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    Painter Arlington TX Residential and Commercial Remodeling and Painting Services in the DFW Area – Press Release – Digital Journal - January 28, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Pro Brush Painting and Remodeling has decades of experience in executing painting and remodeling projects. The company serves residential and commercial clients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It has earned a reputation for professional work and attention to detail.

    According to announcements released by Pro Brush Painting and Remodeling and Jesse Campuzano, the company is the first choice for homeowners looking for a painter Arlington, TX. Qualified and experienced painters can paint walls with designs, patterns, and textures. Homeowners and property owners can expect a first-class painting job with cathedral ceilings, cabinets, decks, fences, siding, brick, and other materials and surfaces. Pro Brush Painting and Remodeling handles deck and fence staining, epoxy floor coating, wallpaper removal, and more.

    According to sources, the company is preferred by businesses in Arlington, Texas, for commercial painting jobs. It enables businesses to acquire a unique look that they can market to engender a positive perception with their customers. Arlington businesses that include restaurants, hotels, and retailers are assured of quality work delivered in a realistic time-frame and with no hidden pricing. For any home remodeling, including kitchen remodeling, the company ensures that homeowners have to spend the minimum amount of time out of the home. Its expertise in home renovations includes granite installation, bathroom remodeling, cabinet remodeling, flooring installation, and more. The company offers a special one-on-one consultation for its customers so that they understand everything about the scope of the project, opportunities to save, and the time required to get the job done.

    For more information, go to https://probrushpainting.net/

    Jesse Campuzano of Pro Brush Painting and Remodeling said, When you are considering a new look for your home, our residential painting experts can create a custom look thats both modern and inviting. If you are looking for an experienced painting team that can complete your project quickly, call our professionals to produce a warm, professional atmosphere, fast. Bring your cabinets back to life and make them more beautiful than ever with our expert cabinet refinishing services. When the most used rooms in your home need a facelift, our experts can create a modern, custom style thats sure to impress. Protect and seal your fence and deck while keeping them beautiful with our professional fence and deck staining services. Dont risk your familys well-being. Let our experts handle the popcorn ceiling removal process in your home. Epoxy coatings are the better option for a garage floor, but there are some important things to remember.

    Concerning the company's painting services, Campuzano said, We at Pro Brush Painting and Remodeling are the premier commercial painting services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area! Our team has over 20 years of experience with home renovation projects, which we will use to help you turn your visions of your business into a reality. Whether you just need a few rooms spruced up, or need an entire building repaint, our team of experts has the tools and skills for the job. Our local painters can paint, stain, or refinish almost any structure on your property, such as sheds, garages, shops, decks, and even wrought iron fencing. Let our painting experts help create your own masterpiece.

    Contact and location information are available at Pro Brush Painting and Remodeling

    Media ContactCompany Name: Pro Brush Painting and RemodelingContact Person: Jesse CampuzanoEmail: Send EmailPhone: (817) 789-5441Address:617, West Main Street, Suite 617c City: ArlingtonState: TX 76010Country: United StatesWebsite: https://probrushpainting.net/

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    Painter Arlington TX Residential and Commercial Remodeling and Painting Services in the DFW Area - Press Release - Digital Journal

    How to Install Vinyl Siding DIY Guide Siding Cost … - January 24, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Arguably, the best way to install lap vinyl siding is to get a professional siding contractor to do the job for you. Thats also twice as expensive as the alternative approach of doing it yourself. Since vinyl siding is only moderately challenging to install, at least on simple one-story homes, lets walk through the process.

    What this guide entails:

    1. Tools and Materials for hanging siding2. Insulation3. Removing Old Siding4. Quality Window and Door Trim5. Preliminary Steps for Hanging Siding6. Guide for Hanging Siding Pieces7. Wrapping Up

    The must have tools include:

    via VinylSiding.org

    Additional tool considerations:

    Materials:

    In our DIY guide, we are assuming you are working with lap vinyl siding, or the traditional look of horizontal boards that appear to wrap around your entire home. Vinyl siding offers other variations such as vertical panels, tiles and even a split-wood appearance. The horizontal lap is the most common and our main focus.

    With that variation comes two distinct types known as hollow-back or foam-back. Hollow-back is the most common type and offers enormous amount of variation with colors, width of panels, design or profile of panels type of hem line, and thickness of siding. Standard thickness for residential siding usually ranges from .040 to .046 inches.

    The thicker the material, the more durable it is, in terms of impact resistance. While these measurements seem very thin, hollow-back vinyl siding is fairly adequate in providing insulation. It scores .61 on the R-value scale. Compare this to say Cedar Shake which scores .9 and is around 10 times the thickness.

    Foam-back vinyl siding is ideal for increasing the insulation of your home. Better insulation means greater energy efficiency. Foam-back scores 1.8, or three times the R-value of hollow-back. In terms of all types of siding, this is near the top. To put things in perspective, Fiber Cement, Brick and most Stone veneers are all well under 1.0. Besides increasing insulation, foam-back also enhances impact resistance, generally has less seams, and the foam material (EPS) doesnt absorb moisture.

    The caveat is, of course, the added material cost. Hollow-back usually runs about $1.50 to $3.50 per sq. ft. for material. Whereas foam-back premium vinyl panels can costs $2.00 to $4.50 per sq. ft. Siding systems must also account for the additional thickness, which may add to overall cost. And waste of materials gets more expensive going with insulated. The tools for the project are all essentially the same, though youre better off using a circular saw for cuts rather than relying on tin snips.

    While it is possible to put vinyl siding over some instances of existing siding, we suggest you remove all the old siding. Working from scratch is the first goal of a siding project. This way, you can see if any portion of the exterior walls needs repairs and address that before new siding goes up. Plus, youll have better ability to put house wrap along wall studs and create a smooth sheathing for all new siding.

    Removing old siding can be fairly labor intensive. A professional crew charges between $1,000 and $3,000 for this part of the siding work. The crew will consist of 2 to 6 workers who likely have the experience to complete a tear off in 1 day.

    The main tools are: ladder(s), pry bar, reciprocating saw to cut through nails, and disposal bin. The larger disposal bins can be rented and hauled away, but that will run you around $1,000. Alternatively, you could lay out large tarps to you put waste onto, or use a utility trailer. Both these options usually mean multiple trips for eventually dumping of the material.

    With siding removal, it is recommended you start at the top and work down. The first step is to remove all items from the house that can be removed, such as light fixtures, address plates, outlet covers, etc. Special care must be used around windows and any trim that is going to be retained. With regards to utility fixtures and electric meters, you have to work around these. A reciprocating saw can help, but you obviously do not want to tamper with any electrical wires.

    Then just use the ladders, plural, to have your crew pry off boards, dropping them into the disposal area on your property. Tackle each wall until the project is complete and make sure to clean up all loose pieces and nails.

    When installing vinyl siding around windows and doors, J-channel strips are usually placed around all edges to fit the siding and hide your cuts on siding panels. Fitting is also known as butting siding boards into channels.

    When it comes to economical siding systems, basic J-channel strips are usually included. These amount to about .65 to 1.5 inches of trim. That works and is functional for installing the siding. But it makes for an arguably low quality project. Why not transform the average, basic doorway into an inviting entry?

