App Makes It Simple to Design a Dream Outdoor Living Space and Share Ideas in a Mobile Format WINCHESTER, Va., July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Trex Company, the world's largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing, recently launched a Deck Color Visualizer exclusively for the iPad. Available for complimentary download from the Apple iTunes App Store, the tool assists homeowners in exploring deck color options and sharing their ideas with others. Featuring photo-realistic representations of three Trex outdoor living spaces, users may experiment virtually with the colors of various deck elements in order to design a completely customized outdoor oasis. Easy to Use The Trex Deck Color Visualizer was specifically developed to provide a user-friendly and simplified experience. Each pre-loaded photo features primary and accent decking boards and fascia – while two of the three photos also show Trex railing components, including top and bottom rails, balusters, posts, post caps and post skirts. With just a touch on the Color Visualizer toolbar, the user may view the available deck and railing components in a variety of colors – including the seven rich Trex Transcend® hues that feature subtle shading, natural variations and distinctive hardwood-like textures. These colors are Tree House (light brown), Vintage Lantern (deep-burnished bronze), Fire Pit (spicy red), Gravel Path (pristine grey), Spiced Rum (warm, earthy umber), Lava Rock (rich, reddish-black hardwood streaking) and Rope Swing (a light taupe). Additionally, the user may view the railing in Classic White and Black. Easy to Share Ideas Once the user has created an ideal color scheme, the finished photo may be saved to the iPad for future reference. It also may be emailed directly to friends, family or potential contractors for idea sharing and feedback. In addition, a menu bar at the top of the Visualizer screen includes links to the Trex website that will allow a user to easily find local Trex dealers and contractors.

The event scheduled 26-29 September offers discounted flights to Verona for passengers choosing the Lufthansa Group network with direct delivery of luggage to hotels at no additional cost. The exhibition centre has dedicated info points for travellers, as well as web check-in services. These initiatives for Marmomacc exhibitors and visitors were made possible thanks to an agreement between Veronafiere, Verona Airport and Lufthansa. Book through http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.marmomacc.it/.marmomacc.it to take advantage of these discounts Verona, 31 July 2012. Flying to Marmomacc has never been so convenient and comfortable. Thanks to the collaboration agreement signed by Veronafiere, Verona Airport and Lufthansa, a series of benefits have been defined for exhibitors and operators choosing the German airline to reach the 47th Edition of Marmomacc, the most important exhibition in the world dedicated to marble, granite, machinery and manufacturing technologies, training and design scheduled at VeronaFiere 26-29 September 2012. For tickets purchased through the official website of the event www.marmomacc.it, Lufthansa will ensure discount fares for direct connections to Verona Airport through the Munich hub (operated by Air Dolomiti), the Frankfurt hub and Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance flights connecting with Verona Airport as the final destination Valerio Catullo Airport will also provide a luggage "drop off" service valid 10.00-15.00 26-28 September: on booking this service through the site www.marmomacc.it when purchasing a ticket, on passing through the Arrivals Terminal airport staff will collect all bags for delivery to the hotel indicated at no extra charge. A dedicated reception desk will also be available in the Arrivals Terminal. During the four days of the event, lastly, Verona Airport will be on hand at the show with two offices located in the Gallery between halls 6 and 7 to provide maximum assistance to operators visiting Marmomacc. All these initiatives have been implemented to meet the needs of impressive numbers of international visitors: Marmomacc in 2011 welcomed 1,518 exhibitors (849 international, 56% of the total, from 61 countries), as well as 56,536 trade operators (28,294 international, 51% of total, from 132 countries).

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Many people think that primers are useful only when doing exterior painting, but that’s a mistaken notion. Like exterior primers, interior primers make surfaces more uniform and help paint adhere better, but they can do a lot more, according to Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. “Interior primers can actually help prevent a host of problems and enhance the appearance of a finished paint job,” she says. “By choosing the right type of primer for a particular project, it’s even possible to pinpoint the performance benefits you’ll get.” Here’s a quick sampling of some of the more common types of interior primers and how they can help improve your next paint job: Stain-blocking Primers. Walls and other interior surfaces often have water stains, smoke residue, grease, or other contaminants that can “bleed” right through a new coat of paint to ruin its appearance. To prevent that from happening, Zimmer advises applying a stain-blocking primer before painting to seal off the stain-producing agents. “These primers come in both latex and oil-based formulations, but latex stain blockers have much less odor, which is always a plus when working indoors,” she says. Vapor Barrier Primers. These interior primers are typically used in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to help prevent moisture from passing through the walls. By doing so, they help keep the wall insulation dry and reduce the chance of an exterior paint failure due to moisture exiting the interior. Vapor barrier primers also help maintain a comfortable level of humidity inside the home during the heating season. Kitchen and Bath Primers. These coatings are often used in the same areas as vapor barrier primers, but they serve a different purpose. Specially formulated with biocides and stain blockers, they help control the growth of mildew and mold in rooms that tend to be damp or humid. Drywall Primers. While these coatings are called primers, they really function as sealers, which are close cousins of the primer family. As the name indicates, they are applied over drywall and joint compound to help conceal the differences in their appearance and impart a more uniform look to the completed paint job. Latex Enamel Under-coaters. These primers are excellent for use under semi-gloss or gloss paint to ensure that the paint will develop its maximum gloss. After applying a latex enamel under-coater and letting it dry, Zimmer says it’s important to lightly sand off any visible brush marks before applying the glossy paint. Bonding Primers. When painting a slick material like glass, tile, Formica®, or vinyl-coated paneling, it is always wise to use a bonding primer. These primers are specially formulated to adhere to slippery surfaces and help create a more secure bond between the primer and paint. Even if you’re on a very tight budget, you shouldn’t fail to apply a primer when the circumstances call for one: the primer may actually save you money. That’s because you may need fewer coats of paint, especially on a previously unpainted surface. Likewise, if you are applying a dark-colored paint, you can often get away with fewer coats by applying a tinted primer beforehand. The net effect may very well be a more economical paint job!

