Building Products for Remodeling: November 2008 Archives
Take the Guesswork Out of an FM Approved Roof
RoofNav, FM Approvals' Web-based tool for roofing professionals, is a complimentary offering from FM Approvals. This exciting product takes the guesswork out of configuring an FM Approved roofing system, leaving you to focus on what matters most: your business.
RoofNav puts all the roofing-related information from the Approval Guide and related installation recommendations from relevant FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets at your fingertips-anytime, anywhere.
A unique password-protected product, RoofNav offers roofing professionals step-by-step guidance on how to identify, configure and install various roofing assemblies and components that comply with FM Approvals roofing standards. Architects, consultants, designers, specifiers and contractors can easily:
- Configure and install FM Approved roofs and roofing assemblies
- Determine hail/wind-uplift/fire ratings specific to your project
- Produce accurate installation guidelines
- Access the latest FM Approvals information
- Identify available substitute products that meet FM Approvals requirements
- Work anytime, anywhere via the Internet
http://www.fmglobal.com/
Even though we spend as much as 95% of our time indoors... humans still respond positively to daylight. We awake in the morning light and we get sleepy in the dark. That genetic reality can be used effectively at work and at home by maximizing the use of natural light.
When used in conjunction with photosensor or light-dimming controls, skylights such as Carlisle's DryLight can provide significant energy savings by reducing the use of artificial lighting, minimizing peak electrical loads and reducing overall operating costs. Because of its eco-friendly characteristics, natural light skylights such as Carlisle's DryLight can significantly contribute toward LEED® credit requirements in three categories.
Studies have shown that daylighting increases productivity in the workplace, improves learning in schools and increases purchasing by 5-8% in retail stores.
Carlisle SynTec
http://carlisle-syntec.com
When used in conjunction with photosensor or light-dimming controls, skylights such as Carlisle's DryLight can provide significant energy savings by reducing the use of artificial lighting, minimizing peak electrical loads and reducing overall operating costs. Because of its eco-friendly characteristics, natural light skylights such as Carlisle's DryLight can significantly contribute toward LEED® credit requirements in three categories.
Studies have shown that daylighting increases productivity in the workplace, improves learning in schools and increases purchasing by 5-8% in retail stores.
Carlisle SynTec
http://carlisle-syntec.com
- Nearly half (49%) of U.S. homeowners are not aware if the cleaning products they use are environmentally safe.
- 58% are likely (likely/very likely/extremely likely) to purchase "green" cleaning products.
- 63% of homeowners are concerned (concerned/very concerned/extremely concerned) that cleaning products may be made with chemicals that may be hazardous to their health. One in five (21%) are extremely concerned.
- Carpet is the most common floor covering in U.S. homes. The majority of U.S. homeowners use carpet in bedrooms (80%), living rooms (65%), offices/dens (68%) and family rooms (63%).
- The majority (52%) of survey participants indicated the primary advantage of carpet is that it's comfortable. 41% say the biggest drawback is that it shows soil.
- Among homeowners who replaced their carpet, 49% did so because of wear while four in 10 (38%) replaced carpet due to soiling and staining issues.
- Nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. homeowners have rugs in their homes.
- Half of U.S. homeowners (50 percent) say it's extremely or very important to hire a professional cleaning service that is certified by a professional organization.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an ANSI-accredited non-profit certifying body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries.
How Healthy Are National Green Building Programs?, The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) compared green building and indoor air quality guidelines.
The study recommends the following improvements be made to several programs to reduce contaminants:
Except for the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) all programs require compliance with the ventilation standard ASHRAE 62.2. NCHH recommends NAHB add this requirement to their guidelines.
The study recommends the following improvements be made to several programs to reduce contaminants:
- Avoid the use of mold susceptible materials in areas likely to get wet (bathrooms). Use dense glass gypsum board instead of paper-backed gypsum board.
- Require sub-slab depressurization systems [radon mitigation system ] in new homes to help reduce soil odors.
- Set the hot water heater to 120 degrees F. This is primarily a safety issue although setting the temperature to 120-140°F vs. 160-180°F saves 10% energy as well.
Except for the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) all programs require compliance with the ventilation standard ASHRAE 62.2. NCHH recommends NAHB add this requirement to their guidelines.
