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

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ProBuild Holdings Inc., one of the nation's largest professional building materials suppliers, today announced the grand opening of its Morgantown, W. Va. location. The grand opening celebration will take place from 11 a.m. 3 p.m. on March 14 at the ProBuild facility at 201 North Metro Drive, Morgantown, W. Va.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120109/LA32516LOGO)

Builders, contractors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts are invited to come and check out the new facility and enjoy lunch. Vendors will also be on hand with product displays and giveaways.

"We're proud to bring our local market expertise and ProBuild's national reach to Morgantown and our neighboring states," said Brian Massie, general manager of the ProBuild Morgantown location. "Whether you're a big production builder, a contractor or you're taking on a home improvement project for yourself, we've got the supplies you need and a local team of experts to help you get the job done."

The 35,000 sq. ft. Morgantown facility provides a full range of building materials and products to meet growing demand in the market. ProBuild Morgantown offers lumber, building materials, windows, exterior doors, siding and trim, and a variety of hardware items. Customers of the new location will have access to materials from nearby ProBuild facilities, including Winchester, Va. which specializes in components and Frederick, Md. which specializes in millwork.

The Morgantown location is one of the most recent additions to ProBuild's national footprint. The company employs approximately a dozen new employees at the facility. ProBuild now has two locations in West Virginia and nine locations in the surrounding states. The company's national reach helps ensure customers have access to the building materials and products they need when they need them, along with a locally staffed and managed team to provide on-the-ground support and expertise to help get the job done.

Click here for ProBuild's Morgantown store hours and directions. To learn more about ProBuild, please visit http://www.ProBuild.com.

About ProBuildProBuild is one of the nation's largest diversified suppliers of lumber and building materials to professional builders and contractors. ProBuild currently operates more than 430 lumber and building product distribution, manufacturing and assembly centers serving 45 U.S. states. ProBuild sells a broad selection of building materials including lumber and plywood, engineered wood, gypsum wallboard and other drywall products, millwork, trusses, roofing, siding products, tools, insulation materials, and metal and hardware specialties. The company's manufacturing activities include trusses, wall panels, millwork, and pre-hung door and window fabrication. ProBuild's construction services include the installation of framing, millwork, insulation and other products. To learn more about ProBuild, visit their website at http://www.probuild.com.

See the original post:
ProBuild Morgantown, W. Va. Location Celebrates Grand Opening

Single Mother and Corporate Giant Face-off in Courtroom Over Black Mold Ordeal

Houston, Texas (PRWEB) March 13, 2012

According to Ms. Williamss petition pending in the 165th Judicial District of Harris County, Texas, her ordeal began in 1993 with Sears unsuccessful attempt to correct the faulty installation. She alleges that in 2005 the company removed the vinyl siding and covered the exterior walls with plastic sheeting, leaving the home uninhabitable, the family displaced and allowing snakes, rats, squirrels and lizards to take up residence in an unsecured home. In deposition testimony by a former Sears insurance adjuster, the Williams home was declared a total loss in 2007. Today, over five years later, Sears and its subcontractors have not compensated Williams for the loss of her home, contents and the cost of living outside of her home. Court filings indicate all is not well between Sears and its subcontractors either as its mold remediation subcontractor has also sued Sears (Cause No. 2009-12785, 165th Judicial District of Harris County, Texas).

Media Resources:

Images of damages

Mary Kay Williams

832-423-3827 Email Information

Read more:
Homeowner Mary Kay Williams Alleges Sears Vinyl Siding Destroyed Her Family’s Home

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio, March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Materials, LLC today announced the appointment of Paul Morrisroe as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. Mr. Morrisroe, previously Vice President of Finance, Precision Components at Barnes Group Inc., brings over 20 years of management experience in manufacturing and logistical services companies, including three years serving in a senior management capacity. He takes over for Chief Financial Officer Stephen E. Graham.

Jerry W. Burris, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are thrilled that Paul will be leading the AMI finance organization. He brings a proven track record and will play an integral role in creating business and financial metrics to drive sustainable profitable growth. Paul's knowledge of financial and operational management will provide valuable leadership to the organization as we continue to strengthen and grow our business."