Latest Product Enhancements Enable Network Members to Position and Distinguish Themselves from Their Competition JEFFERSON VALLEY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Blue Book Building and Construction Network has recently released upgrades and enhancements to their online company search engine, thebluebook.com. Recognized in the commercial construction industry as the premier source for finding company information on contractors, suppliers and manufacturers in the United States, The Blue Book Network’s online service now offers an enhanced ’ProView’ format, making it easier for General Contractors, Owners, Property Managers and Government Agencies to find the business intelligence they need to make the right hiring decisions for their projects. Complete company details are available in an easy-to-read and standard format, making it simple for online users of thebluebook.com to find current information, including: Contact information and branding A full-color photo gallery of projects or products Name brands and products installed/supplied Licenses (including the issuing agency and expiration) Recently completed projects Scope of work -- now including structure type and work type LEED/BIM certification and links to spec documents Additional key contacts and locations Geographical areas services Trade associations, memberships and government certifications Reference contacts on highlighted projects Direct links to social media sites Plus, in addition to more content, the new “ProView” format offers advanced functionality that enables users to save, print and share information.

Duradek, the leader in vinyl deck waterproofing since 1974, has the most tested vinyl membrane in the North American building industry with Duradek Ultra waterproof vinyl. Duradek Ultra meets or exceeds the performance requirements for North American Building Codes. While there are many vinyl products on the market, Duradek is proud to present their testing results for both Canada and the United States to show that Duradek Ultra is the most tested and approved waterproof membrane for use on balconies, decks, patios and roof top decks. Duradek Ultra is tested and approved for use as: - a traffic coating subject to pedestrian traffic: - a roofing membrane: - a roofing membrane over habitable space: - a walkable roofing membrane over habitable space (as required by Florida Building Code)

Babcock-Davis has received Miami-Dade County Product Control Approval for its roof access Hurricane Hatch. The product approval includes the industries highest design pressure performance of +/- 100 psf. Complying with the Florida Building Code (including the High Velocity Hurricane Zone) the Hurricane Hatch is ideally suited for commercial applications within areas exposed to high winds, hurricanes and tornadoes. Providing a superior quality product for roof access that can be specified with a high degree of confidence is another step in our commitment to customer first.

DELAND, Fla. – July 27, 2012 – Kingspan Insulated Panels North America, a global manufacturer of insulated metal panels for building construction, announced today bigger prizes will be offered for the Generation Kingspan™ Architecture Student Contest. The contest encourages U.S. and Canadian students to create an innovative, Net-Zero Energy, and low-impact environmentally designed building using Kingspan’s Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) and reflecting Kingspan’s sustainable corporate philosophy. The contest starts August 1, 2012, and will culminate with a Grand Prize winner selection in November at the Greenbuild 2012 International Conference and Exposition in San Francisco. The competition merges the benefits of a juried expert panel review with the wisdom of the crowd -- with one winner determined by the judging panel and another winner determined by voting on the Generation Kingspan on-line design community. Both winners will receive an internship at an architecture firm, a $5,000 scholarship and a $1,000 cash prize. The top designs will then compete for exhibit floor votes at Greenbuild to determine the grand prize winner, who will be awarded an additional $5,000 toward their scholarship and a high spec laptop with a design software package valued at $5,000. The Crowd-Vote Contest. All submissions will be reviewed first by online voters visiting and participating on the contest website. Online reviewers will have the ability to assign badges to designs based on the three key elements of the design competition: 1. Design/Vision, 2. Sustainability, and 3. Energy Efficiency. In addition, commenting capabilities will enable students, expert voters and entrants to discuss the designs for crowd-sourced learning opportunities. The on-line community winner will be based on the design that accumulates the most badges. Submissions for Generation Kingspan must be received by October 31, 2012. To learn more about the competition, register online and download materials, visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.generationkingspan.com.

Veronafiere, host and organizer of Marmomacc, and Santa Margherita SpA, have selected Steven Trott, Project Architect at the Hnedak Bobo Group (Memphis, TN) as the winner of the continuing education contest hosted by AEC Daily. Steven will receive a free trip to Verona and Milan, Italy, to attend “Designing With Natural Stone,” Marmomacc’s week-long continuing education program for architects on stone design. Steven has nearly 30 years of experience in design, having served in a multitude of capacities, coordinating all aspects of architectural projects. His current work involves a significant focus on the detailing of his firm’s design work. "I am truly excited to be a part of this conference and eagerly await learning what's new in the stone industry,” said Steven upon being informed that he was selected as the contest winner. “I look forward to the prospect of applying this knowledge in my architectural practice and bringing new ideas home with me after the conference is over so that I might share them with others. This opportunity to travel abroad , meet other participants from around the world, and experience life in another culture will be an absolutely awesome experience I'm sure I will never forget!" “Designing With Natural Stone” offers a unique combination of classroom lectures, guided architectural tours, and field trips to local quarries, as well as to natural stone processing facilities. This comprehensive approach enables architects to better understand stone’s full life-cycle -- including how marble is quarried, cut, processed, finished, selected for specific jobs and installed, all using the latest technologies and products. Veronafiere is a trade fair host and organizer based in Verona, Italy. Santa Margherita SpA is a manufacturer of engineered stone materials based in Volargne, near Verona.

