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LandscapingNetwork.com Reveals Front Yard Landscaping Makeover Tips

November 30, 2011

Professional design tips made available on LandscapingNetwork.com help homeowners spruce-up and makeover front yard landscaping. CALIMESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consumers interested in making over front yard spaces can take a step in the right direction with help from www.LandscapingNetwork.com. After consulting with three industry professionals, the site has compiled a list of three front yard landscaping makeover tips for drab and outdated yards. Overgrown bushes and shrubs, a large lawn that is a hassle to mow, and a yard that does not emanate curb appeal are all valid reasons to makeover a front yard. Front yard landscaping can play a vital role in showcasing the adjoining home. It should enhance the property, creating an entrance that is inviting to visitors. These tips provided by LandscapingNetwork.com show three ways that landscaping professionals transform front yards into pleasing and inviting spaces. By incorporating walls, consumers can emphasize an entrance and add privacy. Widening concrete walkways and adding an arbor can create the appeal of a grand entrance. Lastly, for a look that’s less traditional, replacing a lawn with ornamental grasses and ground covers can do just the trick. Regardless of the current front yard design, these landscaping tips are great options for homeowners looking for a fresh look. Without having to tear out what’s already in place, homeowners can work with designers to create a functional and appealing front yard makeover. More ideas on front yard landscaping can be found in landscape design videos provided by LandscapingNetwork.com. Visit the site’s video channel on YouTube.com, which includes over 125 landscaping videos.
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No-Burn® Plus XD Approved at Lowest Wet Mil Thickness Over Sealection® 500

November 29, 2011

PLUS XD COATING OVER FOAM PLASTIC INSULATION SYSTEM MEETS AC 377 APPENDIX X REQUIREMENTS AT LOWEST WET MIL THICKNESS No-Burn® Plus XD is now approved over Demilec’s Sealection® 500 at the lowest tested wet mil thickness, surpassing previous results. The test was performed in accordance with AC 377 Appendix X. Plus XD, used in lieu of a prescribed ignition barrier, applied at a thickness of 6 mils wet (4 mils dry). At this thickness, No-Burn Plus XD will cover approximately 267 sq. ft. per gallon. "Offering our intumescent coating to Demilec installers at this thickness in the short-term means competitive bids and more awards” said Bill Kish, CEO of No-Burn, Inc. “Long-term, No-Burn, Inc. and Demilec continue to thrive as both the coatings and spray polyurethane foam markets experience continued growth. Our partnership brings building owners, suppliers and contractors domestically manufactured products at valued rates.” No-Burn® Plus XD is a low VOC intumescent coating manufactured in the USA; meeting both International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) specific requirements for spray applied foam plastic insulation systems, while contributing to LEED regional material points and complying with the ARRA Buy American provision, Plus XD is available directly through Demilec USA and Service Partners nationwide. Technical questions about Plus XD should be directed to the manufacturer, No-Burn, Inc. Estimating and technical support are provided by No-Burn, Inc. No-Burn® applicators are invited to take the comprehensive online training. Email info@noburn.com for direct customer support and training access.
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Frito-Lay Distribution Center Receives First Industrial "New Construction" LEED Gold Certification in Hawaii

November 22, 2011

PLANO, Texas, Nov. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Frito-Lay's new distribution facility in Oahu, Hawaii has earned the U.S. Green Building Council LEED ® Gold certification. The 55,000 square foot design is Hawaii's first industrial "new construction" Gold site. LEED certification is awarded from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. The building design incorporated LEED requirements such as energy efficient construction. Some features of the building and construction include: - energy management system to control facility equipment. - photovoltaics to generate 10% of the facility's electricity - parking on the roof to reduce the amount of site being paved - energy efficient windows and skylights to provide ample daylight - light colored paved surfaces to reduce the heat island effect - reserved parking for carpools and energy efficient vehicles - high efficiency LED lighting in the parking lot Materials were selected for recycle content, regionally manufactured or low levels of volatile organic compounds. Water use was reduced by installing low-flow plumbing fixtures. Low-maintenance native plants were incorporated into the landscaping design. The design build and general contractor for the distribution center was The Haskell Company.
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Sherwin-Williams Named Presenting Sponsor of 2012 NARI RemodelOhio Home Improvement Show

