Although drywall manufacturers are not known for constant innovation, they do occasionally come out with something that makes builders stand up and take notice. The growing concern with mold and its potential health hazards in recent years has led drywall companies to come up with a solution to the problem in housing construction ? mold resistant drywall. For areas of the home where moisture might be an issue, this type of specialty drywall could be just what you need tostop mold before it starts.

Mold in the Home

Mold is always around, even when we can't see it. The spores are everywhere and there is no hope of eliminating all of them. Luckily most of the time this isn't an issue. The problems only begin when enough moisture starts to accumulate in the home, creating an ideal environment for the mold.

The big stories in the news have been about the dreaded ?black mold? or ?toxic mold.? In truth a number of different molds can be black and while some of them produce toxins, it has yet to be proven that they cause major health problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a page all about mold in the home, where they explain it's dangers ? typically hay fever like symptoms in people that happen to be allergic ? and how to get rid of it.

But, while the fears surrounding mold may possibly be overblown, you can still bet that no one wants the stuff in their home if they can help it. Mold growth can cause allergic reactions in certain people and the presence of mold can definitely make it more difficult to sell a house. Whether the owner has an allergy or not, they will still want to remove the mold ? a process that could require a mold remediation company if it's bad enough. This is why specialty building materials like mold resistant drywall can come in real handy.

How Mold Resistant Drywall Works

Drywall hasn?t' changed much over the years because it works great as it is for most applications. A layer of gypsum sandwiched between two layers of paper, it is a must-have material for building a home. The only problem is that it doesn't do well with moisture. Mold spores can start feeding off of the paper and even the inner gypsum layer, meaning you have to tear out the drywall and replace it if the infestation gets too bad.

Mold resistant drywall is made in two different ways:

• Laminated ? This type of specialty drywall is designed to stop the problem where it starts, at the surface. Still using a gypsum core, manufacturers use a fiberglass mat on front and back that will repel water from the inner gypsum. The gypsum used in these boards is also water resistant, unlike that used in regular drywall.

• Uniform Composition ? These drywall boards dispense with mats altogether, instead opting for a uniform water-resistant material throughout. They can be painted or tiled as needed.

Advantages to Mold Resistant Drywall

The advantages to choosing this type of specialty drywall are fairly obvious. When you have an area of a home that is likely to be exposed to moisture, using mold resistant drywall can help prevent the growth of mold. This could be applicable in several parts of a home, including:

• Bathroom

• Kitchen

• Basement

• Garage

• Utility room

The cost of mold-resistant drywall will be higher than the traditional stuff. However, when you consider the fact that the material could hold up much longer in moist environments its cost may be justified. The humid New England climate is great for growing mold, especially in those areas of the house that area already prone to moisture accumulation.

Get Expert Advice

There are a number of different companies now producing mold resistant drywall. If you want to learn about all of your options and get expert advice on what works best for your specific project, call or come by Wallboard Supply Co. and talk with one of our specialty drywall professionals. Providing drywall delivery to Boston and throughout New England, we know our products inside and out and would be happy to answer all of your questions.

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Sources:áhttp://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm

When you're considering making changes to your home or business, changes in heating and cooling costs can be a very important deciding factor. But did you know that the type of roof you select can make a big difference on your utility bills? In this post, we'll discuss how metal roofing's inherent properties and supplemental systems can do an amazing job of reducing your utility bill while keeping your structure comfortable.

áExterior reflection of heat and light

A light-colored metal roof is by nature reflective. Instead of soaking in the heat as asphalt shingles do, metal roofing reflects that heat back into the air, allowing it to stay cooler. At the same time, it's also reflecting light away from your building, preventing the light energy from heating up the shingles, much like the science experiment comparing temperatures of dark and light objects placed in the sun. This means that your cooling bill is significantly lower in a metal-roofed building than a comparable asphalt-shingled building.

Interior reflection of heat

Metal roofing isn't only reflective on the outside - it's also reflective on the inside. When you're heating a building, would you rather that the heat simply transfer through the roofing materials to the outside or would you rather it be reflected back into the building to help retain the heat? There have been a number of new insulation and radiant floor heating products developed over the past few years that are based on reflecting heat back into a structure, but metal roofing has been providing that same effect for many decades.