    Wider versions of corner posts, window and door trim can greatly enhance the overall appearance of any siding job. Such design options as 5 inch lineal, pilaster, mantels and crown moulding are all possible in vinyl siding and add a majestic appearance. That are all functional as well, proving the J-channel for siding panels to fit into.

    Typically, a home with vinyl siding recoups about 80% of the cost put into it at the time the home is sold. This amounts to a very good ROI. Adding high quality trim will routinely increase that number. For better understanding on making quality trim work, see this article from Georgia-Pacific Vinyl Siding & Accessories. Going the DIY route allows you to make a conscious decision on the trim you find most appealing and to use it throughout the homes exterior.

    In our guide below, where we reference J-channel pieces, you can substitute that with quality trim pieces. Ply Gem provides a few examples of vinyl siding and related accessories.

    The preliminary steps for installing siding are measuring, leveling and fastening trim pieces to the house. Measuring and trimming are the exact science portion of the job while fastening trim entails the art and skill that makes for premium quality.

    Youll always work on one wall at a time. So first measure length of outer counters from eave to foundation. Similarly, if the wall has an inner corner, measure that vertical line from upper point to foundation.

    Next, measure gable lines, or from roof peak on the eave side, along the rake, to where outer corner meets lowest part of the eave. Write these measurements down.

    Additionally, measure width of the wall along the bottom edge, at top of the wall where the gable starts and then overall height of the wall from eave to ground.

    Next cut J-channel strips based on the measurements for every edge except outside corners. J-channel is what edges of siding panels fit into. Corner moldings also have J-channel as well as the molding that enhances the visual appeal of the overall siding, framing each wall. Next, youll cut 2 corner moldings a 1/2 inch short of the measurements you made for outer corners.

    Then prepare to attach the corner moldings. Because these are what frames the siding, it is critical they be plumb, or aligned exactly to the vertical edge of the house. To prepare for accurate attachment, use your level and chalk line to assure vertical precision. Lines on both walls that the corner piece will be attached to is suggested.

    Then youll attach the corner piece on either side of the current wall. Start at the top and fasten it on both sides every 10 inches or so. Along the way, double check that you are maintaining straight alignment. Attach the other corner post with equal care.

    Next attach the J-channels strips along the roof line. Measurements on these strips need not be as precise as corner pieces. Where precision matters here is mitering of the two pieces that meet at the peak and along the edge of the corner posts. Mitering is as simple as cutting pieces, with tin snips, at an angle so everything aligns with a snug fit.

    By this point you should be done with fastening all trim pieces for the current wall you are working on. Additional preliminary steps are for adding trim to all objects or openings along that same wall.

    Next youll do trim around windows, doorways or other permanent features along the exterior wall. J-channel goes around the outer edge and pieces are mitered for alignment and to account for proper drainage. Your first go at these areas can take awhile to think the process through. To help understand what it takes, see the video below for a good visual on fastening trim and drip cap around a rough entry:

    Final part of the preliminary steps is the starter strip. First prepare the wall with two considerations. Placement of the strip is typically an inch or two above the foundation. The measurement you took at center of the wall from roof peak to foundation will help determine if siding panels will be exact or if youll need to specially cut a piece to make it fit at the gable peak. Sometimes, vertical adjustment of the starter trip can help, but more often youll need to plan on it not being exact.

    If the measurement is say 18 feet and your siding panels are 10 inches wide each, then youll be able to fit 21 panels along that wall with 6 inches left over, so the final panel would need to be specially cut. The second consideration is to ensure the starter piece is exactly level.

    Using your level, use a pencil to mark off a level line an inch or so above the foundation. When thats done measure exact length of that line to the foundation, and proceed to move down the wall making similar markings at same length. Then snap a chalk line along your pencil markings. Double check that line to ensure it is level.

    You are now ready to install your siding panels.

    via A2HomePros

    Installing siding is relatively easy compared to the first preliminary process. It is time consuming and there are certain caveats to keep in mind. The two biggest are that unlike trim, siding is never fastened to the wall. Instead it is hanging on the wall. When pieces are nailed via the hem line, you will never want to make it so the panel cant slide left to right.

    Vinyl siding needs allowance to expand and contrast due to temperature changes. So nails are hammered straight (never at an angle) and a gap of 1/8th inch is left between panel and nail head.

    The second major caveat is that pieces are always cut short. Youll always want to measure each piece before cutting, and not assume that your corner posts are 100% accurate. So, if width of the wall is say 10 feet 2 inches, and your panels are 12 ft in length, youll cut each piece to 10 ft, 1.5 inches. The exact allowance will depend on what the siding manufacturer notes, but usually it is around a half inch, which translates to a quarter inch allowance on each side.

    Now, if your wall is say 20 feet in length and youre working with 12 ft. long panels, then youll need to overlap pieces to have it fit. This is where ingenuity comes in. Overlapping seams ought to never line up as that would be fairly visible from a distance. So, youll cut panels at different lengths to vary the distance at which seams will occur.

    Another pro tip is to consider the piece that will overlap on top. The idea is that seams are visible from one angle and very hard to detect from another angle. Pros go with maintaining overlaps that are away from street view. So, panels closer to the front wall go on top. On the front wall, youll make a decision based on which side of the house gets more foot or vehicle traffic.

    Once all that is considered, the process of hanging siding entails cutting out measured lengths and snapping bottom edges to lower pieces. The starter strip has its own edge to snap the first piece to, and each piece after that provides a strip to snap the piece above it.

    Another pro tip is the vertical adjustment youll give each piece as you work your way up. The hem line is a small gap, but will budge just a little bit, and enough that you can pull up slightly before nailing each piece.

    Nails along the hemline can be every 2 to 3 feet, and each time youll want to pull up slightly before nailing the piece to the wall. Ideally, youre using your stud finder to nail along the studs.

    Inserting pieces around windows, doorways and fixtures takes a bit of practice and special cutting. Youll essentially want to cut the hemline out and insert the cut portion into utility trim pieces to ensure that those arent flapping in the J-channel on windy days, along the windows edge. Along window and door sides, the process is essentially the same as for corner post J-channels.

    When you get to walls with gable ends, youll cut your panels at the angle that matches the roofs pitch. The gap allowance on each side of the panel is still in effect.

    When you get to the top, youll specially cut a panel so that there is likely no longer a hem on that piece. For gable walls, youll end up with a pointed piece that cant fit into any channel and expect to stay there, so youll use a small head nail to fasten that to the wall. For walls where the eaves are parallel to the ground, youll use a utility strip to snap the specially cut panel into that trim.

    Once the first wall is done, the rest of the job becomes easier to understand and complete. Your first time installing vinyl siding on a home will probably introduce unique situations around every corner, or on particular walls. Its important to take a moment to think things through rather than doing a rush job that has poor results.

    Pros work efficiently, but that comes with lots of practice. Its often good practice to pause along the way and take a wider view, checking how the whole wall is coming together. The goal is to align siding that is level and installed with care.

    When the job is done, relax and enjoy your new siding.

    Some considerations to consider going forward are annual cleanings. See this article for how to go about that. Also be on the lookout for panels needing special attention or repair. Popping panels out is relatively easy and new ones can be put in. Keep in mind, the color of pieces will be different as sunlight will cause colors in vinyl to fade ever so slightly.

