As part of our partnership with RESNET, BIBCA presents a technical course at their convention each year. Dean Moody did a spectacular job presenting a session on the importance of respecting trademarks. He also covered some building science segments of the BIBCA Training Program, and there was a great discussion amongst the raters in attendance on how to distinguish a certified installer. There were also a lot of questions about density, and several raters will be receiving a free density test kit if requested through their local certified dealer.
To view the presentation, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF.
President Dean Moody and Vice President Steve Malon at the IE3 Conference, pictured with BIBCA partner Fred Irvin of Brentwood Industries, manufacturer of Accuvent.
The renovation at 4620 Greene Street is part of a three-year, national partnership between CertainTeed, its parent company Saint-Gobain, and YouthBuild USA in support of the organization’s “Green Initiative.” The initiative gives YouthBuild students the opportunity to build green, energy-efficient and healthy homes, gain sustainable building skills and industry-recognized credentials, as well as develop environmentally focused leadership skills.
To achieve the desired thermal resistance at 4620 Greene Street, West Chester Insulation insulated the wall cavities with 2 inches of CertaSpray and about 3.5 inches of OPTIMA. The homes’ ceilings will also receive the hybrid insulation treatment, with 2 inches of CertaSpray and at least 8 inches of InsulSafe® SP.
“With hybrid insulation systems, you get the same air seal that you would with a wall cavity full of spray foam, but at a significantly lower installed cost,” Hobson says. “This makes it more cost-effective to achieve higher energy efficiency and lower utility bills for the homeowner, two of the main goals of this project.”
Don Pinkney, director of business development and construction at Philadelphia YouthBuild, is already a believer in the CertainTeed hybrid insulation system after witnessing its thermal resistance firsthand.
“We did a project last winter to gain experience working with hybrid insulation systems,” Pinkney says. “After installing the insulation, that house was so tight, we rarely had to turn the heat on to keep the students warm while we worked. It really increased the thermal efficiency of the home.”
The home at 4620 Greene Street had sat vacant and boarded up for 20 years before YouthBuild Philadelphia acquired it in 2010 and began renovating it with an emphasis on sustainability. In addition to the Hybrid Insulation System, CertainTeed also donated several of its roofing, siding, gypsum board, fence and railing products to the project. Expected to be finished in 2013, the home will be sold to a lower-income, first-time homebuyer.
“It was very critical for this home to have high thermal resistance, since it is a lot larger than the houses we typically renovate and we really want to keep utility bills down,” Pinkney adds. “The CertainTeed hybrid insulation system is certainly an important part of this strategy, and we’re grateful to CertainTeed and West Chester Insulation for helping make it possible.”
About CertainTeed
Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed® is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,000 employees and more than 65 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. Recognized as a 2009 and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CertainTeed earned the 2011 and 2012 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award, the highest level of recognition for outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. The group had total sales of approximately $3.2 billion in 2011. www.certainteed.com
About YouthBuild
YouthBuild is a youth and community development program that simultaneously addresses core issues facing low-income communities--housing, education, employment, crime prevention, and leadership development. In YouthBuild programs, low-income young people ages 16-24 work full-time for 6 to 24 months toward their GEDs or high school diplomas while learning job skills by building affordable, increasingly green, housing for homeless and low-income people and participating in leadership development activities in their communities. For more information, visit www.youthbuild.org.
At the Forefront with Affordable “Standard Green”
Achieving efficient, super-tight homes for first-time buyers
When it comes to production green building, Utah’s Garbett Homes stands out for both its unique HERS-specific green marketing and the affordability of its standard green features.
The epiphany for Garbett came three years ago when its marketing analysis and projections told the company that first-time home-buyers were the niche that would help insulate it from downward pressure on the broader housing market. Garbett also decided that standard, money-saving green features would be the differentiating factor between itself and similarly-priced competitors.
“With first-time buyers, they’re coming out of rental units, and with rates where they are, they’re able to get into a brand new home with little or no money down for essentially the same monthly payment as rent,” says Rene Oehlerking, director of marketing at Garbett Homes.
“What’s really been a motivating factor for them are the lower utility bills. When the average monthly bill in the Salt Lake City region is around $250 to $300 for power and gas, we’re able to bring them into a home where they’re spending about $20 a month – that’s a car payment they’re saving each month right there.”
HERS Scores, the Power of “Deconstruction”
Garbett builds about 300 homes a year, most priced in its sweet spot of $150,000 to $250,000. It plans to have all of its homes come with an energy rating under HERS 40. A very potent marketing tool for Garbett has been its ‘deconstruct’ models where prospects are able to see the location and operation of efficient and sustainable products.
“Nothing is mocked up. We built the home and we stripped the walls, basically taking parts of the home and peeling them back so people can see the actual application. Everything in our deconstruct is a standard feature,” Oehlerking says.
“Our buyers’ interest is huge. It’s absolutely mind-blowing for them. They are drawn in when see how they get smaller utility bills through lower HERS scores, increased insulation, tight air sealing and other factors. We’re seeing them for the first time gravitating toward understanding what’s really in the home.”
Critical Sealing
At these HERS scores, Oehlerking notes, insulation “is critical, especially sealing.” With the deconstruct model, sealing applications become a forefront item, exposed as an important factor. Garbett uses Knauf Insulation’s EcoSeal™, a water-based elastomeric sealant that carries GREENGUARD for Children and SchoolsSM certification for low emissions and is designed for use with the full line of fiberglass products offered by Knauf Insulation.
BIBS in the Mix
EcoSeal, with the ability to penetrate gaps as small as 1/16”, is used on Garbett’s sill plates, top plates and cracks and gaps in sheathing, while fiberglass BIBS® applications are used with 2x6 construction. For Garbett, this solution and others like solar photovoltaic/thermal, geothermal and tankless hot water that are standard depending on the Garbett model, all come back to HERS and realizing that the lower the HERS score, the more environmentally-friendly the house will be. “And the less money you will spend on keeping the house running every month,” Oehlerking summarizes.
“What we like about EcoSeal is that it’s very green, it’s water-based and the application of it is green as well. It has some very nice properties that are better than spray foam. It’s a tighter seal and you can install it in areas where you can’t really use spray foam properly because of its expansion and lack of effectiveness in small areas,” Oehlerking says.
Before discovering EcoSeal, Garbett had been using open-cell spray foam for sealing and insulation. “It gave us a nice tight building envelope,” Oehlerking says, “but we found that when we combined it with blown-in fiberglass along with Knauf’s new EcoSeal, we could actually get improved R-value in our interior wall cavity. The result is standard R-44 insulation - that’s at $5,000 less than using the spray foam alone that gave us R-22 or R-23.”
