comfort to the end user. As I have noted in previous columns, these heat...

Figure your job costs for profitability.(HYDRONIC SYSTEMS)
October 1, 2005... ONE OF THE MOST common questions that I'm asked when I present the Radiant Panel Association's Radiant Basics class is: "How much should I charge for X?" Unfortunately, this question has no clear answer other than the universal answer to any...

Easy ways for subs to connect to GCs, owners.(FELDMANS ON COMPUTERS)
October 1, 2005... ONVIA BUSINESS Builder (www.onvia.com, 800/484-3374), aimed at companies that want to do business with the government, provides vendors, contractors and others with timely, industry-specific, in-depth government business "intelligence"...

Caught in the middle--again.(McGREEVY ON LAW)
October 1, 2005... THIS PAST WEEK I talked to two different clients who were experiencing the same problem. They are both subcontractors who sell, but do not manufacture, products that are part of a building envelope, and both are now becoming nervous about their...

Always quote more than the bare minimum.
October 1, 2005... SOME PEOPLE ARE afraid that recommending and quoting "add-on tasks" will either make the price seem too high or make you seem like you're just trying to sell something extra to make a buck. Others feel that, when people already spent money on...

A lousy asset or money-making machine?(BLACKMAN ON TAXES)
October 1, 2005... ARE YOU CONVINCED that qualified retirement plans such as pension plans, profit-sharing plans, IRAs and 401(k) plans are great? Good for everyone? If so, you have lots of company. After all, a current deduction for contributions to your plan,...

Owners making 'revolutionary' changes in construction projects.(INDUSTRY NEWS/COLUMNISTS)
October 1, 2005... RALEIGH, N.C. -- The FMI/CMAA Sixth Annual Survey of Owners conducted by construction consultant FMI Corp. and the Construction Management Association of America reveals that "owners are making changes that are revolutionizing the construction...

Planning is the path to profit.(contractors marketing plans)
October 1, 2005... IT MAY BE October, and you've got fall in full focus, but that's no reason to keep your plans for the new year on the back burner. In fact, that's why I'm devoting this column to the topic of planning. If you wait to start your annual plan in...

Save a nickel on the job now, spend $500 later.(CRAIG ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT)
October 1, 2005... OVER THE COURSE of my career, I have worked for some truly cheap employers who redefined the word "thrifty." While I was traveling, one would pay only a flat $25 per diem (this was in the '80s) for my hotel room under the theory that I...

The Bancroft suite.(editor's choice)
October 1, 2005... THE BANCROFT SUITE is a complete collection of fixtures, faucets and accessories inspired by plumbing fixtures of the early 20th century. The design features rounded contours, and offers a broad selection of vitreous china lavatories and...

This powered vacuum lifter.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THIS POWERED VACUUM LIFTER has a curved foam pad attachment that comes in sizes for handling pipes from 4" to 30" O.D. It allows one operator to pick up a long pipe from a stack without grabs or slings. It is suitable for handling hot-rolled...

The SAF-T vent EZ seal.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE SAF-T VENT EZ SEAL does not require tools or an RTV connection, instead using a patented ring-and-tab connector. The seal is precision-formed from superferritic alloys. It is a Special Gas Vent for all high-efficiency applications (category...

The BH series electric hot water or steam boiler.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE BH SERIES ELECTRIC HOT WATER OR STEAM BOILER is compact, completely packaged and wired. It features automatic controls and long life Incoloy sheathed elements. It is available with inputs from 60 to 3,000 kW and nominal outputs from 196,000...

This orbital welding system.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THIS ORBITAL WELDING SYSTEM features twin switching units and two weld heads. It is ideal for welding bosses to heating coils, fittings to inlet tubes or fittings to overflow pipes. The switching unit allows for two different weld...

The Cabo kitchen prep sink.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE CABO KITCHEN PREP SINK is the newest addition to the Alegre collection. Designed for either drop-in or over-counter applications, the sink is molded solid metal. It is finished by sand-casting, which produces a distinctive surface...

The weatherguard steel underbed box.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE WEATHERGUARD STEEL UNDERBED BOX for pickup trucks is available in 36" X 18" X 18" or 48" X 18" X 18" sizes. Constructed of brushed 16-gauge stainless steel with a 14-gauge steel black picture frame body, the box keeps tools and other...