    Another caveat with vinyl siding is that it doesnt fare so well under intense heat. This is a non-issue from direct sunlight, but a neighbors window coated with Low-E can reflect sunlight in such a way as to overheat, and ultimately warp vinyl siding. This is actually quite rare, but it does occur.

    Moreover, if you enjoy cooking outdoors on the grill, be sure to keep that a good 10 feet or more from your walls. Intense heat from the grill will possibly damage the siding if left too close to the wall. Besides, the further you are away, the more you can appreciate the craftsmanship of your homes vinyl siding.

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    How to Install Vinyl Siding DIY Guide Siding Cost ...

    Composite Siding & Cladding | Wall Panels | NewTechWood - January 23, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    To install UltraShield composite cladding, you will need to gather some tools, research some topics and perform a few tasks. These include:

    As mentioned above, your composite cladding cannot simply be installed on a flat surface. You must install it on joists to allow for proper ventilation. This structure is known as the under construction. Before installing this structure, keep these tips in mind:

    Before you install the under construction, we recommend you speak with a licensed professional.

    We have so much confidence in the quality and longevity of our products that we offer them with a transferable limited warranty of 25 years. We will even cover the labor costs involved in replacing the materials if their performance is less than promised.

    Warmer temperatures will cause your siding boards to expand, and cold temperatures will cause them to contract. For this reason, it is necessary to leave a gap between boards during your installation and you must know how much of a gap to leave. For instance, if youre installing an 8 board when its just 32 F, you must leave a 2/16 gap. If its 68 F, you only have to leave a 1/16 gap. You can?see the full chart?in our siding installation manual.

    NewTechWood has been a dominant force in the composite wood industry ever since its beginnings 15 years ago. It has become known around the world for its advanced, attractive and reliable composite wood products.

    At NewTechWood, we attribute our success to our philosophy we are committed to listening closely to homeowners, homebuilders, architects and contractors and work hard to carry out their requests and bring their visions to life. We believe our ability to realize our customers needs is in part due to our products wide range of colors and patterns, which allows us to find a look that works perfectly for every project.

    Apart from our siding, we also offer a number of other composite wood products that can enhance your outdoor living experience, such as:

    If youd like to learn more about our products, wed be happy to speak with you! You can reach us by calling 281-570-6450 or by filling out our online form. If youre ready to install one of our products, you can locate a nearby distributor that sells our products.

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    Composite Siding & Cladding | Wall Panels | NewTechWood

    Fiber Cement Siding Installation Tips - January 23, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Fiber cement siding is not that difficult to install if you have some basic information. One of the most essential facts and obvious is to follow your fiber cement manufacturers instructions that have been formulated based on their product and specifications.

    Fiber cement siding must be cut face down with a diamond tip blade. When an irregular cut is needed, a jigsaw equipped with a medium or coarse-grit carbide blade can be used. A diamond jigsaw blade will be useful too.

    Make sure the wall or surface is prepared to receive the cement siding. Make sure that the windows, doors, and openings have been flashed all around their perimeter. Also, check if your manufacturer requires a weather-resistive barrier.

    Nails used to hang fiber cement siding shall penetrate at least 1 into the studs or the structural framing. Remember that the siding is hard so be sure the nails are located at the right place before driving them. If the cement siding is to be installed over wood sheathing (7/16 OSB or plywood at a minimum), it is recommended to use a 6d nail. Sometimes, if you are trying to drive the nails and you are having problems, you can pre-drill the holes to facilitate the job.

    Siding can be installed over wood and metal studs. These studs shall be a minimum 20 gauge, 3-5/8" C-studs. Fasteners shall be flush to the surface material. Do not countersink or angle fasteners. When blind nailing, place nail 1" down from the top of the board, and when face nailing, place nail 3/4" up from the bottom.

    It is important that the insulation product used when installing fiber cement siding will be able to level the wall and align each siding panel properly. When you add insulation to the siding, the customers energy bill will be reduced too, so you might want to highlight this as an additional benefit for your client. Fiber cement siding should be installed over plywood, OSB, or sheathing.

    Be sure that the siding installed is dry. Otherwise, it might shrink at butt joints. When sheathing is the preferred surface that will receive the fiber cement siding or any other fragile substrate, be sure to pre-drill the holes at corners to prevent accidental damages. Building codes will usually require installing siding over water-resistant barriers and nailed into the studs every 16 or 24 inches.

    When installing fiber cement siding be sure to leave at least clear space between the siding and the flashing vertical siding should be installed and attached to the structural framing when a non-structural sheathing, gypsum board or foam-type sheathing are used.

    When you are getting close to the final grade, leave at least 6" between the bottom of the siding and finish grade, and a minimum of 1 above rooflines and decks. Fiber cement siding shall have a 1/8" gap between trims of windows and doors. If you need to cut cement siding a 100% acrylic latex primer must be used to reseal the surface. Install all butt ends and joints in contact with one another.

    Be sure to caulk, paint, or finish fiber cement siding following manufacturer's recommendation. By doing this, you will be making sure that the siding is ready to withstand changing weather conditions. Caulk around windows, doors, trims, and self-flashing penetrations.

    Fiber cement siding should be kept covered while not been installed on a clean, flat and leveled surface. The siding must be protected from direct exposure to weather that could damage the cement siding before it is installed. If you need to move siding pieces, be sure to carry them by their narrow edge and support it when you cut larger pieces.

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    Fiber Cement Siding Installation Tips

    Royal Building Products Celebrates 50 Years of Building and Staying Power with Innovative New Products at the 2020 International Builders Show (IBS) -… - January 23, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Royal Building Products, a Westlake company, will celebrate 50 years as a leading manufacturer of exterior building products, as well as the launch of new products and colors at the 2020 NAHB International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 21-23, 2020.

    Royal Building Products traces its roots to Canada, where it was founded as Royal Plastics in Toronto, Ontario in 1970. Today, Royal Building Products is the largest extruder of cellular PVC components in North America, where it is known as a leader in design, best-in-class manufacturing and industry-leading innovation in the exterior building products category.

    "With 50 years of innovation under our belts, we truly understand the unique challenges of our customers, including contractors, architects and builders," said Steve Booz, vice president, marketing, Royal Building Products. "This milestone demonstrates our commitment to those key stakeholders. They trust us to continue manufacturing the best building products in the industry and are the reason we can confidently look ahead to the next 50 years."

    Royal will launch Atlas Stone Composite Stone Panels, as well as several new colors in Cedar Renditions and vinyl shake at the NAHB 2020 IBS. Attendees are encouraged to visit Royals booth #N913 to learn more about Royals extensive product lines.

    PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

    New! Atlas Stone Composite Stone Panels

    Available in February 2020, Royal launches Atlas Stone Composite Stone Panels. Atlas Stone boasts a contemporary stacked profile and selection of neutral to bold shades, making it the perfect exterior element for homes ranging from Ranch to Craftsman to Contemporary. With SandGrit technology, which replicates the texture of real stone, Atlas Stone panels are lightweight, durable and easy to install, demanding very little maintenance.

