Bethe Rykaczewski of Franklin Park says she likes the heavy siding she and her husband, Dave, put on their house because it is going to need some work.

But not in the negative sense, she says.

"Vinyl siding people will tell you about how you never have to do anything with it," she says. "But that is what I like about this: You can change it."

She is talking about fiber-cement siding, a mix of sand, cement and cellulose that is used to create a heavy, wood-like siding made in panels and shingle pattens in soft colors. But those colors easily can be changed with primer and paint, different from many other sidings.

Fiber-cement siding is finding popularity with "educated" consumers -- not because of house-smarts, but because they do a great deal of research on the product.

Brian Murphy, owner of EZ Home Exteriors in North Versailles, does 95 percent of his work selling vinyl product, he says. But he finds customers looking into fiber-cement siding are "educated" because of the research they do.

That research can be a hassle, jokes Paul Valint, owner of Unique Building Solutions in Harrison City, Westmoreland County. He talks of dealing with would-be clients who spend months, sometimes years studying the product, even though they already have decided on it.

Jim Spade of Ross says he probably presented that image when he was researching fiber-cement siding for his house. One dealer was less than enthusiastic about dealing with him.

"I guess they get tired of people who think they know it all," he says. "I might think I do, but I know I don't."

Valint and Legacy Remodeling in Dormont are the only two certified Western Pennsylvania installers of fiber-cement paneling made by its largest manufacturer, James Hardie Building Products of California. That means any job they do is audited by Hardie inspectors, which then validates its 30-year warranty. Vinyl often comes with a 15-year warranty, but generally lasts longer.

See the article here:
Fiber-cement siding seen as better house option

Published on: Friday, March 23, 2012

By Nicole Macon

Mold on the walls, a leaky roof, siding that has fallen off and lunch breaks taken in a repair bay that stores chemicals these are the conditions that employees of Seat Pleasants Public Works Building are met with every day.

Mayor Eugene Grant lead a delegation along with Seat Pleasant City Council President Kelly Porter and Public Works Director Johnny Thompson to Annapolis March 10 to request bond funding to improve working conditions for Public Works employees. The delegation attended two back-to-back bond hearings in the Maryland House of Delegates and in the state Senate.

This facility behind Seat Pleasants City Hall has had only minor repairs in its 42-year history to keep the building up to code using funds from state highway user fees and taxes from real estate assessments. With an 84-percent cut in state highway user fees and a 27-percent decline in real estate assessments, the city needs bond financing now more than ever in order to make any substantial improvements to the building.

You do the basic or minimum to make it up to code, but in order to get the building up to modern standards, we need bond funds, Grant said.

The Department of Public Works is requesting $500,000 in bond financing to remove such hazards as a leaky roof, mold growth, and old and inadequate installation, lights and pipes, as well as makeshift doors to the buildings three repair bays made from ply wood by the employees themselves.

The bond funds would also help modernize the building by adding an additional floor to create an office for the Public Works director as well as a rest area, a place for staff to eat their lunch, and an additional bathroom and showers for overnight workers to use. Grant said that during snowstorms workers would sleep in their vehicles parked in the repair bays when taking a rest from plowing snow off the streets.

Grant also wants to add an additional storage bay to store equipment and for workers to repair lawnmowers and change the tires of the vehicles used to haul trash and remove snow from the streets.

Since Public Works Director Johnny Thompson started his position four years ago, he had been pushing for upgrades. Since he started, the department has received a new street sweeper, a one ton pickup truck, a dump truck, and a versatile all-weather tractor, replacing equipment that was more than 10 years old.

Read more:
Seat Pleasant requests bonds to repair Public Works Building

"Orange Crush," artist Phillip Estlund's collage on found wood, depicts a post-flood image of a mangled home. Part of the structure has been lifted skyward, and much of the siding has been ripped off. The cracks and moldlike discoloration of the collage's wood base contributes to the dreariness of the scene. Adding some color, and perhaps hope, are brightly colored Florida oranges, with bright-green leaves still attached. The house appears to have landed on, but not crushed, the fruit, which is disproportionally large and suggestive of gifts Floridians ship to Northern relatives in order to brag, "I'm in a subtropical paradise while you're shoveling snow."

