ECOB Introduces Eco Disaster Break™ Coating as the Next Line of Defense VISTA, Calif., Dec. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Eco Building Products, Inc., (OTCBB: ECOB) announced today that the Company launched the most defensive line of building products and assemblies to defend against super storms - like hurricane Sandy - Tornadoes, and Earthquakes; coupled with a consulting group on its ECOB University web platform. Our web platform is designed to provide product and assembly specifications for the purpose of assisting builders, architects and engineers in how to design our new assemblies against fire, mold, wood-rot, termites and high winds, providing protection up to nine feet above grade. The combination of Eco Red Shield ™ lumber superstructure, encased with Eco Disaster Break™ coatings, is the most defensive building innovation ever to hit the industry as we recognized that traditional felt paper and fabric are no longer good enough to protect against rising tides and high winds, let alone fire storms. ECOB building designed assemblies and products are now supported by the FDNY and California Fire Departments. Eco Disaster Break coatings applied to the exterior structure eliminate the need for outdated protection methods such as felt paper or vapor barriers around windows, doors and even under roofing and siding; decreasing the risk of water, fire, and termite damage for wood framed structures. Moreover, Eco Disaster Break coatings provide continual protection during high wind events, safeguarding the home's vulnerability against water penetration, and fire ignition. Eco Disaster Break™ is a Class A Fire Rated, UV Resistant, high-performance, non-toxic, acrylic coating that forms a waterproof and seamless monolithic membrane. When applied to Eco Red Shield™ protected wood surfaces, Eco Disaster Break™ forms the most advanced defensive construction assembly available against water penetration, fire ignition, mold, wood-rot and termites. ECOB's subsidiary, E Build & Truss, will be one of the first companies to submit plans for the rebuild efforts from hurricane Sandy in Breezy Point, Rockaway, New Jersey and Staten Island next week; all of which are supported by firemen from coast to coast. ECOB has identified, and plans to open a core New Jersey facility by February 2013, positioning ECOB Products in the local market, so people do not have to rebuild using the same old building practices expecting a different result during future severe weather and super storm events without drastically increasing brick and mortar costs.

Expanded bath portfolio delivers style and efficiency INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Business travelers and vacationers alike depend on the comfort of hotels to serve as their home away from home. That requires thoughtful design and planning. With 2013 projections from The American Institute of Architects (AIA) calling for hospitality industry growth of up to 9.7 percent1, commercial building and design professionals have an enormous task ahead of them. To meet the needs of this expanding industry, Delta Faucet introduces a wide variety of product solutions for the commercial market that deliver both efficiency and style. New to the brand's hospitality portfolio are the Compel™ and Trinsic™ bath collections. Inspired by the clean design of an urban high-rise, the minimal details of the Compel collection make it the perfect complement for metro-area developments, while the sleek elegance of the Trinsic collection blends effortlessly into a variety of design styles, from classic modern to modern rustic. Both lavatory faucets flow at a rate of 1.5 gpm to meet WaterSense® requirements for efficiency in the bath - a necessity to keep operating costs manageable in high traffic properties. Likewise, installing H2Okinetic™ showers delivers the best of both worlds by helping conserve water while still providing an outstanding shower experience to hotel guests. Each H2Okinetic showerhead and hand shower uses a technology that controls the speed, movement and droplet size of the water to provide the feeling of more water, without actually using more water. In fact, showers with H2Okinetic technology use up to 40 percent less water than their standard counterpart showerheads. Whether leading change in the industry or designing products to keep up with it, Delta® products are trusted to deliver innovation, quality design and reliable performance. From Shanghai to Mexico City, Dubai to Tokyo and throughout the Americas, Delta faucets, showerheads and related accessories can be found in hotels, public buildings, skyscrapers and commercial buildings of every size in just about every corner of the world.