Mr. Morrisroe, originally from Connecticut, earned a B.S. in accounting from the University of Connecticut and an M.B.A. from Purdue University. Prior to joining Associated Materials, Mr. Morrisroe served in various management positions within Barnes Group Inc. over the course of 15 years, including as Vice President of Finance, Precision Components from April 2011 to February 2012, Vice President, Internal Audit from February 2009 to March 2011, Barnes Industrial Group Controller from 2005 to 2008, Barnes Aerospace Group Controller from 2000 to 2004 and Director of Accounting and Planning from 1997 to 2000.

About Associated Materials

The Company is a leading, vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor of exterior residential building products in the United States and Canada. The Company produces a comprehensive offering of exterior building products, including vinyl windows, vinyl siding, aluminum trim coil and aluminum and steel siding and accessories, which are produced at the Company's 11 manufacturing facilities. The Company also sells complementary products that are manufactured by third parties, such as roofing materials, insulation, exterior doors, vinyl siding in a shake and scallop design and installation equipment and tools that are primarily distributed through its company-operated supply centers. The Company's products are sold primarily through its extensive dual-distribution network, consisting of 121 company-operated supply centers, through which it sells directly to its contractor customers, and the Company's direct sales channel, through which it sells to approximately 250 independent distributors and dealers, who then sell to their customers. The Company maintains a website athttp://www.associatedmaterials.com.

Read more here:
Associated Materials Announces Appointment of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

Manasquan Premium Fasteners Celebrates 25th Anniversary Dedicated to the Supply of Quality Stainless Steel Fasteners

Reputation is everything to us, says Linda Dey. Weve grown from a mail-order, catalog company working from our dining room table with stock in the basement to one of the most-recognized firms of our kind. We achieved this by paying attention to detail and providing each customer, large and small, the best possible care. In fact, Bob once drove over 200 miles round trip one night to personally deliver an urgent order before Hurricane Irene hit New Jersey.

Manasquan Premium Fasteners was originally formed to fill a local market void for stainless steel nails. This opportunity unfolded prior to 1987 when Bob and Linda sought to replace the deteriorating composite lap siding on their home in Wall, NJ with high quality redwood bevel siding. Upon researching the "American Redwood Association" installation guidelines, it was determined that stainless steel fasteners were recommended as the best choice to eliminate unsightly black streaking around the nail heads. Unfortunately, at that time stainless steel nails were nowhere to be found in New Jersey or the surrounding states, not even at the largest hardware stores and lumberyards. "No one stocked these products in those days, says Bob. "Hardware stores and building supply centers even denied the existence of stainless steel nails."

"It was amazing, explains Linda, that we stumbled into this incredible niche that would eventually become our future. We persevered, finished our siding installation and ultimately formed Manasquan Premium Fasteners, initially stocking nails and screws supplied from a Baltimore-based manufacturer.

During the early years, the Deys also ran the fledgling company from their home basement, which was transformed into a mini-warehouse with shelves stocked with various stainless steel fasteners. Together, Linda and their youngest daughter, Jessica, picked and packaged orders, while maintaining all the companys records by hand. Manasquan then began its next stage when Bob retired from the chemical industry and joined with Linda to more proactively promote and grow the business. This included creating and launching the company website in 2001 and moving into their first warehouse facility a few years later.

Since that time, Manasquan has steadily grown into one of the industrys most-noted suppliers of high-quality stainless steel and specialty construction fasteners. With a larger warehouse in Brick, New Jersey, the company today stocks thousands of items from leading stainless steel fastener manufacturers such as Simpson Strong-Tie, Starborn Industries, EB-TY, Tiger Claw, GRK fasteners and others. This includes a complete line of hand nails, collated nails, staples, bolts, joist hangers, framing connectors & straps, nuts & washers, threaded rods, screws, hidden deck fastening systems and numerous other building-related items.

A true family-run business, Linda serves as the principal company owner responsible for finance, inventory and website development and maintenance. In addition, Bob is known as the "technical information" person with control over marketing and new product acquisitions. Nicole, the Deys eldest daughter, also currently serves as the office manager in charge of order processing and other office functions.

"Were proud to be one of the pioneers of a niche service that is now embedded in several international markets, states Bob. Most orders are filled from the inventory we maintain in our warehouse. If an item is needed that is not a product we normally carry in our stock inventory were happy to source special order and custom items to meet a customer's needs. For instance, we recently worked with a leading window coverings company to provide a custom stainless steel staple designed with a special friction-activated adhesive that sets securely during product assembly.