This 2007 collage is one of many works in "Subprime/Subtropics," Estlund's solo exhibition that opens Friday at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. The show, which also includes sculptures, prints, a diorama and a site-specific installation, explores the psychological and physical effects of natural and man-made disasters.

Many of the works depict structures that appear to have stood up to nature and lost the battle. But as the show's title suggests, Estlund is also concerned with another equally unforgiving entity: banks.

Boarded-up structures in varying states of disrepair became prevalent in Estlund's work shortly after the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, the most active in recorded history.

"I had been using house iconography up until then, predominantly in collages having to do with architecture and nature," explains Estlund, who in 2001 moved fromWashington, D.C., to South Florida. "The hurricanes and the tenuous nature of structures considered solid reinforced that they're as subject to nature as anything is, and created for me a whole source of new materials."

His works came to include post-hurricane fencing material and aluminum blinds, which are presented as siding in sculptures such as "Reclaimed/Repossessed (A Derelict Nature)." The piece reveals a boarded-up and roofless structure covered in yellow-brown drop marks.

Estlund says the show has evolved since he first discussed it with Art and Culture Center curator Jane Hart. Last September, after "a bit of a dismal experience" in South Florida, Estlund downsized from a Lake Worth warehouse to a smaller West Palm Beach studio so he could live part-time in New York. Nine months away gave him a new perspective, which he plans to incorporate in site-specific murals and installations that will accompany his sculptures and collages about nature's penetration of domestic spaces.

"Home Invasion Series 1" shows a brick-walled room with a large, circular, black couch facing a fireplace. Rather than flames, large red tentacles reach from the opening, but no one is there to see them. "Nature Study," another collage, depicts people around a built-in swimming pool. All are intensely focused on writing or sketching and oblivious to the bright-green sea anemones emerging from the pool.

In these works and similar collages, nature is ever-present, and yet seemingly invisible to humans. At least until disaster strikes.

Colleen Dougher operates the South Florida arts blog Arterpillar.

Read the original here:
Art and Culture Center's 'Subprime/Subtropics' takes on hurricanes, banks

By ERIC G. STARK Staff Writer

Mike Stubljar says Shady Oak Apartments in Mount Joy Township feels like home.

After owning a house in Spencer, Mass. about 60 miles west of Boston for more than 30 years, Stubljar, 64, and his wife, Becky, 59, retired schoolteachers, wanted to escape shoveling snow and be closer to family.

Mike Stubljar's mother lives in Ecumenical Community, Harrisburg. He visits her three times a week, and now the drive is 30 minutes, compared to the more than six hours from Massachusetts.

Becky Stubljar, who grew up in the New Oxford/Hanover area, has a sister in East Petersburg and four brothers in the New Oxford/Hanover area.

Shady Oak, 2053 Shady Oak Drive, has luxury apartments ranging from $850 to $975 per month. Its location five minutes off the Elizabethtown/Rheems exit, close to East Petersburg and Harrisburg, made it ideal for the Stubljars.

"Route 283 is right there, and my wife and her sister are having loads of fun making up for years we have been away," said Mike Stubljar, who likes his first-floor, two-bedroom unit with its view of a pond. He also cited the ample space, closeness to attractions and "excellent accommodations."

The Stubljars live in one of three finished buildings at Shady Oak. There are three units available in this phase now, and 28 units obtainable later this month.

Brandon Clark, a partner with Shady Oak Associates, said the goal is to have the project, with a total of 112 units, finished by the end of the year. Storage units 14-by-20 and 6-by-6 are available to rent.

See more here:
'It feels like home'

Some homeowners in our area are fortunate enough to have picturesque older structures on their properties that preserve a sense of rustic history. Letting these sheds, shacks, chicken coops or outhouses sit idle, though, often means they'll deteriorate and eventually be demolished.