Life-changing
Garbett homes also have features like drip irrigation, low-flow plumbing fixtures and double-pane insulated windows. “Our homes are priced pretty similarly to competing homes of the same size in the market, but what we’ve been able to do is essentially give our buyers a ‘Prius’ for the price of a Toyota ‘Corolla.’ What they get as a standard feature is a very tight home that uses less energy and allows them much smaller utility bills each month,” Oehlerking says.
“We understand the critical importance to Garbett Homes of getting the most bang for your buck with energy-efficient green solutions,” says Chris Brown, business development manager at Knauf Insulation. “Like other builders, they’ve been able to reduce costs and also add speed to their sealing and insulation versus previous methods. We have a direct effect on HERS, which is more and more a huge selling point with green-focused builders like Garbett.”
In their adaption of EcoSeal, Garbett Homes’ estimator initially discovered the product at Greenbuild, later testing it out and installing it in the deconstruct model. “He was very impressed and loved the ease of application. He bought a $3,000 sprayer and started doing applications himself and was also able to instruct our superintendants. It’s a small rig and it’s nearly as simple as spray-painting,” says Oehlerking.
“In comparison, he couldn’t install spray foam. And with spray foam, you have to all your subcontractors out of the house for the day and it’s a very big job. EcoSeal dries quickly and can be installed while other subcontractors are working at the same time.”
Garbett’s Oehlerking says the economics of green homes are a life-changer for their buyers. “Once you’ve driven a Prius,” he notes, “it’s pretty hard to go back from 60 miles per gallon to 20 miles per gallon. Our buyers are really going to define the market, and I think, change home building forever.”
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BIBCA will be developing our Canadian dealers more actively, and Knauf just made it easier. Click here to find out more on Jet Stream Max, and download a current CCMC report on all approved materials in Canada.
Astro Insulation, Knauf Insulation and BIBCA are teaming up with the Better Buildings Conference for two events. The first will be in Illinois from January 31 - February 2. More information can be found HERE.
Our hands-on demonstration will feature BIBS paired with EcoSeal for the best possible insulation package. Our long-time member Astro Insulation will be on hand to help with the demo.
BIBCA's partner InterNachi has created a white paper on the common goals many organizations, including BIBCA, share. There is great opportunity in the retrofit market.
Click here to download the paper.
NVR, Inc. (NYSE: NVR), one of the nation's largest homebuilding and mortgage banking companies, and a 2011 "ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year" award winner, announces a partnership with Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), the leading national independent authority on home energy performance. NVR builds under the Ryan Homes, NVHomes, Fox Ridge Homes and Rymarc Homes brand names and will promote the RESNET HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index, a rating scale that makes it easy for consumers to understand the cost-saving benefits of NVR homes.
In addition to building ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED homes and having a 3rd party rater evaluate every home it builds, NVR will offer consumers the specific HERS rating for the model of home they are considering and will promote environmental and energy efficiency features in every model.
"Providing clear, visible energy ratings for homes makes sense for today's energy-conscious consumers who want to save on their utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint," said Steve Baden, executive director, RESNET. "Marketing the energy efficiency of homes is a winning proposition for homebuyers, builders and the environment. Industry-leading homebuilders like NVR are giving consumers exceptional value and proving this value by rating every single home they build."
RESNET's HERS Index increases buyer confidence in home energy performance. The rating scale is easy to read and interpret: The lower the HERS score - the greater the energy efficiency of that home, which means lower energy bills. Homes rated at 100 meet the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for new homes. Existing homes often rate above 100. A home with a score of 130, for example, is 30 percent less energy-efficient than the IECC code. A high-performing ENERGY STAR qualified home will rate at a HERS rating of 70 or lower.
About NVR
NVR, Inc. operates in two business segments: homebuilding and mortgage banking. The homebuilding unit sells and builds homes under the Ryan Homes, NVHomes, Rymarc Homes and Fox Ridge Homes trade names, and operates in twenty-five metropolitan areas in fourteen states. For more information about NVR, Inc. and its brands, see www.nvrinc.com, www.ryanhomes.com, www.nvhomes.com, www.foxridgehomes.com, and www.rymarc.com
About RESNET
The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) is the independent, national nonprofit organization that homeowners trust to improve home energy efficiency and realize substantial savings on their utility bills. RESNET's industry-leading standards are recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others. Since 1995, RESNET-certified inspectors have rated more than 1 million homes. For more information, homeowners can visit us at www.resnet.us or call 1-800-785-8154.
Malta, NY, August 30, 2011 - The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) is calling for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to help prepare test questions for four new certifications being developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) National Worker Certification Program for the weatherization industry. All SMEs will earn up to five BPI CEUs for their participation, and be invited to take a free alternative (beta) certification exam for the designation area they participated in.
The following certifications are being developed:
- Crew Leader - The crew leader supervises the retrofitting activities specified in the scope of work. He or she is responsible for interacting with the client as well as managing personnel and materials on the job site in a safe and effective manner. The crew leader is also responsible for quality control, testing procedures, documentation and conducting a final walk through to ensure that all work is completed in a satisfactory manner.
- Energy Auditor - The energy auditor is a building analyst who evaluates and analyzes buildings and their energy efficiency, health and safety aspects by gathering empirical data, conducting tests and using energy modeling software. The goal is to reduce energy consumption, improve health and safety, and increase the lifespan of a building while also improving the quality of life and comfort for building occupants.
- Retrofit Installer/Technician - The installer installs energy efficiency measures to single family or 2-4 unit homes using a variety of building science best practices to improve safety, comfort, durability, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.
- Quality Control Inspector - The inspector conducts an audit of the building to verify that all work is performed according to the work plan, specifications and standards. He or she performs building diagnostic tests, records and reports findings and concerns, and specifies corrective actions. The inspector ensures the completion, appropriateness and quality of the work providing for the safety, comfort, and energy savings of building occupants.
The following general categories of representation are needed:
Industry - A member of the home performance or weatherization industry who is involved with production, assembling and/or distribution, or sells materials, products, systems, or services covered in the scope of the certification.
User - A contractor or other member of the industry who purchases, uses, or specifies materials, products, systems, or services covered in the scope of the certification.
General Interest - General Interest SMEs are neither Industry nor User SMEs. This category may include personnel from state or federal regulatory agencies, health/safety professionals, researchers, or personnel from trade associations or other organizations.