Minimizing heat gain

By using a few techniques, you can also minimize heat gain from a metal roof. If you place spacers between the metal and your building, it becomes much harder for heat to transfer from your roof into your building. Metal roofing also integrates well with insulated roofing systems, making it the perfect material when you're working on a project that requires green certifications, such as the LEED certification process. Choosing a color that is available in a reflective surface helps maximize the amount of solar heat and light that is directed away from your structure. By comparison, an asphalt roof is typically laid directly on the structure, allowing any heat it picks up to transfer into your attic or loft, making it unbearably uncomfortable.

Easily ventilated

Because metal roofing has been used in warm climates for so many years, there are a number of ventilation systems that are easy to incorporate in your design. By allowing air to circulate between the roof and the building proper, you're providing an escape for hot air at the top while naturally drawing in cool air at the bottom as the convection cycle continues. This means that over all, your roof stays much cooler than even a well-ventilated asphalt shingle roofing system can accomplish.

Lack of thermal mass

Asphalt shingles are created from a heavy, dense material. Much like large stone or log structures, they can take a very long time to heat up or cool down because they hold heat on your roof and in your attic. This essentially creates an unintended heat sink on the top of your home or building while making it take much longer to heat up or cool down. By comparison, metal roofing has a very low thermal mass, meaning that it doesn't have an inherent ability to hold heat or cold that radiates back into your structure and makes it easier for your building to be heated or cooled effectively awhile requiring less energy.

Contact us todayáfor more details about our metal roofing supplies, to get a quote or to schedule a delivery that keeps you on the job site instead of running to the store.

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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.

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When the cold weather hits, it is important for you to prepare yourself. In the unforgiving New England winters, the temperatures can fall below zero and the wind can bite right through almost any work jacket.

That is exactly why you need to know what kind of clothing works best and what is going to keep you warm. Just because you have to work outside does not mean you are going to be totally exposed to the elements. There are different items that are a must have, so you can still work and not need to run for shelter as soon as you step outside.á

Layers

Before you get into any of the necessary clothing, it is always important to dress in layers. Layering is the most important element to staying warm. Every layer needs to go comfortably over the previous layer in order to stay comfortable and warm, without reducing your quality of movement.

Sweat Wicking Shirt and Pants

This needs to be your base layer. These are often used for athletes who perform in cold temperature. The material is used to absorb the moisture you sweat off and then turn it into heat. This way, the more you sweat, the warmer you stay. You don't want clothing that simply collects sweat and lets it sit, as this is going to cause you to chafe and force your temperature down. This is an essential first layer.

Thermal Top and Bottoms

Thermal is something that is going to help prevent wind from breaking through your clothing and it is going to help you retain your body heat. While there are excellent thermal tops you can wear, it is just as important to have bottoms as well.

There is long thermal underwear that is going to keep you warm, although you should wear these over your sweat wicking material. Sweat wicking material is designed to be tight, so it is not going to work if it is worn over thermal. Plus, you will stay comfortable and not destroy your ability to move.

Work Jacket

When it comes to a work jacket, you want something that is thickly insulated and has layers of a canvas or heavy material. Leather is not very warm, so this is not a desirable cold weather jacket. You want something that gives you a bit of room when it is on too, so you can have the necessary wiggle room for the additional layers you are going to be wearing.

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As a contractor, you undoubtedly face more than a few challenges. áFrom unrealistic delivery times to not having enough help on hand, your obstacles indisputably cause your projects to fall behind schedule. áBut what if there was a way to speed up your project? áWhat if you could meet the demands of your boss without going over on your budget, all the while meeting the codes and regulations that you have to adhere to? á

Here's a quick look at the various benefits to be gained from using QuietRock drywall products.á

Meeting All of Your Various Project Needs

Are you building a theater? áA bar or pub? áHow about a professional studio or music room? áIt doesn't matter the type of project you're completing, because our QuietRock drywall products provide maximum noise reduction, and best of all, they come with high STC ratings. áFurthermore, it only takes a single layer of our QuietRock drywall products to achieve the best of the best soundproofing deliverance.