November 21, 2011

CLEVELAND, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Organizers of the 2012 NARI RemodelOhio Home Improvement Show announced today The Sherwin-Williams Company (www.sherwin-williams.com) will be the presenting sponsor of the 31st annual winter home improvement show at the IX Center. The show, which will run from Thursday, January 19th to Sunday, January 22nd, will be called The 2012 NARI RemodelOhio Home Improvement Show, presented by Sherwin-Williams. Tickets for the 2012 NARI RemodelOhio Home Improvement Show, presented by Sherwin-Williams are $12.00 for Adults with discount coupons available at www.remodelohio.org and at Sherwin-Williams stores beginning in December.
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ARXX Receives Cleantech North Award

November 18, 2011

COBOURG, ON, Nov. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - ARXX Corporation, a leading supplier of insulating concrete form (ICF) technology has been recognized for its leadership and innovation by CleanTech North. Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Brad Duguid presented the award to Gael Mourant, President & CEO of ARXX at the CleanTech North Annual Summit in Toronto. "We are thrilled to be honoured by CleanTech North," said Gael Mourant, President & CEO of ARXX. "Energy efficiency and innovation in building materials and systems are clear priorities being embraced by governments, consumers and builders. Our technology helps to significantly lower the energy costs of homes and buildings, while improving occupancy comfort, safety and security. With more than 105,000 projects representing more than 140 million square feet of installed walls and foundations, ARXX ICFs have proven their value many times over." "ICF technology is recognized by all major building codes throughout North America and is experiencing significant growth in adoption for large scale projects where speed of construction combined with the operating cost savings, increased fire resistance, improved sound suppression and better structural support compared to conventional construction methods is winning over more and more architects, engineers, contractors and owners," she added. The CleanTech North Awards recognize promising clean technology companies that have displayed outstanding development and potential.
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U.S. Federal Building Protected by Reliance Foundry Bollards

November 17, 2011

On the morning of September 11, 2001, as news reports were released of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon, many individuals who worked in government buildings at the time couldn’t help but wonder if they would also be targeted. An Assistant District Attorney in a Pennsylvania Courthouse stated, "We all gathered around the television and wondered if our building would be next..." Finding the balance between providing responsible security and functioning in a non-fear-based way is an ongoing endeavour. Recently, U.S. Marshals decided to implement a precautionary measure to protect employees of the Gene Snyder U.S. Courthouse and Custom House in Louisville, Kentucky. The U.S. Marshals have funded a project in which concrete-filled steel bollards embedded in concrete are being installed around the building perimeter starting in October, 2011. These bollards provide the utmost in security to prevent terrorist activity through the use of vehicles. Each bollard is fitted with a decorative two-piece ductile iron bollard cover (bollard base, c/w ball-shaped bollard cap), which is more aesthetic than a plain steel pipe and also provides even more strength for protection. These bollards are substantial; the bollard covers themselves weigh over 250 lbs., and stand 53” high above the grade. Vehicle bombs are effective as weapons as they allow a terrorist an easy way to transport large amounts of explosives and flammable material to the site where they want the explosion to take place. U.S. Marshal Jim Clark said that damage increases the closer a vehicle explosion is to a building. Reliance Foundry provided the model R-7593 ductile-iron bollard covers for this project. Reliance Foundry Vice President, Brad Done, said that they are proud to be assisting the U.S. Marshals in protecting one of the United States’ historical buildings in this way: "Sometimes builders opt to use smaller, less expensive cast iron bollards to provide security - or they weld decorative caps onto steel pipe; Reliance Foundry’s two-piece, ductile-iron security bollard cover is the strongest, largest and most substantial competitive decorative option for this type of project." “We work constantly with architects and designers who need to maintain the design integrity of a building, while providing security to the people and the building contents. In projects where buildings have a highly public historical significance, like the Gene Snyder U.S. Courthouse Building, this was especially important.” A few U.S. citizens have expressed concern that a Canadian company was used to provide the bollard covers, even though the major cost items of the secure perimter were sourced in the U.S., and the installation was by a U.S. company. However, what many may not fully appreciate is the longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Canada - and the ongoing joint efforts to protect all of the citizens of both countries. Relations between the two countries have spanned more than two centuries, and the U.S. and Canada represent one of the most successful international relations in the world. Each is the other's chief economic partner, they share the world’s longest border, and there is significant interoperability within the defence sphere. American defence arrangements with Canada are more extensive than any other country. As a Canadian company, Reliance Foundry views helping protect a U.S. federal building with as much of a privilege as they would if it were a Canadian Government building. The day after the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, which damaged 324 buildings, including 10 that collapsed and 13 that were condemned, President Bill Clinton ordered the Justice Department to assess the vulnerability of all federal facilities to acts of violence. The result was a set of standards for new buildings that required them to be blast-resistant and set back a good distance from streets. For existing buildings that did not meet the distance criteria, the options are to close the street or to erect barriers to protect them from vehicle infringement. Security bollards meet this protection requirement. Although many may see the added security measures taken as unnecessary - those responsible for safety and security would rather err on the side of protection. Security bollards are used by federal buildings, retailers, convention centers, schools and residential buildings - everywhere to prevent unlawful access, damage and injury caused by vehicles. They are relatively simple to install and with all of the decorative bollard cover options available , they can compliment the building and site design. The exact numbers of pedestrians, cyclists, and building employees whose lives have been saved because someone made the decision to install security bollards will never be known; but that is the whole point of having them: to prevent the tragedy from even happening - and Reliance Foundry is grateful to be a part of it.
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Empire State Building Receives Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Leadership Award