Candidates should have the following qualifications:
- Have subject matter expertise directly related to the relevant certification
- Have three (3) years of experience in the field of the relevant certification
- Be free from any competing interest to ensure impartiality and non-discriminatory judgment (candidates must agree to sign and abide by the BPI Code of Ethics & Conduct which includes a confidentiality and non disclosure agreement)
Responsibilities of the SMEs include:
- Communicate with BPI's Certification Management Board (CMB), Certification Scheme Committee (CSC) and BPI's Manager of Certification Development
- Develop test questions
- Review psychometric data on questions and eliminate bad questions
- Review how the tests are being performed (written & field)
- Determine if the certification is doing what it was created to do
- Agree to sign and abide by the BPI Code of Ethics & Conduct which includes a confidentiality and non disclosure agreement
SME panels will convene during two work periods: September 27-29 or October 4-6. Please let us know which period works for you.
Those who are interested may complete the application and select the SME group they would like to be part of. If you are an SME in more than one of the defined areas please check all that apply.
Click here to fill out the Subject Matter Expert Application.
Please fill out the application online and click 'submit form' at the top, no later than COB Friday, September 9, 2011. If you are experiencing problems, please save the completed form and email to Kirsten Richnavsky, Certification Development Coordinator, at: krichnavsky@bpi.org no later than COB Friday, September 9, 2011.
Please note that free alternative (beta) exams are being developed for SME participants that wish to sit for their designation area exam. You will also be permitted to beta test the other designations as well. Participants will also receive up to 5 CEUs for their participation.
About the Building Performance Institute
The Building Performance Institute, Inc., (BPI) is the nation's premier building performance credentialing, quality assurance and standards setting organization. BPI develops technical standards using an open, transparent, consensus-based process built on sound building science. BPI is approved by the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) as an accredited developer of American National Standards.
BPI offers the following:
- National standards to ensure top quality, consistent protocols are being followed throughout the home performance and weatherization workforce
- Certification of individuals in building analyst, heating, AC/heat pump, shell/envelope and multi-family designations
- Accreditation of contracting companies committed to delivering quality home performance improvements
- Quality assurance to verify conformance with BPI Standards and provide feedback for continuing improvement
- Affiliation of training organizations that deliver BPI services in their market
For more information on BPI, visit www.bpi.org.
Building Performance Institute, Inc.
107 Hermes Road, Suite 110
Malta, NY 12020
Phone: (877) 274-1274
Fax: (866) 777-1274
info@bpi.org
www.bpi.org
(Shelbyville, IN)—Satisfying the growing indoor air quality (IAQ) needs of homeowners and residential construction and design professionals, Knauf Insulation North America announces that its entire line of building insulation products, including all EcoSeal™ System products, are now verified as formaldehyde-free. In addition to being the first insulation company to independently verify its entire line of building insulation products as formaldehyde-free through the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute, Knauf Insulation offers more lines of formaldehyde-free building insulation products than any other company.
“This is a unique step that goes beyond our certification to the GREENGUARD Children and SchoolsSM low emissions standard. With the increasing number of specifications for formaldehyde-free insulation, we wanted to have a credible third-party organization verify that our products exceed the strictest Formaldehyde-free testing,” said Glenn Brower, director of technical marketing for Knauf Insulation. “We are proud to be an industry leader in sustainability and also in environmental air quality standards. This has been important to us since 2001, when GREENGUARD first launched and Knauf Insulation became the first insulation manufacturer to meet low emissions requirements and achieve certification,” Brower said.
From various batt and blow-in fiber glass wall and attic insulations, to insulation board and duct wrap, Knauf Insulation’s full suite of products provides buildings with a proven, cost-effective insulation solution that delivers energy efficiency and saves money. At the same time, the products help contribute to superior indoor air quality and room comfort.All Knauf Insulation building insulation products feature the patented ECOSE® technology, a bio-based binder made from rapidly-renewable materials doing away with chemicals and gases such as phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors that have been traditionally used in fiber glass insulation.The new GREENGUARD-certified EcoSeal™ product is a water-based elastomeric sealant used with Knauf Insulation’s batt and blow-in products to maximize a home’s tightness and therefore its energy efficiency.
“With green building and the demand for increasingly tighter homes, we understand that IAQ is critically important to health and also contractor productivity. We stand behind the commitment that our full-line GREENGUARD certification provides, and encourage architects, engineers and building owners to seek out materials that are independently verified as being formaldehyde-free,” said Brower.
Knauf Insulation is a leading global manufacturer of thermal and acoustical fiber glass insulations for residential, commercial, industrial, OEM and metal building applications. It’s Knauf Insulation’s number one priority to provide products and services that conserve energy and preserve natural resources for a sustainable future. The company’s insulation products have an inherent impact on energy consumption; once in use they save hundreds of times more energy than is required to make them. Knauf Insulation has met the stringent chemical emissions standards to achieve the GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification and is verified to be formaldehyde free. For more information about Knauf Insulation sales and products, visit www.knaufinsulation.us
The calculator allows you to find the minimum R-Values for different areas of your home that will qualify you for energy efficiency tax credits, simply select the state and county where you live.
Adding insulation to your home keeps year-round temperatures more comfortable and consistent. Your HVAC system won't have to work as hard, reducing your monthly energy bills. But how much will you really save? What about available rebates and incentives? And what's the best type of insulation for different areas of your home? Click on the links below to find out.
“Ensuring that homeowners are aware of tax incentives and rebates can help building professionals close the deal on energy-efficiency projects,” explained Paul Valle, president of CertainTeed Insulation. “CertainTeed’s new online tools provide a useful selling aid and add credibility to the process.”
Powered by Green Ohm, a leader in providing manufacturers, retailers and contractors with rebate and incentive data and tools for energy efficient products, CertainTeed’s Rebate & Incentives Calculator enables homeowners to input a zip code and instantly receive a list of federal, state and local utility insulation incentives that apply to their area. The tool also provides instructions and any relevant forms associated with the incentive or rebate.
The Calculate Your Energy Savings tool estimates the energy savings associated with specific energy-efficiency improvements. The tool calculates savings based on the homeowner’s zip code, type of fuel used in the home, age of heating and cooling equipment, amount of existing insulation and amount of insulation to be installed.
To help explain the different types of insulation to homeowners, building professionals can use the Insulation Calculator. The calculator helps determine the recommended R-Value based on geographic region and specific area of a home, such as the attic, walls, and basement. The tool also helps calculate the square footage of the project to determine how much insulation is needed.