LONDON, December 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It has been announced that the Architects' Forum 2013 will be devoting an entire day to glass and glazing specifically targeting the role of the material in modern architecture. The team at MDM Glass are excited about the prospect of what next year's forum proposes to share about the future of glass in domestic and commercial spaces. Glass has become one of the most prominent features of modern cities and suburban areas because it satisfies on a number of levels. It is cost-effective, easy to work with and very aesthetically pleasing. It also fits in with the more modern styles many people look for in business premises and in homes. MDM Glass & Glazing specialise in designing and supplying glass products for homes and commercial spaces both for interiors and exteriors. Glass is becoming more and more popular in bathrooms in form of splashbacks and glass shower screens, as well as in modern kitchens thanks to its superior convenience, hygienic properties and its stylish appearance. Meanwhile glass balustrades and external features continue to prove popular with homeowners, business owners, property developers and architects. The fact that next year's Architects' Forum is set to dedicate so much time to glass and glazing is testament to the on-going role glass is likely to play in development projects as time goes by. The material is seen by many as a mainstay of the design and construction industries, especially given the technology breakthroughs of recent years that have served to make it even safer and even more energy efficient. The Architects' Forum 2013 will be held in New York on March 7 th - the architect's and designer's love affair with glass takes place on a global scale and is not limited to the towns and cities of the UK! Those interested in learning more about incorporating glass products into domestic and commercial spaces can visit the MDM team. MDM Glass specialises supplying high quality bathroom splashbacks, shower screens and kitchen fixtures and fittings in wide range of settings.

Hampshire, IL – DECK-O-SEAL, a division of W. R. MEADOWS offering a complete line of pool deck products, offers DECK-O-FOAM® as an economic solution for expansion joints in your concrete pool deck. DECK-O-FOAM is a flexible, lightweight, non-staining, polyethylene, closed-cell expansion joint filler. DECK-O-FOAM is ideal for use as an expansion, contraction and/or isolation joint in swimming pool decks, sidewalks, floor slabs and pavement patch repair. “Concrete is a great choice for your swimming pool deck and using Deck-O-Foam as an expansion joint can offer an extended service life to your concrete deck,” said Jim Dill, Division Manager of DECK-O-SEAL. Easy-to-install and able to be formed around curved objects, DECK-O-FOAM can be used in interior and exterior applications and eliminates costly sawing and routing. In addition, DECK-O-FOAM contributes to LEED credits for Materials and Resources. For more information, contact DECK-O-SEAL, a division of W. R. MEADOWS, INC. by phone: (800) 542-POOL; fax: (847) 214-2268; e-mail: sales@deckoseal..com, or visit www.deckoseal.com.

AVON, Mass., Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SelecTech, Inc., a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products from recycled materials, has recently announced their new and improved StaticStop interlocking ESD flooring. StaticStop ESD flooring tiles are the only ESD products available that have no disclaimers for high-moisture, irregular and problem subfloors. It is the first and only static control flooring system that is "conductive, connected and grounded"™. SelecTech's unique and innovative interlocking flooring solution is now even easier to install and does not require messy adhesives, copper foil, underlayments or padding. StaticStop ESD flooring provides a simplified and convenient installation process that translates into less down time for facilities, which further translates into reduced costs and an improved bottom line. StaticStop ESD flooring is manufactured with a minimum of 20 percent recycled materials, and it is the only conductive flooring of its kind that can contribute to LEED™ points. StaticStop ESD flooring is versatile enough for a variety of static control environments from electronic manufacturing environments to mission critical environments such as Server Rooms and Data Centers; Federal and State Government Operation Centers and PBX, HUB and Call Centers. It is ideal for retailers, commercial buildings, government buildings, food service providers, schools and more. Companies that utilize SelecTech's StaticStop ESD flooring include GlaxoSmithKline, T-Mobile, Boeing, USPS, Dell, Crestron Electronics, Volvo and the Federal Aviation Administration. To learn more about SelecTech's StaticStop ESD flooring, visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.staticstop.com.