November 16, 2011

Iconic landmark recognized as EPA Green Power Partner for significant wind purchase NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The world’s most famous office building has been recognized for purchasing 100 percent renewable energy. The Empire State Building has received a 2011 Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The annual awards recognize the country’s leading green power purchasers for their commitment to renewable energy and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation’s voluntary green power market. EPA presented the Empire State Building with the award at an event held in conjunction with the 2011 Renewable Energy Markets Conference in San Francisco today.
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Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Earns Product Innovation Award for Industry-Leading Roofing Sound Assemblies with DensDeck® Roof Boards

November 16, 2011

Architectural Products magazine recognizes DensDeck® Roof Board for high levels of sound attenuation ATLANTA, Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia-Pacific Gypsum - among the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of gypsum building materials - has been selected as a recipient of the inaugural Architectural Products Product Innovation Award (PIA) for its innovative roofing sound assembly system featuring DensDeck® Roof Boards. The assemblies, which include DensDeck Roof Boards, provide high levels of sound attenuation, an especially important attribute as new code and building programs call for sound mitigation in wall and roof-ceiling assemblies, especially in high noise areas around airports, expressways, light rail and railroads and military bases. Also, DensDeck is the first gypsum roof boards tested to contribute to Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings of up to 61 and Outdoor Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) ratings of up to 49 in roofing assemblies for commercial framed construction*. All honorees will be spotlighted in a featured special report in the November 2011 issue of Architectural Products magazine, in both print and digital format. Visit www.arch-products.com for details. "Earning a Product Innovation Award further validates the unprecedented effectiveness of our DensDeck Roof Board assemblies in dramatically remediating sound in high-noise areas," said Reinhard Schneider, technical manager, DensDeck, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum. "We thank Architectural Products for this honor, and salute our product development team for continuing to improve and upgrade our industry-leading roofing products." The Architectural Products Product Innovation Awards (PIA) recognize products, materials and systems innovation that lead commercial and institutional design to new heights. With judging and evaluation of products and systems from a distinguished panel of 44 architects and specification specialists skilled in product evaluation, the PIA program awards manufacturers based on attributes, qualities, functionality and/or performance beyond industry standards.
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Merillat® Cabinetry Awarded Best Home Building Website From WebAward

November 15, 2011

Annual competition is the premier award recognition program for web developers and marketers worldwide- ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The innovative website from Merillat® cabinetry was recently recognized with a Web Marketing Association's WebAward. Merillat.com was awarded the Best Home Building Website, and scored above the industry average in all judging criteria categories including design, interactivity and innovation. Now in its 15th year, the WebAward program is the premier annual website award competition that names the best websites in 96 industries while setting the standard of excellence for all website development. All entries are reviewed by independent expert judges from around the world. "Totally awesome; extraordinary site in every way. Video on the marquee is brilliant; shop by styles, breathtaking," noted one judge. "First unquestionable winner I've seen!"
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PPG ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS LAUNCHES COMMERCIAL ZERO-VOC* INTERIOR PAINT