Port Washington – WAC Lighting introduces eco-friendly nanotechnology with two new VELA Organic LED luminaires that translate the future of lighting into a unique statement for today. WAC Lighting is a leading, global manufacturer and designer of architectural, decorative and task lighting. The Vela Chandelier is defined by an exaggerated contemporary profile, laser-crafted of aluminum with 12 OLED panels that illuminate surfaces below, and 12 additional OLEDs shine upward to render a soft ambiance that evokes a lighter sense of space and visual comfort. Inherently sustainable and precision engineered, the luminaires are individually crafted with the world’s most revolutionary light source in WAC’s wholly owned, zero landfill manufacturing campus. With instant on/off and dimming capabilities, the Vela family delivers mercury free, consistent beams of light without glare and a 10,000-hour rated life. The OLEDs are uniformly luminous and evenly spaced on the luminaires with utility, proportion and style. Options include new materials and independently controlled micro-LEDs on a single circuit to enhance light intensity.

WICHITA, Kan., July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- What's the first step when planning a stylish, functional, enjoyable kitchen? Custom Cupboards official design consultant Roger Hazard says it's not necessarily creating a budget, collecting ideas or creating a wish list. "While these are all great in planning a kitchen remodel, it's important to look at the big picture," Hazard says. "Have you ever walked into someone's kitchen and felt like you had been teleported to a completely different house? "Failing to understand and work within the boundaries of a home's pre-existing scale and style can create a space that takes away from the home as a whole," he says. Hazard starts by assessing the home and kitchen according to four criteria: scale, layout, style, and purpose. Establishing Scale. Most of us want more space in our kitchen, regardless of how much storage, how much counter space, or how many power outlets we have. If you are upsizing, can you extend the usable space of adjacent rooms or open up a wall? Evaluating Layout. Where is your kitchen in the floor plan? How does your family walk into, through and out of the room? Improving flow and creating a more open feel can start with simple adjustments. Determining Style. Does your home have a dominant style? What kind of trim work, flooring, and other details are throughout? Frameless cabinets increase storage capacity and accessibility and are now available in myriad designs and finishes. Defining Purpose. Kitchens aren't just for cooking. Does yours play a role that might typically be performed by another room? How does your family use the space? For meals? Conversations? Homework or working from home? Roger Hazard's Design Survival Guide blog offers more kitchen and remodeling design tips. Hazard has used Custom Cupboards in his client projects and became Custom Cupboards design ambassador this year.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Federal District Court Judge John E. Steele issued orders today dismissing all claims against National Gypsum in the Brincku and Brucker lawsuits. The two cases claimed National Gypsum’s American-made drywall caused the same corrosive effects in the plaintiffs’ homes as defective Chinese drywall. The lawsuits alleged the company manufactured defective drywall which contained high levels of sulfur, released hydrogen sulfide gas from bacteria, and corroded copper and other metals inside the homes. Unrebutted scientific evidence provided by the company proved this was not the case. “We are extremely pleased that our company’s products and reputation have been completely vindicated,” said CEO Thomas C. Nelson. “This ruling confirms what we have said all along: National Gypsum drywall is a high-quality, safe and environmentally sound product. Every single false allegation has been rebutted by sound science from the nation’s leading laboratories and safety experts." The court’s ruling concludes a long saga which began in 2009. In response to the allegations, the company engaged Packer Engineering and Columbia Analytical Services, two well-known independent testing laboratories, to conduct a full battery of elemental sulfur, copper corrosion, and gas chamber tests on the company’s drywall. Other professionals, including HSA Engineers and Scientists, Inc., also tested the air, water, and surrounding environments of the homes. These results, along with studies done for the Consumer Products Safety Commission by the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Environmental Health & Engineering, were consistent. National Gypsum drywall does not cause the corrosive issues associated with defective Chinese drywall. To the contrary, detailed study of the homes involved confirmed that the alleged metal corrosion was caused by hydrogen sulfide released from poorly or untreated well water or by defective, corrosive Chinese drywall, not by National Gypsum’s products. The dismissal of the Brincku and Brucker lawsuits is the latest in a series of similar cases that have been thrown out of court. In April 2011, an Arizona putative national class action against National Gypsum was voluntarily withdrawn, after the plaintiffs admitted having no scientific or causal evidence to support that lawsuit. In October 2011, an Alabama lawsuit was dismissed “with prejudice” – meaning the plaintiffs are barred from bringing the same claim against the company. “The court’s action will allow us to continue our 87-year tradition of producing high-quality gypsum drywall and finishing products in the United States without the unfounded and unwarranted distraction and expense of these suits,” Nelson said. "This is an important victory for National Gypsum, its customers, and its associates.”