As for the future, Bob and Linda are positioning the company to reach beyond their present customers to attract a larger, worldwide contractor base. Were already ramping up for the next wave of activity, adds Linda. Fortunately, we werent hurt that badly by the housing and construction slump. Our customers are widespread geographically and always seem to be building somewhere. Plus, professional builders and home owners alike have come to realize the benefits of stainless steel fasteners that will last a lifetime. Why spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on constructing a home or several thousands on a deck only to use nails, screws, joist hangers, framing connectors and other fasteners that will streak, stain and ultimately fail due to corrosion and cause safety issues?

Founded in 1987, Manasquan Premium Fasteners is a leading provider of stainless steel and concealed decking fasteners to the residential, commercial and marine construction industries. For more information please visit http://www.manasquanfasteners.com, call 1-800-542-1979 or contact Bob Dey at bob@manasquanfasteners.com. On most days, Bob Dey is likely to answer and provide his first-hand expertise on any number of fastener issues.

Read the original here:
Manasquan Premium Fasteners Celebrates 25th Anniversary Dedicated to the Supply of Quality Stainless Steel Fasteners

CARY, N.C. -- Newly introduced for 2012, Ply Gem Stone True Stack allows for clean and simple installation, ideal for those looking for a time saving solution that achieves a detailed stacked stone look. This is the first modular stone product offered by Ply Gem Stone, manufacturer of stone and brick veneer products.

With rectangular pieces that come in three different lengths and fit tightly together, Ply Gem Stone True Stack cuts installation time drastically and provide a unique face texture from stone to stone. The pieces are 9, 13, and 18-inches long, with matching corner stones, ensuring diversity in the application design. When compared to traditional single stone application with individual pieces and irregular shapes, the stacked stone shapes of True Stack are molded into the face of an average of 2-inch thick by 4-inch width blocks to make installation faster and easier.

On the back of the stone, a 1/4-inch groove creates a clean 1/2-inch gap when the stones are laid together, making it easy to fill and blend mortar. The groove and gap form a tight fit for virtually seamless lines between the rectangular pieces. When assembled, Ply Gem Stone True Stack offers the aesthetics of individual and beautifully dry stacked stones, ideal for accents to traditional Craftsman and Prairie architectural home styles, as well as modern designs.

"Whether you are a seasoned commercial architect or a masonry newcomer, we designed Ply Gem Stone True Stack as a solution to help any customer looking for a simpler, quicker stone veneer installation method," said Jerry Blais, vice president, marketing, Ply Gem siding group.

The product is available in seven color profiles, six palettes new to the Ply Gem Stone product offering, including Sonoma, Calgary, Cambria, Shenandoah, Tuscarora, Arkose and Flint. These earth tone, light and gray color profiles offer the beautiful appearance of natural stacked stone. With the exception of Shenandoah, the colors are exclusive to the True Stack product.

"Due to the efficient method of installation and time-saving application, especially on larger surfaces, modular stone installation is rapidly gaining popularity in commercial construction," said Blais.

Beyond commercial, Ply Gem Stone True Stack can be used for residential projects through a variety of applications including exterior cladding, interior walls and interior fireplaces.

In addition to True Stack, Ply Gem Stone offers a broad assortment of manufactured stone and brick veneers in nine styles with many color options.

Made from real stone casts, but about half the weight, Ply Gem Stone products can be combined with Ply Gem siding and window products for a mixed material look through The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem. On http://www.designedexterior.com, builders, contractors, architects and homeowners can find inspirational visuals for architecturally-inspired stone veneer applications.

All Ply Gem Stone styles are National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center Green Approved for specific green practice criteria in the National Green Building Standard(TM) such as no on-site finish and termite resistance. Green Approved products can be used by builders to earn points toward the National Green Building Certification to the Standard. Ply Gem is a member of NAHB.

See more here:
Ply Gem Introduces True Stack Modular Stone To Produce Rustic, Dry Stack Style

ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Angie's List award reflects businesses' that consistently perform with a high level of customer service.

American Custom Contractors has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie's List Super Service Award. This honor is provided annually to approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers.

"We are thankful to our customers for submitting such positive reviews of our company, and we are incredibly proud of our staff.  Our staff is committed to providing excellent customer service throughout every project and our receipt of this Super Service Award is a testament to this!" says Vice President William Giakoumatos.

"Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie's List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar," said Angie's List Founder Angie Hicks. "The fact that American Custom Contractors can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers."

Angie's List award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie's List operational guidelines.