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cold Mix Manufacturing (CMM) of Flushing, NY has been awarded the renowned NOVA Award from the Construction Innovation Forum (CIF) for its environmentally friendly road repair product GreenPatch®. This prestigious award honors revolutionary programs and advancements to all areas of the construction industry worldwide. This year's CIF ceremony recognizes innovations from more than 20 countries producing over 700 award nominations in conjunction with the 2012 National Conference of the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT). The NOVA Award was instituted by the Construction Innovation Forum in 1989 to recognize new advancements that have proven to bring significant effects on construction to improve quality and reduce cost. Tim Alter, chair of the Construction Innovation Forum and president of Rudolph/Libbe Inc. says, "The award recipients gain exposure in the industry through CIF's online database and to construction users (owners) through CURT's annual convention awards event, as well as their publications highlighting the winners. It is an internationally recognized award." GreenPatch was developed in the spring of 2007 by Cold Mix Manufacturing (of Flushing, NY) by: CMM President, Dario Amicucci and promoted for commercial, municipal and private use as an eco-safe, biodegradable, high-performance and cost-effective asphalt repair using zero petroleum solvents and eliminating harmful VOC's. GreenPatch is approved for use nationwide and European countries as VOC compliant, permanent road repair product. Cold Mix Manufacturing is a current member of the USGBC (United States Green Buildings Council), the APWA (American Public Works Assoc.) and NAPA (National Asphalt Pavement Association).

Hampshire, IL – W. R. MEADOWS, a leader in the construction product industry for more than 85 years, offers FLOOR-TOP STG to smooth out uneven, rough or deteriorated interior concrete floors. FLOOR-TOP STG is a standard traffic-grade, single component, shrinkage-compensated, self-leveling floor topping and underlayment that may be pumped or poured. It is ideal for smoothing out and leveling concrete and rigid-based interior substrates and cures to a hard, traffic-wearing surface suitable for foot and light rubber-wheeled traffic. “Floor-Top STG is a great solution for smoothing concrete floors, but also has the advantage of being color enhanced with integral color, dyes, coatings, sealers or acid stains,” said Matthew Price, President at W. R. MEADOWS. FLOOR-TOP STG accepts foot traffic as early as four hours and floor coverings may be installed in as little as 18 hours. Single-component and only requiring the addition of water, FLOOR-TOP STG is very flowable for poured or pumped applications and can be applied up to 1” deep in a single application. In addition, FLOOR-TOP STG contributes to LEED credits for Materials and Resources. For more information on FLOOR-TOP STG, call (800) 342-5976, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, and/or visit www.wrmeadows.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LP Building Products announces the addition of a new case study to their product literature portfolio. The study focuses on London-based Galower Builders and their use of the LP® SolidStart® Simply Better™ 225i for stronger, straighter floors and less time on the job site. The Simply Better 225i was first introduced to the U.K. market in 2011. When Galower started using the product in June 2012, the company was looking for a material that would not only provide less shrinkage and twisting than traditional timber, resulting in a stable, stiff floor, but would also offset labor costs. The web of every Simply Better 225i is made of special-grade OSB. Combined with flanges made from stress-rated, proprietary graded timber, the product is straighter and more uniform in strength, stiffness and size than most traditional timber. Beaumont Forest Products provided Galower with guidance on the I-joist specifications and other materials required to complete the floor. As of autumn 2012, Galower has used the product on five units, including single-story, two-story, detached and semi-detached houses. To view this full case study online, please visit the resources section at LPCorp.com/UK.