    Atlas Stone is finished with a fade-resistant Kynar coating and able to withstand all weather conditions and climates. The product is backed by Royals industry-leading 50-year warranty.

    Celect Canvas Unpainted Cellular Siding

    Royal will feature Celect Canvas Unpainted Cellular Siding, an unpainted version of its industry-leading cellular composite siding that launched in June 2019. Celect Canvas features the same woodgrain aesthetics and low-maintenance benefits of the prefinished cellular siding offering, plus the ability to customize the color using thousands of exterior vinyl-safe paint shades that fall within the recommended light reflectance (LRV) rating of 50 and above.

    Celect Canvas is available in 7" Clapboard, Board & Batten and 7" Shake. All Celect Cellular Siding offerings feature a patented interlocking seam design, which keeps moisture out and virtually eliminates seams.

    Celect Cellular Composite Siding

    Celect Siding replicates the beauty and aesthetics of wood while remaining low maintenance and durable for a lifetime. Celects profiles7" Smooth, 7" Clapboard, 7" Shake and Board & Battenare available in 15 fade-resistant colors and feature a patented interlocking seam design, which keeps moisture out and almost completely eliminates seams.

    Royal will also showcase Celect Mounting Blocks, which are crafted from the same state-of-the-art cellular materials as Celect premium siding, and effortlessly combine form and function. Available Celect mounts include Standard Mount, Recessed Split Mount, Universal Block, Gang Block, Electrical Mount and Gable Vent.

    Zuri Premium Decking by Royal

    Zuri Premium Decking combines the natural beauty of exotic hardwood with unsurpassed durability and exceptionally low maintenance requirements to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor living environment. Zuri is available in Square Boards and in Grooved Boards, which offer a truly hidden fastener application with pre-threaded screws for fast installation. Zuri Grooved Boards are offered with a 3/32" spacing or a 3/16" gap.

    New at IBS 2020, Royal will also launch Zuri Fascia boards in 8" and 12" profiles.

    All of the Zuri products are available in Chestnut, Walnut, Pecan, Brazilia and Weathered Gray, and are backed by a 25-year Color Fastness Warranty against color shifting.

    Cedar Renditions by Royal Design Series

    Launched to the U.S. market in 2019, the Cedar Renditions Design Series is a sleek and modern accent siding, providing exceptional curb appeal without the maintenance or flammability issues of wood. LEED compliant and 100% recyclable, the Design Series combines durable, thicker gauge aluminum, wider board contemporary wood aesthetics and streamlined looks.

    Story continues

    In 2020, Royal adds a new premium color, Grey Oak, and a new traditional color, Spanish Moss, to its 6" Cedar Renditions Design Series aluminum siding profiles available in the U.S.

    Royal Spec Series Trim

    Designed to pair with any type of siding, including Celect, vinyl, fiber cement, and engineered wood, Spec Series Trim is a lightweight and easy to install accessory featuring a 5/8" board-like appearance, 2" deep pocket and 3/4" pocket width. It has a factory-finished resin coating, and components are available in outside corner post, inside corner post and wide-faced trim.

    New Colors! Royal Building Products and Exterior Portfolio Vinyl Siding

    Royal Vinyl products featured at IBS 2020 will include Haven Insulated Siding, Estate, and Portsmouth Shake & Shingles. Exterior Portfolio products will include CraneBoard Solid Core Siding, Market Square and Portsmouth Shake & Shingles.

    Six new trending colors have been added to the Portsmouth Shake & Shingle line: Sedona Shadow, Mountain Ash, and Rustic Gray. Under Weathered, the new colors are Cottonwood, Aged Pewter and Stonehedge.

    All Royal and Exterior Portfolio siding products are backed with an industry-leading warranty, as well as Chromatix technology color protection, which warrants the products to as low as three Hunter units of fade, keeping dark shades true. The Royal booth will also showcase its Triple 3-1/3" Soffit, which is available for both Exterior Portfolio and Royal lines.

    Royal Building Products PVC Column Wraps

    New at IBS 2020, Royal introduces a tapered version of its PVC Column Wraps. Royals Column Wraps feature a unique "clam shell" design with three pre-assembled sides that surround the existing post for a quick installation and seamless appearance. The fourth side is applied to enclose the entire column. Made from 100% cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Royals Column Wraps are resistant to moisture, preventing issues found in traditional wood columns, such as warping, rotting and insect damage. The Column Wraps come ready-to-install in a White or Sand Dune finish but can also be painted to complement a homes exterior color palette. Royal Column Wraps are available in Traditional, Craftsman and Builder styles.

    Royal Conceal Trim System

    Made for building professionals who appreciate easy installation and style-forward design, the Conceal system offers accessories to cover every seam and complement every kind of Royal siding and exterior material. Made from 100% cellular PVC, Conceal products have no exposed seams, are moisture and termite proof, and feature a "True Square" edge design for clean installation.

    Royal SurEdge Trimboard

    SurEdgeTM Trimboard can be used in countless ways to trim a home and add long-lasting beauty and value. It has precisely defined 90-degree corners that help amplify the curb appeal of a range of home stylesfrom Ranch to Colonial to Craftsman. Installation is seamless and clean thanks to the products perfectly square edges, and all of its building aesthetics come with the time-saving low maintenance of 100% cellular PVC.

    Royal Nickel Gap and Shiplap

    Royals Nickel Gap and Shiplap products combine interior old world charm with the technology of cellular PVC to reduce moisture concerns, and can be installed vertically or horizontally in exterior and interior trim applications. The shiplap trend is timeless, easily achievable and has applications for nearly every room in the home, such as kitchen backsplashes, bathroom accent walls and mudroom hallways.

    Royal Shutters, Mounts & Vents

    Royal Shutters, Mounts and Vents are easy to install and effortlessly complement a wide variety of siding, trim and mouldingsmeeting the homeowners and contractors need for design, low-maintenance and durability.

    EXTERIOR DESIGN

    Design Tools

    For those who want to "try it before they buy it," Royal has five online design tools to provide contractors and homeowners with the ultimate exterior home design experience. Each design tool offers all product lines, profiles and colors, as well as product comparisons, larger images, expert designers top color combinations and preselected color palettes. The three siding design tools also include good, better and best trim options, as well.

    Royals online design tools include:

    LiveAbode

    A comprehensive guide for exterior design and outdoor living inspiration, LiveAbode is a Royal Building Products online publication that offers the latest trends, tips, DIYs and style advice to homeowners. Featuring content from Royals experts and regular contributors, LiveAbode is an unmatched resource for homeowners, designers and contractors throughout the U.S. and Canada.

    About Royal Building Products

    Royal Building Products, a Westlake Chemical company (NYSE: WLK), manufactures and distributes leading materials for the home remodeling, building and construction markets. For 50 years, the companys commitment to quality, innovation and customer relationships has attracted the loyalty of a growing number of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers and distributors to its products. With operations throughout Canada and the United States, Royal Building Products offers the renovation, remodeling and new construction industries a broad range of innovative products, including siding, trim, accessories, soffit, rainware, mouldings and decking. For more information, please visit http://www.royalbuildingproducts.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram and "Like" us on Facebook.