NORCROSS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa's (NYSE:AA) Reynobond® Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) was used to achieve the dramatic sloping façade of the award-winning Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The Center is one of only 12 freestanding cancer hospitals in the nation designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Designed by St. Louis-based architectural firm Cannon Design, the 375,000 square-foot, 10-story hospital features 59,000 square feet of Reynobond Natural Brushed ACM on the exterior and interior building fascia, soffits and parapet panels. The narrow site allocated for the hospital virtually dictated that the hospital take on the form of a thick rectangular box. To incorporate large lobbies and treatment areas on the lower floors, the architects flared the west façade outward at the base – creating a big convex curve like the ramp of a very wide ski jump. In addition to protecting the building envelope, the Reynobond panels were the only natural metal composite material on the market with the required 62” material width needed for fabrication of the “Ski Jump” façade. The Center was designed according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®*) green building principles, and is registered for certification. The $260 million Seidman Cancer Center has received the American Architecture Award from the Chicago Athenaeum, Museum of Architecture and Design as well as the Award of Excellence in the Large Project – New Construction Category from The Cleveland Engineering Society.

As Nation Continues To Face Record Summer Temperatures Easily Installed Window Film Can Reduce Peak Electricity Demand WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feeling the heat? The International Window Film Association (www.IWFA.com), is offering free information on how to both reduce cooling costs and the demand on our nation’s electric power grids, noting that roughly one third of an average building’s cooling load is from solar heat gain through windows. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), buildings use 41 percent of our of nation’s energy, a figure that is higher than the energy used by transportation. The DOE also reports that 25 to 35 percent of energy wasted in buildings is blamed on inefficient windows. Similarly, the California Energy Commission estimates that 40 percent of a typical building’s cooling requirements are related to solar heat gain through windows. In addition, many window film products block up to 60 percent of infrared energy to reduce solar heat gain and improve on cooling costs. Other advantages include the 99%reduction of UV rays to decrease fading of upholstery and reduce harm to the skin. The informational booklet can be downloaded at: www.iwfa.com/ConsumerInfo/IWFAWindowFilmBooklet.aspx. It offers expertise on window film for energy savings and extending the life of windows without changing their architectural integrity.

ATLANTA – Roofing contractors now have more options to offer homeowners seeking the architectural look of slate or shake in a variety of vibrant colors. Atlas Roofing® Corporation’s StormMaster® Shake and StormMaster® Slate shingles are manufactured with the power of Scotchgard™ Protector to defend against algae streaks and stains to help maintain the shingles’ original color. StormMaster shingles are manufactured with rubberized SBS technology for enhanced strength and durability, which enabled them to successfully pass testing for wind resistance of up to 130 mph. The SBS modified asphalt provides greater granule adhesion and longer shingle life expectancy due to a slower aging process than normal asphalt. Atlas’ StormMaster shingles are Class 4 Impact Resistance tested, which is the highest possible rating level, and meet or exceed the UL 2218 performance standards, giving property owners unprecedented natural disaster protection that goes beyond virtually all building codes. Many home insurers offer premium discounts for homeowners who install Class 4 impact resistant shingles. This gives roofing contractors additional continuous benefits to offer homeowners when they select Atlas impact resistant shingles. Residential architects, home builders and replacement contractors can include the Atlas StormMaster shingles in their projects to gain the Fortified for Safer Living® designation, a single-family dwelling construction program created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Atlas StormMaster® Shake and StormMaster® Slate architectural shingles come with an “industry best” Lifetime Limited Warranty against algae streaks and stains in all colors and styles available. For more information visit, www.AtlasRoofing.com.

Leading Green Builder Expands DOW POWERHOUSE Availability to San Antonio Homeowners SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, DOW POWERHOUSE™ announced a major new collaboration with Imagine Homes, a San Antonio-based homebuilder leading the nation in new high performance green building technology, to offer the cutting-edge DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle roof system to all new homebuyers in Imagine Homes’ six San Antonio area residential communities. Additionally, DOW POWERHOUSE will be a standard feature on all homes in the Willis Ranch community, scheduled to open in September 2012. Today’s announcement expands the channels for San Antonio homeowners to obtain the nation’s first solar shingle roof product, making it easier to transform their roofs into a power source that offsets a significant percentage of home energy costs. Imagine Homes becomes the first homebuilder in Texas to offer DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle roof systems as part of their product portfolio, increasing availability of the revolutionary roofing product to more San Antonio homeowners. The DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle roofing system will be offered to all Imagine Homes’ customers as a feature for all future builds. It includes: - A custom designed array of shingles to fit the individual homeowner’s budget and energy goals, and it is arranged to complement the style and form of the home and roofline. - A solar Inverter that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) and feeds the home’s power needs or can be returned to the power grid. - A monitoring system accessible from any internet connection, showing real-time energy production and generation.

Cabinetry helps set the stage for a stunning space and inspires visitors with design ideas they can recreate in their own homes, whatever their budget ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- KraftMaid Cabinetry joins House Beautiful magazine to bring the latest kitchen trends to life through the 2012 Kitchen of the Year in New York's Rockefeller Plaza. Through its partnership with House Beautiful, KraftMaid demonstrates how homeowners can achieve a custom look without breaking the bank. The public is invited to experience the beauty, style and flexibility of KraftMaid cabinetry through the lens of Mick De Giulio, one of the very best kitchen designers in the industry. The 1,000-square-foot fully-functioning Kitchen of the Year is open to the public July 16–20 and will serve as the backdrop for culinary demonstrations, design trend presentations and interactive programs for design enthusiasts throughout the week. The cabinetry in the 2012 Kitchen of the Year exemplifies KraftMaid's style and design leadership and product innovation. Whether designing a high-end kitchen for entertaining or an intimate space for family gatherings, KraftMaid offers homeowners virtually thousands of options to choose from when designing their own space.