CertainTeed offers a comprehensive line of insulation products and equipment, including time-tested and trusted fiberglass insulation, fiberglass blow-in insulation, polyurethane spray foam, innovative vapor barrier technology, HVAC products as well as insulation blowing and foam application equipment. All of CertainTeed’s insulation products can help building professionals qualify toward credits for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) through the Canadian Green Building Council.
For more information, visit www.certainteed.com/itools.
About CertainTeed
Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed® is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,000 employees and more than 65 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. Recognized as a 2009 and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CertainTeed earned the 2011 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award, the highest level of recognition for outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. The group had total sales of approximately $3 billion in 2010. www.certainteed.com
When improving a home's energy efficiency, air sealing is generally near the top of the list, both in terms of effectiveness and payback. However, as anyone who has been in the field doing the air sealing will tell you, it is not always as easy in practice as it is in theory. Long time member and Past President Jeff Boone will present this as a topic at the RESNET conference February 27-29th in Austin, TX. This session will discuss air sealing for new and existing homes, commonly missed areas and best practices in getting a well-tightened house. For more information on the RESNET show, click here.
Touch ‘n Seal’s CPDS Series 2 Constant Pressure Dispensing System was used to complete the job
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — April 1, 2011 — Convenience Products, the manufacturer of Touch ‘n Seal insulating foams and sealants, recently donated almost 4,500 board feet of spray foam insulation to aid in rebuilding Elks Lodge 1721 in East Central Missouri. The Lodge was destroyed in a fire last December when a truck collided with the building and struck a gas line.
As rebuilding efforts got underway, Bruce Dement, an Elks Lodge 1721 member and Convenience Products employee, decided to approach his employer to see if they would consider selling the Elks chapter a substantial amount of foam insulation at a discounted price. Dement’s request was denied. “For a moment, I was taken aback….until they told me they would be happy to donate the product,” says Dement. “And, on top of that, the company also volunteered to send a team of their skilled applicators to come out and install the foam for us.”
Using Touch ‘n Seal’s CPDS Series 2 Constant Pressure Dispensing System (CPDS), a self- contained, portable, constant pressure spray foam system, company volunteers were able to air seal and insulate the entire Elks building with spray foam in less than a day. “Our CPDS unit is perfect for foam insulation projects like this. It allowed us to quickly and efficiently complete the job,” says Michael Sites, Marketing Manager at Touch ‘n Seal.
The CPDS Series 2 delivers both open and closed cell, Class 1 fire-retardant foam and is designed for use in residential and commercial sealing and insulating applications. Using an adjustable constant delivery rate, the CPDS operator can apply polyurethane spray foam to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Hoses up to 150’ long allow for jobsite portability and versatility. No chemical calibration is required. With an empty weight of less than 155 lbs., and a 24” x 33” footprint, the CPDS Series 2 fits in the back of a standard truck and easily navigates through standard doorways and entrances.
Touch ‘n Seal also supplied Touch ‘N Seal Gun Foam II Fire Blocking Foam to provide additional protection for electrical, plumbing and other through-penetration areas, and Touch ‘N Seal No Warp Window and Door Foam to provide an air tight seal around doors and windows.
“We were happy to supply these product donations and volunteers to help the Elk’s rebuilding efforts,” says Sites. “And, because spray foam insulation creates a barrier that holds in heat in the winter months and keeps structures cooler in the summer, we’re also happy that the Elk members will enjoy a comfortable, energy efficient building year-round.”
For more information, visit www.touch-n-seal.com or call 800-325-6180.
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About Touch ‘n Seal
Convenience Products, the manufacturer of Touch ‘n Seal products, is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri Touch ‘n Seal insulating foams and sealants are the benchmark for performance in commercial and industrial building and maintenance, OEM manufacturing and specialty applications. A full line of one and two-component spray foams and adhesives are available, including fire blocking foam (ICC-ES: ESR-1926), Low Pressure Window & Door Foam, Drywall Panel Adhesives, Heating Systems and Accessories, Two-Component, Disposable Units, Mining Specialty Units and One-Component Disposable Cylinders. Spray foam is available from 15-board feet kits to 120-gallon refill systems. One-component straw and gun foam available in 12 to 30.5 oz. aerosol cans. For more information, visit http://www.touch-n-seal.com
“We believe strongly in setting sustainability goals, tracking our progress and sharing the results with our employees, suppliers, customers and the communities that we all live in,” says Chris Altmansberger, vice president of operations support and process sustainability at CertainTeed Corporation. “We continue to demonstrate our commitment by creating a culture which is more responsible to our surrounding environment.”
One of CertainTeed’s most notable environmental achievements was a substantial reduction in energy use by its facilities — a savings that kept more than 70,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere. The savings is the equivalent of the carbon dioxide absorbed by 3 million trees in a year.
“We’re extremely proud of the significant reductions we’ve made in this area in addition to water usage and the amount of waste that our facilities generate,” adds Altmansberger.
As a result of the company’s accomplishments and leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, CertainTeed has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR(R) Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2009 and 2010.
“In addition to responsible manufacturing processes, influencing the entire life cycle of our products through stewardship and innovation is inherent to CertainTeed’s commitment to sustainability,” says Aman Desouza, director of innovation and product sustainability at CertainTeed. “Doing our part for the environment is one of the best ways we can serve our customers and our world today and for generations to come.”
In recent years, CertainTeed has developed several innovative, new products that contribute to sustainability of homes and buildings. Many of these products include high-recycled content, help conserve energy and improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Products include: Sustainable Insulation <http://www.certainteed.com/sustainableinsulation> (TM), manufactured to improve energy efficiency without any added formaldehydes, acrylics, dyes or unnecessary fire-retardant chemicals; EnerGen <http://www.certainteed.com/products/roofing/340735> (TM) photovoltaic roofing panels, a renewable energy source that also offers aesthetic curb appeal; and <http://www.certainteed.com/airrenew> AirRene <http://www.certainteed.com/airrenew> w(TM) gypsum board, a revolutionary product that actively improves indoor air quality.
The evaluation of life cycle impacts of CertainTeed products has also played a leading role in maximizing their sustainability. For example, CertainTeed Corporation is one of the first building product manufacturers to develop programs to reclaim vinyl siding and roofing shingles at the end of their lives and recycle them into new, useful products.
CertainTeed employees are well trained to be environmental stewards and safe workers. Twenty-two CertainTeed manufacturing facilities have been inducted into Saint-Gobain’s Millionaires Club — a program designed to reward plants that have operated at least 1 million work hours without a lost-time accident.
CertainTeed helps many local organizations with donations of money, products, education and volunteer support from its employees. For example, the company has donated several products and technical support over the years for projects that benefit families in need and also donated a variety of products to the landmark sustainable rebuilding of tornado-stricken Greensburg, Kansas.