    Disclaimer:

    The information presented is made available solely for general information purposes. All sales of Royal Building Products trim, mouldings, siding, and other exterior building products are subject to Royal Building Products standard terms and conditions of sale, which are available upon request. Royal Building Products makes no other warranty, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose. Royal Building Products and the Royal Building Products logo are registered trademarks of Royal Building Products (USA) Inc.

    View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005627/en/

    Contacts

    Kriss SwintRoyal Building Products614-754-3455kswint@royalbp.com

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    Royal Building Products Celebrates 50 Years of Building and Staying Power with Innovative New Products at the 2020 International Builders Show (IBS) -...

    Fiber Cement Siding Market to show impressive growth of CAGR during the period 2020-2027 – Bulletin 99 - January 23, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    The Insight Partners published an Exclusive report on Fiber Cement Siding Market delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. The report contains 150 pages which highly exhibits on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability.

    It is unaffected by both heat and flame, ecofriendly in nature and does not support the growth of molds are the major drivers which help in surging the growth of this market whereas installation of fiber cement siding is costly which may act as a restraining factor. Increasing demand from construction professionals for the product features of fiber cement will create new opportunities for this market in the coming years.

    Request a sample of this premium report at:https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100001095/

    Key Players

    1. Etex Group NV2. James Hardie Industries PLC3. Evonik Industries AG4. Compagnie De Saint Gobain SA5. Toray Industries Inc6. CSR Limited7. The Siam Cement Public Company Limited8. NICHIHA Co.,Ltd9. Plycem Corporation10. Cembrit Holding A/S

    Global Fiber Cement Siding Market which has been compiled after an in-depth analysis of the market trends prevailing across five geographies (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle-East and Africa, and South America). Various segments of the market such as type/components/ application/industry verticals/ end-users are analyzed with robust research methodology which includes three step process starting with extensive secondary research to gather data from company profiles, global/regional associations, trade journals, technical white papers, paid databases etc. followed by primary research (interviews) with industry experts/KOLs to gain their insights and views on current scenarios and future scope of the market as well as validating the secondary information, further internal statistical model is used to estimate the market size and forecasts till 2027.

    Fiber cement siding is a construction material used for covering the exterior of residential and commercial buildings. It consist of a mixture which includes sand, portable cement, fly ash and cellulosic fiber. When combined, these materials make a highly durable product which offers resistance to water and provides warranty coverage for about 30-50 years. There are various types of fiber cement siding available in the market namely clapboard, shingles and stone or stucco.

    Fiber Cement Siding Market Global Analysis to 2027 is an expert compiled study which provides a holistic view of the market covering current trends and future scope with respect to product/service, the report also covers competitive analysis to understand the presence of key vendors in the companies by analyzing their product/services, key financial facts, details SWOT analysis and key development in last three years. Further chapter such as industry landscape and competitive landscape provides the reader with recent company level insights covering mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations, new product developments/strategies taking place across the ecosystem. The chapters also evaluate the key vendors by mapping all the relevant products and services to exhibit the ranking/position of top 5 key vendors.

    Ask for a discount on this report @https://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPTE100001095/

    Table of Contents1. Introduction 402. Global Fiber Cement Siding Market Key Takeaways 423. Global Fiber Cement Siding Market Market Landscape 454. Global Fiber Cement Siding Market Key Market Dynamics 585. Global Fiber Cement Siding Market Analysis 636. Fiber Cement Siding Market Global Regulatory Scenario 687. Global Fiber Cement Siding Market Analysis By Product 768. Global Fiber Cement Siding Market Analysis By Application 1069. Global Fiber Cement Siding Market Analysis By End User 11510. North America Fiber Cement Siding Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 11811. Europe Fiber Cement Siding Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 14112. Asia Pacific Fiber Cement Siding Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 16313. Middle East and Africa Fiber Cement Siding Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 18614. South and Central America Fiber Cement Siding Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 20815. Fiber Cement Siding Market Industry Landscape 22016. Fiber Cement Siding Market Key Company Profiles 22617. Appendix 267

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    Fiber Cement Siding Market to show impressive growth of CAGR during the period 2020-2027 - Bulletin 99

    Less Packaging, Greater Protection with new Amazon-Certified Shipper – Packaging World - January 23, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Because it holds a 49% share of the e-commerce market, when Amazon speaks, its vendors listen. Thats why, when Bullet Tools, of Hayden, ID, a manufacturer of fixed-blade cutting tools for the construction industry, needed to redesign its packaging for a product sold on Amazon, it made sure to meet the online retailers new requirements for minimal, protective, and sustainable packagingespecially with financial penalties hanging in the balance.

    Bullet Tools, as its tagline explains, offers Cutting-Edge Solutions for Tradesmen. This includes flooring, siding, and insulation cutters, along with blades and accessories. Its point of differentiation is that its cutters allow for dust-free installation. In particular, unlike its competitors tools, Bullets EZ Shear Laminate Flooring Cutter does not produce a (potentially deadly) cloud of silica dust, which means installers can use it to cut flooring without the need for vacuums, filters, or breathing protection.

    Despite the innovative nature of the tool, Bullet was finding it difficult to get the product in front of potential customers. Selling the EZ Shear through Amazon offered the company a way to increase exposure and sales. But it soon realized that using the same packaging for online sales as it did for retail did not provide the needed product protection, and was costly and labor intensive to assemble.

    In redesigning the packaging, Bullet worked with packaging supplier Multifab Packaging and protective packaging manufacturer Great Northern Laminations. The resulting shipper reduces corrugated materials and costs, provides greater product protection, is easy to assemble, andmost importantlymeets Amazons Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) requirements.

    Product protection for online sales

    Bullet Tools cutters are sold by dealers at retail locations across the U.S. and worldwide, but it was e-commerce that really helped grow sales of the companys EZ Shear cutter. Getting our EZ Shear Laminate Flooring Cutter on the Internet means that when people search how to cut hardwood, our cutters come up, says Joshua Brand, Bullet Tools Purchasing & Inventory Manager. Since Amazon is the third most popular search engine in the world, having our products listed and reviewed there has created customers who might not otherwise know about Bullet Tools and has spurred tremendous growth.

    While its cutter was a hit online, its packaginga double-wall corrugated case with insertswasnt. The EZ Shear is designed New packaging for Bullet Tools flooring cutter uses two laminated paperboard edge protectors riveted together that are placed into the bottom of the case for product protection.with a hefty blade and cutting mechanism located on one side, with the rest of the tool comprising a lightweight table for feeding product under the blade. Picture something akin to a paper cutter, but much larger. Having the majority of the weight on one side created challenges, as the feet and corners often broke through the packaging. Not only that, but as volumes rose, the packaging system became too costly, time consuming, and labor intensive. A new packaging design would need to address these issues, as well as be certified to meet Amazons packaging requirements.

    In September 2018, Bullet Tools, along with thousands of other North American companies, was notified by Amazon that it was rolling out a new incentive program (see article in Packaging World, "Amazon's New Sustainable Packaging Program Puts the Customer First") that it explained was designed to drive more sustainable packaging in order to reduce waste and damage and delight customers. The announcement advised vendors they would need to design their packaging to meet Amazons Frustration-Free Packaging Program Certification Guidelines by Aug. 1, 2019 or face a chargeback of $1.99 per unit.