November 12, 2011

Contractors who use SPEEDHIDE® paints as their product of choice now can be more environmentally responsible with a line of zero-VOC* (volatile organic compound) paints from the brand they trust. PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) architectural coatings business has launched its latest product in the Speedhide paints line: Speedhide zero interior paint. Speedhide paint offers a one-stop solution for contractors, building owners and facility managers looking for durability, affordability and long-lasting performance. Speedhide zero interior paint continues the tradition of Speedhide products, featuring a high-quality vinyl acrylic formulation ideal for new and repaint applications where a complete professional line of zero-VOC paint is required. Speedhide zero paint contains no ethylene glycol and zero VOCs*, meeting the most stringent environmental regulations nationwide. It is the first Speedhide product to comply with GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) emissions standards. Many Speedhide products, including Speedhide zero paint, meet the Low Emitting Material criteria of the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), standards of The Master Painters Institute® (MPI®), and can help projects earn LEED® credits. The product’s low odor enables contractors to paint in occupied spaces with little disruption to everyday activities. Speedhide zero paint is recommended for use on drywall, plaster, masonry, wood and metal surfaces. It is available in primer, flat, eggshell and semi-gloss finishes. Available in a variety of bases, Speedhide zero paint works with THE VOICE OF COLOR® program, which offers a wide color range and professional color tools. Speedhide zero paint is available nationwide at PPG PITTSBURGH PAINTS® and PPG PORTER PAINTS® retail locations and independent dealers. To find a location near you, visit www.ppgpittsburghpaints.com or www.ppgporterpaints.com.
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Georgia-Pacific Wood Products Announces Strategic Changes to Engineered Lumber Business

November 11, 2011

ATLANTA, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia-Pacific Wood Products, one of the largest wood products manufacturers in North America, announced today a new strategic direction for the company's engineered lumber business to facilitate more direct involvement with its customer base and expansion of services. GP will provide its engineered lumber customers with inside and outside account management personnel, business development support, engineering and technical services, and software development and support. GP will continue to supply a complete engineered lumber product offering, including laminated veneer lumber (LVL), solid sawn and LVL flanged I-joists, glulam beams and rim board.
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Andersen Corporation and Honeywell Collaborate to Create “Smarter” Windows and Doors

November 10, 2011

Embedded Wireless Sensors Tell Security Systems if Doors and Windows are Unlocked BAYPORT, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Andersen Corporation and Honeywell (NYSE: HON) are collaborating to provide a first-of-its-kind system that allows security alarms to alert homeowners if their windows or doors are unlocked. The VeriLock™ sensor technology embeds Honeywell’s widely used 5800-series of wireless sensors inside the locking mechanisms of a select group of Eagle® windows and doors. Similar technology can only detect if a window or door is open or closed. VeriLock sensors are the first that can detect whether they are actually locked or unlocked, in addition to open or closed.
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Durarail Introduces New Colonial Style Heritage Top Rail

November 10, 2011

Durarail, your professional provider of complete railing systems has added a new style of top rail to its selection of beautiful and modern looking railing solutions. The Durarail Heritage Top Rail incorporates colonial style with the strength, durability and convenience of aluminum. Available for both glass and welded picket railing systems, the Heritage Top Rail is a one-piece top rail that provides the classic look of wrought iron railings with the low maintenance and security of aluminum. Available in 8 standard colors and 180 custom colors, the Heritage Top Rail is ADA compliant for handrail purposes. With its powder coated durability, it will not peel, flake or blister as it ages. There is no need for sanding, staining or painting with Durarail. It is UV resistant and can easily be buffed into like-new condition after many years with a simple cut polish.
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Provide a Firm, Flexible Seal for Pool Floors with DECK-O-SEAL 125 from DECK-O-SEAL

November 10, 2011

Hampshire, IL – DECK-O-SEAL 125 two-part, pourable joint sealant is a self-leveling, polysulfide-based sealing compound. It is a non-staining sealant that cures to a firm, flexible, tear-resistant rubber. DECK-O-SEAL 125 is highly resilient and has excellent recovery characteristics, even after extended periods of compression or elongation. It has outstanding resistance to most chemicals, to all weather conditions, aging and shrinkage. For on-the-job use, DECK-O-SEAL 125 is supplied in pre-measured 96 oz. (2.84 L) kits consisting of the base compound and a separate container of setting agent. There is enough room in the base container for introduction and mixing of the setting agent. DECK-O-SEAL 125 is 25% firmer than regular DECK-O-SEAL. DECK-O-SEAL 125 is used for horizontal applications. It is ideal for general purpose sealing of joints and seams subjected to high traffic. DECK-O-SEAL 125 offers high tensile strength and is excellent for joints in swimming pool floors. DECK-O-SEAL 125 has many features and benefits, including: • Moisture insensitive. • Resistant to most chemicals. • Unitized packaging. • Long service life. For more information, contact DECK-O-SEAL, a division of W. R. MEADOWS, INC. at P.O. Box 397, Hampshire, Illinois 60140; phone: (800) 542-POOL; fax: (847) 214-2268; e-mail: sales@deckoseal.com, or visit www.deckoseal.com.
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Enhance and Protect Your Concrete Flooring with BELLATRIX® from W. R. MEADOWS