American Custom Contractors is a professionally licensed contractor that provides exterior roofing, siding, restoration and window installation services throughout Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland and the Washington, DC metro region. Visit http://americancustomcontractors.com for more information.

Read this article:
American Custom Contractors (ACC) Earns Angie's List Super Service Award

Faux brick, wood and stone veneer from FauxPanels.com are popular choices for easy, cost-effective home remodeling projects homeowners to plan this spring season.

Deer Park, NY (PRWEB) February 27, 2012

Winter is the perfect time to start planning spring renovations, as proven by the design queries FauxPanels.com receives this time every year regarding warm-weather home remodeling projects using stone veneer, faux brick and faux wood siding.

“Avid gardeners plan now for spring and homeowners who want to remodel when the weather breaks do the same thing,” said Steve Barron, president of Faux Panels. “They can work out all the details now so once the weather is consistently warm, they can get started.”

“Once we get past New Year’s, our customer service reps start fielding more and more calls, answering all kinds of questions, helping them calculate how much material they’ll need and more,” added Ruth Barron, vice-president of Faux Panels.

Based on the questions received, homeowners are ready to freshen up exteriors to improve curb appeal or create an outdoor living space while still sticking to a smart budget.

“That’s the great thing about stone veneer – you don’t need an expensive mason and the material cost is a fraction of genuine stone. You won’t get a hernia lifting it either. Many projects can be done by just one person,” said Steve Barron.

Those using a contractor still save money with faux brick and stone. Quicker installation time means lower labor costs.

Here are a few types of projects homeowners are planning for spring, based on calls received by the design experts at FauxPanels.com

1. Stone Veneer Clad Grills and Outdoor Kitchens

Whether it’s an exterior serving and eating area or a built-in grill, stone veneer can provide the look of expensive, hand-laid rock with just a DIYer’s skill. Depending upon the size of the project, it can be done in a weekend.

“People don’t want to spend the weekend doing a lot of work,” said Steve Barron. “Faux stone is low maintenance so once it’s installed, you’re practically done.”

2. Faux Wood is Perfect for Outdoor Living Rooms

Weatherpoof faux wood is the smart choice for everything from a simple deck to a more elaborate area for outdoor entertaining. It holds up beautifully in all climates and doesn’t attract termites or pests. Real wood can rot regardless of the sealant used and might have to be replaced as often as every two years. Faux wood easily lasts 20 years and longer with very little maintenance.

Just as brick and stone veneer can be used to dress a fireplace, they can also be used to frame a fire pit to ward off early spring and late fall chill. It can even edge a space, creating an attractive boundary.

3. Faux Brick Foundation Trim

Beauty and practicality can go hand in hand with faux brick or stone wainscoting. It’s a quick way to change the look of your home’s exterior, and it protects it from wear and tear.

“An attractive foundation cover enhances landscaping by providing a contrasting backdrop,” said Ruth Barron. “Since faux brick and stone don’t dust or crumble like the real thing, maintenance is easy. Just power wash it now and then if needed.”

4. A Partial or Full Exterior Facelift

Whether your home’s entire exterior needs a change or you just want to dress it up with an accent wall, brick or stone veneer paneling is the perfect solution.

“With so many color and design options, homeowners can get a custom look to break up that suburban cookie-cutter look,” said Steve Barron. “It even improves the insulation value of your home.

Since reliable weather for exterior renovations doesn’t usually occur until May, there’s still plenty of time to plan a spring remodeling project. Because faux stone and brick paneling install so easily, homeowners can start enjoying the fruits of their work quickly.

“Thanks to the combination of good looks, low maintenance and budget friendly projects, using faux brick and stone veneer outdoors truly is a win/win/win,” said Steve Barron.

About FauxPanels.com and FauxWoodBeams.com

FauxPanels.com is an industry leader due to wealth of installation guides for DIYers and the best selection of the realistic faux brick, stone and wood panels and columns on the market. FauxWoodBeams.com leads the field of polyurethane wood beam products, ceiling panels and architectural products. Products from both companies have been regular featured on television shows such as “Celebrity Apprentice” and numerous appearances on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Both are subsidiaries of Barron Designs Inc., a family-owned home improvement business operating since 1972. For more information, visit FauxPanels.com and FauxWoodBeams.com.

###

Steve Barron
Barron Designs
(800) 651-4223
Email Information

Read more here:
Barron Designs Reveals Home Remodeling Projects from FauxPanels.com Using Stone Veneer for Spring Season