SCRANTON, Pa., Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AZEK Building Products today announced that Architectural Products Magazine has named its AZEK® Universal Skirt Board in 10-inch width as a "Top 50 Product of 2012". The product, part of the AZEK Trim product line, was selected as a Top 50 product based on reader inquiries during 2012 in a response to advertising and editorial. Contractors find the innovative skirt board provides the perfect transition between the siding and trim, as well as assists with water management efforts. The10-inch wide profile allows more design flexibility and fits nicely into historic architectural styles that utilize wider trim. It is also an attractive alternative to a water table. With no need for starter strips, AZEK's two-piece Universal Skirt Board saves time, labor and costs. It includes a reversible trimboard (which can be used as Traditional smooth or Frontier texture) that is routed to accept a proprietary and secure universal siding interface. It is "universal" in that it works with fiber cement siding, vinyl siding, cedar shingles or wood. A built-in drip edge helps channel water away from the foundation. In addition to the 5/4 X 10 profile, the AZEK Universal Skirt Board is also available in 5/4 X 6 and 5/4 x 8 in—all in 18 ft. lengths, with a 1 ½ inch nailing flange and ¼ inch drip edge overhang. Like all AZEK Trim products, AZEK Universal Skirt Board is designed to last beautifully, is impervious to moisture and insects, and is covered by a 25-year Limited Warranty. Look for Architectural Products Magazine's Top 50, featuring the 10-inch AZEK Universal Skirt Board, in the December issue. Or, for more information, visit www.azek.com.

High-Performance Window Featured in November Edition of Magazine MONROE, Ohio, Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Deceuninck North America, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality systems for windows, doors, and outdoor living, is pleased to announce that its Genius™ Window System was named to the "This Old House Top 100: Best New Home Products 2012." Genius was featured in the November 2012 edition of the magazine as one of the "coolest new products to make your home smarter and more stylish." Introduced earlier this year at the AIA 2012 Conference and Expo and scheduled to be available commercially later in 2013, Genius is the world's first interlinked dual sash window that enables thermal performance values exceeding R-14 without the use of exotic films or gasses. A patent-pending window system, Genius is designed with an additional bonus air space between the two sash members that results in an extremely effective barrier to thermal energy flow. In addition, a unique thermal-activated ventilation system serves as an integral part of the window's design. This turns Genius into an energy generator by automatically venting solar-heated air into the building's interior in the winter and venting it to the outside in the summer. Beyond its advanced thermal efficiency, the innovative design of Genius provides for ease of operation, extreme structural wind load resistance (range of DP-130 or more), exceptional sound transmission reduction in the range of low 50s in STC (Sound Transmission Class) ratings, and superior resistance to water and air infiltration.

The 47th edition of Marmomacc (www.marmomacc.com) held recently at Veronafiere boasted four days dedicated to business, internationalisation and product culture Four days where the entire natural stone sector – marble, granite, stones, machinery and production technologies – came together to develop new business and new international agreements, knowledge and innovation for an edition that helped restor confidence among companies, while confirming once again that "Made in Italy" embodies fundamental excellence for the domestic market and a strong point for image positioning on international markets. During Marmomacc, Veronafiere itself signed new agreements expanding the international presence of the event to Brazil, Egypt and Morocco in addition to the USA, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Exhibitors expressed positive comments about the quality of contacts and clear signs of a recovery, as witnessed by attendance figures: more than 1,431 exhibitors, with 57% international from 57 countries; 42 countries sent official trade delegations (+23%) and there were more than 56,000 operators and buyers (in line with last year, 52% international) from nearly 140 countries (132 in 2011).

Anaheim, CA — December 11, 2012 - Parex USA, Inc., the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, Teifs, LaHabra, El Rey, and Merkrete, announces a new Parex brochure to inform architects, engineers, owners and subcontractors about its green EIFS products, tools and practices. The “Wrap Your Building in Green – Selecting and Specifying Parex Green EIFS Solutions” provides an overview of the sustainable features of designing with EIFS, including energy efficiency, continuous insulation and durability. The brochure further demonstrates designing a “greener” EIFS project utilizing Parex’s unique green products. Starting with the air & water-resistive barrier all the way to the final finish, Parex offers products that help designers achieve a truly Green EIFS project utilizing the following products: • Dry-Tex or AquaSol finish • 121 Wet in a Box, 121 Dry EIFS Basecoat and Adhesive or Quick Base • WeatherSeal Water and Air-Resistive Barriers • ColorFast pigments “Wrap Your Building in Green” is also supported with specifications available for download at www.parex.com.