Accuride announces the introduction of Model 3657, a new full extension slide with a lever disconnect that provides a durable solution for shelving units, bins, trays, or wide storage drawers in commercial or residential settings. This product offers a 200-pound load rating and carries drawers up to 42-inches-wide. A hold-in detent helps prevent roll out. Model 3657 is available in even lengths of 12" to 28" in a clear zinc finish. For product details, visit the company’s web site at www.accuride.com. Accuride International designs and manufactures RoHS-compliant precision slide products for a variety of applications in cabinetry and casework. The company has six locations worldwide and all manufacturing facilities adhere to quality management systems registered to ISO 9001:2008. For more information, visit www.accuride.com.

Criteria Increases Applications for Company’s Unique Corrosion-Resistant, High-Strength MMFX2 Rebar Product LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The International Commercial Code (ICC) Evaluation Services, developer of the International Building Code (IBC), recently issued AC 429 Acceptance Criteria for High-Strength Steel Reinforcing Bars, expanding the applications of high-strength concrete reinforcing steel bars (rebar) up to 100 ksi. This action by ICC Evaluation Services supports the continued utilization of MMFX2 (ASTM A1035) Grade 100 [690 MPa] rebar to build safer, stronger and more cost effective structures while solving difficult design and construction challenges. The Acceptance Criteria was drafted based on the American Concrete Institute (ACI) ITG-6R-10, Design Guide for the Use of ASTM A1035 / A1035M Grade 100 (690) Steel Bars for Structural Concrete, and provides clear international building code standards and guidelines for designing structures with 100 Grade (690 MPa) rebar. High-strength rebar, such as MMFX2 100 Grade (690MPa) bar sold in North America by MMFX Steel Corporation of America and the Middle East by MMFX Steel DMCC, allows structures to be designed and built with 20% to 50% less steel and up to 60% lower labor costs. In addition, by specifying high-strength steels, designers can solve costly rebar congestion problems and developers can complete structures more quickly, resulting in substantial cost savings. MMFX2 rebar is also more ductile than other high-strength steels and can be fabricated using conventional fabrication equipment. MMFX2 rebar further offers superior corrosion-resistance, resulting in longer-lasting buildings and other structures without the problems and special handling requirements associated with coated rebar. The product's combined strength and corrosion-resistance improves constructability and sustainability. With the ITG-6 Design Guide and the newly issued ICC-Evaluation Services Acceptance Criteria, designers and contractors have clear guidance regarding the applications of MMFX2 Grade 100 (690) steel rebar to value engineer and build better, safer, and stronger buildings more efficiently.

High consumer satisfaction rates show women rank Overhead Door tops DALLAS, July 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Overhead Door has been awarded the 2012 Women's Choice Award by WomenCertified® in the Garage Door Category based on a WomenCertified Brand Preference Survey, which was developed based on a joint study with the Wharton School of Business. WomenCertified, the voice of the female consumer, honors brands with the Women's Choice Award seal, which recognizes brands based on a woman's propensity to recommend that brand to others. More than 5,000 female consumers were surveyed about their favorite garage door brands, and Overhead Door came out on top. As part of the award process, home improvement professionals were also asked their opinion in the WomenCertified Consumer Audit to validate the survey findings. To find more companies that have earned a place among women as a business of choice, visit www.womencertified.com.

NEW LONDON, N.C., July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines named Fiberon's Horizon matching fascia and riser boards as one of the best new decking/outdoor living products for 2012. Fiberon®, a leading manufacturer of PVC and composite decking, railing and fencing products, launched several new product lines in February 2012, including the Horizon matching fascia and riser boards, recognized by the building publications, in its continued efforts to provide additional decking and railing choices to its customers. In its annual 101 Best New Products report, Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler identified "breakthrough" products for residential construction, and this year, Fiberon's product won in the Decking/Outdoor Living category. Fiberon's Horizon matching fascia and riser boards and the other Best New Products will be published in the magazines' August issues.

Accuride announces the introduction of Model 3607, a heavy-duty slide with a lock-out feature and lever disconnect. This product secures pullouts in a fully-extended position, providing safe and stable access to contents. Model 3607 offers full extension, includes a hold-in detent, and carries loads up to 200 pounds. It is intended for applications such as bulk storage bins, wide drawers and trays, or pullout shelving units in environments ranging from garages to grocery stores. Designed for drawers up to 42-inches-wide, Model 3607 is available in even lengths of 12" to 28" in a clear zinc finish. For product details, visit the company’s web site at www.accuride.com. Accuride International designs and manufactures RoHS-compliant precision slide products for a variety of applications in cabinetry and casework. The company has six locations worldwide and all manufacturing facilities adhere to quality management systems registered to ISO 9001:2008. For more information, visit www.accuride.com.

ATLANTA, July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More stringent energy code, standards and programs mandate air barriers and continuous insulation, which improve energy efficiency. Building owners are asking for building envelopes that address code mandates for optimized energy efficiency that will in turn, generate operational savings and satisfied tenants. To learn more about how DensDeck® gypsum panels are used in energy efficient roof assemblies, visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.gp.com/build/densdeck-proof-is-in-the-roof.