For more information on sustainable building, or to download a copy of CertainTeed’s Corporate Sustainability Report, go to www.certainteed.com/buildingresponsibly <http://www.certainteed.com/buildingresponsibly> .
About CertainTeed
Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed(R) is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,000 employees and more than 65 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. In 2009 and 2010, CertainTeed, which is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., was named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a national award that recognizes environmentally responsible corporations. The group had total sales of approximately $3 billion in 2010. www.certainteed.com <http://www.certainteed.com/> .
As a recognized worldwide manufacturer of products for thermal dynamic and biological process industries, Brentwood Industries continues to bring innovative solutions to the commercial building industry that exceed customer expectations. Our products are designed and engineered to perform with greater efficiency and a higher quality than similar products.
Original AccuVent® Soffit Ventilation System
Designed specifically for traditional ceiling applications with either “blown-in” or “batting” type insulation. Easy to install with only 6-8 staples. Prevents wind washing and drifting of insulation. An excellent measure to help prevent mold and mildew growth. 100% recycled flame retardant plastic meets the new EnergyStar Thermal Bypass Checklist requirement.
This precedent-setting resource is available on the CertainTeed website at www.certainteed.com/buildingscience and was developed specifically for building and design professionals interested in building forensics and building physics.The Building Science sitelet provides building and design solutions that are based in science, including problem diagnosis, integrated solutions and best practices. While the concepts presented are intended for an audience of building and design professionals, they are offered in a manner that is understandable to all visitors. Building science topics covered on the site include: Acoustics, Fire Performance, Indoor Environmental Quality, Moisture Management, Sustainability, and Energy Efficiency. Visitors to the site can access frequently asked questions, videos and literature on specific topics, as well as practical building and design strategies.
“As the demand for sustainable construction continues to grow, it’s critical to understand how building products and systems interact with each other in a way that can have unintended consequences for the performance and durability of the building,” says Stan Gatland, manager of building science technology at CertainTeed. “Our new CertainTeed Building Science sitelet provides that type of information to the building and design community, as well as those who occupy the homes and buildings. With this resource, CertainTeed is doing its part to drive the industry toward the most sustainable building practices.”
Over time, CertainTeed will continue to add more building science information to the site, including white papers published by its Building Science team members, as well as other valuable building science content.
For more information on how to implement building science design techniques into projects for more sustainable results, go to www.certainteed.com/buildingscience.
About CertainTeed
Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed(R) is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,000 employees and more than 65 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. In 2009 and 2010, CertainTeed, which is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., was named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a national award that recognizes environmentally responsible corporations. The group had total sales of approximately $3 billion in 2010. www.certainteed.com
###
To speak to an expert, contact Mike Loughery of CertainTeed Corporation at mike.b.loughery@saint-gobain.com or 610-341-7328.
For more information contact:
Michael B. Loughery, CertainTeed
(610) 341-7328
mike.b.loughery@saint-gobain.com
www.certainteed.com/pressroom
and check out Touch 'n Seal's full product line of polyurethane foam
systems to air seal and insulate residential, commercial and
industrial buildings!
The RESNET Building Performance Conference is the premier national forum on home energy ratings, residential energy efficiency financing, and building performance business development. The 2011 RESNET Building Performance Conference will take place on February 28 to March 2, 2011 in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Bringing the new partnership between RESNET and BIBCA into focus, Kristin Bennett (BIBCA), Dan Stoner (BIBS, and Greg Kudrna (Henges Insualtion) will present a session titled "BIBS Vs. BOBS - Know the Difference!". The goal of this presentation is to educate HERS raters on BIBS as a system, the pros and cons of the many systems out there, and how BIBCA can be a valuable resource for Raters.
For more information on the RESNET conference, click here.
Facilitated by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, the Communitas Awards are an international effort that recognizes businesses, organizations and individuals for excellence in community service and corporate social responsibility. Recognizing the spirit of communitas, or people helping people, Communitas winners make giving back to their communities a priority.
ST. LOUIS—Dec. 1, 2010—Convenience Products, the manufacturer of Touch ‘n Seal <http://www.touch-n-seal.com/index.htm> (http://www.touch-n-seal.com <http://www.touch-n-seal.com/> ) insulating foams, sealants and specialty products, has added a new, ergonomically designed spray foam applicator <http://www.touch-n-seal.com/sprayfoamapplicator.htm> to their product lineup. The applicator features a contoured trigger with rounded edges for increased comfort and the trigger has been lengthened to easily fit four fingers.
“The ergonomic design of our new spray foam applicator reduces operator hand fatigue allowing the user to work longer with less energy expended,” says Michael Sites, Industrial Building Materials Marketing Manager at Touch ‘n Seal. “Another great feature of the new design is a higher hand placement that enhances spray foam pattern accuracy.” Touch ‘n Seal’s new applicator features an easy-to-use, dependable anti-crossover nozzle system that accurately meters chemical output from low to high rates of application. Cone and fan spray nozzles ensure a precise and economical application of spray foam.
For a local distributor, please call Touch ‘n Seal’s Customer Service at 1-800-325-6180.
# # #
About Touch ‘n Seal
Convenience Products, the manufacturer of Touch ‘n Seal products, is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri Touch ‘n Seal insulating foams and sealants are the benchmark for performance in commercial and industrial building and maintenance, OEM manufacturing and specialty applications. A full line of one and two-component spray foams and adhesives are available, including fire blocking foam (ICC-ES: ESR-1926), Low Pressure Window & Door Foam, Drywall Panel Adhesives, Heating Systems and Accessories, Two-Component, Disposable Units, Mining Specialty Units and One-Component Disposable Cylinders. Spray foam is available from 15-board feet kits to 120-gallon refill systems. One-component straw and gun foam available in 12 to 30.5 oz. aerosol cans. For more information, visit http://www.touch-n-seal.com <http://www.touch-n-seal.com/>
Click Here to join the free webinar
Join us for an updated webinar to discuss the post-election outlook of
Federal programsand the importance of the energy efficiency
movement regardless ofwhat programs are in play.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM PDT, 9:30
AM - 10:30 AM Mountain, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Central Time
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing
information about joining the Webinar. Greener Dawn has
developed a leasing program so the contractor can lease a
package of equipment, the BPI training course with testing,
and a year's worth of leads for one low monthly price.
It's an awesome opportunity for BIBCA members to participate
in home energy efficiency without having to come out of pocket.
Visit greenbibca.com for more information on this training opportunity.
