[Strawbale] re. Re: PEX, Concrete Slab, Fear of Death (by contractor)(Speireag Alden) (Speireag Alden)(Speireag Alden)(Speireag Alden)

[Speireag Alden]

On 2008, Jan 06, at 17:16, MKL wrote:

> This is instructional, as I have yet to establish for
> my region or anywhere else for that matter just what
> the ideal foundation/insulation/heating system is.
> Earthen is probably the most environmentally friendly
> and least expensive material one could use I would
> think for a floor mass.

     Maybe, but it's labor-intensive.  Under the earthen layer is  
crushed gravel, which you can just shovel into place and walk on.

> interested in how you chose R-20.

     I don't remember.  It certainly wasn't computer modelling.  I  
think I looked around at local practice (R5) which I had already  
learned to look at with fear and loathing, then looked at my bank  
book at the time, and figured that I could afford R-20 and still have  
money left to buy other necessities.

>  Got it. The solar heating system (Evac tube?)

     Yes.

> will
> heat an insulated tank of water (through glycol to
> water heat exchange ?)

     Yes.

> this heated tank of water could
> serve as a reservoir for water destined to be (only if
> required) further heated for the under earthen foot
> thick mass (after which it returns to the tank?).

     The heated tank would be pre-heat for anything we want heated,  
including tap water.  The only distinction to make is whether the  
water goes through the storage only, or through the storage and then  
through supplementary heat which would kick on as necessary.

-Speireag.