PHOTOS BY BURKE BUILT CONSTRUCTION, INC.

This old outbuilding, on a property in New York State, may have started life as a chicken coop.

Burke Built Construction, Inc., turned the structure into a very livable cottage. The cozy interior features beamed ceilings and built-in cabinets and bookcases.

Such buildings, with their weathered wood and tarnished hardware, can do more than just add a charming focal point to your yard. They also have the potential to increase your storage and living space. With some cosmetic touchups, or the installation of new siding and flooring, you can give these previously ignored fixtures new life.

Simple vs. Elaborate Updates

A smaller outdoor structure can be transformed for a new use, such as:

A playhouse or cabana

A workshop, hobby shop or art studio

A compact greenhouse or gardening shed

Read more from the original source:
The Older Home: Breathe new life into outdoor structures

VALLEY FORGE, PA -- CertainTeed is making installation much easier with the introduction of a J-Pocket trimboard with Cut-out in its Restoration Millwork PVC line. The cut-out allows the trimboard to lie flush with the siding around windows and doors with built-in nail flanges, allowing for more perfect miter cuts at the corners.

"Before, contractors had to spend valuable jobsite time on window and door trim carpentry," says Patti Pellock, senior marketing manager for CertainTeed Restoration Millwork. "Now there is no worrying about imprecise and expensive do-overs. The new J-Pocket with Cut-out creates an instant, perfect and flat installation."

The Restoration Millwork J-Pocket with Cut-out is available in a 4-inch width with nominal 5/4-inch thickness with either Smooth or TrueTexture woodgrain. It joins the existing standard J-Pocket trimboard line, which includes smooth or woodgrain finishes in 4- and 6-inch widths. J-Pocket trimboards come with FinishedEdge, a smooth finish created by a proprietary heat-sealing process that prevents dirt from collecting on the surface.

Made from cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the Restoration Millwork full line of trim, beadboard and accessories is engineered to look, feel and work like top-grade lumber. Unlike wood, however, it is made with a long-lasting, low-maintenance material that is resistant to rotting, warping, moisture and insects. Offered in Natural White finish, Restoration Millwork can also be painted to complement exterior colors. It can be cut using ordinary woodworking tools and fastened with nails or screws.

In addition, Restoration Millwork complements all siding materials -- including vinyl, fiber cement, wood, stucco and brick -- and is ideal for single- and multi-family housing, light commercial developments and remodeling projects. It is highly resistant to yellowing caused by UV rays, resists freezing during winter months, features a Class A (Class 1) flame spread classification and is backed by a 25-year limited warranty.

For more information, visit http://www.certainteed.com.

More here:
New CertainTeed Restoration Millwork J-Pocket Eases Installation of Corner Trim

KEY ACTION After hearing a request from Building Inspector Blaine Strawder, council agreed to let him do his job according to the current village ordinances.

Strawder asked council to reconsider a memo he received from then-Mayor Dave Flanary from June 2008 that restricted him from issuing any building permits for replacement roofing, installation or replacement siding, windows, gutter installation or replacement, and soffit installation or replacement.

Current ordinances, according to Village Solicitor Clarke Battista, state that Strawder will issue permits and inspect when necessary for any project that includes demolition, alterations, construction, remodeling, or removing.

All council members voted in favor of allowing Strawder to issue permits and inspect, with the exception of Mary Ann Miller who voted against the measure.

OTHER ACTION

Learned the Second Street water line replacement is being bid. Bid openings will be noon March 22.

Heard the Fourth Street sewer line project is set to begin March 19.

Learned the paving bids are being accepted. They will be opened 3 p.m. March 15.

Continue reading here:
March 12 Carrollton Village Council

Theres no place like home

Home Show & Design Expo offers information on the home, both inside and outside

BY JENNIFER AMATO

Staff Writer

Visitors to the 23rd annual Home Show & Interior Design Expo look at a whirlpool with a waterfall on March 10 at the New Jersey Convention Center in Edison. SCOTT FRIEDMAN With spring right around the corner, hundreds of contractors, landscapers, shed builders, pool and spa installers, and interior decorators were on hand to provide renovation project ideas at the 24th annual New Jersey Home Show & Design Expo.