Historically, cellulose has been promoted as the only choice for dense pack applications. However, CertainTeed InsulSafe SP and OPTIMA loose-fill fiber glass insulation provides the same reductions in air permeance as cellulose while delivering a number of other significant benefits.
• Fewer packages needed — less labor, handling and job site trash
• Higher R-Value per inch — higher wall R-Values
• EPA and BPI approved for weatherization programs and retrofit applications
• GREENGUARD® Children and Schools Certified for indoor air quality
• High recycled glass content (30-35%)
• Won’t absorb moisture or support mold growth
• Naturally non-combustible; no fire-retardant chemicals added
• Doesn’t settle — less dust
“The CPDS Series 2 has terrific new features that contractors are going to really appreciate,” says Michael Sites, Touch ‘n Seal Product Manager. “After the successful launch of the original CPDS 1000, we listened to our customer requests and we responded to them. The result is a high-performance spray foam dispensing system ideal for business start-ups or service expansion for any contractor looking for a low investment cost with a high rate of return.”
The Touch ‘n Seal CPDS Series 2 delivers both open and closed cell, Class 1 fire-retardant foam and is designed for use in residential and commercial sealing and insulating applications. Using an adjustable constant delivery rate, the CPDS Series 2 operator can apply polyurethane spray foam to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Hoses up to 150’ long allow for jobsite portability and versatility. No chemical calibration is required. With an empty weight of less than 155 lbs., and a 24” x 33” footprint, the CPDS Series 2 fits in the back of a standard truck and easily navigates through standard doorways and entrances.
CPDS Series 2 Performance and Durability enhancements include:
- Built in thermostatically controlled heater that maintains chemicals, hoses and CPDS at optimal operating temperatures
- An upgraded heavy duty pressure booster
- Redesigned hangers that hold up to 150’ of chemical hose for easier handling/hose control
- A durable, powder coated metal tool box
- Heavy duty labels that resist chemical stains, scratches and weathering
- An extra set of heavy duty pressure hoses in every tool box to reduce down time/allow for faster repairs
- A heavy duty CPDS cover that helps maintain proper temperatures when used with the built in heater. The cover also features a large, clear window to see the complete control panel and tool box
- Improved cold weather starting
- New and improved heavy duty, white ball bearing rear wheels
- Heavy duty pressure hose fixtures for ease of attachment
- Bright, updated control panel graphics that are easy to read and understand
Touch ‘n Seal foams contain no CFCs and are International Residential Code Compliant. The CPDS Series 2 is available nationwide and throughout Canada. For a local distributor, please call Touch ‘n Seal’s Customer Service at 1-800-325-6180.
Finalizing partnership with Greener Dawn. Discounts for BIBCA members on certification to become part of the Gold Star action. Click here for more information on this program.
Specializing in the development of high volume sorbent materials and booms, Jeffrey Brelsford, president of S.E. Squared, Inc., came up with the idea of treating fiberglass insulation rendering it hydrophobic. Specifically, the patent-pending InsulSorb is designed to repel water and absorb toxic or hazardous materials such as oil, antifreeze, gasoline and other pollutants from bodies of water, garage floors and roadways.
InsulSorb consists of unbounded, shredded fiberglass blowing wool particles that may be sprayed from an aircraft or boat over water, or by a vehicle on land to rapidly absorb toxic or hazardous materials.
“The light weight material absorbs the pollutant in minutes rather than hours or days. It’s capable of soaking up 100 to 170 percent more than polyproylene, a material most commonly used by clean up specialists,” says Brelsford.
More importantly, Brelsford points out that because fiberglass consists of 100 percent natural sand and rock — unlike most other products composed of artificial materials — InsulSorb is environmental neutral. The product will not rot or decay, is recyclable after recovering oil by squeezing it out of the material and repels water, which means no mildew or fungus.
“We’ve been in the business of manufacturing insulation for almost half a century and are well versed in the environmentally friendly attributes of fiberglass,” says Paul Valle, president of CertainTeed Insulation. “We are committed to whatever we can to minimize the negative environmental impact from the Gulf oil spill.”
CertainTeed offers a comprehensive line of insulation products and equipment, including time-tested and trusted fiberglass insulation batts and rolls, fiberglass blow-in insulation, polyurethane spray foam, innovative vapor retarder technology, and highly regarded HVAC products as well as insulation blowing and foam application equipment. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com.
S.E. Squared, Inc., is a privately owned and operated company based in Quakertown, Pa. The company specializes in developing environmentally safe products for hazardous recovery specialists. For more information about InsulSorb, visit www.se2inc.com.
About CertainTeed
Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed® is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, windows, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,000 employees and more than 65 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. In 2009 and 2009, CertainTeed, which is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., was named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a national award that recognizes environmentally responsible corporations. The group had total sales of approximately $3 billion in 2009.
CertainTeed Corporation and its sister Saint-Gobain companies in North America are honored to be selected for the second straight year as a 2010 ENERGY STAR(R) Partner of the Year for Energy Management by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This prestigious award recognizes all of Saint-Gobain’s North American businesses, including CertainTeed, for their accomplishments and leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. In 2009, Saint-Gobain’s energy-use reduction equated to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions released to the atmosphere of more than 70,000 tons, a savings equivalent to the amount of energy required to manufacture wallboard to cover nearly 45,000 homes or insulate 100,000 homes. “CertainTeed is committed to preserving our environment through sustainable manufacturing and developing products that will improve energy efficiency,” says Peter Dachowski, president and CEO for CertainTeed Corporation. “We are pleased with our employees’ dedication to energy management which has made this year’s ENERGY STAR Partner of Year award possible.”
Well known for the manufacture of sustainable building products, environmental responsibility also plays a leading role in CertainTeed’s daily operations. The company’s insulation facility in Chowchilla, Calif., recently completed an energy efficiency project that will reduce overall plant energy consumption by 274kW per year, which is equal to the electricity use of approximately 25 homes per year. Energy savings were identified that will not only reduce greenhouse emissions but will yield productivity improvements as well. CertainTeed is the only fiberglass insulation manufacturer awarded the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year.
In 2009, the ceilings plant in L’Anse, Mich., demonstrated a perfect management of resources with local electric company, Warden Electric. Converting from coal, oil, and natural gas fuel to a biomass powered plant, Warden Electric transfers the excess steam from the plant to CertainTeed for use in its production in mineral fiber ceiling tiles, displacing the use of natural gas, previously used to run the product dryers. Additionally, CertainTeed provides scrap generated in its production process to the power plant to be burned for additional green biomass input. More than 400 tons of material per day is diverted from landfills to produce additional green energy resources for public use.