ATLANTA – Atlas Roofing™ Corporation has introduced a high strength insulated cover board for low-slope roof applications that resists foot traffic and heavy loads during installation. ACFoam-HS CoverBoard is ideal for adding stability in all roofing systems requiring a cover board. The product is also hot asphalt compatible for attachment to the base insulation layers in BUR and modified bitumen roof systems. It can be cold applied using polyurethane adhesives or cold-applied asphalt adhesives. ACFoam-HS CoverBoard is GreenGuard listed for microbial mold resistance due to its coated glass facer. This product attribute helps avoid mold spores from becoming a potential threat in commercial buildings. The strength and high compressive strength of ACFoam-HS CoverBoard is manufactured with a high performance coated-glass facer, which is laminated to a durable and dimensionally stable closed-cell polyiso foam core. ACFoam-HS CoverBoard provides insulation with an R-value of 2.5 per half inch for assisting project teams with compliance with the ASHRAE-90.1-2010 standard, which is the energy efficiency benchmark for the LEED EA Credit 1, Optimize Energy Performance. Atlas Roofing offers an LTTR Calculator to assist project teams in the design of polyiso roof insulation systems at www.GreenZone.com. ACFoam-HS CoverBoard’s lightweight rigid construction makes it easy to handle and simple to cut, while keeping the insulation secure beneath the roofing membrane. Atlas ACFoam-HS CoverBoard also carries FM Approvals for wind uplift ratings from FM 1-60 to FM 1-210. Atlas Roofing Corporation has been recognized for its development of polyiso foam insulation products that are CFC-, HCFC-, and HCFC-free for zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and zero (negligible) global warming potential (GWP), earning it the EPA’s prestigious Stratospheric Ozone Protection award. Visit www.AtlasRoofing.com for further information about all of Atlas Roofing’s products or call 1-800-388-6134.

Accuride announces the introduction of Model 3600, another new heavy-duty slide option for the woodworking industry. This product offers full extension, includes a hold-in detent, and carries loads up to 200 pounds. It is a non-disconnecting slide, which is useful in applications where heavy drawers are not intended to be removed from cabinets as a measure of safety, such as in medical or educational settings. Designed for drawers up to 42-inches-wide, Model 3600 is available in even lengths of 12" to 28" in a clear zinc finish. It is designed for wide drawers and trays, bulk storage bins, or pullout shelving units in commercial and residential environments. For product details, visit the company’s web site at www.accuride.com. Accuride International designs and manufactures RoHS-compliant precision slide products for a variety of applications in cabinetry and casework. The company has six locations worldwide and all manufacturing facilities adhere to quality management systems registered to ISO 9001:2008. For more information, visit www.accuride.com.

SYRACUSE, N.Y., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For busy building system designers, every minute counts. But imagine configuring and calculating the energy impact of alternative heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system designs in less than 15 minutes. With HVAC accounting for more than 40 percent of a building's total energy use, Carrier, the world's leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, introduces its eDesign Suite software tools to help building designers rapidly compare annual energy costs for HVAC designs. Carrier is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). Supporting the design of high performance buildings that consume less energy, Carrier created the eDesign Suite to help engineers in the early design phase of a project, when rapid evaluation of design alternatives is critical. The Building System Optimizer, a major offering under the eDesign Suite, uses a streamlined user interface and automatic model generation to allow a full model of the building and its HVAC systems to be configured in just minutes. A typical building energy analysis requires a large amount of data to describe the building and its HVAC systems. Carrier's Building System Optimizer asks high-level questions about a building, including size, shape and use (office, retail, school, etc.) and then applies built-in logic to automatically generate a detailed model.

Window Film's Momentum Builds Throughout North America WASHINGTON, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Window Film Association (www.IWFA.com), in launching a membership drive and conference registration program, noted significant achievements of the nonprofit association in the last six months. Recent recognition of window film as an important aftermarket material in the building and automotive markets include: - A recent vote by the California Energy Commission to include window film in the state building code starting in 2014, the first state in the nation to make this progressive decision. - A statewide analysis reporting that window film when used in aftermarket application on homes with single pane glass windows in California could gain a greater energy advantage than using R-38 insulation in their home's ceilings. - Recognition by the Department of Transportation confirming for the first time that window film with a 70 percent visual light transmission is permissible on commercial trucks exceeding 13 tons across the USA. The IWFC provides an educational and networking venue for film technicians, company owners, managers and suppliers. In addition to the seminars, accreditation offerings and trade exhibition, the event is host to the International Window Film Tint-Offs™, a popular competition for automotive and architectural technicians to showcase professional expertise in action. To learn more about the IWFA program please call 276 666 4932 or go to: http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.iwfa.com/ContactUs.aspx

Planar Mosaic video wall receives industry recognition with Commercial Integrator’s BEST Award and AV Technology’s Best New Video Wall Product Award - InfoComm 2012 PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a global leader in digital display technology, announces that the Planar® Mosaic™ architectural video wall system was recognized at InfoComm 2012 by leading industry experts and editors at Commercial Integrator magazine and AV Technology magazine. The Planar Mosaic architectural video wall was chosen by Commercial Integrator magazine to join an exclusive group of products deemed the most noteworthy at InfoComm 2012 with its BEST (Best Electronics Systems Technologies) Award. Planar Mosaic was also awarded Best New Video Wall Product by AV Technology magazine, an award that honors end-users and AV innovation. According to AV Technology judges, Planar’s Mosaic product is innovative and beautiful, re-inventing the wall from displaying art, to being art.

