Home Maintenence
QR: Frame A Room
Find a complete version of this article from Qualified Remodeler by visiting this link
The EcoStud Track and Stud System from Calumet, Mich.-based Superior Polymer offers a framing solution for interior, non-load-bearing walls or partitions that support gypsum wallboard construction. Because it is made from 100 percent recycled resins that contain postindustrial and post-consumer content, the system is ideal for moisture-prone environments, such as basements and buildings in wet coastal areas. It can be used in light-commercial and residential renovation projects. EcoStud, which was received the most reader inquiries from the April issue, page 76, also can earn credits in several green-building programs.
The system, which is lightweight and does not have sharp edges, is designed for fast installation using common tools. Pre-punched screw holes in the track provide attachment to overhead joists and foundation flooring while the track’s positioning slots lock each stud at the top and bottom. This provides placement of studs in 8-inch increments along the track without measurement. Each stud can be positioned at 16- or 24-inch on-center intervals without using fastening clips or screws.
EcoStud extruded studs are available in 8- or 10-foot lengths and can be cut and trimmed for framing around windows, ductwork, and stairway tread and risers. The C-channel design can be cut with a chop saw and fastens to other studs using common 1/2-inch needle-point screws.
Because the system is wood-free, it is impervious to water and related issues, such as rot and mold. It also eliminates damage caused by termites, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles and other wood-destroying insects.
The recycled resin studs provide R-values and help prevent rapid heat loss. Resin studs will not promote extreme thermal bridging and will eliminate condensation stripes from forming in cold environments.
The track and studs accept most insulation products, including spray foam, fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose and rigid foam board.
All EcoStud resin studs include 2-inch-diameter top and bottom conduit holes for routing electrical wires and plumbing. Outlet and switch boxes also can be attached.
For more information about the EcoStud Track and Stud System from Superior Polymer, type 63 in E-Inquiry Form or visitdirectory.qualifiedremodeler.com/product/10239491.
Insulation- the Green Way
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Johns Manville’s formaldehyde-free fiberglass building insulation offers superior thermal and acoustical performance while improving indoor air quality. Products from Johns Manville’s complete line of formaldehyde-free fiberglass building insulation have qualified for SCS Indoor Advantage Gold + Formaldehyde Free certification from Scientific Certification Systems. |
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fiberAmerica’s Green Seal cellulose fiber insulation product line includes offerings with all Class 1, Type A building materials that are best fit for attic, sidewall and ceiling applications. Made from recycled newspaper, these products are treated with non-toxic, naturally occurring fire retardant minerals and allow moisture to dissipate through the material, thereby preventing mold. |
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GreenFiber natural fiber blow-in insulation is made from 85 percent recycled-paper fiber specially treated for flame resistance. This natural fiber insulation provides outstanding resistance to heat flow for thermal applications and noise suppression for acoustical treatments. |
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SAFETOUCH Fiberglass-Free Insulation, a product from Dow Building Solutions, is environmentally friendly and incorporates technological developments to promote an indoor environment that is comfortable, healthy and energy-efficient. SAFETOUCH insulation is manufactured from polyester fiber, a percentage of which is derived from post-consumer recycled materials. The product is safe to touch and easy to install. |
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UltraTouch Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation, manufactured by Bonded Logic Inc., is comprised of post-consumer recycled cotton fibers sourced from denim. The UltraTouch line of batt insulation offers R-8 to R-30 thermal values. UltraTouch contains no chemical irritants or formaldehyde. |
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Sustainable Insulation from CertainTeed is a new fiberglass insulation product meeting the strictest California indoor air quality requirements. The product, which has a low-impact manufacturing process, incorporates recycled materials and a bio-based organic binder. It contains no phenol formaldehyde, harsh acrylics or dyes. |
Leaf Guard, Lead Paint & The Striker
Qualified Remodeler released Top 100 Product Choices* and among the list of awesome products, we picked out a few to mention for our followers:
* To view the complete list of Qualified Remodeler’s list of top 100 products, click on this link. To view the products listed in this specific blog post, click on the link next to the product number.
#23: Flo-Free Leaf Guard:
DCI Products designed a Lead Guard to prevent clogged gutters. The black nylon is 3/4-inch-thick and fits inside any gutter size as well as in seamless gutters. This guard prevents leaves, pine needles, snow, twigs and other debris from clogging.
Esca Tech developed a D-Lead Paint Test Kit to detect the presence of lead on serfuraces. It detects lead in surface coating at a level of 1.0mg/cm2 in only 3 to 13 minutes. This kit can be used on drywall, plaster, wood and some metal surfaces.
#80: The Striker
The Striker was developed by Simmons Tool Company and used to stake driving tools. The Striker increases work efficiency by using a larger strike surface and adding the stability of a shock-absorbing handle, eliminates injury and protects your stakes from damage. Four models are available in this product.