    Amazons Vendor Incentive Program applies to all items larger than 18 x 14 x 8 in. or 20 lb or morespecifications that definitely describe Bullets productsand requires that their packaging is designed and certified as Tier 1 FFP or Tier 2 Ships In Own Container (SIOC). According to Amazon, That means theyll be right sized, protective against damage, ready-to-ship without the need for additional packaging, and ideally easy to open and recyclable.

    Recognizing the importance of their Amazon sales and the negative impact of using packaging that frustrates the consumer, Bullet Tools turned to Shane Lynch, Account Manager at Multifab. Lynch asked Bullet Tools what their number-one goal was for redesigned packaging, and they responded that it was impact protection for the head of the tool.

    Custom engineered solution cuts packaging costs

    To help redesign the EZ Shear packaging to protect the product while meeting Amazons requirements, Lynch reached out to Great Northern Laminations, a provider of corner and edge protection solutions and a member the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS) since January 2019. The APASS network is made up of packaging designers, suppliers, and labs that have received guidance from Amazon to help test, design, and supply packaging in line with its packaging certifications.

    Lynch approached Great Northern with an eye toward using a custom version of its PF PalletTop product as a potential solution. PF PalletTop pallet edge protectors were designed to provide an alternative to traditional wooden pallet tops to help stabilize and unitize pallet loads while protecting them from shipping and strapping damage.

    To package the product, the operator loads the cutter into the PF PalletTop edge protector, and then loads the product with protector into the shipping case.PF PalletTop is made by riveting two pieces of Great Northerns notched VBoard laminated paperboard edge protectors together to form a square or rectangular shape to fit the tops, sides, or bottoms of palletized loads. According to the supplier, PF PalletTops are much lighter and less bulky than wooden pallet tops, are easier for employees to handle, and are less costly to ship. In addition, it says, the hinged construction of the PF PalletTop allows it to fold for efficient storage and then unfold for application to the pallet.

    Together, Multifab and Great Northern reengineered the PF PalletTop for use by Bullet Tools. PF PalletTop was a product we used for brick-and-mortar packaging, but were changing the way we use it because e-commerce is changing the way people shop, and we needed to create packaging to meet their expectations, says Greg Seidel, Laminations Account Manager.

    With e-commerce, protection is so important because there are typically more touchpoints and opportunities for damage before it reaches the customer, he adds. It can literally go from manufacturer to distribution center to transfer point to shelf then off the shelf to conveyor to truck to customer. This is in comparison to traditional shipping, where it just goes from distribution center to truck to store to customer.

    With the reengineered version, a PF PalletTop edge protector is inserted directly into the bottom of the box, rather than on the outside, as is the case with the original product, to provide extra protection for the cutter. Notes Lynch, The PalletTop successfully reinforces the corners of the package, especially the heavier end. It has allowed the customer to go from a 51 ECT [Edge Crush Test] double-wall corrugated box to a 44 ECT single-wall box, has eliminated all the corrugated inserts, and has reduced material costs by 40 percent.

    Adds Brand, This solution stops the product from breaking through standard boxes without any extra assembly time. Its cost-efficient, easy to store, and looks nice for the end user.

    An additional benefit to the new e-commerce packaging, which Bullet Tools is now using for retail as well, is its sustainability. The edge protector is made out of 100% recycled material and is 100% recyclable. Because the new packaging for the EZ Shear was minimal and sustainable, Bullet Tools easily passed Amazons Frustration-Free Packaging ISTA 6 Amazon SIOC Tier 2 certification testing. Says Brand, We are 100-percent satisfied with the new packaging solution, and Amazon is completely satisfied as well.

    Read more about Amazon's Vendor Incentive Program and E-commerce in these Packaging World articles:

    Amazon's Vendor Incentive Program, Nine Months In

    New E-Commerce Packaging Group Aims for Two-Way Dialog With Retailers

    Survey: E-Commerce Packaging Materials, Pain Points, and Methods

    Go here to read the rest:
    Less Packaging, Greater Protection with new Amazon-Certified Shipper - Packaging World

    Universal Roofs Inc. has become one of the best Roofer in North America – America Daily Post - January 12, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Industries in Toronto are better known for their customer satisfaction and quality of products. The city-based roofing company, Universal Roofs Inc. has been maintaining this legacy for a long time. The company is one of the best roofing companies in North America due to its thousands of happy clients.

    Universal Roofs Inc. has a dedicated team of roofers that are conducting any roof-related projects with professional and advances roofing skills. The company is enhancing its skills through every roofing project in the city while providing exceptional quality service.

    Roofers Toronto is offering perfect installation of siding, skylines, gutters and soffit fascia. It has a unique idea for every bad roof. This quality of the company is moving its ranking at the topmost position in North America. Universal Roofs Inc. is providing skylight installation that allows homeowners to switch off their light to enjoy the natural reflectance.

    The roofs installed by the company are safeguarding the homeowners from any water leakage problems during the rainy season. It is using advanced tools for the job to provide the best roofing service.

    There are many parts in Canada where rain can do serious damage to the roofs. Universal Roofs Inc. is conducting emergency roof repair in those areas. Currently, Universal Roofs Inc. is taking care of many roofing projects in Toronto with its skilled workforce. It is the topmost roof solution provider that has years-long experience as a roofer.

    The companys roof installation and repair prices are affordable that match the budget of any residential and commercial property owner.

    See the article here:
    Universal Roofs Inc. has become one of the best Roofer in North America - America Daily Post

    Washougal enters the new year with improvement projects new and old – clarkcountytoday.com - January 12, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Capital improvement projects for the city numerous and focused

    WASHOUGAL Theres quite a bit happening in Clark Countys fourth largest city. Washougals capital improvement projects for 2020 are now moving into action and they cover everything from public bike tracks to drinking water for future residents.

    Now viewable in a specific page on the citys newly redone main website, each project either launched on Jan. 1, 2020, is being carried over from 2019 or is now listed as complete.

    Every capital improvement project the city undertakes is a part of the citys Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) which provides funding for large-scale, high-priority endeavors.

    Projects for community infrastructure are roughly an even mix of ongoing and new this year. Most notably is the remodel of the citys Civic Center adjacent to City Hall.

    Weve just been agonizing over the completion of the Civic Center siding and windows and upgrades and everything, said Washougal Mayor Molly Coston. Its been lingering so long, but you know, it hasnt been upgraded in 40 years. The perspective of the city is although wed like to have it finished, we want to do it right.

    The remodel was started in 2019 and is expected to be completed sometime in February 2020. Included in the project are the installation of new windows and siding, as well as work on city halls restrooms and break areas.

    The center is used year-round as a hub for community events such as Meals On Wheels and the cold weather shelter during the winter. The total cost for the remodel is $750,000.

    In the realm of parks and outdoor amenities, one of the citys largest and longest undertakings will likely be completed, or at least 90 percent complete in 2020: Schmid Ball Fields.

    We thought we were going to be able to do it in five years, you know, put a whole complex of ball fields out there, and of course, we ran into challenges, Coston said. Now Im hoping that well be able to start that project. Were well underway. We have a lot of planning and design in place and the softball league is very committed to helping us achieve our goals this year.