Hampshire, IL – W. R. MEADOWS, a leader in the construction product industry for more than 85 years, offers the INDUROSHINE system to achieve durable, polished concrete flooring that lasts. INDUROSHINE is an environmentally and jobsite-friendly polished concrete flooring system that combines diamond grinding tools from the company’s network of approved applicators and the best densifier and hardener on the market, LIQUI-HARD® from W. R.. MEADOWS. It is ideal for specifiable applications including floors in schools, retail, civic centers, hospitals, airports, stadiums, museums, sports arenas, and warehouses. “The Induroshine system is the perfect solution for those looking for a low maintenance, durable, and architecturally pleasing concrete floor,” said Mark Vogel, Director of International Sales at W. R. MEADOWS. In addition, using BELLATRIX® concrete floor enhancer after the grinding and polishing is complete will create a clear, high-gloss, dual action concrete protection system. For more information on the INDUROSHINE system, call (800) 342-5976, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, and/or visit www.wrmeadows.com.

Glendale Adventist Medical Center (GAMC) uses integrated louvers with firerated safety glass for new patient rooms MONTREAL, CANADA and SNOQUALMIE, WASH. – July 10, 2012 – Unicel Architectural and Technical Glass Products (TGP) announced the installation of a solution that combines Unicel’s Vision Control® integrated louvers with TGP’s fire-resistant Pilkington Pyrostop® glazing to help ensure patient safety and privacy as part of the Glendale Adventist Medical Center’s (GAMC) West Tower III construction project. The GAMC’s new 35,000 square foot West Tower III includes seven stories for expanded patient care and offers the latest in patient technology, techniques, comfort, convenience and safety. “Architects Perkins Eastman had stringent fire-safety requirements for the project and needed a solution for visual privacy controls on interior windows and doors that would be hygienic, adjustable and easy-to-operate,” said Jean-François Couturier, CEO of Unicel Architectural. “They selected Vision Control® integrated louvers combined with fire-resistant Pilkington Pyrostop® glazing to give GAMC patients the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their privacy solution is protected by glazing with industry leading fire resistance capabilities.” A total of 40 Pilkington Pyrostop®/Vision Control® units with double crank handles were installed in interior locations using 45-minute fire-resistance-rated glazing on both sides of the units. The combined Vision Control® and Pilkington Pyrostop® glazing assembly has been UL fire-rated by Underwriters Laboratories,® Inc. for doors, windows, transoms and sidelights. The GAMC Tower lll opened in January 2012.The Glendale Adventist Medical Center (GAMC) in Glendale, California, is part of the Adventist Health not-for-profit integrated health care delivery system. For more information on the GAMC West Tower III project, visit: www.unicelarchitectural.com

THE VOICE OF COLOR program website features new Online Paint Visualizer with PPG easy-edge technology for simplified selection of paint colors PITTSBURGH, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Have you always wanted to name a paint color? PPG PITTSBURGH PAINTS(R) brand is giving people the chance to do just that with the kickoff of the "I Named a Paint Color" promotion. The promotion coincides with the launch of a redesigned website for THE VOICE OF COLOR(R) program (www.voiceofcolor.com), which features a technological enhancement of The Voice of Color program's integrated, comprehensive color design system. Beginning July 9, the "I Named a Paint Color" promotion affords site visitors the opportunity to name 150 new colors in the PPG Pittsburgh Paints line. Featured on www.voiceofcolor.com as well as The Voice of Color program pages on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, visitors will have a chance to submit a new name for five color swatches per day for 30 days. New color names will be selected from the entries based on originality and inspiration, with winning entries posted on the new website and later used on the new color palette. Tying to The Voice of Color program – the color platform for PPG Pittsburgh Paints products, based on the premise that every color has an emotional, meaningful association – the "I Named a Paint Color" promotion encourages visitors to post photos of objects, places, people and more that inspired their paint color names. In addition to the "I Named a Paint Color" promotion, the relaunched website for The Voice of Color program also debuts the Online Paint Visualizer with PPG easy-edge technology (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.voiceofcolor.com/digital-color/paint-color-visualizer) – an easy-to-use digital tool allowing homeowners to envision any of the 1,900 colors in the PPG Pittsburgh Paints line on their walls by uploading a photo of a room and virtually painting the space. With just a few clicks, users can mix and match walls, ceilings, trim and more to find the perfect colors for their next project. The revolutionary PPG easy-edge technology offers industry-exclusive functionality to provide virtual painters with unprecedented control and detail for realistic quality. It considers elements in a room photo such as lighting, angles, furniture and trim to provide virtual painters with the simulated precision of painting a real room. The new website for The Voice of Color program provides visitors with an integrated approach to exploring the world of color through a robust set of digital tools. In addition to the Online Paint Visualizer, these include the program's yearly color trend forecasts, exclusive color families and collections, designer-inspired room galleries, tips for the best use of color, and COLOR SENSE GAME(TM) tool – an enhanced online system for assessing personality and emotions to create a personalized color palette.