QuietRock 545

For commercial theaters and media rooms, as well as other projects that require optimized soundproofing, QuietRock 545 is your go-to drywall product. áThis sound damped panel provides the highest performance of soundproofing available on the market. áIt's undeniable benefits include all of the following:

• Up to an 80 STC rating
• Ideal for multiple projects, including sound rooms, high-end home theaters, convention centers, studios and more
• Compared to older methods of soundproofing, QuietRock 545 has been lab tested and proven to give greater soundproofing results
• No matter the frequency -- high or low -- QuietRock 545 delivers superior soundproofing

If you are in need of exact product specifications, which you probably are, because your boss will want to know the exacts of QuietRock 545, here they are:

• Permeability: 0
• Thickness: 1-3/8"
• STC-rated: 60-80
• Weight: 6.2 lbs/sq.foot

QuietRock 525

As stated before, as a contractor, you have to adhere to a specific budget. áQuietRock 525 serves as a solution to your budget and soundproofing requirements. áFor multi-family construction projects, you can't go wrong with the QuietRock 525 product. áIt can also be used for other various projects, including:

• Hotels
• Conference rooms
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Party walls
• Home theaters
• Offices
• Commercial properties

As far as meeting code for STC ratings, you can rest assured that a single layer of the 525 product on one side of the studs will exceed the ratings you are going after. áNot only does this let you avoid having to pay for materials and labor of providing double studs, but it even expands floor space. á

Notable aspects of QuietRock 525

• Non-metallic composition
• Same fire rating as Type X drywall
• Even after fixtures have been installed into the walls, noise reduction still takes place
• When having tiles installed in bathrooms with ceramic side facing outward, 525 can still be used under the tiles
• Installation is equivalent to that of regular drywall
• STC ratings between 51 to 72
• Compared to other soundproofing methods, 525 is much more cost-effective

Product specifications for QuietRock 525 are as follows:

• Fire-related: 1 hour
• Thickness: 5/8"
• UL-rated assemblies: U386,W317
• STC rating: 51-72
• R value: 0.5
• Weight: 2.7 lbs per square foot

No matter the construction project that you are carrying out, if soundproofing products are needed, then it's best to make sure you are using the right ones. áAfter all, poor soundproofing can lead a wide array of issues. á

Take for example that you're building a hospital. áIn order for effective communication to take place between staff and patients, soundproof drywall is of the utmost importance to ensure patient safety and first-class healthcare services are provided. á

Or perhaps you're building a bar or pub. áThe owner will want to rest assured that the activities and noise taking place in his bar will not be heard by nearby residents and business owners; this could lead to him losing his licensure to operate his business.

Fortunately, no matter the project you're completing, there is a QuietRock soundproofing product that can meet your needs.

Additional QuietRock soundproofing products: their applications and features

• 510: Lowest cost, 1/2" thickness, STC rating of 49-68 and ideal for remodeling and upgrades
• 516: Meant to be used on 16"OC studs, 1/2" thickness, STC rating of 46-49 and ideal for single family residences
• 525: Fire-rated, 5/8" thickness, STC rating of 51-72 and ideal for commercial properties, multifamily complexes, hospitals and hotels
• 527: Meant to be used on UltraSTEEL studs, 5/8" thickness, STC rating of 55+ and ideal for UltraSTEEL construction projects
• 528: Mold-resistant, 5/8" thickness, STC rating of 50-58 and ideal for high moisture areas
• 530: Shear resistance, 5/8" thickness, STC rating of 52-74 and ideal for high-end homes, commercial properties, hallways and schools
• 530RF: Enhanced RF shielding, 5/8" thickness, STC rating of 52-74 and ideal for medical shielding and SCIF rooms
• 545THX: Highest performance, 1-3/8" thickness, STC rating of 56-80 and ideal for high-end homes, music studios and commercial theaters

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