The home improvement expo, held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, offered information on heating and cooling, exterior work, fencing, gutter systems, solar energy, saunas, power washing, and sunrooms to thousands of area residents who attended during the weekend of March 9-11.

Garden State Brickface, Windows & Siding, which partnered with Renewal by Anderson, was probably one of the most popular attractions, thanks to a special guest appearance by Sandra Lee, author and celebrity chef for The Food Network. Lee, who originally got her start in home and garden projects, was representing the two companies that replaced the windows and siding on her house in New York last summer.

I called four different companies, she said. I felt I could trust [Garden State Brickface]. They were very good about showing me and sharing with me my options and whats available.

She said most of the work was completed within a few short weeks while she was visiting schools in France with her niece.

They handled it like it was their house, she said, impressed that her white rug was still white after the project was completed.

Read more:
There’s no place like home

Manufactured stone exterior panels with the look and feel of coral create new design options for home owners at an affordable price.

Deer Park, NY (PRWEB) March 13, 2012

When it comes to design, people want options, said Steve Barron, president of Faux Panels. Real coral is rare, incredibly expensive, not practical for many climates and getting it harms fish habitats. Our Norwich coral paneling provides the exact same look in a way thats economical and environmentally sound.

Anyone who has visited the Caribbean, Mediterranean and other seaside towns around the world knows how beautiful coral stone buildings can be. Designers love it because of the tropical feel it adds to a building, but today its usually price prohibitive and might not be readily available in a given area.

Environmentally Sound & Beautiful

Real coral in the ocean is the home to fish and other marine wildlife. Norwich coral stone veneer provides the look you want while easing your conscience in regard to the environmental impact no fish are disturbed for your decorating plans.

To ensure an authentic appearance, Norwich manufactured stone panels are made from molds created from genuine coral stone. Unlike real coral, these polyurethane panels are very durable and wont chip or crack.

Even better, the light weight of the faux stone panels means that it can be used in DIY projects or by contractors and architects in areas where coral stones genuine weight would be a problem. Use it as foundation cover, to edge a deck, create an exterior accent wall or cover an entire house.

Low Maintenance Beauty

Norwich coral stone siding is very low maintenance just the occasional power washing is needed. They resist wear and tear, and hold up beautifully in all climates without shrinking, cracking or warping.

The rest is here:
FauxPanels.com Announces Its Newest Faux Stone Design – Norwich Coral Stone

Hires/Promotions/ Honors

Five Star Bank promoted Amy Schneggenburger to retail area manager. Schneggenburger currently manages the retail bank branch in Olean and will now oversee additional retail bank branches in the southwest market area, including branches in Yorkshire, Salamanca, Allegany, Cuba, Lakewood and Ellicottville. She joined the bank in April 2000 as an assistant branch manager at the former Allegany First Tier Bank and Trust location.

Lawley Benefits Group of Rochester named Fausto Prattico a benefits consultant. Prattico, who has more than 10 years of health care experience, most recently worked at a local employee-benefits consulting firm. He is a graduate of St. John Fisher College.

Company items

Saint-Gobain, a global manufacturer of building products, was awarded the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the second consecutive year. The award recognizes the companys outstanding leadership in energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Saint-Gobain employs more than 1,100 people in the state. CertainTeed, the companys North American subsidiary, employs more than 100 people at its siding plant in Buffalo.

MidCity Office Furniture recently completed the space planning, design and furniture installation for Community Health Center of Buffalos new facility at 34 Benwood Ave. in Buffalo. The facility represents a$6 million investment.

Buffalo Computer Graphics, Blasdell, was awarded a$49,440 federal contract for radar components from the U.S. Coast Guards Command and Control Engineering Center, Portsmouth, Va.

Excerpt from:
On the Record / March 13, 2012