    Conceptualized in the early 2000s, the fields have been contracted and expanded little by little, and are now entering their third phase. This final step will include the construction of the third field, making the site viable for tournaments.

    A parking lot, additional driveway onto Evergreen Way, lighting, as well as concessions and permanent restrooms will all be parts of phase three. The project will close out at a cost of approximately $2.6 million over the course of close to 20 years.

    The property is the school district property. Weve been fortunate to have a very robust, healthy relationship with them over all this time, and I know thatll continue, Coston said. We will provide the funding for the ball fields, theyll provide the facilities and then we sort of jointly share maintenance.

    Perhaps the most unique of all current projects is the completion of the second phase of the Hamlik Park Bike Pump Track. The track is already partially open, with the second half powered in part by volunteers and volunteer dollars.

    This has been on the books for a couple of years now, and I hope that 2020 will see finality to this where we can do this because theres some real champions in our community to make this happen, said Coston.

    Pump tracks are essentially tight circuits consisting of many rolling hills and banked turns usually constructed out of wooden planks, dirt mounds or concrete. The idea is to no pedal and instead gain speed and momentum by pumping the bike up and down on the ups and downs.

    The track is aimed at mid-teens with an emphasis on providing an outdoor recreation opportunity as well as a place to teach bike safety and do training. The final and maximum expenditure for the track is $32,000 with the only remaining expense being maintenance.

    I know it will be very beneficial not only for kids in our area, but for kids all over the area to come out and do some competitions and challenges and bike safety things, said Coston.

    The completion of the majority of the Steamboat Landing Dock occured in 2019, with the final demolition of the upper viewing platform to be completed this year. When all is said and done, the project will have cost $1.5 million.

    Finally, with the $20,000 donation from the Hutchinson family, unknown graves in the Historic Cemetery will be labeled with the use of ground penetrating radar.

    The largest elements in this category carry over from 2019, with the 32nd Street underpass and the 27th Street grade separation. Analysis for the work at 27th Street has begun and is expected to be complete by the end of 2020.

    Once the separation is mapped out, including design and permitting of the 32nd Street underpass location, construction on the underpass is expected to commence. Analysis has been allocated $500,000 with the cost of the underpass construction yet to be determined.

    When it comes to travel-by-foot, new and existing trail systems are getting a jumpstart. The brand new Jemtegaard Trail has entered construction and will extend north of Jemtegaard Elementary School to Sunset View Road, where it will turn into a sidewalk.

    The trail will be fully lit and connect several neighborhoods. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2020 and will cost $750,000.

    The extensive Columbia River Trail System will receive another link in the chain with the connection of the new Port of Camas-Washougal trail going to Steamboat Landing. The section to be installed is 0.6 miles long and shifts from six feet wide to 10 feet wide as it passes South A Street.

    The trail system is part of the larger network that can be followed all the way to Steigerwald Wildlife Refuge east of Washougal. The project is expected to be finished in September of 2020, and will close out at $1.9 million from city funds and a state appropriation.

    In addition, the area surrounding Hathaway Elementary school will be made safer with installation of sidewalks on 22nd, 23rd and F Streets. This project is expected to be completed in March of 2020 and will cost $242,550 with partial funding supplied by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

    When it comes to managing water, Washougal is making attempts to modernize and expand its infrastructure and policies. The citys Water Master Plan which was launched at the start of 2020, is expected to guide the aforementioned efforts. Its development will cost $30,000.

    In the spirit of efficiency, Washougal is moving to replace their water meters with Automated Meter Reading (AMR). This over $1 million endeavour is aimed at, allowing city staff to focus on other areas within their department, which supports the Core Services pillar (focusing on cost-effective operations and maintenance, and continuous improvement in customer service, processes, and procedures).

    AMR is expected to be widely installed by the end of 2020.

    With growth projected on the horizon, the city is also planning for higher demand with the installation of the Woodburn Hill Transmission Line Design. The project would expand the water mains capacities for drinking water and fire flow.

    We know that were going to see a lot of growth up there, Coston said. It may happen in 2020, but were looking really pretty much at a 10 year plan from 2020 to 2030. So it gives us a few years to plan for it, and I think were doing the right thing in planning for it before it hits us square in the face.

    The nearly $900,000 project began with Jan. 1, 2020 and is expected to be completed by Dec. of 2020.

    After completing their biosolids dredge and haul project in 2019, Washougal is moving on to constructing their own biosolids handling facility. This facility would take in solids collected from wastewater treatment and process them onsite. The facility will cost roughly $2.4 million.

    In lockstep with the biosolids facility, the city is expecting to upgrade their wastewater management with an anoxic selector, which would allow for much needed increase in capacity, according to the city. The selector is budgeted at just under $1 million.

    Finally, the city plans to relocate or upgrade four pump stations across Washougal. Relocation will cost $265,225, with each upgrade costing between $4,000 and $35,000.

    Were going to try and work a lot harder at engaging the community before things become an issue, Coston said of the new year overall. 20 years ago, it was pretty easy. You would put something in the paper, or you would hold a town hall, but these days, those really may not be the best ways to engage community.

    We'd love to hear your comments!

    Read more:
    Washougal enters the new year with improvement projects new and old - clarkcountytoday.com

    Rail Insider-Railroads rely on traditional and inventive ways to (re)build bridges. – Progressive Rail Roading - January 12, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Sound Transit is deep in the process of extending a light-rail line over a floating bridge for the first time. Photo Sound Transit

    By Vesna Brajkovic, Associate Editor

    Each year, rail bridges demand attention to a range of maintenance issues from routine tie replacement to complete structural replacement to keep the aging structures safe and efficient.

    Whether for routine maintenance, unplanned repairs or new construction plans, freight and passenger railroads alike invest tens of millions of dollars annually into the bridges that are critical to their systems, as detailed in Progressive Railroadings 2019 MOW Spending Reports.

    The following are a few recent bridge projects that have been in the works, have advanced to construction or were completed in 2019 by a transit agency, two Class Is and a commuter railroad.

    Sound Transit is deep in the process of extending its Link light-rail line over the Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridge in Seattle, marking the first time light-rail track will be constructed on a floating bridge. A floating, or pontoon, bridge is one that is constructed using floats instead of anchored piers to support the bridge deck over a body of water.

    The bridge project is part of the 14-mile East Link light-rail extension that will connect Seattles International District to Judkins Park across Interstate 90 over Lake Washington by 2023.

    To extend light rail onto a floating bridge, Sound Transit was tasked with solving multiple challenges, including addressing weight restrictions, accounting for stray electrical current that could rust utilities and adapting track to the bridges movement, says Rachelle Cunningham, Sound Transits public information officer.

    Sound Transit used a high-strength epoxy adhesive to affix almost 9,000 specially engineered lightweight concrete blocks to the bridge deck to support light rail on a floating bridge.

    Sound Transit

    Typically, light-rail track is supported on a bridge by rebar within the structure. However, in this case, crews needed to avoid drilling holes into the bridge. Creating holes in the structure could compromise the bridges lifespan and the rebar would add weight.

    Instead, crews used a high-strength epoxy adhesive called DexG to affix almost 9,000 specially engineered lightweight concrete blocks to the bridges deck.