Stylish and Sustainable Trex® Products are Focal Point of "Ultimate Outdoor Living Room" WINCHESTER, Va., July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Trex Company, the world's largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing, partnered with Sunset magazine, the premier guide to life in the West, on an "Ultimate Outdoor Living Room" featured at the 15th Annual Sunset Celebration Weekend – which was open to the public June 2-3 in Menlo Park, Calif. The "Ultimate Outdoor Living Room" Showcasing fresh ideas for transforming outdoor spaces into stylish destinations for dining, entertaining, relaxation and play – and featuring a variety of leading outdoor living brands, including Trex® – the "Ultimate Outdoor Living Room" offered visitors design ideas and inspiration through innovative product installations and multiple workshops hosted by Sunset editors, experts and television personalities. The dream backyard was equipped with eco-friendly materials and unexpected features at every turn – from an outdoor shower to a reclaimed palette wood bar, outdoor rocker bed, inventive shading systems and "pop up" furniture built directly into the deck.

2012 National Brick in Architecture Award Winners Span Eight Categories in 28 States RESTON, Va., July 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brick Industry Association (BIA) has honored outstanding design incorporating genuine clay brick for both aesthetics and sustainability. Offering architects an increasingly wide palette of colors, textures and shapes for exterior and interior expression, the 2012 Brick in Architecture Award winning projects span 28 states and include commercial, educational, health care, houses of worship, municipal/government, paving and landscape architecture, multifamily and single family residential.

MADISON, OH —July 6, 2012 — ChemMasters, Inc. has introduced a low-VOC decorative concrete sealer that provides 200 – 300% more working time during application. Stamped & Decorative Concrete Sealer 400A is specifically formulated to be slow-evaporating for easier application, and eliminate bubbles associated with the fast-drying solvents commonly used in low-VOC sealers. The sealer provides a high gloss “wet look” preferred by many customers, while also imparting resistance to aliphatic solvents, acids, alkalis, gasoline, oils and grease. Stamped & Decorative Concrete Sealer 400A is solvent-based, meeting the low-VOC requirements of the OTC, LADCO, Canada and others. It will seal and protect stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, terrazzo and man-made or natural stone. It beautifies and protects concrete while shielding it from water, freeze/thaw damage, dirt and most hydrocarbon chemicals. It has excellent penetration, adhesion and durability. ChemMasters, Inc. is a 55 year-old manufacturer of specialty concrete chemicals used to improve, repair and protect concrete and masonry. The company is the acknowledged leader in the formulation and manufacturing of low-VOC solvent-based products for use in the states that require them. A state-of-the-art research and development facility is operated by ChemMasters to advance the science of concrete improvement.

Duradek, the original Walkable Roofing Membrane responded to market demands for naturally inspired colors and textures, and launched a new line in its extensive collection of 60 mil vinyl colors and patterns. The Forest Floor line of waterproof vinyl was an instant favorite with designers and home owners alike, and Duradek is now proud to introduce the second selection in this unique and popular pattern: A soft and warm, earthy hue gently presents the naturally inspired fossilized leaf pattern throughout for a subtle and attractive water­proof finish on balconies, decks and patios. Reminiscent of an actual forest floor, Duradek Ultra Forest Floor Alder offers a distinctive design in a soothing blend of natural tones that brings harmony to virtually any outdoor living space and complements a wide range of exterior design schemes. The flagship for this exclusive line launched in the summer of 2011 was Duradek Ultra Floor 'Birch", which offers the same distinctive fossilized leaf pattern in a cooler blend of earthy, neutral tones. This unique product is an innovative example of Duradek's leadership in outdoor flooring. Exclusively installed by specially trained professionals, Duradek has been the leader in waterproof roofing membrabes for over 35 years and provides low maintenance, stylish solutions for outdoor living space.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – Quality Systems, Inc. (QSI) announced its new Become a Dealer Online! program available on the PERMA•CRETE® website at www.permacrete.com. Dealer prospects can now become PERMA•CRETE® Dealers by taking QSI’s Surface Installation Video Course online, or continue to attend QSI’s regular Product Demonstration Class in Nashville for new Dealers, at their choosing. “We know these instructional videos will provide a convenient and informative way for contractors worldwide to become new PERMA•CRETE® Dealers while also allowing existing Dealers to train and retrain their installers. In fact, all of the installation videos have been compressed for cell phone viewing, and Dealers and their installers can even view the videos at their actual jobsites,” stated QSI’s President, CEO, George A. Henderson. The videos cover vertical as well as horizontal surface applications, including tile & brick patterns, decorative surfaces, template designs, multiple colors and even pool interiors. The PERMA•CRETE® product line, which is distributed in the U. S. and 70 foreign countries by over 1,000 Dealers, includes cementitious bag mixes, epoxies, urethanes, acrylic sealers, caulks, surface cleaners, strippers and bonding additives. Its exclusive bag mix products have gained considerable recognition in the past twenty-three years as premium resurfacing materials that are used in the commercial and homebuilding industries and for vehicular and pedestrian traffic areas, even including interstate highway bridges and airport runway surfaces. PERMA•CRETE® is an acrylic polymer cement compound of over 6,000 PSI compressive strength that’s applied over concrete, masonry, aggregate, foam and steel, and provides an architectural surface of unusual strength and flexibility with twice the overall strength and endurance as that of standard concrete. It’s extremely resistant to stains from oil, mildew, salt or water as well as to industrial chemicals, and equally withstands freeze-thaw cycles, intense heat and ultraviolet sunrays. The sealed and non-porous PERMA?CRETE® surface, available in virtually any color or design, provides easy maintenance with normal household cleaning agents. All PERMA•CRETE® products are manufactured by Quality Systems, Inc. in the firm’s state-of-the-art, three-acre corporate complex in Nashville, Tennessee.