When it comes to acoustical or suspended ceiling materials, Armstrong and USG are often the first manufacturers to come to mind. But what can you do when a client wants something different or that exceeds the typical specs set out by these companies? Though many contractors are aware of CertainTeed's huge presence in insulation products, very few are as aware of the company's suspended and acoustical ceiling systems. Their products often exceed the specs set by other industry leaders, making it a high-quality option from a known industry leader. Here's a quick look at their cross reference guide, designed to help contractors find the perfect materials for their project.

With the prevalence of Armstrong and USG products in the acoustical and suspended ceiling market, it doesn't take long for an experienced contractor to figure out which product they should use to meet a project's requirements. CertainTeed is still a relatively new entry into the market, and for this reason, many contractors bypass their products because they're not sure which specific product they should use in place of particular Armstrong or USG products.

When they realized this issue in the market, CertainTeed took the time to make it easier for contractors to find the right product for the job. Their Acoustical Ceilings and Suspension Systems Cross Reference Guide was designed so that you could simply look up the competitor's product in the guide and follow across to the similar CertainTeed ceiling product, making the conversion process very simple. The guide also includes indexes of both competitors' products, as the cross reference lists the products in order by the CertainTeed product, so the index makes it very easy to find the competitors' model.

However, CertainTeed recognizes that not all products will convert exactly, so they've based their cross reference guide based on aesthetic appearance and technical specifications. In many situations, the CertainTeed product that you find in the cross reference will be superior in terms of appearance, performance or technical specifications. When multiple competitor products match the same general specification or CertainTeed product, all the competitor's models will be listed for comparison.

One thing you'll definitely notice as you're going through the cross reference guide is the sheer number of additional product lines and options that are available from CertainTeed, especially when compared to Armstrong and USG lines. At a quick estimate, there are nearly three times as many options available in the CertainTeed lines than are available from their competitors. This provides you and your clients with a much wider range of options, allowing the best possible solution to be selected for your project rather than the one that comes the closest.

CertainTeed offers a wide range of acoustical and suspended ceiling options for your project, and the cross reference guide makes it easy to find the exact material that will work best for your situation while offering a wide range of additional selections to meet your project's needs. If you are interested in CertainTeed acoustical products for your next job be sure to download the CertainTeed Ceiling Tiles and Suspension Systems Product Guide using the blue button below or by clicking here.

Versaroc boards are used in various construction applications. Versaroc is a strong building material that resists fire and moisture making it perfect for walls, floors, ceilings and roofs. Lightweight portability and custom fabrication make Versaroc the ideal choice for modular additions to schools, hospitals, libraries, hotels, hospitals, and many other building types. Versaroc composite strength provides a defense against weather erosion, insect infestation and other structural afflictions. Versaroc boards can also be used for making cabinets, bookcases and other interior home-design projects. As a building material, these cement bonded particle boards are highly versatile in function and application.

Versaroc Advantages:

• Composite Nature Allows for Structural Strength and Flexibility
• Fire Resistant (UL Listed) and Resists Moisture
• Durable Against Weather Erosion
• Protects Against Insects and Other Pest Infestation
• Can be Custom-Fabricated to fit Design Needs
• Easy to Install with standard equipment and tools of carpentry.

Versaroc Uses:

• Ideal for Walls given its Sturdy yet Pliant Nature&nbsp
• Great for Floors due to its Easy Installation and Custom Fabrication to
• Design Specifications
• Perfect for Roofs because of its ability to Protect against Fire, Moisture and Infestation
• Makes for a Excellent Outer Casing for Structural Insulated Panel Systems
• A Solid Choice for Furniture and Interior Design Purposes.