November 09, 2011

Hampshire, IL – BELLATRIX from W. R. MEADOWS is formulated using dual-protection technology combined with unique hybrid polymers, to offer the ultimate in concrete protection. Proprietary, dual-action technology provides the ultimate in both penetrating and film-forming concrete protection. BELLATRIX offers environmentally friendly, VOC-compliant protection, which provides increased stain suspension and resistance against most contaminants found in kitchens, retail food stores, restaurants, malls, garages, warehouses, distribution centers, etc. While originally formulated to be used in conjunction with hardened concrete floor systems, such as LIQUI-HARD® and the INDUROSHINE® polished concrete system from W. R. MEADOWS, BELLATRIX may also be utilized anywhere a clear, high-gloss, dual-action concrete protection system is desired. BELLATRIX is designed for use on previously sealed surfaces, as well as surfaces that have been previously stained or dyed and sealed. BELLATRIX has many features and benefits, including: • Permeable film allows moisture in cured concrete to evaporate. • Seals surface and provides optimum gloss. • Offers stain protection against many common stain-causing contaminants. • Produces a tough, uniform, breathable barrier for improved durability. • Dustproofs concrete • Provides excellent blush resistance in damp environments. • Applies easily and economically. • VOC compliant. • Protects the finish when used on polished concrete. • For both indoor and outdoor use. For more information on BELLATRIX, call (800) 342-5976, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, and/or visit www.wrmeadows.com.
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From Brownfield to Green Building Certification - Accident Fund National Headquarters Awarded Prestigious LEED® Gold Certification

November 08, 2011

LANSING, Mich., Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Accident Fund Holdings, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded LEED® Gold Certification, established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), for its new national headquarters in Lansing, Mich. LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Long abandoned, deemed a Brownfield site and threatening to deteriorate, the refurbished Ottawa Street Power Station is now the national headquarters for Accident Fund Holdings and a vibrant anchor in the core of Lansing's downtown. Accident Fund Holdings achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
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GreenWizard Drives LEED Automation with USGBC Partnership

November 03, 2011

LEED Online Integration Launched at Greenbuild 2011 CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GreenWizard®, a cloud-based product management solution that simplifies building material selection and management, today announced that its new technology partnership with USGBC offers the ability to access LEED® Online projects and documentation from within GreenWizard. GreenWizard’s LEED Automation presentation at Greenbuild demonstrated how users can either set up or pull in their LEED Scorecard, LEED documentation, or LEED Online projects, directly within GreenWizard. Now, they can take full advantage of GreenWizard’s search, assessment and modeling tools and its database of 120,000+ products to better manage their LEED projects. Eventually, users will be able to use LEED Automation for online submittal of LEED project applications. (Highlights from GreenWizard’s October 5th presentation at Greenbuild are now on www.GreenWizard.com/workflow_pro.)
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USGBC Awards Sterling Cottages at West End LEED® Gold Certification

November 03, 2011

GREENSBORO, N.C., Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sterling Cottages at West End was awarded LEED Gold certification by the US Green Building Council for achievement in green building and design. LEED for Homes is a certification program that rewards energy and resource efficient design and construction practices. LEED for Homes certification requires the completion of a rigorous process that performs home energy (HERS) ratings, as well as rigorous onsite inspections to verify each home is built to be energy and water efficient, environmentally sound, and a healthier place to live. Sterling Cottages at West End is the only off-campus student housing community in Greensboro that has been certified using LEED. The community was built by an affiliate of The Dinerstein Companies, which is known for their expertise in developing LEED certified student and conventional communities. Green apartments may have substantially lower utility bills[1] and an improved indoor air quality. Through their commitment to developing green communities, The Dinerstein Companies is helping to make sustainable living more accessible to student living.
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