Superior Performance Against Moisture, Earthquakes, Wind, and Fire RESTON, Va., Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- After the third most active storm season on record, tests continue to show that genuine clay brick outperforms other home exteriors in severe weather conditions. As homeowners head into peak home fire season in December and January, brick also offers a one-hour fire rating by itself—unlike other exteriors that need to incorporate fire-resistant materials in their wall systems. In cumulative studies, genuine clay brick beats competitive exteriors in wind resistance, moisture resistance, earthquake resistance and protection from wind-blown debris. "As a sustainable building product made from natural abundant resources, genuine clay brick exteriors can also help reduce property damage and increase survival odds," said Gregg Borchelt, president and CEO of the Brick Industry Association (BIA). "Combined with proper design, installation and maintenance, brick is an essential element of strong, safe homes." A 2010 study by the NAHB Research Center comparing moisture resistance among typical residential exteriors evaluated genuine clay brick veneer as the highest in moisture resistance and dryness. Of the eight wall systems tested—accounting for approximately 90% of the cladding systems used today—brick veneer wall assemblies performed the best overall in controlling moisture. In 2009, a brick seismic study funded by the National Science Foundation showed that buildings built with genuine clay brick veneer can resist earthquakes above the Maximum Considered Earthquake for Seismic Design Category D without collapse. Videos of a 2004 wind-blown debris study at the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University demonstrate that a medium-sized and wind-blown object, such as a 7.5-foot long 2 x 4, would penetrate homes built with vinyl siding or fiber-cement siding at a speed of 25 mph, but would need to exceed 80 mph in order to penetrate the wall of a genuine clay brick veneer home. The tests showed that a single wythe of brick exceeded the impact resistance for high velocity hurricane zones in the Florida building code. Free of volatile compounds, earth-friendly genuine clay brick is a key element of green building design with benefits including a 100-year lifespan, no- to low-maintenance, termite resistance, durability and other competitive benefits. The Brick Industry Association (BIA) is the nationally recognized authority on clay brick construction. Web Site: www.gobrick.com.

Company Featured in December Issue for its Commitment to Sustainability MONROE, Ohio, Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Deceuninck North America, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality systems for windows, doors, and outdoor living, was recently chosen to receive a 2012 Green Award from Door & Window Manufacturer/Shelter Magazine. The company was one of four winners selected by the magazine's editors based on the company's commitment to green products and principles. Deceuninck's INNERGY Rigid Thermal Reinforcements and its recycling program are highlighted in the magazine's December issue. Developed as a better-performing alternative to aluminum reinforcements for PVC windows and door profiles, INNERGY is considered to be the next generation of thermal reinforcements. It offers the same strength and durability of aluminum, but with unprecedented levels of thermal performance. INNERGY is the result of a collaboration with polyurethane resin manufacturer Bayer MaterialScience LLC as part of an exclusive agreement. The collaboration brought together Bayer's expertise in custom polyurethane resin system development and Deceuninck's long experience in design and manufacturing. Deceuninck's partnership with JP Industrial (JPI), a GreenCircle certified company, provides a comprehensive recycling program for its customers. JPI collects end cuts and other scraps from Deceuninck's fabricators and provides the recycled content to Deceuninck so that the company can reintroduce it into the manufacturing process. Door & Window Manufacturer/Shelter Magazine's Green Awards, now its third year, is open to companies in all categories from dealers to manufacturers and suppliers that focus on energy efficiency.