CertainTeed is not only a leader in resourceful manufacturing operations, but also in the manufacture of products that help create more comfortable and healthy homes and buildings. In addition to the recently introduced EnerGen(TM) Photovoltaic Roofing System <http://www.certainteed.com/pressroom/pressRelease.aspx?id=293> , CertainTeed manufactures a variety of energy-efficient products, including Sustainable Insulation(TM) <http://www.certainteed.com/products/insulation/fiber-glass-insulation/batts---rolls/340425> , a new fiberglass insulation product meeting the strictest California Indoor Air Quality Requirements that incorporates 35 percent recycled material, a starch-based binder and a low impact manufacturing process.
CertainTeed also offers other residential and commercial fiberglass insulation batts and rolls; fiberglass blow-in insulation; polyurethane spray foam; smart vapor retarders; Landmark(TM) Solaris Solar Reflective Roofing Shingles <http://www.certainteed.com/products/roofing/residential/designer/317920> ; CedarBoards(TM) Insulated Siding <http://www.certainteed.com/products/vinyl-siding/horizontal-siding/309791> ; and the T-Roc(TM) Thermal Insulation Basement/Foundation System <http://www.certainteed.com/products/foundations/foundation-insulation/311483> , along with many others that are ENERGY STAR certified. Many of these products can also help homeowners earn energy efficiency federal tax credits included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award winners include Fortune 500 companies and small business, all dedicated to reaching annual goals to shrink energy use. Introduced by the EPA in 1992, ENERGY STAR works with more than 17,000 organizations to improve the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award winners were selected from the organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.
For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov <http://www.energystar.gov/> . To learn more about CertainTeed and energy efficiency products, visit www.certainteed.com <http://www.certainteed.com/> .
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 17,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov <http://www.energystar.gov> .
About Saint-Gobain
Founded in 1665 and headquartered in Paris, Saint-Gobain had worldwide sales of $53 billion in 2009 and employs approximately 209,000 people. In addition to CertainTeed, Saint-Gobain manufacturing businesses include Saint-Gobain Containers (Muncie, Ind.); Saint-Gobain Crystals (Hiram, Ohio); Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics (Grand Island, New York) and Saint-Gobain Abrasives (Worcester, Mass.).
In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain employs approximately 19,000 people, with approximately 150 manufacturing plants and more than 150 distribution outlets. The company reported North American sales of approximately $7 billion in 2009.
About CertainTeed
Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed® is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, windows, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,000 employees and more than 65 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. In 2009 and 2010, CertainTeed, which is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., was named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a national award that recognizes environmentally responsible corporations. The group had total sales of approximately $3 billion in 2009.
Knauf introduces Perimeter Plus™ Blow-in-Blanket® System
(SHELBYVILLE, Ind., April 18, 2006)
Knauf Insulation announces the introduction of Perimeter Plus, a high-quality blowing insulation specifically designed for use with the Blow-in-Blanket System (BIBS). Blowing Perimeter Plus into closed cavities behind Perimeter Plus netting provides complete, consistent coverage with high R-value performance. Knauf Insulation’s Perimeter Plus Blow-In-Blanket System offers the highest R-value possible, delivering up to an R-15 in 2x 4 construction and an R-23 in 2 x 6 construction. Perimeter Plus fills gaps and voids in the wall cavity to create a thermal barrier from the outside air and also reduced sound transmission from room to room—as much as a 4 to 10 point improvement in STC (sound transmission class) ratings.
BIBS is a patented netting system that holds loose-fill fiber glass in place within the cavity, and has been tested and proven in the field. Because Perimeter Plus is engineered specifically for the blow-in-blanket application, it doesn’t settle within the cavity, assuring its thermal and acoustical performance. Perimeter Plus is also certified by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute as a low-emitting product, assuring excellent indoor air quality performance. Knauf Insulation has built a reputation for premium quality and easy handling. Jetstream Blowing Insulation for attics offers a faster process speed with market leading coverage for R-30 efficiency.
Perimeter Plus offers the same quality, blowing in smooth and consistent with excellent installed performance. Perimeter Plus enhances Knauf’s building insulation line with another excellent option for interior and exterior wall cavities, and any irregular space where a blown-in product can achieve better coverage and R-value. Knauf Insulation is a leading global manufacturer of thermal and acoustical insulations for residential, commercial, industrial, OEM and metal building applications.
For more information about Knauf Perimeter Plus Blowing Insulation, contact your local Knauf sales representative or call 1-800-825-4434 extension 8300. For more information about Knauf sales and products, visit www.KnaufInsulation.com, write to Knauf Insulation, One Knauf Drive, Shelbyville, IN 46176 or call 800-825-4434.
Insulation manufacturer will boost production in blowing insulation, commercial/industrial, light density products by 2008 in $217M overall expansion
Knauf Insulation has announced an expansion project at its Shelbyville, Indiana operations that will expand production of its blowing insulations. Knauf will invest approximately $45 million to modify an existing manufacturing line in Shelbyville to increase capacity for its Jetstream blowing insulation and Perimeter Plus blown-in sidewall insulation. This announcement comes as Knauf is in the midst of another $177 million plant expansion in Shelbyville focused primarily on its commercial and industrial products. “This project means that Knauf will be investing more than $217 million in manufacturing capacity over a three year period,” said Robert Claxton, Knauf’s President. “This comes on the heels of the opening of our Shasta Lake, California, plant in 2002 that produces primarily building insulations. We understand that supply is a key concern for our customers, and we’re moving aggressively to expand our capacity.”
Perimeter Plus, used with the patented Blow-in-Blanket System (BIBS), offers the same quality for sidewall or irregular cavities where a blown-in product can deliver superior thermal and acoustical performance. Demand for these high-quality products are bolstered by the strong residential construction and remodeling markets. “Even as residential construction levels off, it remains at near-historic levels,” continued Claxton. “At the same time, it’s estimated that there are more than 46 million under-insulated homes in the U.S. That adds up to a tremendous market for our Jetstream and Perimeter Plus insulations.” The line modification will begin as Knauf continues with the $177 million rebuilding and expansion of its other Shelbyville facilities, announced in late 2004.
This project, proceeding according to schedule, involves the modernization of existing equipment and adding new manufacturing lines to meet increasing customer demand for commercial and industrial insulation products –including duct and equipment insulations and uncured products – as well as some light density insulations. The expansion will encompass 400,000 square feet in warehousing and the removal and rebuilding of an additional 400,000 sq. feet of production space.