Water, Water, Everywhere
Peter Yost created a blog on water efficiency which you can find here.
I came across this article and knew I had to post. Recently, this blog has been focusing a lot of going green through saving energy. Now, we should move on focus on ways of going green through our water habits. Below is an article by Peter Yost that I know everyone should not only read, but follow:
Water: The Backseat Driver
When we talk about the environment and environmentally responsible building, it’s almost always energy that takes the spotlight, with water pretty far down the list. But it’s not hard to see just how much of a back seat driver water can be:
• We don’t have any substitutes for clean water and we use a ton of it every day.Actually, more like a ton and a half; the typical US household uses 400 gallons of water a day and that’s about 3200 pounds! (Source: EPA WaterSense)
• Even in areas of the country with long histories of more than 40 inches of precipitation a year, we can be just a few short years away from not enough water to support our needs. Atlanta averages more than 50 inches of rain a year but it was just a few short years ago that Atlanta was experiencing a severe prolonged drought. (Source: US Drought Monitor)
• In many areas of our country, the connections between water and energy are deep—in the state of California, more than one-sixth of all energy consumed is related to meeting water demands. Nationwide, about 80% of municipal water processing costs are for electricity. (Source: Center for Sustainable Systems)
And water is essential to more than just environmental quality; it is increasingly becoming a driver economically as well:
• Water and sewer infrastructure costs: EPA reports that updating our water and sewer infrastructure could cost nearly $500 billion over the next 20 years. (Source: EPA)
• Impact fees: In 2009, the impact fees for a water hook-up alone (not including sewer) averaged $3,582 in Florida; $5,792 in Virginia; $6,879 in Colorado. And forget about beautiful Oro Valley in Arizona—hook-up fees for new homes there are a whopping $27,381 per lot. (Source: National Impact Fee Survey: 2009)
• Water rates: In general, we have pretty low water rates, but that’s not true across-the-board. Typical monthly water bills for both Seattle and Atlanta are well over $70, and in Santa Fe are over $120. (Source: The Price of Water: A Comparison of Water Rates, Usage in 30 US Cities)
After reading this, how can we help in reducing the amount of water we use on a daily basis?
- Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
- Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap
- Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful
- Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
- When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
- Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
- Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month
- Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
- When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather
Spice up with Stone
Product of the day: Eldorado Stone
Eldorado Stone offers a relaxing, sleek, and gorgeous look to your home being one of the most believable stone veneer in the world. The handcrafted molds and natural color palettes create a real stone look. Eldorado Stone is lighter than real stone, and can be installed on any sound surface with proper preparation. In general, almost anyone can install this stone themselves. It can be placed on the interior or exterior of the home. We personally love the look of stone in the bathroom!
To find your perfect stone for your bathroom, or for any part of your home, visit: www.eldoradostone.com
Sink & Countertop Combo
The Iron/Occasions ITB presented by Kohler offers homeowners a complete island solution with the combination sink and countertop! The island features a seamless, integrated trough and a containment rim for enhanced cleanability and a beautiful appearance. The Iron/Occasions Island offers flexible installation options and can be mounted on common island cabinetry or placed on the optional stainless steel base for a modern feel.
The island is guaranteed not to chip, crack or burn. Two cutting boards are included with the island. These paper-based fiber composite cutting boards are low-profile, dishwasher-safe, and scratch and stain resistant. Also provided is a drain cover to give that modern look!
Visit www.kohler.com to pick out your island!
Kitchen Goodies
Don’t you hate carrying over a pot of water from your sink to the stove? JACLO Industries introduced a new product, JACLO pot fillers. These fillers swing out from over the stove, allowing access to all burners.
The fillers are easily stores pushed up against the wall in one motion. Depending on the type of pot filler, you can add features such as a positive shut-off at the front handle, so you don’t have to reach over the hot stove to turn it off!
To find your perfect pot filler, visit www.jaclo.com
Door, Window & Siding Sealant!!!
Product of the Day
OSI QUAD is an advanced formula sealant that can be applied to wet and dry surfaces on window, roof or siding. Quad resists dirt and dust collection, yellowing and water washout.
OSI Quad is mildew resistant, and both paintable and stainable!
There are over 3,500 colors to choose from to get a perfect match! Finding your color online is simple because they list colors by the manufacturer.
To find your color match and get a reliable sealant, click on the link below:
www.osipro.com
Dual Flush! Save h20
Improve your green home by adding high efficiency bathroom fixtures!
High efficiency toilets have an average flush as low as .9 gallons per flush. The dual flush provides the option between a full flush or half flush allowing you to save water! If your family currently has a 3.5 gallon toilet, you would use approximately 26,000 gallons of water per year. By using a high efficiency dual flush toilet, your family would only use 7,000 gallons of water per year!!
You can check out dual flushing toilets here by visiting www.caromausa.com
Prevost Construction Inc 