Throughout 2012, Holcim Canada employees rally to give back to the community through the global Together for Communities initiative MONTREAL, Dec. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Holcim (Canada) Inc., a leading supplier of building materials and construction services, celebrates the success of its Together for Communities (TFC) employee volunteer initiative through a series of special photo exhibition events documenting the year-long initiative. As part of a larger global movement in honour of parent company Holcim Ltd's centennial in 2012, the initiative encouraged all 3000 Holcim Canada employees to give back to the communities where they live and work. Throughout the year, employees captured images of their volunteer acts, the engaging results of which form the content of the photo exhibitions, culminating in a special event today, to coincide with International Volunteer Day 2012. Today, in Montreal, Quebec, employees from Holcim Canada operations in Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces, including Demix Agrégats, Demix Béton and Demix Construction, will be attending a private reception at La TOHU Performance Centre. On display will be images taken by Holcim Canada employees of their experiences participating in the Together for Communities initiative. The internationally-acclaimed Voxapella Choir - volunteers themselves - will also give a performance. In addition to community stakeholders, the event will be attended by executive and senior Holcim Canada management, as they honour employees of the company that contributed to the initiative. Over the course of the year, Holcim's Quebec and Atlantic region engaged with over 90 different organizations, which benefited from the TFC initiative. About Together for Communities: In 2012, Holcim is celebrating 100 years of strength, performance and passion. By volunteering in their communities, Holcim employees are celebrating the Centennial in a special way. Even though each activity is driven by local needs, the initiative is a global one - and runs under a global header: Together for Communities. This initiative is a perfect complement to Holcim Canada's existing corporate social responsibility program, and an excellent opportunity to engage its employees, neighbours and stakeholders in a partnership to make a major contribution in the communities where Holcim Canada operates.

LONDON, December 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Alison Brooks named UK's best architect Olympic architects also honoured at ceremony in London Housing design specialist ABA, the business founded by Canadian-born architect Alison Brooks, has been named the UK's best architecture practice at the Architect of the Year Awards in London. The judges deemed Brooks' contribution to housing design particularly worthy of celebration at a time when housing delivery in the UK had dropped to its lowest levels since the 1920's. Brooks said it was an award shared by every "unsung" housing architect who has been quietly fighting for good design to prevail. Other award winners at the awards ceremony on Tuesday included the architects of the Olympic Eton Manor venue, Stanton Williams, and the architect behind the ground-breaking design of the Halley IV Antarctic Research Station for the British Antarctic Survey, Hugh Broughton. For more information about the winners see Bdonline.co.uk .

Charleston, SC - December 1, 2012 - Enviroshake® is a composite "high tech" roofing product that replicates the look of a cedar shake but has the added benefit of performance and durability associated with Enviroshake® composite materials. Enviroshake® was founded in 1998 and is marketed in direct competition to natural cedar shakes and other premium roofing products. Predominantly all of the materials (95%) used in the product are reclaimed materials. The Enviroshake® composite blend is a mixture of post industrial plastic(s), recycled rubber elastomers and cellulosic fibre materials. What distinguishes the Enviroshake® is its formulation and the process that produces this superior product. As the manufacturer, Enviroshake® can justifiably claim strong environmental advantages in addition to a quality product The Greener Product Certification Seal demonstrates that a product has been evaluated against the LEED, LEED for Homes and/or NAHB green building standards using internationally recognized third-party certification organizations, laboratory test results and/or other supporting documentation. The Seal confirms the product complies with the LEED, LEED for Homes and/or NAHB standards and may earn credits that contribute to certification under these green building rating systems.Only building products that meet the standards are awarded the Greener Product Certification Seal. Greener Product LLC Greener Product LLC has developed the world’s first online platform that creates a vast marketplace for the analysis of sustainable and healthy building products. This one-stop resource is used by thousands of dedicated green professionals to research environmentally preferable building materials and to study vital information on how to use advanced building design to build green more effectively. LEED is a registered trademark of the US Green Building Council. National Green Building Standard™ - is a registered trademark of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