Versaroc is the cement bonded particle board manufactured by U.S. Architectural Products. For over 25 years, U.S. Architectural Products has provided durable and lasting materials in the construction industry and Versaroc lives up to that standard as the flagship brand for cement bonded particle boards.á

Versaroc Composite Make and Design

Cement bonded particle boards are made of Portland cement infused with softwood fibers. The particle board is cut then resin is used to glue the particles together and stabilized the board. The Versaroc boards can be shipped out according to design specifications and can easily bond to building materials. Versaroc is made of non-toxic materials rendering it asbestos-free and safe for the environment.á

Versaroc is Versatileá

Versaroc cement bonded particle boards appear physical similar to plywood making them easy to handle, but the composite cement nature gives Versaroc boards strength to bear loads and resistance to impact and abuse. The Versaroc boards are light weight and flexible making the boards easy to transport and easy to install.

hbspt.cta.load(385819, '410a66e4-a0b4-4fca-a72d-657cf0d66fde', {}); á

With our society's focus on improving energy efficiency and sustainable living, there has been increasing interest in green construction techniques and design. One option that many builders and developers have gained interest in are zero energy buildings. Designed to produce no overall energy usage from the building, these designs are extremely efficient while producing their own energy through renewable methods on site. Here's the basics of how these structures work:

1. Reduce Energy Load as Much as Possible

The first half of the design approach is focused on reducing the building's energy load as much as possible. This includes super-insulating the structure, using building design that minimizes thermal transference, using natural and low-energy lighting as much as possible and incorporating elements of solar heating and cooling into the design. With the development of new materials and new technologies to help improve building material efficiency, this provides a large amount of the energy savings necessary to create a zero energy building envelope.

But beyond the structure, the designer will also need to take into account the best energy-saving appliances and mechanical systems to ensure it's drawing as little energy as possible while under operation. For that matter, lighting, HVAC, plumbing and similar systems will also need to be run using peak efficiency while the building is under operation, potentially harnessing geothermal heating in the winter or air source heat pumps for cooling in the summer. Creating a design that uses higher gauge electrical wiring may be another option as it helps reduce transmission losses within the building itself. The design should also promote changes in behavior for the building's occupants, such as taking the stairs through a beautiful greenhouse or arboretum instead of using the elevator or features that encourage working during the daylight hours to minimize after-hours lighting and HVAC use.

2. Add Renewable Energy Generating Equipment for the Difference

Though many designers can reach very impressive levels of efficiency, there will always be a need for additional energy as the building is occupied and used on a daily basis. For zero energy buildings, this is typically achieved by adding renewable energy assets, such as solar panels, hydroelectric power or wind turbines. Because the building is designed to minimize energy use, it will require a much smaller array of renewable energy assets compared to conventionally constructed buildings that are not as efficient. However, planning for electrical usage also needs to include the energy used to run office machinery, computers, telephone systems and similar components of the average office or commercial building. By encouraging the use of more energy-efficient machinery, this step is easily obtainable by understanding the tenant's or owner's needs during the design process.

However, this does not mean that the building must always balance the energy needs perfectly. A zero energy building, by definition, is one that uses no additional energy beyond what it produces over the course of a year. Even if a building uses extra energy from the grid for heating in January, the additional power it generates and feeds back into the grid in April and August offset the difference, so the building reaches a neutral energy consumption rate on the average for the year. So if you design an office building that requires outside energy from the grid for part of the year but produces and delivers excess energy back to the grid for part of the year and the amount you sold back to the grid during times of excess production is higher than the amount you purchased from the grid during times of shortage in production, your building would be considered a net zero building.

Zero energy buildings require comparatively complex design than conventional buildings, but the serious savings that can be recognized are often well worth the extra trouble. If you're considering a zero energy building project and need help finding the perfect materials for it, please feel free to contact us today. Our experienced associates are happy to help you find the perfect fit for your new project.

//

Getting energy efficient windows is becoming increasingly vital for many home owners out there. This is because many owners are noticing that their energy bills are starting to slowly go up over time. If they want to put a stop to this, then they will need to think about the different energy efficient window options that are available to them. It may be helpful for owners to review some of the energy saving benefits that they can get by installing these types of windows.

Going Green

Many people want to become green home owners these days. Not only will it reap economic benefits, but you can also feel proud thatáyou have taken steps to protect the environment. Energy efficient windows have been proven to help people reduce their energy consumption, which reduces the strain they put on these reserves.

You will need to get the most advanced techniques used when you want to install these windows. Think about having only the highest rated windows installed for your home while you are renovating. This will help you get the windows that will be best suited for retaining energy within your home.