The J-2512 typhoon trailer jet.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE J-2512 TYPHOON TRAILER JET is able to clear blockages in big lines and long runs. The jet delivers 12 GPM at 2,500 psi to remove grease, sediment and debris. The 200-gal. holding tank carries enough water to handle remote applications where...

The surfashower wall-mounted shower system.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE SURFASHOWER WALL-MOUNTED SHOWER SYSTEM comes in a wide range of preassembled models: single temperature, thermostatic, pressure-balanced, single or multiple users and ADA-compliant. Each model is equipped with a durable 18-gauge stainless...

The model RHP-3 radiant heat panel.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE MODEL RHP-3 RADIANT HEAT PANEL fits into a minimal space to control one- or two-zone heating requirements for up to 5,000 sq. ft. and 100,000 Btu's per hour. It is pre-engineered, pre-assembled and pre-wired to assure dependability and...

This bench radiator.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THIS BENCH RADIATOR has a seat crafted from 2" thick beech wood. It delivers an output of up to 10,383 Btuh. It is available in lengths of 73", 85" or 93", and heights of either 19" or 21 ". It is offered in eight colors. Myson CIRCLE...

The AXOR [UNO.sup.2] lav mixer.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE AXOR [UNO.sup.2] LAV MIXER features a slim, geometric design and high arcing spout. It is available as a single lav mixer, a two-handle lav mixer, or a three-hole basin mixer. It is offered in either chrome or brushed nickel finishes. ...

The 8100/8111 circulator flange ball valve.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE 8100/8111 CIRCULATOR FLANGE BALL VALVE is designed for use in hydronic heating systems, it is a two-piece, brass-body, full-port ball valve with free-floating flanges for easy alignment with circulator pump flanges to simplify installation....

This blueprint storage system.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THIS BLUEPRINT STORAGE SYSTEM uses hook and bar, single point suspension that allows the blueprint to be filed and removed with a simple, one-handed motion. Files hang uniformly and are "locked" into place. Color-coded tabs and index flags...

The 6017 fluid-circulating control system.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE 6017 FLUID-CIRCULATING CONTROL SYSTEM is ready to operate as soon as power and circulation connections are made. It come standard with pumping rates of 90, 150 or 200 GPM; 50 to 200 kW heater size; and heat exchangers from 3.9 sq. ft. to 21...

The Digiboss cage guided control valve.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE DIGIBOSS CAGE GUIDED CONTROL VALVE features a digital electronic actuator. It is designed for modulating control and on/off light industrial, commercial, liquid and steam applications. It is available in 2" and 8" sizes for pressures to...

The IR-insight and XST portable thermal imagers.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE IR-INSIGHT AND XST PORTABLE THERMAL IMAGERS are designed to perform in low contrast thermal conditions, making them ideal for use in roofing inspection, moisture remediation, energy auditing and building inspection. The imagers detect in a...

These industrial-grade precision pliers.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THESE INDUSTRIAL-GRADE PRECISION PLIERS are offered in 10 different styles for performing special tasks. They feature cushioned grips, high carbon steel construction, with glare-reducing black finishes and light touch return springs. Each style...

The 5601P mechanical heat detector.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE 5601P MECHANICAL HEAT DETECTOR is a 135 [degrees]F fixed, single-circuit, rate-of-rise heat detector without letters, numbers or markings on the exterior to compromise its visual integrity or that of its surroundings, making it ideal for...

The Pro-400 series C-clamps.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE PRO-400 SERIES C-CLAMPS are offered in a range of sizes from 2" to 12", with frame test loads ranging from 3,300 to 9,500 minimum pounds. The clamps have a forged, high carbon steel frame to ensure safe and secure clamping. A carbon steel...

The SF-225 water-cooled modular flex head torch.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THE SF-225 WATER-COOLED MODULAR FLEX HEAD TORCH allows the user to customize a single torch into multiple configurations for various angles and applications. Because the torch is water-cooled, operators can continue to achieve high amperage...

This corrosive waste piping system.(PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... THIS CORROSIVE WASTE PIPING SYSTEM has been expanded with the addition of molded 45 [degrees] Wye fittings. The Fuseal fittings provide smoother transitions with no internal weld beads and shorter lay lengths, delivering improved performance....

One national plumbing code just makes sense.(EDITORIAL)
October 1, 2005... HURRICANE KATRINA overshadowed another news story last month that promises to have far-reaching impact on the plumbing industry. We'd be remiss if we didn't comment on it now. Katrina captured our attention because its devastation was swift...