While we at Duradek cannot begin to fully appreciate the destruction that eastern U.S. residents faced with Hurricane Sandy and the amount of work required to clean up the damage left behind, we certainly would like to assist in the rebuilding process and help those who dealt with property losses get back to their quality of life. Being in the decking business, we know that communities from coast-to-coast take great pride in their natural environments and outdoor living space. Sandy packed a far-reaching punch and hundreds of residents certainly lost their decks and balconies altogether, but even homes where the decks are still standing may have lost critical stability and made their decks unsafe for use. Duradek Discount Offer for Hurricane Victims Duradek, in conjunction with our local Distributor Specialty Building Systems, would like to assist these homeowners in our own small way by contributing 15% off of the cost of material for our Duradek vinyl membranes in waterproofing your new or reconstructed decks. This offer goes out to all residents in the affected regions in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Working with Specialty Building Systems, our eastern American distributor in NY, NJ and PA, homeowners in these disaster regions may request 15% off the cost of vinyl when they choose a Duradek dealer for their deck rebuilding. Duradek and Specialty Building Systems will present this offer for one year to the anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, but we will require that some proof of hurricane damage be submitted for this special discount offer (photographs or a copy of an insurance claim would suffice). It doesn’t matter if your previous deck was a Duradek deck, wood deck, a composite deck, a fiberglass deck, an EPDM roof deck or even a competitive vinyl deck…Duradek will help you waterproof your re-build! Choosing a Duradek dealer for your deck waterproofing takes all of the guesswork out of choosing a contractor. All Duradek installers are trained and authorized, so you don’t have to worry about the skill or reliability of the people working on your home. If your deck was affected by Sandy, you or your insurance or restoration company can contact Specialty Building Systems at 1-800-765-9865 or email sbsddek@verizon.net for peace of mind in your rebuilding. In addition to all other building code approvals, Duradek has been tested to show our Duradek Ultra Vinyl meets the requirements and received evaluation reports for both Wind Uplift and for Pull-Off Testing for Edge Flashing. We know that this small gesture cannot make up for the losses and the trauma that Sandy delivered, but we sincerely hope that we can do our small part in helping you take back your quality of life and enjoy your outdoor living space.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) announced today the approval of the new standard that strengthens window-covering safety in the United States. The latest revision, ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2012, was updated in strict accordance with the internationally-respected American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process and is the sixth revision of the standard since 1996. The update to the standard was developed in strict accordance with the ANSI essential requirements, which mandate an open and balanced process with public review opportunities. The year-long process required assembling a consensus body (the canvass group), submitting the draft standard to the canvass group for ballot and comment, addressing the comments received, re-balloting, a public review period and then finally achieving approval of the standard. The updates included in the ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2012 standard provides multiple options for achieving compliance without mandating any particular technology or solution. The updates include the following changes that strengthen the industry's safety standard: • Adds requirements for durability and performance testing of the tension/hold down devices, including new requirements for anchoring, specific installation instructions and warnings. • Provides a way to address new innovations for controlling cords that do not use tension devices. • Adds new requirements for products that rely on "wide lift bands" to raise and lower window coverings. • Requires a warning label and pictograms on the outside of stock packaging and merchandising materials for corded products. • Adds and expands testing requirements for cord accessibility, hazardous loop testing, Roll Up style shade performance, and durability testing of all safety devices. To learn more in detail about the updated standard on window-covering safety, please visit www.wcmanet.org.

ATLANTA, Nov. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- tvsdesign was recently honored for the design and planning of the Levine Center for the Arts in Charlotte, NC when the project received the ULI's 2012 Global Award for Excellence. This international award is widely acknowledged as one of the industry's most prestigious recognitions. The Levine Center for the Arts was selected as one of 14 winners from around the world that demonstrate ingenuity, innovation and long-term thinking which can be embraced in other scenarios, according to Randall K. Rowe, chairman of the awards jury and chairman of Green Courte Partners LLC. tvsdesign Associate Principal, David Brown, accepted the award at the conclusion of ULI's 75th Anniversary Fall Meeting in Denver. Located on the southernmost edge of uptown Charlotte, the Levine Center for the Arts, developed by Wells Fargo Group, represents a world class urban experience and has laid the groundwork for the beginnings of a blossoming cultural arts revolution within the city. This dynamic development transforms over four acres of surface parking lots on three separate blocks within Charlotte's Center City into a vibrant and high-energy arts district. In its 34th year, the ULI Awards program is the centerpiece of ULI's efforts to identify and promote best practices in all types of real estate developments.