    The blocks were then attached to the bridge on top of corkelast, a shock-absorbing, spongy material designed to isolate stray electrical current coming from light-rail trains. Next, track was set on the blocks with steel tie bars placed between them to maintain gauge, similar to a standard railroad tie system, as Sound Transit officials described in a press release.

    Crews also installed overhead catenary system portals and completed post-tensioning of the bridge pontoons to reinforce the concrete with high-strength tensioned strains so the structure can support the weight of light-rail trains and passenger vehicles.

    The project also required the construction of specially engineered segments, called track bridges, that compensate for vertical and lateral lake motion over the bridges joints. Track bridges are especially important to install at the locations where light-rail trains travel from fixed track to the floating bridge. To date, crews have installed all eight track bridges.

    One of the most difficult tasks was to adapt the rails to the movement of the bridge, Cunningham says.

    Since its a first-of-its-kind project, Sound Transit conducted extensive testing of computerized models and physical prototypes of the bridge and its components at the Transportation Technology Center Inc. in Pueblo, Colorado. The agencys design passed all critical test criteria to be able to provide rail operations at planned speeds up to 55 mph, which is the highest speed that Link operates.

    The floating bridge originally was built in 1989 with the intention of accommodating high-capacity transit needs in the future, Sound Transit officials say. Now, 30 years later, that plan is being realized as the once high-occupancy vehicle lane on I-90 transforms into a light-rail right of way.

    In October 2019, Norfolk Southern Railway completed restoration of the Grand River Bridge in Brunswick, Missouri, nearly a month after 270 feet of the 1,152-foot structure was washed away by heavy rains, flooding and an unusual amount of drift material built up against the structure.

    The bridge lost four deck-plate girder spans and three piers. As a result, NS had to redesign the bridge from scratch to fill the gap and restore rail service between Moberly and Kansas City.

    Heavy flooding washed out a portion of NS Grand River Bridge last year. Crews restored the bridge in 27 days.

    Norfolk Southern Railway

    When the bridge washout occurred Oct. 1, the Class I called on Marine Solutions Inc. to scan the river to determine what portions of the structure remained; Hanson Professional Services Inc. to assist in the design of the new bridge; and Massman Construction Co. to lead the reconstruction work.

    The construction team mobilized barges and cranes out of St. Louis and arrived on site Oct. 7, moving all the equipment up the Missouri and Grand rivers during flood conditions, Ed Boyle, NSs vice president of engineering, said in an email.

    By the time Massman Construction crews positioned their equipment, NS had surveyed the river bottom and determined the layout for the new substructure.

    The design called for installation of one 12-pile bent and two drilled shaft piers. The spans were anchored 15 feet or more into the rivers rock bottom, marking the biggest difference in the design from the original bridge in which the spans were supported by concrete piers resting on rock.

    Four steel spans that NS stores for emergencies were shipped in for the new superstructure.

    There were challenges almost daily when working around the clock to reconstruct this portion of the bridge. These challenges went from getting material to actual construction issues, Boyle said. The key was we worked as a partnership amongst all those involved to persevere and handle these challenges.

    To restore service on the heavily traveled route as quickly as possible, crews had to adjust the reconstruction plan, he said. For example, in a typical construction project, one template for aligning the drilled shafts for the pier would be built. Then, after one pier is completed, crews would remove the template and move it on to the next pier.

    Under that manner of construction, it would take two weeks to build the piers. To save time, crews instead built two templates to construct the piers simultaneously.

    We had a problem setting up the casing for the first drilled shaft when we hit some old timber piling in the way of the casing, Boyle recalled. Where this would have slowed a typical project down while the timber pile was removed, we simply jumped over to the other template for the other pier and did not miss a beat in setting the casings.

    Hayes Drilling Inc. drilled four shafts, installed reinforcing steel and poured concrete in each shaft over a total of four days an unprecedented amount of time, Boyle said. Coreslab Structures supplied the precast concrete caps.

    The [NS] engineering team always seems to excel when these natural disasters occur, but their work at the Grand River exceeded my wildest expectations, Boyle said of the project.

    For the past several years, BNSF Railway Co. has proposed building two bridges across Lake Pend Oreille and Sand Creek at Sandpoint in Bonner County, Idaho, to reduce congestion on the Class Is single-track mainline in the area.

    The bridges would be part of a second line in northern Idaho where BNSFs mainline has become an operational constraint. Currently, the single track requires trains to wait for clearance to cross the existing bridge, which creates congestion on the mainline, yard and siding tracks, according to a Federal Register notice regarding the bridge proposals environmental assessment.

    Another problem: Trains waiting to cross the existing bridge often block vehicular traffic at public and private grade crossings.

    Currently, the lines daily capacity through Sandpoint and across Lake Pend Oreille is about 79 trains, and average daily traffic on the line segment is about 60 trains. The additional bridges would not increase or decrease rail traffic, but would increase the efficiency of rail traffic already moving through the area by allowing trains to cross the bridge more quickly, BNSF officials believe according to the notice.

    In September 2019, the U.S. Coast Guard reviewed the final environmental assessment for the project and found it met federal requirements, wouldnt have a significant impact on the environment and wouldnt obstruct navigation. Since the BNSF bridges would cross U.S. navigable waters, the Coast Guard was required to approve the plans.

    However, the project has faced opposition from local environmental groups seeking a higher level of environmental review, and from Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstaf, who raised concerns about the potential for increased rail traffic and possible derailments.

    In response, BNSF added Federal Railroad Administration accident statistics and additional details to its plan to better characterize derailment risks and provide more information on the railroads spill response planning for different types of spills under various weather conditions. The railroad also included in its proposal the Lake Pend Oreille Geographic Response Plan, which will be implemented in the event of a rail accident. Finally, BNSF maintained that traffic wouldnt increase on its line due to the construction of the bridges.

    The market conditions influencing train traffic growth in the study area exist with or without construction of a second mainline track and associated bridges, according to the notice.

    Previously proposed alternatives to the project included adding a second mainline east of the existing mainline, creating alternate routes or shifting traffic to other railroads. But each was dismissed based on infeasibility or impracticability, BNSF officials said in the notice.

    In October 2019, MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) completed the replacement of a 108-year-old rail bridge over Nassau Boulevard in Garden City, New York.

    Between 2010 and 2019, the bridge was struck by motor vehicles 43 times, with 16 of those collisions occurring between 2018 and 2019. Due to its low clearance, the bridge was the third most-often hit structure in the railroads system, LIRR officials said in a press release.

    MTA Long Island Rail Road replaced a 108-year-old rail bridge in Garden City, New York.

    MTA LIRR

    The original bridge which dated back to 1911 was 11 feet, 6-inches above the roadway, well below modern design standards. The bridge now stands two-and-a-half-feet higher.

    In addition, the new structure includes room for a future third track, which will be added in 2022. The track will expand capacity, allow reverse commuting and increase flexibility so the railroad can work around and more quickly recover from service disruptions, LIRR officials said.

    The bridge replacement was part of the LIRR Expansion Project, which aims to upgrade major bridges and grade crossings along the railroads mainline.

    Email questions and comments to vesna.brajkovic@tradepress.com.

    More here:
    Rail Insider-Railroads rely on traditional and inventive ways to (re)build bridges. - Progressive Rail Roading

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