Knauf Insulation is a leading global manufacturer of thermal and acoustical insulations for residential, commercial, industrial, OEM and metal building applications. For more information about Knauf sales and products, visit www.KnaufInsulation.com, write to Knauf Insulation, One Knauf Drive, Shelbyville, IN 46176 or call 800-825-4434.
Builders and contractors are constantly seeking ways to build better homes
and improve the overall building envelope.
They're demanding building products that provide superior performanceand value,
while also offering more-efficient installation and greater energy-efficiency
performance. Johns Manville's (JM) Engineered Products Group, a global leader
in the nonwoven industry, is responding to builders' needs by introducing two
new products -- Gorilla Wrap(TM), a translucent, non-perforated housewrap and
DuraBase(TM), an asphalt and nonwoven polyester roofing underlayment. JM i
s rolled out Gorilla Wrap and DuraBase at the National Association of Home
Builders 2006 International Builders' Show, January 11-14, 2006, in Orlando, Fla.
Gorilla Wrap
Gorilla Wrap(TM) is a non-perforated, nonwoven polymeric housewrap material
that decreases air infiltration resulting in increased energy efficiency and
maximum moisture control. Gorilla Wrap's superior strength, with a tear
resistance that is 300 percent higher than the leading housewrap, reduces builder
concern during installation and makes it one of the most durable housewrap
products on the market. "Combined with its tear strength and superior ultraviolet
inhibitors that allow at least six months exposure time, Gorilla Wrap gives builders
greater peace of mind and increased flexibility with job scheduling," said Fred Stephan,
vice president and general manager, High Performance Nonwovens for JM's Engineered
Products Group. "And since Gorilla Wrap is translucent, it also enhances and eases
installation by enabling contractors to see studs, nails and windows on the home's
framing beneath the housewrap." Unlike most housewraps on the market, Gorilla Wrap
is non-perforated, reducing the potential for bulk water penetration and allowing
trapped moisture to escape, thus reducing concerns about mold and mildew growth.
In addition, the non-perforated material keeps wood sheathing drier, reducing the
potential for rot and degradation within the wall cavity.
"Gorilla Wrap is another example of JM's commitment to the continuous improvement
of our building products offerings and the performance of all aspects of the building
envelope," said Stephan.
DuraBase
The unique composition of Johns Manville's new DuraBase(TM) roofing underlayment
employs the proven technology of asphalt with a new high-performance nonwoven
polyester reinforcement. "Since JM is the only manufacturer with the ability to produce
this combination of asphalt and nonwoven polyester, we can offer builders and contractors
this innovative product that provides the performance of synthetics with the benefits
and value of felt, while also providing the industry's most efficient installation process,"
said Zain Mahmood, vice president and general manager, Construction Materials & Systems
for JM's Engineered Products Group. The durability of the material enables DuraBase to
hold nails better and provides greater tear strength and puncture resistance than synthetics
or felt. It also offers greater waterproofing performance and better protection as it also
seals around nails. DuraBase's enhanced ultraviolet resistance allows longer exposure
to the sun (up to six months) without performance deterioration. "Creating solutions for
building science problems that benefit our customers is our highest priority," said Mahmood.
"DuraBase is a next-generation product that provides superior performance and value for
our customers who want the best of both worlds in roofing underlayment materials.
DuraBase creates highly-efficient installation processes because it unrolls flat in warm and
cold weather, weighs less than felt and provides greater coverage per roll, which all means
faster installation and less effort and hassle to transport and handle the product on rooftops.
"Strength, quality, superior performance and builder value are the hallmarks of our products,
and we know our customers are very excited about having these two new products available
to them," said Mahmood. For more information on these products call 800-251-1660, ext. 3772,
or go to http://www.jm.com/builder.
Johns Manville Announces Next Phase of Capacity Increase at Richmond, Ind. Manufacturing Plant
DENVER, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Johns Manville (JM) today announced that it is expanding its Formaldehyde-free(TM) fiber glass insulation capacity with the addition of a new loose-fill line at its manufacturing plant in Richmond, Ind. Construction of the new line will be complete by mid-2006.
The expansion will increase JM's North American loose-fill capacity by almost 20 percent. The new line supports accelerating demand for JM's Formaldehyde-free fiber glass building insulation products such as Spider(TM) Custom Spray-in Insulation and ClimatePro(R).
"This expansion reinforces JM's commitment to serving our customers' growing preference for our innovative products and reflects the construction industry's migration toward healthier buildings that are also environmentally smart and energy efficient," said Mike Lawrence, vice president and general manager of JM's Building Insulation Division.
The Richmond expansion marks the next phase of JM's capacity increase initiative. The entire capacity increase, announced November 17, 2004, will be complete by the end of 2006 and will add up to 200 million pounds of Formaldehyde-free fiber glass building insulation. The most recent phase of the capacity increase, announced June 23, 2005, is well underway at JM's Innisfail, Alberta, facility, which is increasing the company's North American loose-fill capacity by over 35 percent.
"Macro economic conditions, such as the rapid economic expansion underway in China are playing major roles in the skyrocketing cost of energy," added Lawrence. "Residential and commercial buildings, consume approximately 40 percent of our nation's energy for heating and cooling needs. Our capacity increases will further enable our customers to properly insulate their homes and buildings, conserve energy, and reduce energy costs through sustainable conservation without sacrificing indoor air quality."
About Johns Manville
Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B), is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building and specialty products. In business since 1858, the Denver-based company has annual sales of approximately $2.5 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves. Johns Manville employs approximately 8,500 people and operates 43 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Additional information can be found at http://www.jm.com.
By now I’m sure you are all aware of the recent transaction between Ark-Seal, Inc. International, Blow-In-Blanket, Inc. and Service Partners. For those of you that are not, on August 22, 2005, Service Partners acquired Jesse’s interests in both Ark-Seal and Blow-In-Blanket, Inc.
Members of the BIBCA Board have been in contact with Jesse as well as with the management of Service Partners and reps from our two fiber manufacturers. All have agreed to stay the course and continue working together to expand and promote BIBS. We have been assured that the Blow-In-Blanket staff will remain in tact, thus there should be no interruption in service from them.
BIBCA is looking forward to working with Service Partners to expand our membership base, and to add continuity and consistency to the services we are able to provide to YOU our members.
Questions relating to BIBCA can be directed to Kristin Bennett our Executive Director at the BIBCA Office 1-866-330-BIBS(2427). Other concerns should go directly to Jesse at 1-800-525-8992.
The BIBCA Board feels this transition will boost our efforts to bring benefits to our members and increase BIBS sales across the country.
Sincerely,
Brian Blad, BIBCA President