B.F. Rich Windows

If you want to find a reliable source for these energy efficient windows, then there are a few brands that you should check out. Try to buy through B. F. Rich Windows, since they offer great prices on the models that they sell. You can trust their products, since they apply a resin that will provide a heat block for your windows. You might also be interested in the selection that is offered through Silver Line Windows. This company has been offering high quality windows that are proven to help reduce the energy costs that you may be facing. Some features of B.F. Rich Windows are:

• Lifetime Warranty
• Highest Quality
• Energy Star Qualified
• Many Color Options

Silver Line Windows

Silver Line is a line of windows by Andersen Company. With the Silver Line, Andersen really wanted to show its commitment to value and energy efficiency. Andersen Company really feels that their Silver Line speaks about their commitment to customer needs and satisfaction.áSome features of Silver Line Windows are;

• Easy Operation
• Company Reliability and Reputation
• Highest Value
• Energy Star Qualified
• Life Time Warranty
• Different Glass and Hardware Options

In Conclusion

hbspt.cta.load(385819, '39b31f74-08ac-464b-9d94-36db86a6aae4', {});

Photo credit: bcmom / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

A suspended ceiling can provide manyábenefits for your building, especially when done correctly. You can add a suspended ceiling to the front of a warehouse to createáoffice space, without having to put too much labor and money into the project. A suspended ceiling helps muffle excess noise, allowsáeasy passage of communication and computer networking needs and is simple to repair andámodify because of standardized tile sizes. But one area where your suspended ceiling may need help to reach peak energy efficiency is how you seal the places other components pass through, such as lights, intercoms, HVAC vents, wiring, plumbing and other infiltration areas.

To determine the best way to deal with these problems, we received expert advice on improvingáa suspended ceiling for peak performance from someone who knows serious insulation. LloydáMcIntireáis a recently retired insulation contractor in Tower, Minnesota - the town that broke the record for the coldest spot in the contiguous United States at -60║F in January 1996. As the only insulator in one of the coldest parts of our country, he was happy to share a little ofáhis 42+ years of experience with us.

The first step is to determine what's already in your suspended ceiling. "You have to start by doing an inspection and verifying what you already have in place. (A client) had a situation where he'd added insulation that blocked ventilation and allowed air leaks, causing hot spots and ice dams. A friend had told him he needed to add insulation, so he'd put sheet foam on top of the fiberglass. When he shoved the sheet foam on top, he displaced the existing fiberglass. That would have been messy, but still done the job, but to fit the boards into the space, the foam was cut 1/8-1/4" narrower than the space, so all the heat loss was going around the (unsealed) cracks in the sheet foam." Because the fiberglass had also been displaced, air was going directly through the looseágrid and tile spaces in the suspendedáceiling, through the holes where the fiberglass batting had been displaced and around the cracks at the edges of the sheet foam. Mr.áMcIntireáwas called in to "fix" the problem by removing all the insulation and putting in insulation that had been properly fit to the space andáeliminatedáthe problematic air infiltration gaps around the space. By the time the ceiling was fixed along with adding appropriate insulation to the ductwork and exposed concrete block walls that were losing heat to high winds, the client's heating expenses were lowered by 45-50%.

The next step is to add insulation and seal around any areas of infiltration. "Spray foam is much better than fiberglass (in this situation)ábecause moisture in an unventilated area can cause problems with mold and mildew in the fiberglass. Spray foam fills any spaces, so it seals pipes, wiring, anything that goes through that area," Mr.áMcIntireámentions. "Sheet foam is another option if you need to seal wall spaces (above the suspended ceiling) against infiltrating air, as long as the gaps (between boards) are sealed."á

He also notes that it's vital to ensure that insulation is replaced around new items added to a ceiling, such as a new run of wiring, new ductwork or similar areas of potential infiltration. "If you're really going to look at atticá insulationáand áso on, you should really be caulking and have a vapor barrieráneed to look at moving the insulation to seal around any air bypasses to the inside or outside of the area above the suspended ceiling. This includesálights, wire penetration up to the attic, plumbing, thatáneed to be sealed with caulking or weatherstripping."áThis is also true when you have a dead space above your suspended ceiling where the temperature is not being controlled.

hbspt.cta.load(385819, '39b31f74-08ac-464b-9d94-36db86a6aae4', {});